These scripts are used by Net Control Stations to run the net. The first part, the preamble, introduces the net and sets up its structure. Liaison check-ins allow for those representing other traffic nets and groups to more systematically check in. This is followed by check-ins from those with traffic, and then from those with or without traffic. After moving traffic and taking announcements and questions, the net is closed by reading the postamble.
PDF versions of the net scripts are available. You can also view them below.
DFW Metroplex Early Traffic Net
18:30 on 146.88 MHz/W5FC PL 110.9
One to two minutes before the net is scheduled to begin, ask if anyone needs to use the repeater, and if so, let them do so. At 18:30 open the net with the preamble.
Preamble
Welcome to the DFW Metroplex Early Traffic Net. My name is (name), my callsign (callsign), and I will be your net control station. This net is a local affiliate of the ARRL’s National Traffic System. Our purposes are to move traffic into and out of the DFW area through the NTS and to provide training to those stations interested in traffic handling. We welcome all licensed stations to participate.
This is a directed net; therefore, please do not transmit without direction from net control. We ask that you use ITU phonetics and please ID at the end of all transmissions. Stations that need to check out of the net should do so by rechecking with net control, indicating their need to secure, and also indicating what should be done with any listed traffic. Stations with emergency or priority traffic may enter the net at any time using the prosign BREAK-BREAK, followed by their callsign. Are there any stations with emergency or priority traffic?
Pause for any stations with emergency or priority traffic.
Order of business
Liaison check-ins
- Alternate Net Control Station (ANC)
- Texas CW Net (TEX)
- Texas Traffic Net (TTN)
- 7290 Traffic Net (7290)
- Digital (DIGITAL)
- DFW Late (LATE)
- ARES/RACES
Remember that TEX starts at 19:00. TEX liaisons should be released no later than 19:00.
Stations with traffic check-ins
Take a list of check-ins from stations wishing to list traffic with the net, using callsigns only, and ITU phonetics only.
General check-ins
Take a list of check-ins from stations wishing to participate in the net, using callsigns only, and ITU phonetics only.
All stations checking into the net should be regarded as traffic handlers, and eligible to be called upon to handle traffic. Any station called upon who declines to handle traffic, without good cause, should have their check-in stricken from the net’s check-in list, and their callsign should not be included in the net report. Note that checking in mobile or portable is NOT good cause for declining traffic. NCSs should consider mobile stations as outlets of last resort, and only assign traffic to them if there is no other traffic handler from any area available to take it.
After approximately 18:45, stop asking for stations with traffic. Any stations who check in wishing to list traffic after 18:45 should be asked to hold their traffic for a future net.
Traffic Handling
Handle traffic in the following order, and using liaisons in the specified order, as available:
- Out of state traffic: TEX, TTN, DIGITAL, 7290
- Traffic for other cities in Texas: TEX, TTN, 7290, DIGITAL
- Incoming local traffic: Closest available traffic handler to recipient address
If there is a large traffic list, consider asking those passing traffic to move to alternate repeaters. The first alternate is WA5CKF, 146.72 MHz, PL 110.9 Hz.
Bulletins, announcements, and training questions
Ask if there are any stations who would like to give bulletins or announcements, or that need to ask any training questions. If there are, let them do so.
If there is going to be a following net, there are reports pending, and it is five minutes or less before 19:00, omit the Bulletins, Announcements, and Training Questions section of the net.
Reports
If any stations are listing reports for the Net Manager or the Section Traffic Manager, have them pass them. Reports to the Net Manager should be passed to the Asst. Net Manager if he or she is checked in and the Net Manager is not.
Remember to ask for general check-ins throughout the net. Any traffic not passed can be carried over to the DFW Metroplex Late Traffic net via the DFW Late Liaison. When all traffic that can be passed has been, all other business has been completed, and there are no further check-ins, read the postamble and close the net. On nights when there is a following net (Monday, first and third Wednesdays, Saturday, first and Third Sundays) this should be done no later than 19:00.
Postamble
That will conclude this session of the DFW Metroplex Early Traffic Net. All stations are invited to call us on the air following the net if you have any questions. You can find out more information about this net and how to contact the net managers and ARRL Section Traffic Manager by visiting our website at www.dfwtrafficnet.org.
The Late edition of the traffic net will meet tonight at 21:30 on the WA5CKF repeater which is at 146.72 MHz with a PL tone of 110.9. This net will meet again tomorrow evening at 18:30 on this repeater with a different net control.
Does anyone have any questions or need any fills?
Pause for any stations requesting fills.
I would like to thank all stations for their participation, and thanks to the Dallas Amateur Radio Club for the use of their repeater, W5FC. This is (callsign) closing the net at (24-hour format time) and returning the repeater to normal amateur radio use.
Please remember to record the number of minutes the net was in session, the number of check-ins (including yourself) and the number of messages passed, and send the Net Manager or Asst. Net Manager your net report within 48 hours after the net.