What is a Net:
A ‘Net’ is a regularly scheduled communications network and normally refers to radio communications. A Net is a great way to practice and become proficient with equipment while meeting and keeping in contact with other like-minded preppers, patriots and redoubters in your area or region. There are several ways you can participate in the Nets! It can be as easy as monitoring your FRS radio, checking in on your 2m radio or for more advanced operators (with more capabilities) joining the digital nets. Help us strengthen the AmRRON network by Joining or Starting a Net.
AmRRON Videos:
Be sure to watch the Introduction to AmRRON and Introduction to the CH3 project videos to familiarize yourself with AmRRON before Joining or Starting a net.
Types of Nets:
Local Nets– These are local range nets using FRS, MURS, CB (license not required) and 2m or 70cm (license required). If you do not have a Ham Radio license, you can still monitor the 2m and 70cm nets and check-in on FRS, MURS or CB during the CH3 project relays.
Sub-Regional Nets– These are High Frequency (HF) nets on 40m/80m, limited to sub-regions depending on conditions. A General Class Radio License and a HF radio is required to transmit during these nets. However, you can monitor using a Shortwave Radio with SSB and check in using the the Monitoring only check-in Form online.
Regional/National Nets– The National net is a 20m net that can be heard across the entire United States if conditions are optimal using High Frequency (HF). There are also four regional rolling nets (Pacific, Mountain, Central and Eastern) on 40m/80m to ensure nationwide coverage and connectivity between the regions. If you do not have HF capabilities, you can monitor using a Shortwave Radio with SSB and check in using the the Monitoring only check-in Form online.
TAPRN Regional Nets– TAPRN stands for The American Preparedness Radio Net. TAPRN runs a weekly Eastern Regional 40m/80m HF net. After the NCS takes check-ins, they discuss a topic related to self reliance and preparedness.
Other Nets of Interest– These nets are not affiliated with AmRRON, but were recommended as useful resources for monitoring for news, events, and other information. These are already established nets where Hams are likely to congregate. If you know of a net that could be a useful source for monitoring radio traffic in TEOTWAWKI, let us know.
Net Directories:
Local Nets Directory
Sub-Regional Nets Directory
Regional/National Nets Schedule
TAPRN Nets Schedule
Other Nets of Interest Listings
How to Join a Net:
Select one of the nets from the directories listed above based on your communications capabilities and location. Tune to the correct channel/frequency at the scheduled time, and you will be directed by the Net Control Station running the net when to check-in. If you do not see a net in your area, you can start one! Continue with the instructions below.
Important: DO NOT use your AmRRON CODE NAME on the Ham Radio bands (use your FCC call sign) DO NOT use your FCC CALL sign on the non licensed comms (FRS/MURS/CB), use your AmRRON CODE NAME.
How to start a Net:
Before you consider starting a new AmRRON net, you must complete a Net Control Station Application form. The application will provide us more information regarding your communications capabilities and any NCS experience you may have. Note: previous experience is not required. The application form also lists the roles and responsibilities as a future NCS. Once you have completed the NCS application process you are able to submit a request for a new AmRRON net. Continue with the instructions below.
AmRRON Net Defined:
An AmRRON Net is one which specifically identifies itself as an AmRRON Net in the preamble, and refers net participants to the website, AmRRON.com for more information. AmRRON Nets also encourage membership and include one or more of the following:
- A portion of the net (5 minutes) participants are encouraged to attempt to make CH3 contacts on CB, FRS, or MURS (for local nets).
- Instructions are given for persons listening who cannot check in by radio, to fill out the Net Check-In Form at the website.
- When available, distributing the most recent Net Word Of The Week and Authentication Number to the net.
Note: Some nets are jointly held with other patriot/preparedness radio networks. For example, there are AmRRON/Oathkeeper Nets that are conducted, encouraging participation from two or more groups, but are announced as such, with all participating groups mentioned. If ‘AmRRON’ is mentioned in the preamble and during the net, it would meet the requirements for being listed on the Net Calendar as an AmRRON Net.
Submit Request for New Net:
After completing the NCS application process, you are able to submit a request for a new net. Check the net directories and verify there is not an existing net in your area during the time you will be requesting. If there are no conflicts, complete the request form using the link below:
Once your request is reviewed and approved, you will receive email confirmation and the net will be listed on the Scheduled Nets Calendar and the Net Directory.
Scheduled Nets Update Request:
As NCS, you will be responsible for submitting any updates to your net. This includes, but is not limited to, changes to week, day, time, frequency, mode, etc.
Contact Information:
If you have additional questions, contact us at nets@amrron.com. Including your AmRRON Code Name.
[…] Join or Start a Net […]
[…] Join or Start a Net PDF […]
Just checking…
September 1rst I submitted information for my Orange County California 2 meter Net I will be holding on Fridays. I have been anxiously cheking your listing of local nets every day since then. Not having seen my net listed is because: 1) You are too busy and haven’t gotten to it yet, or 2) I did something wrong, and need to resubmit my Net announcment.
Should I resubmit my announcement?
Hello, Just added your net. Thank you for starting up this net! Glad you followed-up and you are now in the directory.
What is the closest practice NET to Alaska??
All of our nets are listed at:
Checking on status of approval for net application for Comanche County, Oklahoma.
How long does it usually take for the nets to get listed?
We have your request. The turn around time varies. You should be hearing something very soon.
Just curious on how long it takes to have your net shown up on the schedule. And curious how to get the authentication number if I don’t have access to 20m.
It is their as of 1-17. I am tried down with 24/7 hospice care at the moment so I’m a bit slow at times…d-10
[…] Join or Start a Net […]
I have submitted both the NCS and New net applications. So now comes the wait to get a net in Indiana. Even tho I don’t have anything better to TX on than CB and FRS
Some posted advice from those who have done it would be appreciated on how to approach a repeater operator to get their permission to have a net on their repeater.
Hello, Here is a response from one our our AmRRON Corps members that is part of a local radio club:
I am the trustee on our local repeater. It is a “club” owned open repeater and we welcome activity on it and encourage amateurs to use it. There are a couple of considerations for those using it for nets.. First, find out when our club holds it’s nets and choose a time that doesn’t conflict with those. Second, it is a significant expense to put up a repeater and keep it in operation. If you intend on using the repeater on a regular basis, become a member of the club and pay dues that go toward it’s upkeep. There is also an advantage in being a club member as you can introduce other amateurs to AmRRON and our mission statement. Obviously, in a disaster or crisis situation, our repeater would be open to any group assisting in helping the community.
RM-08
(Keep in mind, not all radio club members are ‘like-minded’. You will need to use discernment depending on the club)
Thanks RM-08, I recently joined a net and contributed to the repeater fund so hopefully that will be a start. I totally understand what you are saying regarding not all club members being like minded. I will take it slow and see where it leads. Thanks for the valued advice. JulietTango-04. 73
Doing a net is an interesting idea. There are no local nets listed near Dallas County. Consistency is not yet one of my strong points. As busy as CB is around the DFW metroplex, it’s surprising to hear only static when I monitor Ch. 3 in my vehicle to and from work. I haven’t spent much time monitoring MURS Ch. 3, but I have a decent antenna for it at 35’. I’m curious how well it would reach. These articles are still being read nine years after being written, so commenting may not ever get back to original readers or authors, but it does contribute to future readings of the article. As I read comments, I hope all is as well as can be for the past commenters and authors.
Thanks for the comment! We’re working on more video content to help folks expand their local networks.