Regular Reading Nets
The following regular nets often involve RADARC members:
4m Net on 70.425MHz FM, Tuesday evenings at 20:30
2m on GB3RD, Thursdays on non-meeting weeks at 20:00
4m Net on 70.425MHz FM, Sundays after RSGB News reading, News read at 09:00. The net starts around 9:25 after the news.
The D Net, 145.4125MHz, 21:00 on Sundays
Simplex in Reading
In addition, as of Wednesday 23rd December (was Tuesday 17th March) 2020 the following VHF/UHF FM simplex frequencies are suggested as ‘open channels’ to keep in touch:
70.425 MHz (when not in use for GB2RS as above and 4m Net) – also it is your duty to put a call out on 70.45 MHz at least once a day!
145.325 MHz (old RADARC channel, apparently)
433.550 MHz the “G4JTR” Frequency
Nearby Nets
Here are some nets from neighbouring areas which we know about.
Farnborough Radio Society 2m net, Fridays at 20:00 on 144.675MHz FM
Farnborough Radio Society Sunday night net on GB3FN (433.375MHz / 82.5Hz tone / 1.6MHz offset)
Tring UHF repeater – Wednesday evening net
Bracknell Amateur Radio Club net, Wednesdays 20:00 145.375MHz
Bracknell Amateur Radio Club net, Thursdays 12:00 70.475MHz
If you can’t pick these up on your radio, try the Farnham SDR.
If you would like to advertise any other nets you know of with RADARC members involved please contact the committee.
Working Nets
Nets are a great chance to give club members a go at the art of net control. Otherwise known as herding cats. In some situations where everyone can hear each other, establishing a ‘circular order’ or ‘firing order’ (for the petrol heads amongst us) can work well where one member passes transmission to the next with the net chair handling things if someone forgets. Which is often.
The other net topology is a ‘star’ based system where the transmission is passed back to the net chair after each over from participants. This is better/essential if not everyone can hear each other.
If all else fails “throw it up in the air” also works towards the end of the net.
Listen, before transmitting, is always a good strategy to make sure you’ve got the channel and are not ‘doubling’ (transmitting at the same time as someone else).
A pen and paper (or electronic equivalent) to keep track of net members, firing order and points to comment on is recommended unless your memory is very good.