[DCART] NCS Preamble

[Dick Young]

Each of us either has possession of, or it's in the mail, a copy of the NCS preamble.  Also, all have a copy of the DCART Net Control schedule.

Both items can easily be changed by Net Control.

The NCS schedule is not set in stone, but is a first attempt to get us all on a schedule and into the routine of being Net Control.  If you can't be Net Control on the date specified, there are a couple choices.  You can do a bit of research and make a trade with somebody else on the list.  That's the preferred method but, all else failing, send me an email (or a phone call) and we'll work it out between us.

The "Alternate Net Control" is there in case the scheduled NCS fails to show.  It would be swell if the scheduled NCS announced, maybe 5 minutes ahead of the net, something like, "DCART Net in 5 minutes" and your call.  You will hear great relief from throughout the land, everybody knowing you're in command.

The next few net sessions will be a concentration on traffic handling.  As Net Control, you can make up your own message.  Use the ICS213 form, the ARRL form (both included in your packet), or any form you choose - including the back of an envelope.  The purpose is to pass traffic with accuracy, and to pass it so the receiver understands the message.  If you use the back of an envelope you'll need to define each line.  If you use one of the forms, in theory you don't need to define each line (but we may not have reached that point yet, so it might be well to define anyway).

Our purpose is to learn through practice.  No need to try a trick message or a long message.  Accuracy and understanding!

The preamble presents only a suggested routine.  As Net Control you're welcome to change it, with the caveat that you spell out how the traffic will be handled - in other words, tell us what you're going to do and what you expect in return.  If you decide to use the suggested preamble, you'll know everybody else has it too.

Perfection is a ways down the road.  At this point, let's learn from each other by making our mistakes....and by having some fun!

73     Dick     kd7jmr   782-3292