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Weekly Training Net

WEEKLY TRAINING NETS

When: Every Wednesday at 8:30 PM (2030 local time)
Frequency: 439.800 MHz (Simplex)

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PACT training nets are organized on-air gatherings of amateur radio operators conducted on a shared frequency. During the net, operators check in, practice radio procedures, share announcements or traffic, and occasionally participate in short training activities under the direction of a Net Control Station. The weekly training net gives PACT members a regular opportunity to practice, improve their confidence, and prepare for emergencies.

How to Check In​

When Net Control calls for your district to check in:

  1. Wait for a pause.
  2. State your FCC call sign slowly and clearly using standard phonetics.
  3. Indicate whether or not you have traffic for the net.
  4. Wait for acknowledgment from Net Control.

Example:

Net Control: “North District stations, please check in.”

Operator: “This is November-Seven-Bravo-Yankee-Uniform with no traffic.”

If you have announcements, formal traffic, or information for the net, say “with traffic.” instead of “with no traffic.”

If you indicate that you have traffic, Net Control will tell you when to speak. Remember, PACT nets are directed nets. Operators should wait to be recognized by Net Control before transmitting unless there is emergency traffic.

If you miss your district's check-in, wait until Net Control calls for late or missed check-ins.

Training nets are held weekly to provide consistency and repetition. Attendance at every net is not required, but regular participation is strongly encouraged.

Checking in regularly helps members build confidence, improve coordination, and stay familiar with radio equipment and emergency communication procedures.

Simplex Operations

Because PACT operates on simplex frequencies, not all stations will hear one another equally. Depending on terrain, location, antenna setup, and equipment, you may hear Net Control clearly but not hear other stations or vice versa. This is normal and is one reason PACT uses directed net procedures.

Handling Doubles

A double occurs when two or more stations transmit at the same time. When this happens, Net Control may not be able to clearly understand either station.

If you hear a double:

  • Stop transmitting.
  • Wait for Net Control to identify a station or request a repeat.
  • Do not try to continue over another station.

Net Control may recognize part of a call sign and ask that station to transmit again.

“The station ending in Bravo-Yankee-Uniform, please repeat your callsign.”

Brief pauses before transmitting help reduce doubles, especially during simplex operations.

Net Control Script​

PACT training nets follow a structured format as outlined in the script below:

Net Control Script
Net Control Script

10 Minutes Before the Net​

QST, QST, QST

This is station ________ with an announcement for all stations monitoring this frequency.

The Provo Auxiliary Communications Team Training Net will begin at 20:30 hours local time on this frequency.

All stations interested in participating, please stand by until the net is called.

20:30 Hours — Start the Net​

Calling the Provo Auxiliary Communications Team Training Net.

This is Net Control Station ________ and my transmitting location is the ________ Neighborhood in District ___.

The purpose of this net is to provide training for amateur radio operators and to become familiar with radio equipment and emergency procedures in Provo.

This is a directed net. Please transmit ONLY as requested by Net Control.

We use the ARRL standard word BREAK for priority or emergency traffic only.

Is there any priority or emergency traffic for the net?

Check-Ins​

Check-ins will be taken by Provo Neighborhood Districts:

  1. North District (District 1)
  2. East District (District 2)
  3. West District (District 3)
  4. Northwest District (District 4)
  5. Central District (District 5)
  6. Stations from anywhere

After every 3 to 4 check-ins, pause the net and recognize each station.

Net Agenda​

  1. Scheduled Traffic
  2. Announcements and Additional Business
  3. Training Item

Late or Missed Check-Ins​

I will now call for any late or missed check-ins. Please state your call sign slowly and clearly using standard phonetics.

Closing​

Thank you to all stations participating in the net.

This is station ________, Net Control for the Provo Auxiliary Communications Team Training Net, closing the net at ________ hours and returning the frequency to normal use.

All stations have permission to close.