TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY ARES MEMBERS (OFFICIAL)
ALL ARES AND NON-ARES AMATEURS ANYWHERE (INFORMATION)
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM ARRL DISTRICT 3
EMERGENCY COORDINATOR WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INC.
WOOD COUNTY ARES BULLETIN NR 20.37 DATE: September 13, 2020
SUBJECT: RADIO NETS - POISE AND PURPOSE
Why radio operators engage in radio nets may possess many explanations, but for the emergency preparedness groups, RACES, ARES, and Public Safety Communications Organizations, it is to remain familiar with operating procedures, routes, capabilities and operation of any particular systems or networks.
A few years ago, a Packet Radio system failure appeared just before a weekly state wide DAREN Packet Radio Net. A number of operators were using their normal path to the Net Control Station (NCS) and found it impossible to complete the route. One of the NODEs in the route had a problem and would not connect to stations normally used. The means for which this was determined is through normal use and weekly net operations. After a few tests were consummated, by attempting different routes, it was determined which NODE was the source of the problem.
The failure permitted the Packet Radio operators to redirect the Net, create an auxiliary Net Control Station for that evening, and by the next day, repair of the station which presented the problem. This is the main reason we should never, if at all possible, check "In and Out" on any Public Service, RACES, or ARES net. The purpose of these type nets is to test our own equipment and operations as well as the system or network we are using. It is also a mechanism to train and educate operators on proper procedures and operations during a controlled net. All this leads to proficient communicators the public and served agencies depend on during emergencies and/or disasters.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV