Standard Operating Procedure for Latah AuxComm, Latah ARES, and DSARC Weekly Packet Net

1. Purpose The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish guidelines for the weekly packet net operations, fostering proficiency in packet radio communications for AuxComm, ARES, and DSARC members.

2. Weekly Packet Net Objectives

  • Maintain regular communication practice.
  • Familiarize members with using packet radio tools and nodes.
  • Provide alternative connectivity through telnet for those unable to use RF.

3. General Information

  • Primary Node: KI7LAC on 145.050 MHz.
    • Node: KI7LAC-7
    • BBS: KI7LAC-1
    • RMS (Winlink): KI7LAC-10
    • Chatroom: KI7LAC-11
  • Fallback Node: K7LL-7 for indirect access to KI7LAC.
  • Net Control Time: Tuesdays at 1830 or close of voice net.
  • Alternate Access: Telnet for participants unable to connect via RF.

4. Net Structure

  • Call to Order:

    1. Participants begin by connecting to KI7LAC-7. If unable to reach it directly, K7LL-7 may be used as a digipeater to connect to KI7LAC-7 but does not serve as a fallback node. KI7LAC-7 is the primary and operations node for the net.
    2. NCS will initiate the net by instructing participants to connect to KI7LAC-7 and check into the KI7LAC-11 chatroom. There is no voice component, and the call to order is conducted entirely via packet communications.

  • Check-in:

    1. Participants check into the KI7LAC-11 chatroom. This check-in constitutes participation in the net.
    2. Any assignments or tasks will be communicated via the chatroom.

  • Net Assignments:

    1. Participants will initially receive their assignments through the KI7LAC-11 chatroom. As the net progresses, assignments will transition to being retrieved from the KI7LAC-1 BBS.
    2. Tasks may include sending a Winlink message or reporting specific information like weather conditions.

  • Completion of Tasks:

    1. Participants complete their assignments and report back to the KI7LAC-11 chatroom as confirmation.

  • Closing the Net:

    1. The net concludes when all participants have completed their tasks and confirmed completion by reporting back in the KI7LAC-11 chatroom.
    2. NCS provides closing comments and adjourns the net.

5. Instructions for Telnet Participants

  • Telnet participants will connect to KI7LAC-7 and complete tasks as outlined in the net instructions.
  • Access instructions for Telnet: [Provide details].

6. Net Control Responsibilities

  • Start the net and guide participants through the agenda.
  • Monitor participants’ progress and provide assistance as needed.
  • Track attendance and ensure task completion.
  • Send practice messages and maintain logs of tasks completed.

7. Participant Guidelines

  • Ensure all equipment is functioning before the net.
  • Connect to KI7LAC-7 (or use K7LL-7 as a digipeater if necessary).
  • Check into the KI7LAC-11 chatroom promptly.
  • Complete assignments and report back in a timely manner.
  • Ask questions or request help as needed during the net.

8. Evaluation and Feedback

  • After each net, participants are encouraged to provide feedback to improve future sessions.
  • NCS will provide constructive feedback and guidance to participants.

9. Resources and Contact Information

  • Packet Radio Guide: [Provide link or reference].
  • Technical Support Contact: [Provide details].
  • Net Control Contact: [Provide details].