Goal:
To minimize the average duration between the time a message is listed with the Net, and the time the message has been sent.
| Objectives | Procedure |
|---|---|
| NCS keep track of stations on the Net | · Establish and use a logging system · Station; Time In/Out; traffic destination/count; station/operator capability (location, modes, frequencies) |
| Handle highest precedence traffic first | · Handle in the order of: Emergency, Priority, Welfare, Routine |
| Minimize the “idle” time of Stations with Traffic | · Use other frequency channels for handling traffic. |
| Minimize the Net Time of each Station | · Dispatch stations with fewest number of messages first, given equal precedence |
| Increase the Throughput of the Net | · Minimize unnecessary “chatter” on the Net · Create dedicated “Send” and “Receive” stations · Create dedicated Point-to-Point Stations · Use faster modes (CW, Pactor, Packet, PSK-31) · Recruit additional stations to the Net · Divide the Net into two Nets |
| Use all available resources | · Ask for help/advice from Net Stations, if needed · Ask for help from non-Net Stations, if needed · Periodically ask for new check-ins to the Net · Schedule Net Stations and Net Control Station in multi-hour shifts, to minimize operator fatigue |
When a Traffic Net Gets Bogged Down . . . .
1. Divide the Net into two separate nets; such as…
- Two geographic areas (north/south, city/urban, etc.)
- Two client functions (fire support,/all other support, etc.)
- Direction of traffic flow (In/Out)
- Command Net/Working Net
2. Change the Net Control Station if….
- The NCS is involved with traffic handling or relaying tasks.
- The NCS is not in solid contact with most net stations.
3. Establish a second station at a location which is handling a lot of two-way traffic; one station for "in" traffic, the other station for "out" traffic.
4. Replace hand copy (pen/pencil) with a typewriter or word processor.
5. Increase the communication ability between net stations…
- Move the net frequency slightly, to reduce interference
- Move the net frequency to another Band, for better propagation.
- Increase the transmitter power output.
- Check the antenna and feedline connections.
- Increase the antenna height.
- Move the antenna outside of buildings.
- Use a directional antenna.
- Move the station antenna physical location.
- Use an antenna with higher forward gain.
- Change the favored direction of the antenna.
- Use an antenna with a different polarization.
- Relay through another station.
- Establish a cross-band repeater (VHF/UHF)
- Digipeat through another station (packet).
- Eliminate receiver “noise” sources.
- Speak slower….send slower
- Change the mode of communication.