Actually, there is a CW net in Oklahoma; the
Oklahoma Training Net (OTN). But since it meets
at about 5:15-5:30pm, that effectively rules
out participation from people with jobs. I've
checked into it myself, but only on weekends.
I disagree with what some others said about traffic
handling being dead. We have a CW traffic net
program with alot of vitality in Texas.
I do agree with what others said about using
QRP during traffic handling. Sometimes it works,
but sometimes not. Especially on 80m, sometimes
running a little more power is required. Often
10-15 watts is enough, but sometimes you'll
need 50 watts or more. The Net Control Station
in particular should have a commanding signal.
And it goes without saying that alot depends
on your antenna.
One thing that helps keep net members connected
is a monthly newsletter. I've been Net Manager
of the 'Texas Slow Net' since December, and I
prepare a very brief newsletter that is attached
to the 'TEXan', the newletter of the 'Texas CW
Net'. These are available as pdf's at:
http://k6jt.home.att.net/It helps also to have a web site for your net,
that includes helpful information about
participatng in CW traffic nets and information
about when and where your net meets. If
someone does a Google Search for 'Oklahoma
CW Net', will it find your site? (Hint: the
way to get your web site referenced by search
engines is to solicit other sites to add links
to your site).
I prepared a simple web site for the 'Texas
Slow Net', which is at:
http://www.geocities.com/scottamcmullen/Texas_Slow_Netand the search engines seem to be finding it
pretty well. (When you have a site, let me know
and I will be happy to add a link to it on the
TSN site).
Make sure also that your net is listed correctly
in the ARRL Net Directory, and the CW Net
directory maintained by the FISTs CW organization
at:
http://www.fists.org/cwnet.htmlFinally, be diligent about sending in a monthly
net report to your Section Traffic Manager, so
that he or she is aware of your net's activity.
The form for doing this is FSD-125 available at:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/Hope this helps!
73
Scott
W5ESE
Texas Slow Net Manager