Each Thursday night at 8 PM (including holidays), a formal Net is called on the 146.9 MHz repeater. This is a directed net, which means that the Net Operator is in control of the airwaves and directs who can call in.

In general, this format of the net is to first understand if there is any emergency traffic needed to be communicated. Following that, low power hand held or mobile operators are asked to check in. When checking into the net, the preferred approach is to key the mic, wait a moment and announce 'Here is...' drop the carrier, and make sure no one else is talking on the channel, then if clear, key back up wait a moment to allow the repeater to connect, and then announce your FCC call sign in phonetics, (i.e. Kilo Delta Eight Alpha Uniform Golf for KD8AUG), then announce if you have NTS traffic or announcements for the net.

Why Call a Net each week?

Our primary mission is to provide essential emergency communications in the event of a failure of existing public safety systems or in times where the magnitude of an event may overwhelm the capacity of traditional communication platforms. In order to be ready to perform this function practice and proficiency are essential.

Each week the net operator practices in managing structured communications, taking down the call signs, dynamically reacting to incomplete of uninteligible communications and practices the essential skills of multi-tasking in a time sensitive environment. Participants gain practice in listening and responding to a net controller, make sure that their equipment is properly functioning and also keep in touch with the ARPSC activities, updates, and upcoming events.

If you are interested in becoming a Net Control operator - either for weekly net's or for ARPSC Activations, contact the Emergency Net Manager Mike (KD8ATK) to arrange training or to find out more.

Structured communications, such as nets, are invaluable for managing communications during emergency activities. This approach, which is common throughout Amateur radio, maintains order and best facilitates the use of the radio band. Just as importantly, keeping the caller's skills current and assuring proper function of their hardware is just as important. Similarly, ARPSC regularly assists in community events which extend our activities significantly, including using temporary repeaters, Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) technology, multiple mobile and hand held units, etc.