A net is simply a scheduled on-air gathering, run by a net control station. Some are social, some are for traffic handling or emergency practice, and some are a mix. If you’ve got your licence but haven’t spent much time on the air, checking into a net is one of the best ways to start.
What you get out of it
- Practice. Giving your callsign clearly, listening for your turn and passing a short message are skills that matter when it counts.
- A signal check. Net control and other stations will tell you how you’re getting out, which is great feedback on a new radio or antenna.
- Local contacts. Nets are where you meet the hams in your area, and where you hear about clubs, events and swap meets.
- Readiness. In an emergency, nets are how information moves. Knowing the routine beforehand makes you useful instead of nervous.
How to check in
- Listen to the net once or twice first, so you know how it runs.
- When net control calls for check-ins, give your callsign phonetically and, if asked, your name and location.
- Keep it short, and wait to be acknowledged.
- Stay on frequency until you’re released or the net closes, unless you ask to leave.
See our Nets page for local and regional nets, and our Emergency Comms page for how nets fit into emergency communications.
Related: Nets · Emergency Comms