Net Procedures

The following changes have been made to net procedures:

PROXY CHECK-IN
Proxy (absentee) check-ins will only be permitted for the following:

Same Household
If two or more ACS members live in the same household, Husband or Wife may check in both members.  This will be accepted on a regular basis.

Illness
If members are unable to check into the net due to illness, member must contact their area DCUL or BCUL.  The DCUL or BCUL shall check in the absent member when net control asks for that particular member’s tactical call and not before.  DCUL or BCUL shall identify and check member in.

Vacation
Same as above for illness.

Work Obligations
From time to time members will have changes in work schedules.  If this is the case, notify the area DCUL or BCUL and have them check the member in when net control calls for member’s tactical call.

NOTE:  Proxy check-ins are not to be abused.  If members are being checked in on a regular basis via proxy and the above conditions are not a factor.  ACS member may be removed from the net check-in roster.

Certain conditions may be accepted on a case by case basis by ACS staff members, and only when approved by the City Radio Officer or Staff member.    

ECHO LINK CHECK-IN
ACS members are encouraged to check in via 2 meter radio when ever possible, this in the primary mode for ACS members to check-in with.

If ACS member is out of town and has the ability to check in via echo link, it is suggested that the vacationing member notify there DCUL or BCUL who will notify net control that you will be checking in via ECHO link. Net control will allow the extra pause for vacationing member.

If ACS member is residing in a particularly poor R.F. area and can not access the repeater, member shall notify staff, who will then make the necessary changes to the net roster.  An (E) designator will be placed next to the name on the roster.  Net control will know to leave the appropriate pause for the ECHO link check-in.

Echo link users NOT affiliated with the Los Angeles Fire Departments ACS origination, shall refrain from interrupting the ACS net during ACS net time.  Out of area ECHO link users may participate in the ACS post net roundtable.  It is disruptive to net operations when out of area ECHO link users try and check-in during net roll call. 

REMEMBER:  All amateur radio operators not affiliated with the Los Angeles City ACS are invited to monitor tonight’s NET or are requested to take their traffic to another frequency until 2030 hours.

Echo Link guest check-ins who live in the Los Angeles are and are able to check-in to the net via 2 meter or 220 MHz link are encouraged to check-in  when net control calls for guest check-ins.

NET CONTROL OPERATORS
The ACS staff will have six (6) trained and certified ACS net control operators who will rotate through the net control assignment.  When a vacancy opens ACS Staff will solicit for net control candidates.  Candidates must have the following qualifications before applying:

(1)       Two (2) or more years in the ACS organization, and be currently on the Net Roster.

(2)       Have a minimum of a 35 watt 2 meter mobile/base radio with a good gain antenna.

(3)       Have a good R.F. path to the repeater site.

(4)       Be familiar with ACS policies and net operations.

Candidates Will Be Auditioned and Evaluated On The Following:

1)                 Net script presentation.

2)                 Clarity.

3)                 Ability to handle issues that arise, unwanted interference, etc