VK Tech Net - Protocol

 The VK Tech Net is run a bit differently to the usual net operation of ham radio operators calling in and going onto a list, to then be called in order to have a say.

Read about the ideas behind the VK Tech Net

This net is run in segments.

Generally like this:

Net Control (NC) will open the net. There will not be a call in.

NC will announce the topic of the Learning Section, and then continue with it.

Learning Section - about some aspect of radio operation or setup. Possibly in response to questions on previous nets. These Learning Sections will also be posted on this website for later reference. Where possible they may be interactive. This section may be run by NC, or there may be another operator that will be announced to run it.

Q+A Section - Technical. Anyone with a technical question they would like answered  (eg. my radio doesn't work. What's wrong?) can call in to ask for help. Others on the net will then be asked if they can offer assistance. NC may also make a suggestion to help resolve the issue. At times, for longer responses, the involved parties will be asked to QSY to continue their "thread". They can then return to the net when finished if they like.

Q+A Section - Antennas. As above.

Info Section. This is the more general section of the net and will work more like a normal net. NC will ask if anyone wants to contribute information about something they are working on, involved in, or planning, about radio that will be useful to other participants. 

The net will be closed when NC decides they have had enough. At this time, NC will conduct a call in, ala WIA broadcast style, of anyone who would like to announce their involvement, whether it be active, or just listening in. There will be no judgement of SWLing. I am sick of snide comments on other nets about those who just want to listen in. 

Let me be clear about the running of this net:

NC WILL decide what is RELEVANT to the ideals of the net, and will MANAGE the nets content. That may mean informing you that your topic is not relevant to the current activity on the net. 

If you don't agree with the NC's decision, remember, you are not obliged to participate in the net.

73 

Cambo

VK Tech Net - beginnings

I had been thinking about starting a net on 80 Metres for a long time. 

Not that there aren't enough nets around, but on the whole they are pretty bland. Just "g'day, nice weather, my sciatica is playing up, 73". 

While I am not against chat or welfare nets, they just don't get my interest. 

I want to talk about Ham Radio. You know, electronics, transmitters, receivers, components, accessories, mobile set-ups, portable operating gear and "go bags", field day how to, modes of operation, and of course, antennas. 

Basically anything and everything technical about ham radio, in the broader sense of the word.

I believe there is just not enough of this information being disseminated (look it up) on the air regularly.

Anyway, a conversation with local ham Steve, VK3ZPG, and subsequent conversations with some recently licensed hams at the club, prompted me to make a decision and kick things off. The net is not a club activity. This is open to all licensed hams that can hear us and want to participate.

I have had a lot of thoughts about the format and how to run it, but ultimately, it's going to be suck it and see. The net will evolve in it's own way.

Will it work? Is the interest there?

My hope is that it will be useful.

Time will tell.

73

Cambo

Radio Blog Marker - kind of like a test point on a circuit board.

Nothing of interest here. I am calling this a Marker post. It's just for me to remember that this is the very next post from the one about the HB9CV 2m antenna in 2015.

Jan 2022. Whew! Almost 7 years. It is amazing how days roll into weeks into months into years. 

I kinda have the work/life excuse, but not really. I have been doing all sorts of ham radio stuff over that period, I just didn't get around to adding it to the blog. 

I think I must have done something of interest to some-one in that time, so I am going to add posts that I will date before this post to match at about the time they happened, but I will be adding them from now on.

Also, the reason I started this blog was really to be "My Diary" of my ham radio pursuits just for me to look back on, so I want to get stuff down while I can remember it. 

Makes a great place to bookmark ham radio sites and blogs I like as well.

Oh yeah. And link to my other websites.

73

Cambo

Neumora Retro Canvas Messenger Bag Small Shoulder Crossbody Bag Travel Sling Bag Shopping Purse for men women (Black small)

Jonon Vintage Military Men Canvas Messenger Bag for 13.3-17" Laptop (Size 17.3", Green)