Yet More Trade Secrets
˘Transmit only facts
˘Avoid becoming the “source of general information” for the event
˘Use ITU phonetics when needed
˘USE PLAIN ENGLISH on phone
˘Check operator status on a quiet net
˘You will make mistakes
Transmit only facts. If there is a real need to make an educated guess or to speculate, make it clear to others that it is only speculation and not fact.
Avoid becoming the source for general information about the event. If it is an emergency, refer event status questions to the proper public information net or Public Information Officer (PIO).
When necessary, use standard ITU phonetics. There is no such thing as “common spelling.” Send all numbers as individual numbers, e.g., 334 is “three three four” not “three hundred thirty four.”
For voice nets, use plain English. "Q" signals are for CW. Another top-ten tip.
If the net has been quiet for more than ten minutes, check on operator status. This keeps the net running more smoothly and insures that you know about equipment failures and missing operators as soon as possible
You will make mistakes. Acknowledging them will earn the respect and support of net members.
One of the functions and duties of an NCS is to keep a current list of stations checking in, where they are, their individual assignments, and what capabilities they have. This goes along with logging or record keeping which is very important and causes many a good NCS to slip. This information is important during the operation or incident, and also is needed during the after-action reports following the conclusion of the incident.