|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Speak Out
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
Nets Today
John C. McGrath (W9JCM)
on
September 12, 2008
View comments about this article!
Nets Today
Editorial comments
I have been involved in the hobby since 1998 and been involved in a few clubs HF and VHF types. I find one thing very disheartening as we are supposed to be progressing with our technological advances and growing Amateur Radio why are we not doing anything progressive with our nets? What is the point to all these nets that go on 365 days a year and do roll calls day in and day out?
I have been involved in one since 2001 and sit at the radio shaking my head as to what is the point? I will say this in the positive plane if anything we are using the band and occupying space that’s about it. Now there are nets that are so called “passing traffic” and or promote “public service.”
I have never heard any type of public service what so ever except having someone tell me a ham went SK lets all send a card. Also I have tuned into other nets of the sort and have heard this passing traffic garbage which turns out to be something on the effect of “Bill and Mandy happy anniversary.” Or sorry Mike we won’t be making the ham fest this weekend. What sort of lunacy is this? You have a cell phone and email why don’t you use it? It’s a waste of time to pass things like this and call it traffic. I believe its people making themselves feel important. Don’t we have enough ego problems? Now if we had a real emergency type situation where a certain net was “asked” to help out then by all means pass legitimate traffic. I will say in my opinion 95% of the traffic passed in unnecessary.
On to the roll call dilemma. Why should we sit day after day on the same frequency awaiting for a 10 second call up to indicate ah yes I am here. And some people actually pay a yearly fee to do this! Lots of these Roll Calls last over an hour and people of course figure out when it’s around time to check in then turn the radio off. Then you have the groups that tell you even that you pay your yearly fee you still have to check in once a month to stay on the roll call list. Why not just donate your “fee” to charity and forget the whole thing?
I have a suggestion to promote a better “net.” Why not like some are doing is have a Check in time, where the net control operator would write down the calls as a segmented alphabetical call up is done and close it out in say a 30 minute window. Then have a round table of sorts after the check in time. There are tons of interesting people on the bands and lots of great stories why not promote that. Talk about what is on your minds and get to know the other guy/gal. It’s such a waste of time doing a standard roll call. Like the old saying Wham Bam Thank You Maam there is just something missing on it all you feel a little cheated don’t you? Ah yes you will always have the old codgers who have no life but to check into 5 nets a night. Hey if that’s your bag go for it but don’t you think there should be more? Food for thought a standard Roll Call gives nothing to Amateur radio except a bunch of call signs and locations.
This article has expired. No more comments may be added.
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by W8ZNX on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
don't like nets
don't sit in front of your radio
listening to one for years
yea sure
to me most nets are a waste of time
but
to me there are lots of things
that i think are a waste of time
other people enjoy
lots of ops simply love nets
some ops only check in to nets
its not for me
but
i got no gripe about how other ops spend their time
if they enjoy nets
great
don't like nets
crank the knob and call cq
build something
lash up a EME station
hb a simple tube 30's style cw station
restore a old am rig
chase DX
learn how to work with surface mount parts
build a qrp station in a tin can
there is a whole world of things
involving ham radio
life it to short
to spend time
bitching
about
how others have fun
dit dit
mac
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by KB9CRY on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I have never heard any type of public service
Then why bother participating?
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by W8ZNX on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
pray tell
how come
W9JCM
is not in the QRZ data base
are you simply some kind of toll
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N8PVW on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
W9JCM Listed in the FCC database as a Tech plus with a "cancelled" ticket.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N8PVW on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Addition to my above post.
W9JCM shows an active general class ticket. You can't always trust QRZ. Sorry about the glitch but only half of what I typed posted. The same thing happened to me. People kept telling me not in the DB. Just because they are not in QRZ does not mean they don't have a ticket. As far as the nets. I agree that most serve no useful purpose other then keeping the bands active . But live and let live. If that's what some people enjoy who is it hurting?
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by WW5AA on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
"Food for thought a standard Roll Call gives nothing to Amateur radio except a bunch of call signs and locations".
No, On my nets those are real people with real lives that I am interested in. Most, I have seen at hamfests, antenna partys and VE sessions. Many of those that I have not met in person, I have exchanged email, photos, and other information with.
Nets are much like life, you live it or sit on the side lines.
Get on a fellowship net and have fun...The NTS and formal traffic nets are dead, but some like to pass junk traffic and play the old rules game. More power too them.
There is something for everyone that doesn't try to make a job out of a hobby.
73 de Lindy
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by AE5EH on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
posted by W8ZNX on September 12, 2008:
"pray tell
how come
W9JCM
is not in the QRZ data base
are you simply some kind of toll"
Some people are too lazy and/or stupid to do a search in FCC ULS either by name, callsign, FRN. Doesn't take a genius right? What does that say about you?
N9AMI?
Figure it out genius. Legally, the FCC data base is the only one that counts. Maybe the man doesn't want to be listed in QRZ. Probably didn't think of that did you?
Smart people these "ham" radio operators?
NOT!!!!
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by AA4PB on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
If you don't like to participate in nets then you should be overjoyed that so many people do. Otherwise they'd be spread out all over the band leaving YOU less spectrum to work with. The last thing we should be complaining about is people participating in nets.
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by WD9IDV on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I personally don't see much use for nets. After over 30 years as a ham operator, I have tuned across various nets an all they seem to do is extended roll calls.
However, this is only a hobby and people are free to do what they want with this great hobby. If a particular net brings some sense of belonging, involvement or some other satisfaction, great.
I do see one particular use of nets is that with a lot of operators on one frequency, the bands are not so crowded. On the other hand, when some old fart tries to hold a "net frequency" for hours....then this is just wrong.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by W4LGH on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Some people like Nets, some people like Contesting, some like Special event Stations, & some just like to listen. Whats the problem? You always have the option of spinning the "BIG" knob, or hitting the power switch.
What I do not understand is, WHY you would sit and listen to a NET for years, shaking your head thinking what a waste of time? You must be one BORED individual.
Now this is just my opinion, but the conclusion I came to after reading your post.
As long as someone is "On the Air", for whatever reason, it is keeping the "Hobby" alive and well. I am a big listener, and when I have something to say, or hear a new call I haven't worked, then I transmit, and move on. I enjoy working special event stations, and some nets, I'll even check in with a few contests once in a while, especially if they need my state or county.
That's the GREAT thing about this "HOBBY", there is so many facets to it, something for everyone! Guess you just haven't found your "NITCH" yet!
73 de W4LGH - Alan
http://www.w4lgh.com
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by K1CJS on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Nets are like club meetings. If you like to attend meetings, attend them. If you like to listen to nets, listen. If you don't want to participate, then don't. BUT--don't complain because others do like to.
Even though you don't think nets serve a purpose, they do--even if you don't think that purpose worthwhile. At the same time, people pass incidental messages on nets to keep in practice. So what if its an anniversary or a birthday wish. If you don't like whats on a net, SPIN THE DIAL. If you don't care for check ins the way they're done, start your own net--but don't complicate the system with idiotic changes. It works now--it doesn't need changing.
For quite a while now, we've been bemoaning the fact that the internet and cell phones have taken from the hobby of ham radio--now you tell people to use them? Well, if we don't keep the frequencies busy, they'll be lost to us--and it will be harder for us to justify asking for other frequencies.
Sorry friend, I just don't agree at all with your article. Nets serve a purpose--keeping the frequencies busy and keeping traffic handlers in practice. One day, during an emergency when the internet is down or overloaded and the cell phone sites are also down or overloaded, people will be glad that hams have taken the time practicing on those nets--just the way they are. To quote a familiar line--'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by KB2DHG on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I have participated in many nets in my years of Amateur Radio and have had some good experences and some bad. To date the only net i frequent is a net devoted to the advancement of this wonderful hobby.
The net is a round table format and topics are always interesting and informative. I made some good friends on this net and have had lots of great conversations. sometimes I judt sit in and listen.
The net operator is courtious and very dedicated.
A NET should be all inclusive and have a major purpose... The net I frequent is called the Marconi Net and their main function is to get people on the air. They will entertain any subject as long as it is within the boundries of the rules.
I have learned a lot just by listinign in... I am an advid HF operator and enjoy DX and general rag chewing... It is alwasy nice to know that I have a place to go to when I want to be amung my Amateur Fraternity. So Nets can be fun and informative. You just have to find one that fits your needs...
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by K0BG on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
There's one phenomenon about nets that has always interested me; The most popular, participation wise, are typically the most unpopular amateur community wise. The corollary is, the larger the net participation, the more deliberate interference it garners.
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N9FE on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
This exact same artical was on qrz about two weeks ago.. huuummmm
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N6NKN on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
As others have said. If you don't like nets , use the big knob.
Rick N6NKN ( Proud member of the Western Public Service Net, 3952 kHz)
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by KV9U on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
As a long time ham, this is something I have asked myself many times. Historically, nets have served some utility for public service activities. In order to provide a traffic handling venue, it is necessary to have enough individuals to come together to make this possible. And many nets, particularly NTS (ARRL's National Traffic System) meet daily, holidays included.
Many years ago I held an appointment as Monday night NCS for a slow speed CW Section net. Our main function was to act as a bridge between the entry level Novice Net and the much higher speed Intrastate Net and help hams gain more experience with CW net operation.
