Looking for advice from experienced net control operators. I've been asked to take over NCS duties for our club's weekly information net, but I'm nervous about managing 15-20 regular check-ins plus any walk-ins. The control of an ARES net is a skill best learned through practice, and periodic training nets provide operators with experience. What are your key tips for:

• Keeping the net moving efficiently
• Handling multiple stations trying to check in at once
• Managing emergency or priority traffic that comes up mid-net
• Maintaining good net discipline without being too rigid

Any veteran NCS wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

"A wise ham once said, 'A ham has two ears and one mouth. Therefore he should listen twice as much as he talks.' Be sure to say exactly what you mean. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!" Keep your instructions clear and brief, and don't be afraid to politely redirect stations if they get off-topic.

Time-consuming pleasantries and other superfluous matters are not part of the procedure while the net is in session. Net stations follow the direction of the NCS without question. For managing multiple check-ins, use phonetic alphabetization - call for stations by suffix letter groups. Works great for larger nets!

Great question! Make a general call for Emergency or Priority traffic first so as not to delay this material, and tell stations they can break into the net at any time using 'BREAK BREAK' followed by their call sign. I always remind the net about emergency procedures at the beginning - it sets the right tone and keeps everyone prepared.