Principles of a Net Control Station

Principles of a Net Control Station

Goal:
To minimize the average duration between the time a message is listed with the Net, and the time the message has been sent.

Objectives Procedure

NCS keep track of stations on the Net · Establish and use a logging system
· Station; Time In/Out; traffic destination/count; station/operator capability (location, modes, frequencies)

Handle highest precedence traffic first · Handle in the order of: Emergency, Priority, Welfare, Routine

Minimize the “idle” time of Stations with Traffic · Use other frequency channels for handling traffic.

Minimize the Net Time of each Station · Dispatch stations with fewest number of messages first, given equal precedence

Increase the Throughput of the Net · Minimize unnecessary “chatter” on the Net
· Create dedicated “Send” and “Receive” stations
· Create dedicated Point-to-Point Stations
· Use faster modes (CW, Pactor, Packet, PSK-31)
· Recruit additional stations to the Net
· Divide the Net into two Nets

Use all available resources · Ask for help/advice from Net Stations, if needed
· Ask for help from non-Net Stations, if needed
· Periodically ask for new check-ins to the Net
· Schedule Net Stations and Net Control Station in multi-hour shifts, to minimize operator fatigue

Objectives	Procedure
NCS keep track of stations on the Net	· Establish and use a logging system · Station; Time In/Out; traffic destination/count; station/operator capability (location, modes, frequencies)
Handle highest precedence traffic first	· Handle in the order of: Emergency, Priority, Welfare, Routine
Minimize the “idle” time of Stations with Traffic	· Use other frequency channels for handling traffic.
Minimize the Net Time of each Station	· Dispatch stations with fewest number of messages first, given equal precedence
Increase the Throughput of the Net	· Minimize unnecessary “chatter” on the Net · Create dedicated “Send” and “Receive” stations · Create dedicated Point-to-Point Stations · Use faster modes (CW, Pactor, Packet, PSK-31) · Recruit additional stations to the Net · Divide the Net into two Nets
Use all available resources	· Ask for help/advice from Net Stations, if needed · Ask for help from non-Net Stations, if needed · Periodically ask for new check-ins to the Net · Schedule Net Stations and Net Control Station in multi-hour shifts, to minimize operator fatigue

When a Traffic Net Gets Bogged Down . . . .

1. Divide the Net into two separate nets; such as…

Two geographic areas (north/south, city/urban, etc.)
Two client functions (fire support,/all other support, etc.)
Direction of traffic flow (In/Out)
Command Net/Working Net

2. Change the Net Control Station if….

The NCS is involved with traffic handling or relaying tasks.
The NCS is not in solid contact with most net stations.

3. Establish a second station at a location which is handling a lot of two-way traffic; one station for "in" traffic, the other station for "out" traffic.

4. Replace hand copy (pen/pencil) with a typewriter or word processor.

5. Increase the communication ability between net stations…

Move the net frequency slightly, to reduce interference
Move the net frequency to another Band, for better propagation.
Increase the transmitter power output.
Check the antenna and feedline connections.
Increase the antenna height.
Move the antenna outside of buildings.
Use a directional antenna.
Move the station antenna physical location.
Use an antenna with higher forward gain.
Change the favored direction of the antenna.
Use an antenna with a different polarization.
Relay through another station.
Establish a cross-band repeater (VHF/UHF)
Digipeat through another station (packet).
Eliminate receiver “noise” sources.
Speak slower….send slower
Change the mode of communication.

published by Don Felgenhauer K7BFL
December 23, 2000