Birthday greetings, welcoming new hams, and what may seem like unimportant messages are actually very helpful in providing the necessary practice to be ready if health and welfare or even priority or emergency traffic should ever occur. I admit that I eventually was no longer willing to dedicate that much time on such a regular basis.
Realistically, this kind of traffic is quite rare in today's world due to the improvements in communications for the general public, and agencies who have their own communications. But many of these nets continue to operate. There is surely still some hope that they could be needed and a message will come through that was not possible to route any other way.
Some of the traffic is likely being routed via the automated e-mail systems but we really don't know since specific information on the numbers and types of messages handled is not openly discussed.
The one big thing nets have over automated systems is the camaraderie, especially if you also physically meet with many of the net members from time to time and know them personally.
A few years ago we had a tornado in a nearby community and I was asked to handle a message to Alaska to let their friends know they were safe. The message was routed a few hours later at the next net time into the NTS. Having some familiarity with accessing NTS can be useful.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by WB9URN on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
He is in the ARL database...
MC GRATH, JOHN C, N9AMI (General)
Previous call sign: W9JCM
Previous license class: Tech Plus
Issue Date: May 28, 2008
Expire Date: May 28, 2018
Date of last Change: May 28, 2008 (License Issued)
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by WB9URN on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
If you don't like nets, turn off the radio and take some writing courses, with an emphasis on use of periods, commas, and other punctuation.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by KE3HO on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
< "I have been involved in one since 2001 and sit at the radio shaking my head as to what is the point?" >
This begs the question: Then why do you participate? You have been on the net for 7 years wondering "what's the point"? If you are asking yourself "what's the point" of the net, then you should be asking yourself "what's the point" in your participation in the net.
Some nets are "about public service", at least in principle. Many are not. The point of the nets is not just about doing public service each and every day, but about keeping people in contact and keeping operating skills and net protocol practiced.
Take the Maritime Mobile Service Net, for example. This is, in principle, a public service net. If you listen in for hours every day, you will find that they rarely get traffic from/to Maritime or Missionary stations (the primary function of the net), but they keep the net going so that when the need arises, someone is there to take traffic. Once in a while they handle emergency situations for ships at sea. Not often, agreed. However, if the net did not operate more or less daily as scheduled and only operated "when needed", nobody would be there. If you have an emergency and you get on your radio and call for help, it won't help if nobody is listening. So the net rolls along, taking check-ins, handling idle chit-chat traffic, and in general "just pointlessly taking up bandwidth" in some people's minds. But when the need arises, they are there and they do handle emergency traffic when needed.
Is your local fire department doing any "public service" when they are sitting around the station cleaning the equipment, playing cards, or watching TV between calls? Are they only doing "public service" when they actually get in the trucks and respond to an emergency?
73 - Jim
|
| |
|
Necessary evil.
|
|
|
by AI2IA on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Boring and trivial nets are a necessary evil. I don't like any nets that I've heard so far, and I have heard many, many. I don't participate in any nets, because I have no patience with trivia.
However, I realize that nets are important. These ugly things are a form of practice. In the event some real need comes up, the net participants know how, where and when to contact each other. As bad as I find them, they are place markers to help preserve our bands. They are better than noise generators. They are not on frequency all the time like beacons.
In fact, I am glad that some hams enjoy these horrible things. People who like them keep them going. As long as they don't pop up everywhere like weeds, as long as they don't stay on the air too long, all of us, and me included, should be glad they are there.
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by KR4WM on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
If ever there was a "troll" article, this one is it. But since the questions were posed, here is "my opinion" on the matter.
Nets provide a valuable service, even if the traffic you are hearing being passed is not anything you would appreciate. Passing traffic is but one "skill" that an amateur radio operator needs. Passing meaningless messages is one way to keep that skill honed and ready for emergencies. Also, checking into nets tests the readiness of your equipment, ensuring it will be ready to perform in an emergency situation when required. If you didn't get on the radio and test things every once in awhile, how do you know that thing will work when you need them to? I'm no longer a member of ARES or RACES, and have no future plans to become involved in these groups, but I take comfort in knowing there are other operators who will take up my slack.
I'll be the first to admit, I tired of traffic nets a couple of years ago, but I participated religiously for 15 years, so I think my skills can be compared to riding the proverbial bicycle. If anyone disagrees, you're entitled to your opinion and I'll leave it at that. I still listen in on the Maritime net (14.300MHz), where I was a standby NCS for a couple of years, but I no longer regularly participate in any nets. However, for new hams, this rote practice is a necessary part of their daily routine. It helps them learn proper net procedures in the event this particular skill set is ever required of them.
As for me, I'm busy with other facets of the hobby. If I'm ever needed, I'm ready.
73, -KR4WM
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by KG6WLS on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
"Also I have tuned into other nets of the sort and have heard this passing traffic garbage... etc. etc. etc... Why not just donate your “fee” to charity and forget the whole thing?"
I run two nets here locally and I'm a back-up for a 3rd net as well. None of these nets are run in the fashion that you describe, or where it's just a roll call and "off you go". Our round table discussions are provided for all who participate in the order that they checked in. We also discuss operating experiences with the group (antennas, modes, rigs, homebrew, etc.) and list any “buy” “want” “sell” or “trade” items that are amateur radio related. Some of the topics can get a little silly at times but, we keep it structured and say: “well, thanks for checking in tonight and it’s always a pleasure to have you on board. Now we go to…” If there is time, then we’ll go to a 73 round for any closing comments and call it the night. We make it fun and enjoyable, and if needed, we’ll break for any emergency traffic.
Nets are not everybody’s cup of tea, and nobody is holding a gun to your head to sit through the whole alphabet / roll call either. There are plenty of nets (UHF, VHF & HF) out there Mr. McGrath that is not like you describe. Spin that big fat knob away from those that you don’t like. When I get a chance, I’ll check into the Ohana net on 14.268. They’re a great bunch of people and you’re always welcome. That's just one of many. Take the blinders off and you'll see!
73
KG6WLS
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by K5END on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Look at it this way.
We're sitting smack dab in the predicted storm track for hurricane Ike. This storm is bigger and stronger than Katrina was and should affect a population 3 or 4 times larger than did Katrina.
It'll arrive sometime after midnight.
When a storm of this magnitude hits you cannot expect to depend on the utility infrastructure, police, fire or ambulance.
Let's just say I feel a lot better knowing there is a group covering several counties here where we know each other and are set up to telecommunicate independently of the phone company, internet or cell phone towers. Moreover, these people are hurricane-savvy.
All one needs to communicate is his rig and the knowledge of a collective effort to communicate in this medium--a "net."
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by K4RAF on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Considering the Indiana Traffic Net meets on 75M several times a day, I have listened to John's net for years. The process is somewhat designed to frustrate but this is not a slant against John but rather NTS Traffic Nets in general.
At assigned times, the net control comes to ask if the frequency is in use.
[NOTE: IF the frequency is in use, the QRM continues when the net will QSY within the passband, typically +/- 2KHz because these elites can't find the net if it isn't anchored in a specific place?]
Whether it is in use or not, net control calls the net right on the frequency.
He calls for checkins.
When there are none, he then calls a "roll call"
One has to wonder that if there are no checkins, why do you need a roll call at all, except to tie up the frequency for net air time?
Why not just grab a phone book & call out on air for everyone listed in there?
If they aren't there to check in, why must you call them again?
20 minutes later, net control signs off. Many times having QRM'd other operators to accomplish what?
I remember certain operators getting under John's hat with:
"Calling the Do-Nothing, Accomplish-Nothing, pretending to provide a service while circumventing postal & telephone tarrifs traffic net..."
It is 2008 NTS people. To send a message with even a phone number is bogus. However,I am waiting for email addresses to become commonly exchanged as NTS message content... That will be a culmination of the collective denial of communications reality?
Even the ARRL is quietly mixing email into their EMCOMM charade because it is even more sensible for them to manage information.
Raf
wifidx@gmail.com
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by KF8ZN on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
W9JCM writes:
--------------------
On to the roll call dilemma. Why should we sit day after day on the same frequency awaiting for a 10 second call up to indicate ah yes I am here.
------------------------------------
REPLY: This means that the associated Net Controls have a ready list of who routinely participates, probably has a very good idea of propogation and has a track record of reliable communications between them
------------------
I will say in my opinion 95% of the traffic passed in unnecessary.
------------------
REPLY: Traffic IS passed, keeping everyone familiar and competent in the format.
----------------------------
What is the point to all these nets that go on 365 days a year and do roll calls day in and day out?
----------------------------
REPLY: Reliable, dependable communicators on the air 365 days a year, maintaining familiarity with point to point propogation and use of thier equipment.
----------------------------
Ah yes you will always have the old codgers who have no life but to check into 5 nets a night.
----------------------------
REPLY: And if the Crap hits the fan, you will be glad to have them there.
ALL of the things that he expresses as negatives are the mundane day to day that is a BLESSING when an Emergency occurs!!
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by WB2WIK on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I never understood nets. Well, I can "get" one or two of them, like the maritime net that seems to always be on 14.300 -- I've actually heard them *do* something worthwhile, and was impressed with that.
Not sure what all the other ones are for.
