okay so i got my technician license about 3 weeks ago and ive been lurking on the local 2m repeater just listening and getting a feel for things. there's a weekly net on tuesday nights and i really want to check in but honestly im kind of terrified of saying something wrong or using the wrong procedure and sounding like an idiot in front of everyone.

like i know the basics, you wait for the net control to ask for check-ins and then you give your callsign, but do i just say my callsign phonetically? do i say my name and location too or wait to be asked? and what if i miss my turn or key up at the wrong time, is that a huge deal? ive heard a few people on there who sound super polished and i just dont want to embarrass myself. any advice from people who have actually done this would be great

oh man i remember feeling exactly like this. the thing nobody tells you is that net control has heard every possible mistake in the book and they genuinely don't care, they'll just work through it. most nets especially local ones are pretty forgiving with new folks.

for a basic check-in just wait until they ask for check-ins then key up and say your callsign phonetically, like "Whiskey 5 X-ray Yankee Zulu" or however yours goes. some nets like you to say your name and city right then, others will come back to you after logging you and ask. honestly the best thing is just listen to how a few other people do it before your turn and copy that format. if you kerchunk the repeater or step on someone it's really not the end of the world, just wait a second and try again. everyone started somewhere and most of the regulars will be happy you showed up.

yeah just do it, worst case you fumble a little and laugh about it. i checked into my first net and completely forgot my own callsign for like two seconds which was mortifying at the time but net control just waited and it was fine. nobody said anything about it after.

one thing i'd add is if the repeater has a courtesy tone, wait for that before you key up for anything, helps avoid doubling with someone else. but honestly just jump in, the tuesday night crowd on most club nets are really welcoming to new people.