[CTSARA] Directed Net Practice

[Jon Perelstein]

We've talked in the past about the need for the SARA membership to practice
at operating in a directed net, something that's needed for public service
events and for emergency operations.  I'm writing to tell you that there is
a practice opportunity already available every night of the week, and it's
reachable by most of us.

The Southern District Net operates on the WECA 2 meter repeater every night
at 9:30pm -- 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  The Southern District Net is
part of the National Traffic System and is associated with the Eastern New
York Section.  As opposed to the equivalent CT nets, it has the distinct
advantage of being reachable by people located in the
Stamford/Greenwich/Darien area (probably even New Canaan).

All are invited to the net and they welcome newcomers and inexperienced
operators.  As their on-line guide says, "The best way to learn is to get on
the air, join a net, then participate and have fun. Don't be afraid to make
mistakes.  Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly"  (
http://www.hudson.arrl.org/eny/NTS/index.html).

We're not asking you to operate every night, but the occasional (once a
week, once every two weeks, once a month) participation will help keep you
prepared for public service and emergency communication operations.

The WECA 2m repeater is 147.060 (+600, PL 114.8).

73s
Jon
KB1QBZ

P.S.  For those of you interested, the CT nets are listed at
http://ct.arrl.org/#NTSCorner.  I can't copy any of them from my QTH, but
some of you definitely have better antennas than me.