Introduction to Emergency Nets LU 7

1
Introduction to Emergency Nets LU 7

• Net -- Group of stations on one frequency
• Net Control Station (NCS) Netmeister
• Formal messages Fit standard format
• Informal/Tactical Brief verbal or written
• Traffic refers to messages sent over radio
• Pass send message to another station
• Third Party from unlicensed operators

2
Introduction to Emergency Nets LU 7

• What is an Emergency Net?
• Directed (formal) Nets with NCS
• Open (informal) Nets NCS optional
• Types of Emergency Nets (1) Traffic Net (2)
  Tactical Net (3) Resource or Logistics Nets (4)
  Information Net

3
Introduction to Emergency Nets LU 7

• Checking into an Emergency Net
• -- When you first join the net
• -- Messages, questions, information for net
• Directed Net listen for check inby NCS
• Open Net briefly call Net Control
• Not part of organization cool response
• Passing Messages NCS will ask for list

4
Introduction to Emergency Nets LU 7

• Checking into Emergency Net (contd)
• Breaking the Net
• Checking out of Net
• -- Location of your station is changing
• -- You need a break no relief operator
• -- You turn location over to another op
• Authority asks you to move or turn radio off

5
Introduction to Emergency Nets LU 7

• Checking into Emergency Net (contd)
• Levels of Nets local, regional, national
• NTS and/or ARES or RACES nets
• -- Begun in 1949
• Non-voice nets CW, AMTOR, PACTOR, PSK31 on HF,
  VHF, UHF nets
• -- CW nets usually directed packet not

6
Basic Message Handling -- ILU 8

• Objective Basic message-handling knowledge
• Formal vs Informal Messages
• -- Both Formal (written) and Informal (verbal)
  messages have their place
• -- Informal best for non-critical use
• -- Formal best for correct info transfer

7
Basic Message Handling -- ILU

• Informal -- Can save precious seconds other
  informal messages have little value beyond the
  moment
• Formal Written Messages -- everyone knows what to
  expect
• ARRL message or Radiogram required for
  National Traffic System (NTS)

8
Basic Message Handling -- ILU

• Components of standard ARRL Radiogram
• -- Preamble (sometimes called header)
• -- Address name, street address or PO Box, city,
  state, ZIP code
• -- Text actual message limited to 25 words.
  Avoid abbreviations. Avoid punctuation unless
  meaning is unclear without it.

9
Basic Message Handling -- ILU

• Components of ARRL Radiogram (contd)
• -- Periods, where needed, sent as x on CW
  spoken as X-Ray. Question marks sent as
  question mark or query. (CW
  di-dee-dum-dum-di-dee)
• Signature single name, name with call sign,
  title, e.g., Mom and Dad.

10
Basic Message Handling -- ILU8

• Preamble details p. 57
• Block 1details p. 57
• Block 2, Precedence details p. 58
• Block 3, Handling instructions p. 58 (opt.)
• Block 4, Station of origin details p. 59
• Block 5, The Check details p. 59
• Block 6, Place of Origin details p. 59

11
Basic Message Handling -- ILU8

• Block 7, Time Filed p. 59 (optional)
• Block 8, Date details p. 59
• Familiarize yourself with pp. 60-61 pro words,
  prosigns and abbreviations
• See Sending a message with voice, p. 61
• See Time savers. pp. 61-62

12
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• Message handling rules
• -- Do not speculate on anything relating to an
  emergency!
• -- Pass messages exactly as written/spoken
• -- Non-standard message formats
• The importance of the signature
• -- Signature and title on every message

13
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• ARRL numbered Radiograms
• -- Standardized list of often-used phrases
• -- Group One 26 phrases for emergencies
• -- Group Two 21 routine messages
• -- Use ARL and number in check block in both
  emergency and routine messages
• -- Spell numbers letter by letter on voice

14
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• Some numbered messages require fill
• -- E.g., fill occasion in holiday message
• -- Important Be sure to decode ARL into plain
  English before delivering

15
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• Copying hints
• -- Receiving stations write 5 words/line
• -- Roger message when it matches sender
• Modified disaster message forms
• -- May be necessary for specific agencues

16
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• Service massages
• -- Lets sender know status of message sent
• Logging and record-keeping
• -- Accurate formal message record useful, and may
  be required
• -- What to log All incoming, outgoing
• -- Record senders name, address

17
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• Logging and record-keeping (contd)
• -- Record name of sending station
• -- Log whos on duty
• -- Log any significant event
• -- Keep written copies in numerical order
• Log Formats Varies by traffic amount
• Who should log NCS, alternates, assistants

18
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• How much to log Depends on activity
• -- Individual operators
• -- Fast tactical net may be done by NCS
• -- Logging good for trainees, unlicensed ops
• Writing techniques for message copying and
  logging
• -- Writing/printing should be clear

19
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• Writing techniques for message copying and
  logging (contd)
• -- If your writing/printing is hard to read PRINT
  IN BLOCK LETTERS like this
• -- Use lined paper if possible
• -- Keep both pencils and pens on hand
• -- In fast-moving situations, improvise

20
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• Writing techniques (contd)
• -- After fast-moving situation concludes, go back
  and fill in
• -- If you have more than one log, each should be
  kept in its own notebook
• -- Logs for legal documents should be kept in
  hard-bound books with numbered pages

21
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• Message authoring -- them or us?
• -- Determine based on p. 68, EmComm Level I book,
  3rd edition
• -- Always work with author to create text that is
  clear and to the point
• Message security and privacy
• -- Information on Amateur Radio not secure

22
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• Message security (contd)
• -- FCC Communications Privacy Act does not
  protect Amateur Radio communications
• -- Anything overheard can be legally revealed or
  discussed
• -- Reporters have been known to buy digi-tal-mode
  decoding software for laptops

23
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• Message security (contd)
• -- Discuss probabilities with served agency
• -- Let them decide
• -- Use a digital mode packet, PSK31, fax,
  digital phone, RTTY, etc.
• -- Pick uncommon frequencies do not discuss
  frequencies or modes on voice

24
Basic Message Handling -- IIL99

• Message security (contd)
• -- Avoid revealing ARES or RACES net frequencies
• -- Some agencies use fill in the blanks see p.
  69, EmComm Level I, 3rd Edition
• -- Be accurate even with informal messages
• (End of this lesson! Whee!!)