They sure do occupy a lot of bandwidth. I think 75m is the worst band for this, and one reason I seldom operate 75m.
I think the nets where a net control station facilitates contacts between others who can't really hear each other, for the purpose of getting a new state or county or DX country or whatever are hilarious, but annoying.
WB2WIK/6
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N4KC on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
This quickly turned into another "if I don't care for it, anybody who does is as dumb as a sack of hammers" thread.
What do nets hurt? How many hams are perfectly happy sitting there, waiting for their chance to check in? Isn't there a chance that those who participate might one day actually be able to handle health-and-welfare traffic or even emergency communications? And the "silly" traffic they have handled or heard handled might help them do it more efficiently?
I check into the occasional traffic net or local repeater net. Sometimes I learn about some local event or SK I didn't know about. There's a certain sense of community, too, that draws many guys.
I still grin when the only traffic handled is yesterday's net report, "Your license will expire soon," or "Greetings from the South Arkansas Possum Festival." Or when someone lists traffic for Metropolitan City, nobody volunteers to take it, and then a dozen stations check in from Metropolitan City when it comes up on the roll call.
I am not aware of any nets that ask for donations in order to participate, but I've only been a ham for 45 years.
Don N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.n4kc.blogspot.com
www.donkeith.com
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by NEWBIE225 on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Good luck, K5END. I live in Baton Rouge, and Ike is rattling our windows pretty good right now, all the way over here.
From my experience with hurricanes (Gustav most recently), your concerns re: local communications are not unfounded. For the first few days after a hurricane passes through, phone communications (land-lines and cells) are there, but not there: sometimes calls go through, lots of times you just get a busy signal. And my home internet connection is still down from Gustav (something to remember before converting to an internet-based phone company, like Vonage).
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by KW5G on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Chill out John
Many nets are social clubs. No more no less. There is nothing wrong with that. A gathering of people who care about each other and share their life with their fellow Ham's. It's kind of like church. Some even pray for their fellow man.
Dennis N5DPK
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by NN2U on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
You're all ignoring the elephant in the room: NO ONE OWNS A FREQUENCY, NET OR NO NET, NO MATTER HOW LONG YOU'VE BEEN DOING IT THERE.
Any ongoing QSO on a particular frequency has rights to that frequency until they're done, at which time it becomes fair game.
Most of the problems I hear with nets is their near-total frequency inflexibility. I can't tell you how many times I've heard a perfunctory "is this frequency in use?" followed by pretending not to hear responses followed by roll call. In other cases the net control thinks they're being "polite" when they notify an ongoing QSO that a net is coming up on this frequency and would you please QSY.
This is why I dislike nets. I don't mind that most nets haven't passed an essential piece of traffic since "DEWEY WINS!" or that the rollcall is really just a way of telling your buds you didn't meet the Grim Reaper today. If this is your idea of ham radio fun or you've deluded yourselves into believing you're performing a public service, bless your everlovin' heart, Chumley. Just don't come a-steamrollin' on top of me when the whistle blows and the roll call begins.
And please spare me the "you must be talking about other nets, my net never does that" nonsense. Turn on your radio 15 minutes before net time and see what and whom your group is happily stepping on.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by NK2U on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
His call is now N9AMI. Good to check on Vanityhq...
73 de NK2U
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by KE4ZHN on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Im puzzled why the author would listen to something he dislikes for years and then bitch about it in a so called article.
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by KE7ONE on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Greetings all,
As nets go, I belive that much of the traffic generated is not all that useful. When I started on 2M with my Tech ticket, I was scared to death that I would do something wrong, say the wrong thing, and generally make an idiot of myself over the wide-open airwaves. Notwithstanding, the FCC would come down on me like a ton of bricks for an infraction that I wouldn't have recognized that I made during a transmission.
Much of the traffic that I participate in here in the North-left-coast is just ragchew, although there are some nets here (if you take the time to listen) that provide community service to hams and non-hams alike. Where to test, where to get equipment, a repeater net for technical questions, practice for emergencies and natural disaster communications, etc. I even participate in a once-a-week simplex net just to keep in practice should something happen to the infrastructure for the repeater nets in my area.
If you have a problem finding something that suits you, the joy that is found in this hobby/lifestyle is that you are free to explore avenues not traveled, discover different aspects and uses, contribute to the vast differences in taste and comfort levels.
Maybe my Elmer was a forgiving and liberal mentor when he said to me to "..have fun, meet people, and find out what you like about this great world of Hamdom".
This was my $0.02 worth. I hope you find what you are looking for. Good luck and good travels.
KE7ONE
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N6NKN on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Wait a minute. That's John, N9AMI in Silver Springs, Nevada. He checks in nearly every night to the Western Public Service System net, on 3952 kHz here on the west coast.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by KF4HR on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
"Im puzzled why the author would listen to something he dislikes for years and then bitch about it in a so called article."
+1 Agree 100%
This article reminds me of the eham CW articles that bring people out of the woodwork to complain about how much they think CW is a waste of time, or an unnecessary mode.
Nets are just another fact of the hobby. Some people like 'em, some don't. But for those that haven't investigated nets very closely, I suggest you do an internet search on amateur nets. You'll find there's a long list of net activity that covers just about any subject you can think of; antique radio nets, religious nets, nets that assist RV'ers, nets that assist the maritime mobile crowd, nets that provide assistance during hurricanes and other natural disasters, and CARS nets to provide assistance to mobile HF operators should they need it (just to name a few). Is everyone interested in nets, or every net? No, of course not! But who cares? Personally, I tune into the Collins equipment nets on occasion. Why? Like many nets, it brings people together with "like interests."
I guess some people will never get it. Whether it's Nets, EME, CW, DX'ing, Contests, Rag Chewing, Satellites, or whatever, not every amateur is going to be interested (or understand) the want or need for every amateur activity. But that's no reason to pee on someone parade.
If you don't like a particular activity, yet you spend time listening to it... I'd have to question that person's intelligence.
Spin your damn dial and get on with life.
KF4HR
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by W7ETA on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Isn't there a net where you can pass info on canceled and bootlegged calls?
I started reading this article and wondered if he was complaining about VHF-UHF nets, cause I've never heard this on HF.
Then I remembered, I don't listen to nets.
Maybe the author should start his own net? Run the way they outta be.
73
Bob
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by W0IPL on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Nets DO serve a worthwhile purpose when they perform the service they profess to. The problem is that most nets do not do what they are intended for.
Listen to the preamble in most nets. They provide an overview of the intent. Sadly, they seldom do what they say.
NTS is as outdated as crystal controlled, 2M tube radios (remember the over-sized lunch box from Gonset?).
ARES/RACES nets very seldom do what they profess because so few NCS op's know how to run a net. Chicken or the egg discussion - are the nets so poor because of inept NCS op's or are the NCS op's so inept because they have nothing (of worth) to do?
|
| |
|
The author has more problems than nets do
|
|
|
by KASSY on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
So here, he complains that he doesn't like nets.
Over on QRZ, he complains that he doesn't like contests.
So, why not just ignore both and participate in the parts of ham radio that you DO like?
For me, I like some nets. We have a few club nets, a way to have a casual, non-structured meeting of our local club in between the monthly meets at a restaurant.
I have checked into traffic nets on occasion to send health and welfare messages. You know, some ham you used to interact with on the other end of the country; you never had his address because he lists a P.O.box and he has an unlisted phone number. So you send a message to his section manager asking about him, the SM's message goes around and lots of folks hear it, and you get the bad news back that your pal passed away from a sudden illness.
WAS nets and DX nets? Totally absurd. They violate the spirit. A QSO is "good" if the two stations have exchanged info and the net control should NOT be required to "validate" it.
Not all "nets" are the same.
Same with contests - I like some, I don't like others.
If you dislike all nets, all contests, all ragchews - then you have a problem that is bigger than ham radio.
- k
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by WB2WIK on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
As a kid I was intrigued by listening to nets, and even used them sometimes as I was involved in "traffic handling" (mostly "Radiograms" back in those days). That was many years before the internet and free long distance phone calls existed, and Radiograms actually did get delivered at no cost to sender or recipient so they sort of served a purpose. It was also supposed to be good training in protocol so in the event we were really "needed" to handle serious traffic, we'd have a head start in knowing how to do it.
Some young friends and I decided to start our own net. So as not to cause much QRM, and since we were all close together anyway, we did it on 2 meter AM (which was popular back in the sixties). I called it the "net net," and the subject of discussion was whether we had chosen a good frequency for the net. That was the only allowed conversational topic.
It was very tongue-in-cheek, of course, but it was hilarious that "others" (outside our small group) would actually break in and tell us how crazy we are for discussing what frequency our net should be on, and to make sure to carefully avoid the following frequencies, etc.
It was really funny.
Maybe that's what some of the nets today are doing...
WB2WIK/6
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N6AJR on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Well, I have played in several nets over the years. I have enjoyed the ones I stayed with.
For instance the HHH net on 7.235 every nIght at 0700 ZULU. A nice bunch of folks and a basically a WAS listing net. but very enjoyable.
Then there is murrys net, on 7.325 at 11:30 local ( calif time ) every mweekday, which is both a check in, say hi, how is the weather and social net followed by a on the air equipment swap net. I love to listen for new toys .
