The Beginning...
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Western Connecticut Traffic Net: Wesconn
Western Connecticut Traffic Net (Wesconn) is part of the ARRL’s National Traffic System, a local training and traffic net in the Connecticut section. It meets each evening at 8:30 PM on 145.410 MHz with a tone of 141.3 MHz on the Pioneer Valley Radio Association (PVRA) repeater in Vernon Connecticut. Wesconn is a directed traffic net and all net business is handled through net control. The net control station convenes the net, checks stations into the net, manages traffic passing, and generally runs the net.
The word "net" is short for "network". Networks can be defined as groups of equipment, individuals, and/or agencies acting together to increase efficiency and effectiveness through sharing information and resources. The word "network" can be further broken down into its two components. "Net" implies a capture and holding effect. "Work" implies that something productive is to be accomplished. Ham radio operators and nets in an emergency situation capture, record, hold, and distribute information so that others may work more effectively. The purpose of any net is to provide a means for orderly communication within a group of stations.
In a directed net, a Net Control station (NCS) organizes and controls all activity on the net. Nets are either directed or undirected and may also be formal or informal. Local 2 meter traffic and training nets in Connecticut use a hybrid net format with a formal directed portion (strictly for traffic handling) and then a directed 'informal' portion that promotes the net member's team functioning and camaraderie. Enticing and maintaining participation from volunteers is an ongoing goal of the traffic nets. The informal portion of the net is a way to introduce the net members to each other, promote the process of forming them into traffic handlers (Official Relay Stations), and to promote their ability to function as a team.
Who Runs The Net?
Wesconn is a directed net, a formal net with a set of rules, all communications go through net control ( NCS). Wessconn has a net manager, Ethel KB1NMO. She oversees the net and selects net control stations ( NCS). The NCS controls the frequency, checks stations into the net, directs the flow of traffic, and closes the net. The NCS will issue specific instructions on how he/she wants the net to run. A directed net is one in which it is necessary to obtain permission from the NCS before transmitting to other stations in the net. It is also necessary to obtain permission of the NCS before you leave the net.
New participants in Wesconn will have a guide through the traffic passing process in the NCS. You don't need to be an expert to check in to this net! Wesconn meets nightly, to pass traffic into, out of, and throughout the State of CT. The members of the Wesconn net can provide necessary information and resources to assist you with learning how to pass 'traffic' in the National Traffic System of the ARRL. Traffic can, where legal, even be passed internationally!
The skills developed in traffic nets are of particular importance to the Emergency Communications functions of the ARRL. By developing traffic passing and net control skills, you contribute to your community's ability to prepare for, and respond to, disasters. Ham radio operators were involved in emergency communications as recently as with the tornado in Springfield Mass., hurricane IRENE, and snowstorm Alfred on Oct. 29, 2011. The Connecticut section of the ARRL devoted to Emergency Communications is Connecticut Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES). The member handbook for Connecticut ARES spells out its purpose and operations. There are five regions in Connecticut and Wesconn covers primarily region 3 and portions of other regions as well. Each town in the section has a ham radio emergency coordinator. The listing for the region 3 emergency coordinators is available on the ARES web site. Wesconn is also a source for current information on special events and public service activities going on in central Connecticut. To learn about these events you only need to listen during the informal portion of the net. To learn about training opportunities and resources, please visit the ARRL for more information or contact the Wesconn Net Manager Ethel Kramer, kb1nmo.
WESCONN is hosted on a PVRA machine. The basic guidelines from PVRA for the use of their repeaters are:
1. Remember to follow FCC rules regarding language, business rules, music, etc.
2. Always LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN before you transmit to ensure no one else is on the repeater
3. The repeaters have an attack timer to prevent the repeater from coming up due to interference. When the repeater has been quiet for a while, hold the mic button for a second before you begin to speak to give the repeater time to react. If you speak to quickly, you will miss the first half of your call sign. Once the conversation is started, this timer no longer is active.
4. Always ID every ten minutes and at the end of your call. Putting out your call at the beginning of an attempt to contact another party is considered considerate.
5. DO NOT say "OVER" after each transmission, the courtesy beep will signal that you have released the mike button! (Be aware that this practice varies from repeater to repeater.)
6. This is a linked repeater system that covers from New York to Mass. The repeaters take several moments to activate this series of links when you transmit. To not have you transmission cut off at the beginning, press your "Push Then Talk" (PTT) key and wait two seconds before transmitting. This allows the link to be established to all of the repeaters. This will help ensure that others hear your entire transmission.
7. This is a linked system. It is important to wait for the squelch tail to drop before you transmit. This ensures the entire array of linked repeaters reset their timers. If this is not done, you can time out the repeaters or the links and then they will not be useable for 30 seconds.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this training material is to present basic information and procedures for use in Wesconn net operation. This document is for those new to the National Traffic System (NTS) nets or new to Wesconn. Much of the information and skills will generalize to other nets. An effective net requires continuity in net operations. It is important to recognize that this training material builds on contributions and skills of those who have gone ahead of us. There is very little that is original in this document. The National Traffic System Manual (http://www.arrl.org/nts-manual) is section II of The Public Service Communications Manual, ARRL, 1996 and can be found at http://www.arrl.org/public-service-communications-manual.
