[Elecraft] ECN - new directions

[Kevin Rock]

Here are a list of ideas I would like to incorporate into the running of the Elecraft CW Net (ECN):

1) We will run the net on Sunday instead of Saturday (same time and frequency).  This allows us to avoid contests, to run on a quieter band, and gain a few 
more check ins.  

2) We will work only 20 meters for now instead of running the two nets.  Since 40 meters has gathered few contacts and it is in fairly poor shape right now I 
have decided to put all my attention into the 20 meter net.  20 meters is doing quite well and covers more geographic area than 40 meters.  

3) We will run ECN on 20 meters for as long as it takes to get through the list of check ins and comments.  If I get called away or if I get tired I will call upon 
another station to act as NCS.  I will use QNG XXXXX and hopefully XXXXX will take the reins :)

4) I want to incorporate a few of the tricks I've learned from my traffic nets.  To get the NCS's attention in our traffic net we use hail signs.  These are the first 
letter in the suffix of your call.  Thus for me it is O since my call is KD5ONS.  Because there are only twenty-six letters there may be a few collisions.  It does 
simplify things a bit however.  If you want my attention, and your call is NA5X, just send X in a pause.  I'll send X K and then you send DE NA5X and your 
comment or request.  If it works we'll keep it, if it doesn't we throw it out.  

5) The net needs a purpose.  Therefore we will check folks in to the net and run through the list asking for comments (as always) and then see if folks want to 
contact anyone else.  I am not sure whether to have them meet 5 or 10 up or have them take care of business on the net frequency.  At first I think we'll try it 
on the regular frequency to save time and cause less trouble.  We Elecrafters don't want to be accused of being band hogs so let's keep this in the family :)  
Some folks like to exchange state, province, county, RST, power level, or even the serial number of their rig.  Since this is not Elecraft only net some of those 
serial numbers may look a little strange :)  The NCS will help arrange pairings to allow folks to exchange this information.

6) Please check in with the NCS and when I run thru the roster I will ask you if you desire a contact with another station or if you are QRU.  Then I'll try to 
match up the folks who wish have a contact.  After you're finished control reverts back to the NCS who then pairs up the next on the list.  One day we may 
need a secondary frequency to run this portion of the net but now let's stay on the frequency chosen to run the net on any particular day.

7) I am thinking of using a few Q and QN codes to speed things up a bit.  These will not get thrown into the mix all at once.  We will need to have a list of them 
at our elbows (Kevin take note) so we can use them to make things easier.  If it doesn't make thing easier tell me and we throw them out!

QN codes we may use:

QNB - act as relay
QND - net is directed (by the NCS)
QNE - entire net stand by
QNF - net is free (no longer controlled by NCS)
QNI - net stations report in  
QNG - take over as net control station
QNJ - can you copy me? Can you copy ___? 
QNN - net control station is ______.  What station has net control?
QNP - unable to copy you.  Unable to copy ___.
QNS - the following stations are in the net (followed by the list)
QNY - shift to another frequency with ___.  (Left to shifting stns to agree upon.)

Some not so common Q codes we may use:

QRA -- What is the name of your station?
QRU -- Have you anything for me? (Answer in negative)
QRV -- Are you ready?
QRW -- Shall I tell ..... you are calling him?
QRZ -- Who is calling me?
QSL -- Can you acknowledge receipt?
QSO -- Can you communicate with ____ direct?
QSP -- Will you relay to _____ ?
QSV -- Shall I send a series of V's?
 
8) Remember: If an idea works we'll keep it, if it doesn't we throw it out.  The purpose of this net is to have fun not to make up rules.  The plan I've laid out is 
to make it easier for more folks to have fun and to do it on their own terms.  I just act as NCS to assist as a go between.  Any suggestions or comments are 
always welcome.  Even those flaming arrows :) 

Sincerely,
   Kevin.  KD5ONS (Net Control Operator 5th Class)


This will be posted later in the week.  

I am sure revisions to this document will occur but the basic plan will stay in place. 

Let's have some fun and see who we can meet.
    KJR