And I remember some of the old Mars Traffic nets, back in 1978, when I did pass a few "hello to aunt martha" notes along , but also passed som greetins fro,folks overseas to their stateside families.
I enjoyed my Mars contacts from both times in Korea and the year in Nam and I find them a great part of life back then. perhaps nots so much today, but look at what happend on addaman island when the tsnumi hit.
Yea , nets have a place on the air. And if you don't like them then spin the knob.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by KB3RPE on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
W9JCM IS listed as canceled in the ULS? not sure where people are looking??????? Just my 2cents....
here's a cut & paste from http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/license.jsp?licKey=827832
Call Sign W9JCM
(Vanity) Radio Service HV - Vanity
Status Canceled Auth Type Regular
Dates
Grant 04/21/1999 Expiration 04/21/2009
Effective 09/06/2007 Cancellation 05/28/2008
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by WB2WIK on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
>RE: Nets Today Reply
by N6AJR on September 12, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
Then there is murrys net, on 7.325 at 11:30 local ( calif time ) every mweekday, which is both a check in, say hi, how is the weather and social net followed by a on the air equipment swap net. I love to listen for new toys .<
::Murray's my neighbor, about 2 miles from me. I never hear him on the air because he's on during daytimes when I'm not. Good to know he's still running the net, but if it's on 7.325 it's out of the band and I probably wouldn't transmit there...
:-)
WB2WIK/6
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by WA7TNY on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Years ago the Eyebank Net was a noble cause and did mankind a good job. Technology passed them by and it became a social net. Now it is the Eyebank Net/Weather net and has a net at 6 AM Central time and has a long drawn out rollcall and then at 6:45 starts all over
again and runs until about 7:15 on 3.970. One guy runs
the whole show, Perry, K0WRZ. He flaps his lips bigtime and ties up 3.970 for too long.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by KC9MAV on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Well take this for instance.
I was listening to the STARS Radio club net
http://www.starsradio.org/
And net control (president) was going through routine traffic then out of no where "break!"
There was a vechile fire on the highway and the net control called the state troopers and they came and put out the fire. That was last Sunday.
73
Dave
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by W4VR on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
You would be surprised how many of these net lovers still don't have internet connections, so getting on a net and waiting for their turn to be called is a way of getting attention...there are a lot of lonely people out there either by choice or destiny. Nets are boring to listen to, but to some hams this is the biggest event of the day..getting on a net and being recognized. Remember, it's only a hobby and nets have always been a part of that hobby...it's nothing new. The latest fad is conducting prayer services on the radio.
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by N4VNZ on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Ah Yes! Another youngster just FULL of piss and vinegar SO eager to bash all us "old farts"...it must be WONDERFUL to have such a fulfilling life as you do. You must, cause you elevate yourself to a higher plane where you can look down on all the miserable, unwashed, wrinkled masses and wonder why they don't "get a life" and quit checking into all those horribly "boring" and "useless" nets and such...and even <<gasp,choke!>> having one of those old "geriatric" QSO's (maybe even on...<<<groan>>>...80 meters!!!) where a bunch of long-time friends are checking up on each other...tsk, tsk...
Maybe you should go find yourself a good woman to occupy your time...? or maybe eat more salad...
You spend your time like you want to, and I will spend my time like I want to...and so should everyone else, whether it is on a net or whatever...and if you don't like it, you can KMA, old man...
Have a nice day!
Dave
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by PLANKEYE on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
N4VNZ POSTED THIS:
Ah Yes! Another youngster just FULL of piss and vinegar SO eager to bash all us "old farts"...it must be WONDERFUL to have such a fulfilling life as you do. You must, cause you elevate yourself to a higher plane where you can look down on all the miserable, unwashed, wrinkled masses and wonder why they don't "get a life" and quit checking into all those horribly "boring" and "useless" nets and such...and even <<gasp,choke!>> having one of those old "geriatric" QSO's (maybe even on...<<<groan>>>...80 meters!!!) where a bunch of long-time friends are checking up on each other...tsk, tsk...
Maybe you should go find yourself a good woman to occupy your time...? or maybe eat more salad...
You spend your time like you want to, and I will spend my time like I want to...and so should everyone else, whether it is on a net or whatever...and if you don't like it, you can KMA, old man...
Have a nice day!
Dave
______________________________________________
PLANKEYE:
LOVED IT!! LOVED YOUR POST DAVE!!
I mean, WOW! Really cool man.
You KMAed him and with the same breath Have a nice day! OMG!
You bashed him dude!
You know Ray Mullins AI2A by chance?
Neat hobby!
__
Is this for real?
Dave, you me and Ray. Lets do happy hour!!
Ray's buyin though.
PLANKEYE
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by N4VNZ on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Only if it's a REAL sleazy bar, Plankeye...Hmmm...ever been to the Gemini in Dayton???
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by KU4UV on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
There is a Sunday evening net on one of the local repeaters here in Lexington, Kentucky that has been held for probably the last 20 years. The net is boring as whale sh-t too. Half the time it has nothing to do with amateur radio. The net is officially called, "The amatuer television and specialized communications net," whatever the hell that means. I tune in to them some times just to hear how stupid some of them are. It's usually a group of about the same 10 or 15 guys that get together to chat about stuff that has nothing to do with ham radio, or amateur television for that matter. We really do need a net devoted to amateur television here in Lexington. There are hams just dying to try out amateur TV here in the greater Lexington area, and who else are they gonna turn too? Last Sunday evening they spent well over an hour discussing where the term "limelight" came from. Most other times, they have some sort of discussion about how many tubes transceiver XYZ had back in 1950. Yeah, really interesting crap. No thank you miss, I believe I will pass on nets, at least of the 2 meter variety.
73,
KU4UV
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N9AMI on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Boy Dave must really bother you a lot? You don't have much to talk about having less than 500 look ups on qrz. Not even a picture on the bio? Probably not doing much working out these days eh?
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by K5END on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
thanks 225. be safe.
I've been through a few of these, as I'm sure you have as well.
The earliest one I recall was Hurricane Carla. That was 1961 and people still talk about that one.
Celia and Aleisha were good uns too.
The most unusual in my experience were Tito as it came across the panhandle and Allison here in Houston. Flood isn't the word for it. Deluge. Cities turned lake.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by W2ENY on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Checkins?
Hearing none, so we'll do roll call...
What a useless POS taking up spectrum, reading a list of callsigns and cities...? WB9OTX is broadcasting when no station comes back, right? But why?
WD9HII Ft Wayne
W9HY Franklin
WA9JWL
N9JMJ New haven
WD5KVE Portland
K9LVR Zion
N9MLJ Austin
Munsie
KB9CWN Fishers
bla
bla
bla
K9PFP Nobelsville
bla
bla
KOKOMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now taking stations with or without traffic..
Any stations, Alpha thru Golf
Now Alpha thru Quebec
Now all the way thru the alphabet - Alpha thru Zulu
On and on and on - it never stops - 3-4 times a day, 15-20 minutes each time...
Listen for yourself: http://members.bellatlantic.net/vze3rys4/rollcall.wav
My only question is...
Why do they hold the frequency hostage?
The crazy thing was that I was in Indiana for work a couple years back, driving on interstate 80. As I passed the interstate exits, I saw kokomo, columbia city, munsie, terre haute - OMG - Make it stop! This time, I'm watching roll call instead of listening to it.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by WB2WIK on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
>Nets Today Reply
by N4VNZ on September 12, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
Ah Yes! Another youngster just FULL of piss and vinegar SO eager to bash all us "old farts"...it must be WONDERFUL to have such a fulfilling life as you do. You must, cause you elevate yourself to a higher plane where you can look down on all the miserable, unwashed, wrinkled masses and wonder why they don't "get a life" and quit checking into all those horribly "boring" and "useless" nets and such...and even <<gasp,choke!>> having one of those old "geriatric" QSO's (maybe even on...<<<groan>>>...80 meters!!!) where a bunch of long-time friends are checking up on each other...tsk, tsk...
Maybe you should go find yourself a good woman to occupy your time...? or maybe eat more salad...
You spend your time like you want to, and I will spend my time like I want to...and so should everyone else, whether it is on a net or whatever...and if you don't like it, you can KMA, old man...<
::Is that really called for? You're epitomizing why younger folks can come to resent or despise older ones. I've been licensed 44 years and am an O.F. myself but it would never occur to me to speak like this to a fellow human being, let alone a fellow ham. As an official O.F., I think nets are mostly a ridiculous waste of bandwidth, but since they're legal all I can do is ignore them.
WB2WIK/6
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by K0RGR on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Gee, I guess I have my head in the wrong orifice, but I rather enjoy checking into our Sunday Night Net. I get to hear people that I don't see often enough, and I get to check that my rig is still working, which sometimes, it isn't. We all get to see if the repeater still works - particularly those who live on the fringe.
We also have nets on other bands and at other times around here. I'm not usually able to participate, but when I can, I will, for mostly the same reasons.
We've also had big roundtable discussion nets around here, and those also have their place.
Back slightly after dirt, but before discos, a big bunch of us would get on 2 meters every night and just chew the fat. Why doesn't that happen anymore? I think the 'one-eyed monster' in the living room has sucked up all of our brains, and we've forgotten how to have a conversation with another human being.