National Traffic System
The National Traffic System provides an integrated network structure to:
A:promote accurate and efficient movement of message traffic from origin to destination as a public service, and to,
B: train a cadre of amateur radio operators to handle message traffic in an organized, coordinated network environment. (1996, ARRL, National Traffic System Terms of Reference, Article two)
The responsibility for administration of the National Traffic System at the Section level is vested in the office of the Section Manager, and under delegated authority of the Section Traffic Manager. (ARRL, 1996, ational Traffic System Terms of Reference, Article 2, number two) The operations of the National Traffic System shall be conducted in accordance with the policies and procedures published in the Public Service Communications Manual. (ARRL, 1996, National Traffic System Terms of Reference, Article 2, number 1, and Article 6, item 4)
Local nets are those covering smaller areas such as a community, city, county or metropolitan area. They usually operate at VHF (typically 2-meter FM) at times and on days most convenient to their members. Some local nets are focused on a specialty such as emergencies: ARES or Skywarn nets for example. These speciality nets do not specialize in traffic handling. Local traffic nets are intended mainly for training and local delivery of traffic. Some NTS local nets operate on a daily basis, just as do other nets of the system. NTS local nets also route the incoming traffic as closely as possible to its actual destination before delivery—a matter of practice in a procedure that might be required in an emergency. A table of local nets here in central Connecticut follows.
Net Name Days Time Freq. Offset CTCSS Net Manager
Wesconn nightly 8:30 PM 145.410 Negative 141.3 kb1nmo
ECTN nightly 9:00 PM 146.730 Negative 156.7 E w1mct
Bears Mon-Fri 9:15 PM 145.110 Negative 77.0 n1mk
Nutmeg Wed 9:30 PM 147.090 Positive 110.9 kb1rgq
Thurs. - Tues. 9:30 PM 146.685 Negative 141.3 kb1rgq
CPN Sunday 10:00 local 3.965 n1dio
Mon - Sat 2200 Z 3.973 n1dio
E: has an Echolink node for access
RESOURCES
This site is under construction as of Feb. 1, 2013. Please check back often to see the new features added in the days ahead! 73 ..... bob
Western Connecticut Traffic Net: Wesconn
Western Connecticut Traffic Net (Wesconn) is part of the ARRL’s National Traffic System, a local training and traffic net in the Connecticut section. It meets each evening at 8:30 PM on 145.410 MHz with a tone of 141.3 MHz on the Pioneer Valley Radio Association (PVRA) repeater in Vernon Connecticut. Wesconn is a directed traffic net and all net business is handled through net control. The net control station convenes the net, checks stations into the net, manages traffic passing, and generally runs the net.
The word "net" is short for "network". Networks can be defined as groups of equipment, individuals, and/or agencies acting together to increase efficiency and effectiveness through sharing information and resources. The word "network" can be further broken down into its two components. "Net" implies a capture and holding effect. "Work" implies that something productive is to be accomplished. Ham radio operators and nets in an emergency situation capture, record, hold, and distribute information so that others may work more effectively. The purpose of any net is to provide a means for orderly communication within a group of stations.
In a directed net, a Net Control station (NCS) organizes and controls all activity on the net. Nets are either directed or undirected and may also be formal or informal. Local 2 meter traffic and training nets in Connecticut use a hybrid net format with a formal directed portion (strictly for traffic handling) and then a directed 'informal' portion that promotes the net member's team functioning and camaraderie. Enticing and maintaining participation from volunteers is an ongoing goal of the traffic nets. The informal portion of the net is a way to introduce the net members to each other, promote the process of forming them into traffic handlers (Official Relay Stations), and to promote their ability to function as a team.
Who Runs The Net?
Wesconn is a directed net, a formal net with a set of rules, all communications go through net control ( NCS). Wessconn has a net manager, Ethel KB1NMO. She oversees the net and selects net control stations ( NCS). The NCS controls the frequency, checks stations into the net, directs the flow of traffic, and closes the net. The NCS will issue specific instructions on how he/she wants the net to run. A directed net is one in which it is necessary to obtain permission from the NCS before transmitting to other stations in the net. It is also necessary to obtain permission of the NCS before you leave the net.
New participants in Wesconn will have a guide through the traffic passing process in the NCS. You don't need to be an expert to check in to this net! Wesconn meets nightly, to pass traffic into, out of, and throughout the State of CT. The members of the Wesconn net can provide necessary information and resources to assist you with learning how to pass 'traffic' in the National Traffic System of the ARRL. Traffic can, where legal, even be passed internationally!
