so ive been licensed about 4 months now (general) and i mostly just listen to the local 2m net on tuesday nights but i really want to check in one of these days. the problem is i have no idea what the proper way to do it is. like do i just wait for the net control to ask for check-ins and then say my callsign? do i say my name and location every time or just the first time? i dont want to step on anyone or do something wrong and embarrass myself in front of the whole group. ive heard people do it differently and it confuses me even more. the net seems really friendly but still, first time nerves you know

oh man dont stress about it, everyone on a net has had their first check-in and net control folks are usually really patient. when they ask for check-ins just key up and give your callsign phonetically the first time if you want, though a lot of people around here just say it straight. wait for NCS to acknowledge you and then give whatever info they ask for, usually name and location is pretty standard. if you mess up the timing or step on someone by accident just say sorry and try again, its really not a big deal. the worst thing you can do is never check in because youre worried about being perfect, honestly the regulars will be happy to hear a new voice on the net

yeah what he said. i was terrified my first check in too lol. one thing i'll add is listen to a few full nets before you try so you get a feel for how fast the pacing is on your specific net because they vary a lot. some net controls are super formal and want phonetics and signal reports, others are just really casual and its basically just your call and first name. youll figure it out quick. just do it, the community genuinely wants new people participating