This is really key to most of what ails ham radio. They should require a course on conversation to get a license.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by PLANKEYE on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
THIS IS WHAT IT IS:
>Nets Today Reply
by N4VNZ on September 12, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
Ah Yes! Another youngster just FULL of piss and vinegar SO eager to bash all us "old farts"...it must be WONDERFUL to have such a fulfilling life as you do. You must, cause you elevate yourself to a higher plane where you can look down on all the miserable, unwashed, wrinkled masses and wonder why they don't "get a life" and quit checking into all those horribly "boring" and "useless" nets and such...and even <<gasp,choke!>> having one of those old "geriatric" QSO's (maybe even on...<<<groan>>>...80 meters!!!) where a bunch of long-time friends are checking up on each other...tsk, tsk...
Maybe you should go find yourself a good woman to occupy your time...? or maybe eat more salad...
You spend your time like you want to, and I will spend my time like I want to...and so should everyone else, whether it is on a net or whatever...and if you don't like it, you can KMA, old man...<
::Is that really called for? You're epitomizing why younger folks can come to resent or despise older ones. I've been licensed 44 years and am an O.F. myself but it would never occur to me to speak like this to a fellow human being, let alone a fellow ham. As an official O.F., I think nets are mostly a ridiculous waste of bandwidth, but since they're legal all I can do is ignore them.
WB2WIK/6
___________________________________________________
THIS IS PLANKEYE:
Dude has a call, what more do you want?
PLANKEYE
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N9FE on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
THIS IS PLANKEYE:
Dude has a call, what more do you want?
PLANKEYE
Where is yours? For someone with no call you shure like to shoot your mouth off.. Why must you hide like a little boy ?
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by PLANKEYE on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
THIS IS RAY MULLINS AI2A:
K4RAF is a basher, one of the gloom and doom and self-hating type of hams. If he ever tried to say a good thing about ham radio, he would blow a fuse.
These negative types cluster around eHam.net looking to peddle their negative attitudes or find fellow social misfits with whom to commiserate.
Morse Code is doing just fine. Ham radio is doing just fine. The ARRL is as solid a supporter of amateur radio as ever in its commendable past history.
Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. - Lao Tzu
_____________________________________________________
PLANKEYE:
Looks like the bashee is now the basher.
Practice what you preach!!
Try being content with what you have, and being nice to folks.
___
You still owe me breakfast Ray, you son-of-a-gun!!
PLANKEYE
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by PLANKEYE on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
RAY MULLINS AI2A:
To the gutless gadfly who hides behind the handle "Plankeye," you might try to dress up your worthless comments by trying a little accuracy.
If you are going to put some prattle on here about me, get my name straight as well as my call sign.
As I posted earlier: " The real America is a land of thinkers and doers, not intellectuals and commentators." I should add to that "nor anonymous lobsters and attention seekers." You remain nothing witout a call sign or a name. You're lucky they let you post on here, but this eHam.net.
By the way, old CJ puts his sour question, "What does this realistically prove?" concerning the Morse Code challenge, but this naysayer doesn't have the capacity in his head to understand that the joke is on him. Real hams are too busy having fun with Morse Code and ham radio. Only sourpuss CJ is trying to "prove" something.
You can post it, CJ, but nobody cares about what gloom you are trying to prove or disprove. You would get better results if you try to haunt a vacant house.
I've got to leave off now, HF radio is great tonight.
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by KD5SFK on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I suppose the traffic nets really could serve a purpose if we had a global catastrophe that wiped out much of the world's communications infrastructure (remember the scene in "Independence Day" when they used "old morse code" to tell the rest of the world how to kill the aliens?) Of course, as long as some people survive with HF radios and computers, WinLink will prevail over voice or CW nets....
That said, I never understood the WAS nets. I've listened to various iterations of these maybe a few times since I've been licensed, and in my opinion, I'd rather listen to fingernails on a chalkboard. How one can feel good about getting a WAS certificate after screaming into the mike 25 times just to get the 2-2 "bang bang" (most likely relayed) report from RI to get your last state is beyond me. If (and that's a big if) I ever decided that I wanted an ARRL WAS certificate, I'd rather be able to say that I earned it entirely on my own by working the airwaves, rather than tuning in night after night listening to the mind-numbing drivel of a WAS net in order to get the award as fast as possible.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N6AJR on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
uhhhh that was a typo, murrys net is on 7.235 at 1130 local.. hey Steve, see ya in the California QSO Party, the one day out of the year you actually WANT to talk to YET ANOTHER California station... :)
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N6AJR on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
uhhhh that was a typo, murrys net is on 7.235 at 1130 local.. hey Steve, see ya in the California QSO Party, the one day out of the year you actually WANT to talk to YET ANOTHER California station... :)
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N6AJR on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
And you can get WAS in a weekend if you get on during a domestic contest.. easy
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N6AJR on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
And you can get WAS in a weekend if you get on during a domestic contest.. easy
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by K6CRC on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
It is a big hobby, some like nets, some do not. I am a new general, and have been on various local 2m nets, and one of the big WAS nets. Generally nice people, very much a community. I can see why they are popular, much like church groups, social clubs, etc.
I don't have the time or desire to continue some of the nets I tried out. I check into others time to time. I do think it is mean-spirited to attack those who enjoy them. The comments on this board do not speak well of the hobby. To many bitter people.
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by N4UED on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I WAS ON 40 METERS THIS EVENING.
I WAS TRYING TO WORK A EUROPEAN.
ALL OF A SUDDEN ONE OF THE CENTURY CLUB GUYS KEPT SAYING NET STARTING NEAR BY CLEAR OUT.
IT TOOK ME 4 TRYS TO GET THE DX STATIONS INFO,WHEN I COULD HAVE GOT IT IN ONE EXCHANGE.
I GOT THE DX STATIONS INFO AND MOVED ON.
THIS GUY WITH THE CENTURY CLUB NEVER GAVE HIS CALL SIGN HE JUST COVERED UP THE STATION I WAS TRYING TO WORK.
WHATS WRONG WITH CALLING ME AFTER THE CONTACT AND ASKING ME TO MOVE BECAUSE A NET IS STARTING A FEW KC'S AWAY.
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO GOOD OL HAMS.
THATS WHY I WORK CW.
HONEST MEN AND WOMEN THAT KNOW WHAT OTHERS WANT LEARN.
THANKS CENTURY CLUB FOR GIVING YOURSELF A BLACK EYE.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by NN2U on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Listen to yourself, AI2A..."Basher...negative types...negative attitudes...social misfits..."
Such ad hominem attacks and the accompanying disregard for opposing viewpoints have spelled the death of rational political discourse in this country; they are the same poison that's killing ham radio, once the hobby of gentlemen (or so I hear).
Holding your hands over your ears and shouting "na na na I'm not listening" doesn't solve any problems. It just keeps you from having to consider that you might just be the problem.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by W7ETA on September 12, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
"..HE JUST COVERED UP THE STATION I WAS TRYING TO WORK."
Is that called QCU?
"..CLEAR OUT."--QCO?
"..GIVING YOURSELF A BLACK EYE."--QBE?
Typing in all CAPS? QMAD!
73
Bob
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by BHARDIMON on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Ham radio is anything but progressive, just read the posts and articles on this site. For the most part they are rehashing stuff from the 1950's-60's. I say, Let the old men have their fun checking in to nets...it makes them feel important....it keeps them off the street and in their basements.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by K1BXI on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Someone tell me what the NCS means when at the end of the net he/she announces "turning the frequency back to normal amateur use"..........I take it a net is not a normal use of the frequency.
After listening to some, they maybe right.
John.....K1BXI
|
| |
|
Ridiculous
|
|
|
by N8NSN on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
There are some ridiculous "anti-promotional" practices happening more and more here on e-ham. A large percentage of posts and articles are all about complaining on one or several facets of amateur radio that someone doesn't like. This particular article has a focus on NOTHING other than "personal opinion". We all know what "opinions" are worth in most cases. In this "article" there was absolutely NOTHING offered toward encouragement, education or anything that could do any good for ANYONE. All I can say is...
P.U.
Want to talk about "mindless dribble"... Take a good read here on e-ham from time to time. Bitterness only promotes more bitterness.
If I were a person considering getting a new ticket, joining in the "fun" of amateur radio, and read this crap, as well as many other "amateur radio sites"; I believe my decision to become involved would be limited.
1) Anyone can "discover" things in just about any hobby that are of NO interest to them.
...not everyone feels the need to criticize others who DO enjoy "those things" and sit around on their duffs B&#CHing about "it".
2) Anyone can "discover" things in just about any hobby that are of GREAT interest to them.
...not everyone feels the need to criticize others who DO NOT enjoy "those things" and sit around on their duffs B&#CHing about "it".
For Pete's Sake SPIN THE KNOB! Stop being Mr. Whiny Pissy Pants.
My thoughts on this particular article... What a waste of band width.
My thoughts on my commentary toward this particular "article"... What a waste of band width.
Thank You E-Ham for yet another "boring and completely unnecessary" "article".
'Nuff Said.
