Here’s a followup message from Doug KF6AKU, and a reminder about the Critical Mass Zoom meeting this coming Sunday:
First, Doug will ask each person (as he IDs her/him) to checkin with name and callsign, using the NATO phonetic alphabet or both. Then he will ask Brian Cooley to run the 6-minute video on best practices.
Our general topic, as you know, is operating in a directed net.
Here are some discussion topics and questions—again, Doug asks that you come prepared with your own questions, pet peeves, and suggestions. Scroll down for the Zoom link:
- Why say the station to be called first?
- What’s the reason for “this is?”
- What does “over-ID” mean? When should I use my callsign?
- Why use tacticals? Keeping them short, like Bofax.
- The Net Control operator has two principal duties—what are they?
- What’s the role of the scribe at net control?
- What’s the role of the runner at net control? (Hint: the person “in charge” at net control is the event organizer, not the radio operator.)
- What’s it like at net control when more than one repeater is being used at a far-flung event? (Both in terms of de-sense and information overload)
- How to prevent doubling?
On another topic: since it appears that almost, if not all, of our events will be cancelled or turned virtual this season, we will hold another in-the-field drill on the date of the now-cancelled Jensie: Sunday, September 27th. More information to follow next month.
But a question has arisen: if we’re going to field only two in-the-field drills, will it still take three events for an operator to earn his Public Service Gold Star for 2020? Our President, Curtis Ardourel, spent an afternoon in deep ponder. His answer? Attend both events and at least one Critical Mass and a 2020 star will be yours at next Spring’s kickoff of the 2021 season. How’s that for a positive attitude?
Looking forward to see you on the Zoom screen this Sunday at 10:30—after you check into the MARS Sunday morning net.
Cordially,
Doug Slusher KF6AKU and his trusty scribe Michael K6MLF