The skills developed in traffic nets are of particular importance to the Emergency Communications functions of the ARRL. By developing traffic passing and net control skills, you contribute to your community's ability to prepare for, and respond to, disasters. Ham radio operators were involved in emergency communications as recently as with the tornado in Springfield Mass., hurricane IRENE, and snowstorm Alfred on Oct. 29, 2011. The Connecticut section of the ARRL devoted to Emergency Communications is Connecticut Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES). The member handbook for Connecticut ARES spells out its purpose and operations. There are five regions in Connecticut and Wesconn covers primarily region 3 and portions of other regions as well. Each town in the section has a ham radio emergency coordinator. The listing for the region 3 emergency coordinators is available on the ARES web site. Wesconn is also a source for current information on special events and public service activities going on in central Connecticut. To learn about these events you only need to listen during the informal portion of the net. To learn about training opportunities and resources, please visit the ARRL for more information or contact the Wesconn Net Manager Ethel Kramer, kb1nmo.
WESCONN is hosted on a PVRA machine. The basic guidelines from PVRA for the use of their repeaters are:
1. Remember to follow FCC rules regarding language, business rules, music, etc.
2. Always LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN before you transmit to ensure no one else is on the repeater
3. The repeaters have an attack timer to prevent the repeater from coming up due to interference. When the repeater has been quiet for a while, hold the mic button for a second before you begin to speak to give the repeater time to react. If you speak to quickly, you will miss the first half of your call sign. Once the conversation is started, this timer no longer is active.
4. Always ID every ten minutes and at the end of your call. Putting out your call at the beginning of an attempt to contact another party is considered considerate.
5. DO NOT say "OVER" after each transmission, the courtesy beep will signal that you have released the mike button! (Be aware that this practice varies from repeater to repeater.)
6. This is a linked repeater system that covers from New York to Mass. The repeaters take several moments to activate this series of links when you transmit. To not have you transmission cut off at the beginning, press your "Push Then Talk" (PTT) key and wait two seconds before transmitting. This allows the link to be established to all of the repeaters. This will help ensure that others hear your entire transmission.
7. This is a linked system. It is important to wait for the squelch tail to drop before you transmit. This ensures the entire array of linked repeaters reset their timers. If this is not done, you can time out the repeaters or the links and then they will not be useable for 30 seconds.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this training material is to present basic information and procedures for use in Wesconn net operation. This document is for those new to the National Traffic System (NTS) nets or new to Wesconn. Much of the information and skills will generalize to other nets. An effective net requires continuity in net operations. It is important to recognize that this training material builds on contributions and skills of those who have gone ahead of us. There is very little that is original in this document. The National Traffic System Manual (http://www.arrl.org/nts-manual) is section II of The Public Service Communications Manual, ARRL, 1996 and can be found at http://www.arrl.org/public-service-communications-manual.
National Traffic System
The National Traffic System provides an integrated network structure to:
A:promote accurate and efficient movement of message traffic from origin to destination as a public service, and to,
B: train a cadre of amateur radio operators to handle message traffic in an organized, coordinated network environment. (1996, ARRL, National Traffic System Terms of Reference, Article two)
The responsibility for administration of the National Traffic System at the Section level is vested in the office of the Section Manager, and under delegated authority of the Section Traffic Manager. (ARRL, 1996, ational Traffic System Terms of Reference, Article 2, number two) The operations of the National Traffic System shall be conducted in accordance with the policies and procedures published in the Public Service Communications Manual. (ARRL, 1996, National Traffic System Terms of Reference, Article 2, number 1, and Article 6, item 4)
Local nets are those covering smaller areas such as a community, city, county or metropolitan area. They usually operate at VHF (typically 2-meter FM) at times and on days most convenient to their members. Some local nets are focused on a specialty such as emergencies: ARES or Skywarn nets for example. These speciality nets do not specialize in traffic handling. Local traffic nets are intended mainly for training and local delivery of traffic. Some NTS local nets operate on a daily basis, just as do other nets of the system. NTS local nets also route the incoming traffic as closely as possible to its actual destination before delivery—a matter of practice in a procedure that might be required in an emergency. A table of local nets here in central Connecticut follows.
Net Name Days Time Freq. Offset CTCSS Net Manager
Wesconn nightly 8:30 PM 145.410 Negative 141.3 kb1nmo
ECTN nightly 9:00 PM 146.730 Negative 156.7 E w1mct
Bears Mon-Fri 9:15 PM 145.110 Negative 77.0 n1mk
Nutmeg Wed 9:30 PM 147.090 Positive 110.9 kb1rgq
Thurs. - Tues. 9:30 PM 146.685 Negative 141.3 kb1rgq
CPN Sunday 10:00 local 3.965 n1dio
Mon - Sat 2200 Z 3.973 n1dio
E: has an Echolink node for access
RESOURCES
This site is under construction as of Feb. 1, 2013. Please check back often to see the new features added in the days ahead! 73 ..... bob