73 & ENJOY =)
KC8BYF (jimmie)
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by NA1Q on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
by KE4ZHN on September 12, 2008
Im puzzled why the author would listen to something he dislikes for years and then bitch about it in a so called article.
Exactly. Of course it could be that the OP is PO'd because his call was cancelled and lashing out at the entire community because of it.
Of course I posted an article about how people should post articles with more info than just "Link" ot some other site, and it got thrown out because it wasn't politically correct to the moderators.
Just goes to show how well the internet is to those of us who aren't the "in crowd"
|
| |
|
What's up with that "call sign"
|
|
|
by N8NSN on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hmmmmmmmmmm...
read on...
"Exactly. Of course it could be that the OP is PO'd because his call was cancelled and lashing out at the entire community because of it."
Here's the scoop...The following is from QRZ.com
The callsign W9JCM is not in our database.
Search Again:
If you have the correct info for W9JCM,
you can add it to the database
here's the scoop... The following is from Buck Master ; ) <wink wink> I would hide too if my butt was shining like this fella...
Changed to N9AMI
Look up N9AMI
Please note: The person currently holding the cross referenced callsign may not necessarily be the same person that held W9JCM.
What is that?
<<<Laughing up my sleeve
|
| |
|
AHHHH That is what it is...
|
|
|
by N8NSN on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
N9AMI is w9jcm...
What a dork ! Check out his (n9ami) QRZ profile... Go on and look at his "link" to his web page too...
View the You Tube video on there as well... Obviously N9AMI "worships" the guy on You Tube in some sort of sick way.
What a "follower".
Get a life John.
|
| |
|
RE: AHHHH That is what it is...
|
|
|
by N8NSN on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
By the way... The You Tube video I am referring to is the last one in the "line up".
Truth revealed about ham radio
This guy has it right!
John... you have it ALL wrong just like your "messiah" in your ridiculous video clip.
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by W4GFA on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
John,
The mundane nets do serve a useful purpose. There are people who are quite active in amateur radio whose
only real connection is the net check-in exercise
each night or each week or whatever. Makes them feel
like they're part of something....perhaps important or something that fulfills a need in their lives. For some it's the spark that ignites a whole new world of communication. They take the spark and fan it to
other facets of the hobby. Yes, technology has surpassed the old traffic handling systems we used to trumpet, but sometimes ham radio is all that's left.
I used to live in a "College Town" where the hams
refused to have such a net. Instead, they had a weekly NON-NET. Those club members who DID NOT check in were recognized on the air. Those who DID check in were ignored. There are endless ideas to bring more interest, education and conversation to the nets...
you just have to implement them.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by W3QE on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
W8ZNX
Like your logic
AE5EH
Everyone doesn’t have your mental prowess, although I agree with you lol
W4LGH
Always words of wisdom
WB2WIK
You have been a ham too long, hell you’re as old as me
N6AJR
Everytime I see your call I think of Vito…where’s he at, still alive---no yes?
I stopped listening to nets in the mid eighties and also stopped being a jerk on 75 meters.
Like W8ZNX says, do what you enjoy, building, tinkering with Keys and CW is my bag these days---73
|
| |
|
RE: Excuses for Nets Today
|
|
|
by K4RAF on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
It is really sad that a once great & technologically advancing hobby has now become the Great Beyond's Waiting Room using 30+ year old "technology" as a benchmark or an excuse for "leave them alone, it makes them feel important....
That's what AARP is for, next pleeease...
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by KG6WLS on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
<RE: Nets Today Reply
by W3QE on September 13, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
N6AJR
Everytime I see your call I think of Vito…where’s he at, still alive---no yes?>
::Yes, where is Vito / W6TH?? It's been awhile.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by KG6WLS on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
BTW, everytime I see N6AJR, I think of the ever famous fan dipole. Thanks, Tom!!
73
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by KG6WLS on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Steve (WB2WIK), I'm just curious about your dislike for nets. On a different topic you posted:
RE: "It's Not Your Microphone, It's You!& Reply
by WB2WIK on September 2, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
I join that net now and then. W6OM has a great list of active 3870 "AMers" and I'm on the list..... Glad you listen! You probably know Joe Walsh WB6ACU (the musician) also frequents the CA AM net on 3870.
WB2WIK/6
------------------------------------------------------
And, then you posted on this article:
RE: Nets Today Reply
by WB2WIK on September 12, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
I never understood nets. Well, I can "get" one or two of them, like the maritime net that seems to always be on 14.300 -- I've actually heard them *do* something worthwhile, and was impressed with that.
Not sure what all the other ones are for.
They sure do occupy a lot of bandwidth. I think 75m is the worst band for this, and one reason I seldom operate 75m.
WB2WIK/6
------------------------------------------------------
And, then you posted again:
RE: Nets Today Reply
by WB2WIK on September 12, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
As an official O.F., I think nets are mostly a ridiculous waste of bandwidth, but since they're legal all I can do is ignore them.
WB2WIK/6
------------------------------------------------------
So, with the comments you posted for this article, didn't you just slightly smack down the 3870 "AMers" group that you check into? You said you were on their list, right? Kind of a "flip-flop". One week you like nets, then the next you don't.
I'm only sorry that I missed the "Hell Freezes Over" tour with Joe Walsh in '94. But, I'm sure you got the chance to see them live. But then again, maybe you dislike them too?
73 de KG6WLS
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by PLANKEYE on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
KG6WLS POSTED THIS:
Steve (WB2WIK), I'm just curious about your dislike for nets. On a different topic you posted:
RE: "It's Not Your Microphone, It's You!& Reply
by WB2WIK on September 2, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
I join that net now and then. W6OM has a great list of active 3870 "AMers" and I'm on the list..... Glad you listen! You probably know Joe Walsh WB6ACU (the musician) also frequents the CA AM net on 3870.
WB2WIK/6
------------------------------------------------------
And, then you posted on this article:
RE: Nets Today Reply
by WB2WIK on September 12, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
I never understood nets. Well, I can "get" one or two of them, like the maritime net that seems to always be on 14.300 -- I've actually heard them *do* something worthwhile, and was impressed with that.
Not sure what all the other ones are for.
They sure do occupy a lot of bandwidth. I think 75m is the worst band for this, and one reason I seldom operate 75m.
WB2WIK/6
------------------------------------------------------
And, then you posted again:
RE: Nets Today Reply
by WB2WIK on September 12, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
As an official O.F., I think nets are mostly a ridiculous waste of bandwidth, but since they're legal all I can do is ignore them.
WB2WIK/6
------------------------------------------------------
So, with the comments you posted for this article, didn't you just slightly smack down the 3870 "AMers" group that you check into? You said you were on their list, right? Kind of a "flip-flop". One week you like nets, then the next you don't.
I'm only sorry that I missed the "Hell Freezes Over" tour with Joe Walsh in '94. But, I'm sure you got the chance to see them live. But then again, maybe you dislike them too?
73 de KG6WLS
____________________________________________________
PLANKEYE:
Hey Steve, get off the phone with Ray Mullins and check this post out. Ray owes me breakfast by the way. That son-of-a-gun!
This guy is SHARP!!
PLANKEYE
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by WB2WIK on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
>RE: Nets Today Reply
by KG6WLS on September 13, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
Steve (WB2WIK), I'm just curious about your dislike for nets. On a different topic you posted:
RE: "It's Not Your Microphone, It's You!& Reply
by WB2WIK on September 2, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
I join that net now and then. W6OM has a great list of active 3870 "AMers" and I'm on the list..... Glad you listen! You probably know Joe Walsh WB6ACU (the musician) also frequents the CA AM net on 3870.
WB2WIK/6<
::Yep, I do join that net "now and then." Not often. I'd join it more except it takes SOOOOO much time...it's operated in the old fashioned "AM" style of, "You take it for ten minutes and the turn it over to Joe..." and by the time it "goes around," 2-3 hours can pass and I just don't have that kind of time. However, I do enjoy AM operation and occasionally check in to see how others are doing it.
------------------------------------------------------
>And, then you posted on this article:
RE: Nets Today Reply
by WB2WIK on September 12, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
I never understood nets. Well, I can "get" one or two of them, like the maritime net that seems to always be on 14.300 -- I've actually heard them *do* something worthwhile, and was impressed with that.
Not sure what all the other ones are for.
They sure do occupy a lot of bandwidth. I think 75m is the worst band for this, and one reason I seldom operate 75m.
WB2WIK/6<
::No conflict at all with my post about the AM net! What's the issue?
------------------------------------------------------
>And, then you posted again:
RE: Nets Today Reply
by WB2WIK on September 12, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
As an official O.F., I think nets are mostly a ridiculous waste of bandwidth, but since they're legal all I can do is ignore them.
WB2WIK/6<
::I do ignore them, except the 3870 AM net which I check into once every few months. Joe WB6ACU does check in (he has a BIG AM station) and so do other friends 'round the area, and it's fun to catch up. But I sure wouldn't do it daily -- or weekly.
------------------------------------------------------
>So, with the comments you posted for this article, didn't you just slightly smack down the 3870 "AMers" group that you check into? You said you were on their list, right? Kind of a "flip-flop". One week you like nets, then the next you don't.<
::Nope, not true. I never like them. However, AM specifically has become "channelized" because AMers are scorned for the bandwidth we occupy when we intrude much into the normal SSB territory, so net operation for AMers has become pretty standard: It's a single-frequency meeting place where we won't get yelled at.
