UCARES holds two weekly nets. These nets are open to all amateur radio operators, membership is not required. The goal of these nets is to provide an opportunity for operators in our area to test and use their equipment, practice checking-in to a net, and practice Net Operator Duties.
All members are invited to help become more proficient in fulfilling net duties. As an organization focused on helping to provide emergency communication services, we believe that all operators need to work on these skills so that you are comfortable in participating, directing traffic, relaying, and acting in Net Duties.
Weekly Training Net
This net provides an opportunity to get on the radio, check-in to a net, and hear a training item. Net duties of Net Control, Assistant Net Control, and Training Item are provided by UCARES members.
Quick References
When and Where
When: Every Tuesday @ 2100hrs
Where: Linked Repeaters 147.340 (+100.0) & 145.23 (-131.8)
(use the repeater that you can hear/use the best)
Simplex Nets
On the second Tuesday of each month, during the Weekly Training Net we conduct check-ins via Simplex. We call these “Simplex Nets.” During these nets, tune to 147.340 and turn off your repeater offset. Net Control will start the net and call for check-ins via simplex. Once check-ins are completed, the repeaters will be re-enabled, traffic and a training item will then be conducted.
Simplex Nets are an excellent chance to practice relaying for other stations! In an emergency where repeater resources are unavailable or exhausted, simplex will be our primary form of communication. We hope these nets help to strengthen our skills as simplex operators.
During simplex nets, please note:
- You may not initially hear Net Control. We have multiple spots in the county where simplex communication doesn’t work very well (mountains get in the way). When you hear check-ins from other stations in the county, ask for a relay and they will pass your check-in to Net Control.
- Be patient with doubles! During Simplex nets, doubling is very common because a station with higher power will overpower smaller handheld radios.
EOCs and Agency Nets
UCARES EOC Simplex Nets are on the Odd Months on the second Tuesday at 2100 hours on 147.34 simplex. The Statewide DEM-ARCT VHF-UHF Net are on the Even Months on the third Thursday at 2000 hours on several frequencies including: 147.120 and 147.180 repeaters (100.0 Hz tone)