Michigan Net QMN

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Michigan Net QMN

• Americas Finest Public Service Net

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History

• Established in 1935 by members of the Detroit
  Amateur Radio Association.
• Implemented first Amateur Radio spot-frequency
  traffic net .
• QMN Committee created the QN-Signals.
• Conducts the Nations oldest public service
  network.
• Active in a wide variety of public service
  activities

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QMN Programs

• Radiotelegraph Nets
• VHF Packet Radio System
• National Weather Service Rain Gauge Network
• CW
• Voice
• Data
• National Radio Emergency Net (NREN).

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Routine Nets

• QMN is open to all licensed radio amateurs.
• Learn proper net procedures and discipline.
• Learn how to handle messages in standard
  radiogram format.
• Participate in a program that provides a
  professional quality of service.
• Very little time is demanded of our members.

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Traffic Handling

• Prepares one for disaster operations.
• Served agency information remains intact.
• Accuracy
• Accountability
• Service information (who, what, when, where).
• Promotes Amateur Radio through public contact.
• Inculcates skills needed for net discipline in
  any mode.

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Radiotelegraph Nets
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• Meet twice daily at 730 and 1000 PM
• Primary 3663 kHz
• Secondary 7068 kHz
• Tertiary 1812 kHz
• Provides extremely reliable communications.
• Faster than radiotelephone.
• Narrow bandwidth multiplexing
• Standardization brevity.
• Radiotelegraphy accuracy
• Simple equipment and antennas.
• Fun!

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Digital Modes
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VHF Packet Radio

• System of Data Nodes intended to provide reliable
  emergency communications throughout much of
  Western and Central Lower Michigan on a daily
  basis.
• Statewide Frequency 145.760 mHz
• Voluntarily reserved for public service.
• Guidelines and procedures available from QMN.
• System is not automated to preserve circuit
  capacity and discourage abuse.

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Packet Radio

• Basic AX.25 1200-baud protocol.
• Inexpensive used radios
• Inexpensive used Terminal Node Controllers
• Accessible to ARES groups individuals with
  limited resources.
• Lower Signal-to-Noise Ratio required.
• Facilitates basic text messaging.
• Can co-exist with TelPac/WINLINK and other nodes.

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QMN Packet Net

• All nodes use float cells or generator back-up.
• All nodes constructed to commercial standards.
• Steel cabinets
• Ferromagnetic chokes
• Grounding Bonding
• Commercial-grade coaxial protection
• Commercial-grade surge suppression
• High-profile locations provide good coverage.

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Guidelines

• Packet Radio Network Guidelines promote
  efficiency and preserve circuit capacity.
• Auto-forwarding discouraged.
• Unauthorized beacons discouraged.
• Opinion and cork board posts not permitted.
• External coordination encouraged.
• QMN participates in Sectional Digital Radio Group
  (DRG Committee).

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Typical QMN Packet Node
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Rain Gauge Net
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• Observers conduct daily observations at 700 PM.
• Reports transmitted to QMN via
• MITN 700-PM 3952 kHz
• QMN 730-PM 3663 kHz
• Packet Radio BBS K8QMN-14 (145.760).
• Quality Control Check.
• Reports uploaded to NOAA Central Region Server.
• Liaison from US Army MARS.
• Liaison from District 8 (Eastern Upper Peninsula).

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Emergency Reports

• Special observations nets activated for
• Major winter storms
• Significant lake-effect snow events
• Flooding
• Severe local storms
• Storm-damage reports accepted.
• Warning verification
• Post-event
• Liaison with ARES/RACES or other emcomm group.

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QMN Goals

• 24-hour VHF Packet Station at each County EOC.
• A system of high-profile digipeaters covering the
  most populated portions of Michigan.
• Three experienced CW operators per MSP District.
• One NWS Rain Gauge station in each County.

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National Radio Emergency Net

• An alternative to inefficient 20-meter
  independent nets.
• Allows access to experienced, trained operators
  from anywhere in US or Canada.
• Direct delivery via e-mail, fax, or phone.
• Bypass delays associated with NTS cycles.
• Provide regular training and drills.
• A nationwide program.

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Why CW?

• Ideal for low-power, portable HF stations.
• Simple equipment not as vulnerable to
  transport/elements.
• Narrow bandwidth.
• Less susceptible to interference.
• Stations multiplex
• Subdivide spot frequencies based on emergency
  management function.
• Common Denominator.
• Low-profile. Net is not gummed-up with
  inexperienced operators.

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NREN Activities

• Training Topic newsletters.
• Periodic emergency drills.
• Training broadcasts in conjunction with K6KPH.
• Assistance to served agencies.

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Fun Activities Special Events

• Morse Telegraph Demos
• Steam Train excursions
• Training Classes
• Disaster Exercises
• Field Day

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Telegraph Demos
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Steam Excursions
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Training Emergency Exercises
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For More Information

• Michigan Net NREN Web Pages
• www.michigannet.org
• www.aa8vs.org/nren
• Publications
• Michigan Net Public Service Communications
  Handbook.
• Pocket Checklist for Emergency Communications
  Personnel.
• Net News (QMN Newsletter)

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73 to all! _ _ . . . . . . _ _