>I'm only sorry that I missed the "Hell Freezes Over" tour with Joe Walsh in '94. But, I'm sure you got the chance to see them live. But then again, maybe you dislike them too?
73 de KG6WLS<
::Nah, the Eagles are great and I've seen them live five times. Even my kids like them although they're too young to remember the first go-around. When you see teenagers today who know all the words to Hotel California, you know the world can't be all that bad.
WB2WIK/6
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by G3SEA on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Wow ! Sounds like a hell of a (Inter)NET here ! ;)
Enjoy the Hobby whatever mode,system or activity :)
KH6/G3SEA
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N6AJR on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I don't know what happened to Vito, I hope he is OK. As far the Fan Dipole (wink wink) I really have only a reporters slant on it.
I have put up the several links and such to get folks to look at the idea. It is probably the easiest, most versitle and cheapest antenna you can build. HEc you can even buy one for a hundred bucks from Alpha Delta if you want. but for a new ham with short funds its a great starting antenna, and for cagy OF's it is a secret weapon for them rare DX station contacts.
I guess I could have a worse Legacy than being known as the Fan Dipole guy..
73 and Gud DX to all
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by AB7E on September 13, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
In the immediate aftermath of Ike I listened to one of the 75m hurricane traffic nets for over an hour this evening while I was doing other stuff on the computer. Net control was located in Texas and there were lots of check-ins, but the only useful information I heard being given out the entire time was a list of URLs for web sites that had weather cams or more specific flooding information for specific locations.
On another net that was trying to coordinate various public service agencies, the only useful information I heard being passed was the cell phone numbers of various parties.
How funny is that?
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by WB0M on September 14, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
"I still grin when the only traffic handled is yesterday's net report, "Your license will expire soon,"
I thought somewhat the same about these kind of messages, until I found I was talking to hams who hadn't been active for years. We'd chat for a while and they'd then talk about renewing and getting back into ham radio. Not always, but it was never a waste of my time to help someone else.
73,
Jeff/wb0m
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by WT4C on September 14, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I don't believe I read this whole thing.
No, I'm not a fan of nets in general though I "listen" to local weather nets when there is (wink) local weather. I really have a bad attitude towards the number gathering nets (we had 6,786 check in's this month) because someone checks in and "also... check in "WT4C, WXXX, WTXXX etc.
Recently I received a nice certificate (complete with my name incorrectly spelled) for participating in a net event I have never checked in to. One of the net managers informed me via email that it was a good check in and would remain in the log because it was heard correctly by two net officers and he cared not whether I personally checked in or not.
Well my fellow hams, I see that as... well let's say if I hear someone using MY call EVER, it had better be in a special event activity where WT4C is the event call. We need to police ourselves better and NOT allow "check in also..." on any gathering net.
Nets don't suck (always).
Sorry for the rant.
Slim
(aka WT4C)
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by KC9IIZ on September 14, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hmmm.... Lets see. If I read any material about ECOMM it tells us nets promote and provide practice for operators to be more officiant when passing traffic during a time of real need.
Are all nets good practice, no but a lot are. If you land on a bad one, find a new one. Should be simple enough. If you don't like nets you have a VFO. there are other modes and other bands. It's like people protesting a TV program. Don't like whats on change the channel. You have control!
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N5YPJ on September 14, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Personally I'd like to see more digital or sound card mode nets, especially using the more robust modes - very efficient and little error if any. Reality is probably not too many folks interested in the besides MARS.
Other reality - phone nets can operate under many circumstances and get the job done. It might not be a Dick Tracy wrist watch but it works when nothing else will.
We should appreciate those who do have the patience and dedication to training on the nets. One does not just flick the radio on in an emergency and go to communicating very well without net training and discipline.
Glad I'm old enough to remember and appreciate when the nets were a main stay of emcomm.
If nets aren't your cup of tea and in my case they aren't anymore - turn the VFO knob, let these folks do their thing with the respect they deserve and something else will come along on your radio that will interest you. Ah wonders of the VFO!
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by WB4TJH on September 14, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Good grief....this all sounds like somebody kicked over the spit bucket at the old folks'home. Some people need to get a grip on reality....or get a life.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by WB2WIK on September 14, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
>RE: Nets Today Reply
by N6AJR on September 13, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
I don't know what happened to Vito, I hope he is OK.<
::Anyone know how to contact him directly?
I was worried, myself: An octogenarian relocated to the cold and snowy northeast and raved about how much he loved it there.
In my past, the elders who did this all turned very ill pretty quickly as dealing with the cold isn't so easy: The system goes through thermal shock when it's 0 outside and 75 inside and you go in and out. Not bad for kids, worse for older folks with reduced circulation.
There's a reason so many retire to the south. Hope he's okay.
WB2WIK/6
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by PLANKEYE on September 14, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
PLANKEYE SPEAKS THIS:
LOVED IT!!
I LOVED IT STEVE!!
You Sir are VERY SHARP!!
PLANKEYE
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N9AMI on September 14, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
For all the handicapped who think qrz is the answer to call sign look up try using the fcc database. My call was changed by me. James you are a sad case and one of the minority that give's ham radio a bad name.
The article was to give some progressive ways to spruce up the old dying nets that just have roll calls 365 days a year. If you people have all the answers then lets see some articles written. Or maybe the PTT on your microphone is all you can muster?
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by PLANKEYE on September 14, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
THIS IS W9JCM/N9AMI:
For all the handicapped who think qrz is the answer to call sign look up try using the fcc database. My call was changed by me. James you are a sad case and one of the minority that give's ham radio a bad name.
The article was to give some progressive ways to spruce up the old dying nets that just have roll calls 365 days a year. If you people have all the answers then lets see some articles written. Or maybe the PTT on your microphone is all you can muster?
____________________________________________________
Nice response!!
Have another drink there crazy!
Gee Whiz, settle down for goodness sake.
Tell your uncle Ray Mullins he owes me Breakfast.
He's buying though!! That son-of-a-gun!!
PLANKEYE
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by G3LBS on September 14, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Most articles on eHam give warning of some danger. You thought this one was an exception? Oh no!
Do not go nto a net unless you have the life expectancy to take your turn at transmitting.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by G3LBS on September 14, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Most articles on eHam give warning of some danger. You thought this one was an exception? Oh no!
Do not go into a net unless you have the life expectancy to take your turn at transmitting.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by K5END on September 15, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Ike has come and gone. The damage is extensive. Not sure what the tv news is covering because we have no power. Widespread outages, water outages have been a problem. But otherwise the system restoration seems orderly. Would like to hear what the nation is seeing on tv. You probably know more than we do. This post is from my smart phone. Cell phone coverage was iffy for the first two days.
|
| |
|
Me thinks there be contradictions afoot.
|
|
|
by NO6L on September 15, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Seeing as how this forum is about "Peer Review" I shall throw in my observations. I see that you, W9JCM, are a member of AMI. I am, too. I'm still waiting for my certificate stating so. They're quite backlogged, I hear. Anyway, in order to be a "member", you've had to have checked in on the net. And, in order to get a certificate, you hand to send $2.
That, was the contradiction.
Now, I agree that there "may" be too many nets. I'm a frequent member of two. The first, the West Coast AMI Net, 3870 @ 2000 Wednesdays, I check into when I have no other obligations, whether personal or on the air. It's not an issue to me if I miss one, it's just something to do that also allows me to do a quick on-air check of my vintage gear if I haven't used it much. It also allows me to provide support for the AM mode.
The other is as a southern relay once a week for the WARFA Net, 3908 @ 2000 Sun, Tues, Thur. I like them because the primary purpose is not the net itself for the sake of the net. It's about the members, who they are, what they like, or not, and what things they like to do besides Amateur Radio. Listen into the preamble and you'll see what I mean.
So, is there a good side to "too many" nets? Yes, first, you can check into a few at various times and frequencies and find out in a hurry how well your station is doing or a change you may have made on your antenna is performing. Or, maybe you're bored and your usual ragchew group is not on.
It's also good for the station running the net. Have you tried? Trust me, it's a little bit of a chore at times. Fighting QRN, unintentional QRM and the everpresent jamming from some Monkey Boy lid only increases a persons message handling abilities for that time they may really be needed. Trust me, by the end of the net you can feel a bit of fatigue.
"I've looked nets from both sides now".
In your profile you state you have significant interest in vintage gear. Are you aware there's a group that uses SSB on 3870Khz that think it's a waste of time and have stated in no uncertain terms that they intend on running the AMers and their "useless junk" off the Amateur bands. What's my point? You see no use for "so many" nets because you're not interested in them, so, they should not be there, just like the SSB group thinks the same way of AM.
Yet another contradiction, would you not agree?
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by NO6L on September 15, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
>KE7ONE
>...Maybe my Elmer was a forgiving and liberal mentor when he said to me to "..have fun, meet people, and find out what you like about this great world of Hamdom"...
How presumptuous is that? That's not "liberal", it's friggin' common sense.
