QSY SOCIETY CW PRACTICE NET
{K2QS is a member of FISTS (#15350) and SKCC (#7371)}
The QSY Society CW Practice Net has been dormant for some time due to lack of check-ins. If you’d like to see it brought back to life, please email JB at jfblair@frontiernet.net. or Scott w2ntv@arrl.net
The QSY Society CW Practice Net is a CW training net meeting most days at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time on 3,576 KHz./144.050 KHz All stations are warmly invited to check in regardless of membership status.
Net operating speed is 10 words per minute, although the net members will make every effort possible to accommodate those requiring a slower speed. Those sending at 5 wpm should have no fear!
We hope to give you the opportunity to learn and practice CW operating procedures. To help the newcomer, a few of the basic procedures are briefly outlined below. (Sorry if it seems like a lot, but read, listen, and then check in!)
CW (“Morse Code”), while no longer required to earn an amateur radio license, is still alive and well on the ham bands! It has seen a resurgence in recent years. Often referred to as “the original digital mode”, CW offers some distinct advantages for communication in poor atmospheric conditions, in emergency situations, and where simpler and less power-hungry equipment is required to get the job done.
Message handling is the essence of emergency communications by radio amateurs. Emergency operations incorporate all methods of communications, including CW. Participating in The QSY Society CW Training Net will introduce you to the basic operating protocols and improve your confidence and your skill in Morse message handling.
Basic Net Procedure
(Traffic Cop Rules So We Don’t Bang Into Each Other!)
To check into the net: Wait until the net control station (NCS) calls the net or finishes acknowledging another station, then send a single letter or two short letters. When the NCS repeats the letter(s) you sent, check in.
Example -
NCS: QSY NET QSY NET DE WA2WMJ QNI K
You: X
NCS: X
You: DE WB2ABC QRU K
NCS: R WB2ABC AS (If you are new to the net or to that particular NCS, she/he may then ask for your name and QTH.)
What do those Q-Signals and abbreviations mean?
QNI: Net stations report in
QRU: Have you anything for me?
R: Roger
AS: Stand by
Sometimes several stations try to check in simultaneously. If the NCS recognizes another station, wait until she/he acknowledges the other station or calls the net again, then repeat the procedure.
Once you are checked into the net the NCS assumes that you are standing by attentively. Normally, do not transmit unless the NCS calls you (she/he may use your entire call or only your suffix). If the NCS calls you and pauses, indicate your attention by sending “HR”. Please remain on net until the NCS excuses you (QNX) or the net is over (QNF). If you want to address the NCS, wait for a net call or a pause in the proceedings then send your suffix. The NCS will acknowledge with your suffix and you can then continue; for example, asking to be excused (PSE QNX). Don’t call any other net member unless directed to by the NCS. Keep all exchanges courteous but brief.
To practice copying, the NCS will usually instruct stations to QNC (all stations copy) and will send a message, ending with AR (end of message).
If you need fills, call the NCS by sending your suffix:
Example -
You: ABC
NCS: WMJ
You: WA RADIO (word after radio), or any other request.
NCS: Will send requested text, followed by K
You: QSL (acknowledging receipt) or request more information.
The NCS may call you and ask if you have words for net:
Example -
NCS: ABC
You: ABC
NCS: N2ABC WDS FOR NET?
You: GE (good evening) ALL, HAD A GREAT DAY WON A MILLION BUCKS K (or any other text – remember, keep it brief)
NCS: FB TU AS (Fine business, thank you, stand by)
A complete tutorial containing the NTS message form, a list of the QN-Signals used in net operation, other Q-Signals and abbreviations can be obtained from the ARRL at: ARRL FSD-218
Remember – only one station at a time can transmit on the net frequency. The NCS is in charge. Transmit only when she/he calls on you and only as directed.
Have fun and don’t sweat it; we all had to start somewhere – and welcome to CW!
CW Links
A Beginner’s Guide to Making CW Contacts by Jack Wagoner WB8FSV.
AC6V’s Morse Code Operating Aids
FISTS – the International Morse Preservation Society.