Taking a Wrinkle Out of Net Operations with Phonetics

Net operations under emergency operations can be a place of collective chaos. The net controllers are tasked with the almost impossible job or organizing information being received from a number of independent sources. Mixed within this job is the formidable job of correctly identifying the call letters of the reporting stations.

Departing from the world of “words” call letters are a random mix of letters and numbers, each unique to the person checking into the net. But probably the most commonly mis-communicated piece of information during a net is the call letters. This can cause the net to come to a screeching halt as net operators try to decipher the mash of information. In emergency situations this can cause un-necessary delays and transmissions.

To defeat this problem most nets have adopted the amateur radio operators “phonetic  alphabet”. Using this known series of words to clearly convey your call letters can be the key to passing information correctly the first time. Every amateur should know their call letters phonetically, and use it when checking into the net.

Next time you check into the Emergency Net give it a shot, you will probably be surprised how well it works.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow CVG Coordinator, Kilo Golf Six Lima India