What Next: Amateur Radio Nets

Finding and Joining Amateur Radio Nets

An amateur radio net is a regular on-air gathering where a group of radio amateurs meet on a particular frequency or repeater at an agreed time.

Nets can be a particularly good way to get started after gaining your licence. Instead of calling CQ and hoping somebody answers, you know where people will be and when they’ll be there.

They’re also useful if you’re a little nervous about getting on air. You can listen first, learn how the net works and join in when you’re ready.

What happens on a net?

Nets vary considerably. Some are informal chats between a group of regulars, while others are more structured and have a net controller who manages the conversation.

On a typical controlled net:

• The controller announces the start of the net.
• Stations are invited to call in with their callsigns.
• The controller makes a list of those taking part.
• Each station is called in turn and given an opportunity to speak.
• The controller moves the conversation on to the next station.

This structure can make a net easier for a newcomer than trying to start a conversation from scratch.

Finding a local net

Many amateur radio clubs run weekly or monthly nets, often using a local 2m or 70cm repeater. Others use simplex frequencies, HF or digital voice.

Good places to look include:

• Your local amateur radio club’s website or social media pages
• The website for your local repeater
• Local amateur radio groups and forums
• Asking other amateurs in your area
• Simply listening to active local repeaters, particularly during the evening

If you find a local club, you don’t necessarily have to be a member to listen to its net, and many clubs are pleased to hear from newly-licensed amateurs.

Listen before joining

If you’ve found a net, there’s no need to transmit immediately.

Listen to one first. You’ll soon work out who is controlling the net, how people join, what sort of things they talk about and how the conversation is passed from one station to another.

Different nets have different styles. Some may be quite structured; others are little more than a group of friends having a chat. Listening is the easiest way to understand how a particular net operates.

How do I join?

If there’s a net controller, they will normally ask whether any additional stations would like to join. When invited, simply give your callsign.

The controller should acknowledge you and add you to their list. You then wait until the controller calls you.

Your first contribution doesn’t need to be complicated. For example:

“Good evening everyone. The name here is Pete, I’m in Southend and I’ve only recently got my Foundation licence. This is my first time on the net, so I thought I’d call in and say hello.”

That’s more than enough. In fact, telling people that you’re newly licensed or that it’s your first net is useful – they’ll understand if you’re unsure of the procedure and can help you along.

What should I talk about?

There isn’t usually a requirement to prepare anything. Depending on the net, people might talk about:

• What they’ve been doing with amateur radio that week
• Radios, antennas and projects
• Contacts they’ve made
• Local amateur radio news
• Upcoming club activities
• Or simply what they’ve been doing that day

If you don’t have much to say, that’s fine too. A short contribution is perfectly acceptable.

A few net tips

• Listen first so you understand how that particular net operates.
• If there’s a controller, wait until you’re called before transmitting.
• Write down the controller’s callsign and, if useful, the callsigns or names of other participants.
• Leave a short gap between transmissions when using a repeater.
• Don’t worry if you miss something – ask for a callsign or piece of information to be repeated.
• If you’re new, say so. Nobody expects someone making their first few contacts to know every convention.

Listen to a net online first

If you’d like to hear how a net sounds before joining one yourself, you can listen to the Essex Ham Monday Night Net.

It’s on air at 8pm every Monday, and you don’t need an amateur radio to listen.

You can listen online at:

Listen to Essex Ham online ↗

Or, on a compatible smart speaker, ask it to:

“Play Essex Ham”

Listening to a real net is a useful way to hear how stations join, how callsigns are used and how the conversation is managed.

Example of repeater operation

This extract from our Foundation Online course includes an example of amateur radio repeater operation:

Ready to have a go?

If you need help making that first call, see:

What Next: Making Your First Contact ↗

If it’s knowing what to say that’s holding you back:

What Next: What Do I Say on the Radio? ↗

There’s also more information on callsigns, calling CQ, phonetics, signal reports and general amateur radio operating in our main guide:

Amateur Radio Operating – Getting On Air ↗

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What Next? is still in beta. If you’re struggling to find a net near you, aren’t sure how to join one, or there’s something else we should explain, please let us know.