[AK-VHF] Brain Storming - A New Net

Thu Jan 26 12:49:32 EST 2023

Good morning group,

I also think a rotating net control structure would be helpful. Ed, you have done a far better job of carrying the net than I ever could have, but to "future proof" the club's activities I think we need to figure out how to not push all the load to one net control. Keeping club activities successful with a rotating net control requires one of two things:

- Convince a bunch of stations to set up significant antenna infrastructure, allowing them to cover all of southcentral (not likely)
- Focus on bands and modes which allow better weak signal performance using modest antennas (more likely)

As an example, the Saturday net could begin using 6 M SSB as it's primary mode at some point, or on certain weekends each month. That instantly opens up the voice net to more operators, since few operators have SSB capability above 6 M. With more operators on 6 M SSB, it is an easy transition to start running some digital modes right after the voice segment.

That said, there are already too many voice nets in southcentral, so a new net has to offer something different. I think we should consider a rotating selection of keyboard chat digital modes such as PSK31, RTTY, and MFSK. These modes allow for easy net operation, and can be run with any number of free programs, and would offer something new to operators who are bored with five-second net check-ins.

To lower the bar of entry, digital FM operation could be a great "gateway drug" to get operators interested. On mobile FM radios the "packet" setting is really just a "soundcard audio in/out" setting, and you can pipe in any mode you want from the computer. (I've even participated in such a net through an FM repeater before.) A hypothetical net structure could look like:

- Check in on 6 M SSB for a few minutes
- 10 minutes of check in and chat on 2 M FM digital
- 20 minutes of 6 M keyboard digital activity, with a different mode each weekend

Just my $0.02

Brandon Clark, KL7BSC
https://brandonclarklabs.com/

Sent from Proton Mail mobile

-------- Original Message --------
On Jan 25, 2023, 23:01, Craig Bledsoe < craig_bledsoe at outlook.com> wrote:

> Hi Ed >>>
>
> We had a huge turnout for the SCSN tonight on all modes and frequencies. It has been overwhelmingly successful in recent months IMO. The date and time you proposed below is exactly the same as the statewide ARES Net which also has a large turnout. There justifiably would be substantial pushback and ill-will generated by that decision.
>
> Your current net starting at 0930L could be lengthened slightly as long as it doesn't overlap the Saturday morning Swap Net. My point is that you could emulate the SCSN with more bands and modes (including FM on every band) while remaining at the same convenient time slot that leads into the standard start time for the major VHF/UHF contests as you do now.
>
> The major activity that you need to do (and I know you trying really hard to get things accomplished) is get your antenna farm and station up and running at peak performance. Since you need to be the focal point as the weekly NCS to pull this off, your station needs to have a commanding presence on the VHF/UHF spectrum.
>
> An excellent example is the Anchorage ARC's RSOC station. When they first took over the SCSN from John Lynn, they needed a lot of "hand holding" and relays to keep things moving. Nothing wrong with that; they were just getting started. Now they have a really powerful presence on almost every band and mode, and the relay stations only occasionally are needed to drag in the weak and distant check-ins. They've done a lot of good work on site, and it really shows.
>
> We're off to the Hawaii Hamfest this coming weekend, so I'll listen for you on the SCSN on the 8th and the VHF+ Net on the 11th.
>
> Good luck and 73,
>
> Craig, KL7H
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> From: ak-vhf-bounces at mailman.qth.net <ak-vhf-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Ed Cole <kl7uw at acsalaska.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 20:22
> To: AK-VHF <ak-vhf at mailman.qth.net>
> Cc: David Tremper <KL7ZKalaska at gmail.com>; kl6m at arrl.net <kl6m at arrl.net>; Glen Fuller <al7jx at icloud.com>; Dennis Ogren <kl7jhr at hotmail.com>
> Subject: [AK-VHF] Brain Storming - A New Net
>
> Operating during the Wed. night Anchorage Simplex Net had me thinking!
>
> We mostly stick to 144.200 SSB during the Saturday morning net
> (occasionally adding 223.50 FM and 50.125 SSB). But mostly it is a 2m
> talk net.
>
> I know folks occasionally get on 146.52 for a chat, so wondered if we
> added a net centered on 146.52 during the week in the evening with
> possibility of going to 446.00 FM, 927.50 FM or 1294.50 FM would be of
> any interest. Staying with FM would offer wider access.
>
> Also, if any would like to explore use of digital modes that could
> happen, occasionally.
>
> Thinking of 8:00-9:00pm on Thursdays.
>
> Also, would be nice to have rotating net control so no one gets saddled
> with running the net and so more folks could access the NC.
>
> Looking for feedback on this!
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
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