NCS Script

HC-ARES VHF Net Control Script

by N4COY, - February 5, 2013 - V2.6

Updated by WA1EYF- July 7, 2025 - V3.7

Why do we have a Net Script?

Because we need to train communicators in the basics of net operation.  Our script is a basic script intended to be used by new Net Control Operators as well as experienced.

If all Net Control Operators use the same script then new members will become familiar with normal net operations.  When a new Net Control Operator sees the script they are already familiar with its layout and usage.  Over time we want all members to be a qualified Net Control Operator.

We realize that during an exercise, a Simulated Emergency Test, a Public Service Event, and a real Emergency Operations then the nets are managed differently.  But our training script is intended to make our members comfortable with basic net operations.

VHF Net Protocol
VHF Net Control Roster

Review HC-ARES VHF Net Protocol for additional information.

Prior to start of net, NCS checks for other stations requiring use of repeater/frequency. NCS checks if the alternate NCS is on frequency. If the ANCS is not, ask for a volunteer.

This is [FCC call sign], Net Control for the weekly Hillsborough County Greater Nashua ARES Training Net. [FCC call sign] is the Alternate Net Control. If there is no ANCS, ask for a volunteer. All interested radio Amateurs are invited to participate.

This is a directed net. Any station with traffic or comments will contact net control prior to contacting another station.

When checking in, state "this is" immediately followed by your tactical call. For this net, unless otherwise assigned, your tactical call is your FCC Call sign using standard ITU phonetics. State "Digital" if you have FLDIGI capability and "Traffic" only if you have a real or training message to pass. If you are checking in on a linked N1IMO repeater, include repeater node that you are using. (i.e. Derry, Brookline, Hollis VHF, Hollis UHF, Pack Monadnock, or other)

Mobile and hand held stations, check in now.

Wait about five seconds after last check-in heard to avoid missing a station and then acknowledge mobile stations.

This is net control, roger the following...

All other stations, check in now.

Wait about five seconds after last check-in heard to avoid missing a station. NCS then acknowledges each station that checked in by its tactical call and if it is digital or has traffic.

This is net control, roger the following...

Ask ANCS [FCC Call Sign] Are there any check-ins that were not recognized? If so, check in now.

Do not continually ask for check-ins, after last acknowledgement, state:

This is net control, [FCC call sign].

If a station has traffic, NCS asks that station to list it - precedence, destination, and mode (digital, voice). NCS takes appropriate action for passing the traffic

This is [FCC call sign], Net Control. Are there any ARES related announcements, comments, or training for the net? Call signs please.

NCS calls on stations for announcements, comments, or training.

Net Control picks one of the following as appropriate:
•This net meets next Monday on the N1IMO repeater system. NCS is [FCC call sign]

•This net meets next Monday on the CH 58 repeater. NCS is [FCC call sign]

This net meets next Monday on the GSARA N1QC repeater.  NCS is [FCC call sign.

•This net meets next Monday on Hillsborough Simplex Frequency. NCS is [FCC call sign]

This is Net Control closing this session of the Hillsborough County Greater Nashua ARES Training Net.

As appropriate...

Thanks to Bernie, N1IMO, or the Granite State Amateur Radio Association (GSARA), for the use of their repeater. The repeater is now returned to normal Amateur use.

[FCC call sign].

VOICE NET – NET CONTROL ASSIGNMENTS   Fourth Quarter 2025

DATE                      NET CONTROL            ALTERNATE NET CONTROL

October  6                         NA1T, N1QC (CH 46)                   KC1GKJ

October 13                       No Net Columbus Day               

October 20                       KC1GKJ, (CH 58)                          W1EAA              

October 27                       W1EAA, N1IMO                            WA1EYF

November 3                     WA1EYF, N1QC (CH 46)               W1YTT

November 10                   W1YTT, CH 58                               K1RAN

November 17                   K1RAN, N1IMO                              KC1OSX

November 24                   KC1OSX, (CH 58)                          NA1T

December 1                     NA1T, N1QC (CH 46)                     KC1GKJ

December 8                     KC1GKJ, N1IMO                            W1YTT 

December 15                  W1YTT, N1IMO                               WA1EYF

December 22                  WA1EYF, (CH 58)                            K1RAN

December 29                  K1RAN, N1IMO                               NA1T

Remember NCS's need to make a net report to WA1EYF@arrl.net

If you are scheduled as next week’s NCS you are the ANCS this week

updated 7/7/2025