Questions for NCS to answer

NCS Questions
[ Emergency Nets | Scheduled Nets | ]

Opportunities are often things you haven't noticed the first time around

The following is a list of questions an NCS operator should ask of themselves BEFORE starting a net. If you cannot answer at least two thirds of the questions in the affirmative, you should seriously consider having some one else run the net.

Emergency Nets

Is the NCS location away from the Command Post?
The noise and commotion at CP degrades your ability to run a good net and the noise you generate only adds to the confusion there.
Do you have the best performing antenna for the conditions?
A "rubber duck" is not adequate unless you can see the repeater antenna. That does not mean see the mountain the repeater is on, it means see the antenna. For HF, polarization of your antenns WILL affect your signal to others.
If you are running from battery: Do you have at least an hours of charge on the battery?
Most desired is to have a battery with at least 90+% charge but if you are the only choice for NCS then make sure you can run the net long enough to have some one else get ready.
Are you using a headset with noise canceling microphone?
Even from home the background noise will affect how well you can hear and be heard.
Do you have pencil/pen and paper sufficient to run the net for a full shift?
You will NOT be able to remember enough about the traffic to be effective unless you write it down.
For VHF/UHF; Do you know the characteristics of the repeater system you are on?
For example; The Colorado Connection system must have the repeater at the Denver end down for three seconds for the time out timer in Grand Junction (200 miles away) to reset.
Your effectiveness as NCS will be adversely affected if you do not.
Do you have a runner, liaison or logging person to support you?
For large scale events all three are required. You cannot handle the net and run messages.
Do you have a designated relief operator?
Everyone gets tired and NCS must be the most alert operator on the net.

Scheduled Nets

Is the NCS location away from the event operations?
Noise and commotion degrades your ability to run a good net and the noise you generate only adds to the confusion there.
Do you have the best performing antenna for the conditions?
A "rubber duck" is not adequate unless you can see that repeater antenna. That does not mean see the mountain the repeater is on, it means see the antenna. Even a quarter wave ground plane antenna (for VHF/UHF) will significantly improve your signal. For HF, polarization of your antenns WILL affect your signal to others.
If you are running from battery: Do you have sufficient charge to run the net or (if it is a multi hour event) a large percentage of it?
Most desired is to have a bettery with at least 90+% charge. You will only make the net more confusing if you try to squeeze out the last little bit of use from you battery pack.
Are you using a headset with noise canceling microphone?
Even from home the background noise will affect how well you can hear and be heard.
Do you have pencil/pen and paper sufficient to run the net for the full net?
You will NOT be able to remember enough about the traffic to be effective unless you write it down.
For VHF/UHF; Do you know the characteristics of the repeater system you are on?
For example; The Colorado Connection system must have the repeater at the Denver end down for three seconds for the time out timer in Grand Junction (200 miles away) to reset.
Your effectiveness as NCS will be adversely affected if you do not.
Do you have a runner, liaison or logging person to support you?
Only weekly and daily nets are exempt.
Do you have a designated relief operator?
Only weekly and daily nets are exempt.