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by AB9DF on September 15, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
The thing to do is get your Extra Class licence and join the Geratol Net at 3.668! Best net on the air each night 01:00 till whenever. You get social technical and down right fun. Great group and sometimes a real challenge. Bottom line, you will get addicted and they are a great group of people to hang out with. Net runs October 1 thru April 30
Rob AB9DF
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by VE7ABC on September 15, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
As a wise man once told me.
"Ham Radio is not for everyone, but there is something in Ham Radio for everyone".
Whatever your thing in Ham Radio is enjoy it, be it contests, rag chewing, nets, cw, psk, rtty, slow scan, 2m, etc., etc., etc. We can all have our fun, and if there are things on that bother you, there is a VFO dial and an off button on every piece of ham gear for a reason.
Just because you don't agree or like nets is no reason to knock those that do. What do you do on your radio?
Your particular enjoyment might be a waste of time to others.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by KG6WLS on September 15, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
And another wise man once told me:
"Since light travels faster than sound, people appear
bright until you hear them speak". ;)
|
| |
|
N9AMI and nets today
|
|
|
by KASSY on September 16, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
N9AMI wrote:
"RE: Nets Today Reply
by N9AMI on September 14, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
For all the handicapped who think qrz is the answer to call sign look up try using the fcc database. My call was changed by me. James you are a sad case and one of the minority that give's ham radio a bad name.
The article was to give some progressive ways to spruce up the old dying nets that just have roll calls 365 days a year. If you people have all the answers then lets see some articles written. Or maybe the PTT on your microphone is all you can muster?"
John. Seriously. Sit down. Read, listen, think.
Those who use the PTT are contributing more to ham radio than those who post on QRZ and eham.
I would turn your last point around and say.
"If you have all the answers, then get on the air and run a better net. Or is posting on eham and QRZ all you can muster?"
See on on the bands.
- k
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N6HPX on September 17, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
You probably heard all the pro's and con's on Nets so far but when you joinned Ham radio you probably heard the word Rag Chew and thats also a very favorable part of our hobby. If you wish jump on the rig and meet some of the guys or gals and enjoy a good rag chew with a fellow ham some where else. Nets are fine but its not the only thing we have in our hobby.
73's from Hawaii
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N9AMI on September 19, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
First off "the net" is not the problem. What I find a problem is the endless Roll Calls one in particular that I am no longer a member of. What is the point to calling a list of names/calls for 2 hours every night 365 days a year? Its a waste in my opinion. The people do not even get a fair shake to get to know each other. And to the second point of the article, making more changes as some nets have as in a round table. Instead do more of the 40 meter noon time net type check in. Most of these standard roll call type nets half the members don't even check in on a regular basis. As far as nets in general its a good way to meet people and get to know some of the great and to a lesser extent not so great personalities. And yes I have been net control many times.
As to the west coast AMI gatherings its the best bunch of people on the radio in my opinion. They actually are doing things to promote the hobby. Building equipment, repairs, audio etc etc. I am not saying no one else is but, this is why I enjoy that group. Also they are old school and have respect for everyone that wants in to the group. The little ssb group that Jams the group has been doing so for years and the AMI keep growing larger so there is your answer to them shutting that "useless mode" down.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N6HPX on September 19, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
In Southern California they have many nets and some just like those run by Mike, there are about 10 or more being used. In one net they eliminate those who dont participate. If you call my call 3 times in a row and I dont respond after 3 weeks they take me off the list. This is also in place in Northern California where I was originally from.
I dont always hang out on Nets I usually listen at times to local ones but usually like to just Rag Chew with stations or just work DX when its on air. In my side of the world we have 1 Net which is 3 times a day but its usually on at times when I am working other stations like DX out of Madagascar on PSK or 6 meter dx or some other stuff.
Agai as mentioned you dont have to just do Nets try Rag chewing as it much more fun to work. And more personal.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by W1RFI on September 20, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
> If you don't like nets, turn off the radio and take
> some writing courses, with an emphasis on use of
> periods, commas, and other punctuation.
The use of the last comma in your sentence is gramatically incorrect. There should not be a comma between the last and the second-to-last items in a list.
Among my favorite posts to read are those in which the author makes a grammatical or spelling error in a post that chides another for making a grammatical or spelling error. :-)
Although there were a number of minor punctuation mistakes in his article, when I read it they didn't make it hard to read and I easily understood the meaning. I've seen posts that warrant grammatical criticism, but we can easily clutter this list with never-ending discussions about what is or is not correct punctuation.
Ed, W1RFI
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by PLANKEYE on September 20, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
N9AMI SPEAKS THIS:
First off "the net" is not the problem. What I find a problem is the endless Roll Calls one in particular that I am no longer a member of. What is the point to calling a list of names/calls for 2 hours every night 365 days a year? Its a waste in my opinion. The people do not even get a fair shake to get to know each other. And to the second point of the article, making more changes as some nets have as in a round table. Instead do more of the 40 meter noon time net type check in. Most of these standard roll call type nets half the members don't even check in on a regular basis. As far as nets in general its a good way to meet people and get to know some of the great and to a lesser extent not so great personalities. And yes I have been net control many times.
As to the west coast AMI gatherings its the best bunch of people on the radio in my opinion. They actually are doing things to promote the hobby. Building equipment, repairs, audio etc etc. I am not saying no one else is but, this is why I enjoy that group. Also they are old school and have respect for everyone that wants in to the group. The little ssb group that Jams the group has been doing so for years and the AMI keep growing larger so there is your answer to them shutting that "useless mode" down.
___________________________________________________
PLANKEYE:
You blew it!!
Think before you speak!!
PLANKEYE
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N6HPX on September 21, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
You mentioned that you do this 365 days a year and that there is no point in it. But the only comment as pointed out by some is have a alternative operator do it like as in the San Diego group or others. I remember being on a few in the States where they rotate the ops for the day.
Even in the Philippines they have a HF Net almost 3 times a day and those usually do the same rotate the comms.
As in whats the point well it does help some in the comms as there are those emergencies that a Boater out here might need to cnnect with or there is the so-called practice for futre emergency comms. But its up to you to see what you really want to do. Try inviting other hams to be net controller as done with Palomar or even the SANDRA groups in California.
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by N5ACK on September 23, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Nets are like the Weather Channel. Not very interesting UNLESS there is an emergency when you need it. Hopefully they never will need to pass emergency traffic, but by them checking in and knowing how to pass traffic in case there is an emergency and normal methods of communication are down, I believe you would be very grateful.
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by N7ELF on September 24, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Most nets could have more meat on the bones, but the solution is to create a net that meets your needs and be the net control instead of berating all the rest of us who might find value in just keeping in touch. Communication is the point, and checking in to an even sparse content net is communicating. At least with the nets that are there the bands are being used.
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by KG7UY on September 25, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Some of us like to see who is still out there on a regular basis. I would suggest you start a "progressive net" and leave us the hell alone.
If that does not work for you , turn it off and find a new hobby.
|
| |
|
Nets Today
|
|
|
by W4WSW on September 29, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Well I am agree with many guys here, In my personal opinion I don't listen "Nets" that the only thing they do is "check in" it doesn't teach "anything" but a lot of fellas like to do it....
For me the nets need to have more sence & "Important Information" for the Ham comunnity, at the end the only nets that I use to listen is those "trades nets" if I'm looking for something & even in those I don't check in because I know that my radio is working & the repeaters are working as well....
So if you like nets just enjoy what you do & don't worry about others.... At the end it's Your Prerogative....
73's to all
W4WSW
"We are here to make friends not enemies" L.V.
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by KC2OYZ on September 29, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I like idea of innovation in our nets along the lines the article suggested.
Having said that, I don't hang around in nets very much, but there are already some nets that have worthwhile goals that promote the hobby - the 3905 Century Net for example - helping with WAS.
And sometimes it is useful to log into a net, any net, if you're making changes to your station or bringing new gear on the air and you want to check things out.
And I always thought that those seemingly useless nets do serve a purpose: maybe one day there will be an emergency of some sort - maybe some IMPORTANT traffic etc - in the meantime, the net is maintained. it's like those servicemen who sit in bunkers out in the wilderness for years on end doing seemingly nothing, because maybe ONE day they will have to do something very important.
Some net control operators do have an inflated sense of self importance, but so what? Nobody is forcing you sit there and listen to them.
(for those of you asking why I waste so much time online, the answer is I don't have access to a radio during the work week)
Mikey
K2BKT
|
| |
|
RE: Nets Today
|
|
|
by N6HPX on October 1, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Many of the Nets I have heard even from my Home town usually have programs like Tech nights or programs on EMT or some other items. This is good as it brings out questions on things that might not be found in other groups and on a need to know basis. Like how to connect a TNC or How to work PSK with a certain unit or how to on various things.
The group I sometimes log on to has nets like DX nets. Usually those who wish to work a station from the Philippines but seldom hear em.
But not everyone is into it and there are those who just want to Rag chew as thats good for them and me as well. Be on a more personal level.
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to discussions on this article.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Related News & Articles
Give Morse Code a Try!
Two-Meter Protocol
When is Bad Radio Operating Style, Jamming?
A Nice Touch
Tips On Working 60 Meters
Other Editorial Articles
My First Memory
The SB Project
Hamming It Up, The Early Years
A Hobby from a Hobby
Managing Ham Radio Estate Sales
|
|
|
