so ive been listening to the local 2m net for a few weeks and want to check in but im not really sure about the procedure. do i just wait for them to call for check-ins and then give my call? seems like some people give their name and location too but others dont. also what if i cant copy the net control station very well, is it ok to ask them to repeat something or does that mess up the whole net

dont worry we were all new once! when they call for checkins just key up and give your callsign phonetically, then wait. net control will usually ask for your name and location if they want it. if you cant copy something its totally fine to ask for a repeat - just say something like "net control this is your_call, could you repeat that last transmission please" - happens all the time and no one minds

Yeah I was nervous about my first net too but everyone was super friendly. One tip - if the net control asks "any late or missed check-ins" at the end, thats another chance to jump in if you missed it earlier. Our local net always does that and its less pressure than trying to get in during the main roll call when everyone else is checking in