An Introduction to Amateur Radio Nets

Whether you’re a new HAM, or just new to Nets, it can feel a little daunting to jump in and figure out how to fit in. This guide is here to help – it’ll give you the tools and confidence to join your first Net so you feel more comfortable and can go with the flow like a pro!

A bit about me first: I’m Daniel, ZL4ER. I’ve been a HAM for just over a year at the time of writing – so no, I’m not an Elmer. What I’m sharing here is based on my own experience, and I’m the first to admit I don’t know everything. I may not get it all right, and I won’t cover every possible situation. But I hope it helps you take that first step – and if you have suggestions or ideas to improve this guide, I’d love for you to share them with the wider community!

Let’s get into it.

First things First, Don’t Be Afraid

Honestly, most HAMs are a friendly and welcoming bunch. Even if you’re unsure what to say or worried about getting something wrong, don’t let that stop you from joining a Net. Most people are happy to help and will cheer you on for giving it a go.

I’ve had moments on a Net where my brain just failed—I completely forgot the callsign of the person I was meant to pass to. I knew their name but just couldn’t get the call right. I fumbled through it, admitted I couldn’t remember, and passed it along anyway. Nobody gave me grief—in fact, quite a few others chimed in saying they’d done the exact same thing before.

Mistakes happen. It’s part of learning. And everyone started somewhere.

So, What Is a Net?

A Net is an organized on-air gathering of amateur radio operators. It usually takes place at a set time and frequency, and it’s led by a Net Controller (also known as Net Control) who manages the flow, keeps things orderly, and makes sure everyone gets a turn.

From the Nets I’ve taken part in – or just listened to – you can break them down into two key parts:

1. Group Style – how the Net is structured and who’s participating.
2. Flow Control – how the conversation is passed around.

Group Style

Group Style is all about how the Net is formed and who’s in it.

Pre-Established Net

Some Nets have a fixed group of regulars. The same people show up at the same time, in the same order. Occasionally, after the first round, the Net Controller will invite any new or occasional check-ins to join in—this is how I started out.

Ad-Hoc Net

Other Nets are more casual. There might still be a bunch of regulars, but it starts with a call for check-ins. Once everyone has checked in, the Net Controller will usually set the order for the round based on who checked in first, second, third, and so on.

Flow control

Flow Control is about how the Net actually runs once it’s started.

Round-Robin

The Net Controller kicks things off, then passes to the first person. That person speaks, then passes to the next, and so on until it loops back to the Net Controller.

Central Control

In this style, everything goes through the Net Controller. They pass to one person, that person speaks, and then hands it back to the Net Controller—who then passes it to the next person, and so on.

Still a bit abstract? Let’s walk through an example.

Best Advice? Listen First

Before I joined my first Net, I spent a few days just listening. That gave me a really good feel for how it all worked – how the Net was established, how it flowed, and what kind of language people used. I highly recommend doing the same.

When you’re ready to join, just follow their lead. Imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery!

Before You Join a Net

Whether it’s a pre-established or ad-hoc Net, here are a few things you should do before joining:

• Tune in early. Arrive before the scheduled start time.
• Check your gear. Make sure everything is set correctly on your radio – frequency, mode, power, etc.
• Listen first. The Net Controller will usually come on-frequency at the scheduled time and introduce the Net.
• Pay attention. If it’s an ad-hoc Net, listen for the call for check-ins and note the order as others respond.

A Demo Net Example

Here’s a fictional example based on a local morning Net I’ve joined before (shout-out to the Cornflakes Net! I’ll put more information up about the Cornflakes Net in due course).

Let’s say we have a pre-established, round-robin Net with these callsigns:

• ZL5NET – Nathan (Net Controller)
• ZL5AAA – Andy (regular)
• ZL5BBB – Brian (regular)
• ZL5CCC – Chris (new operator… this could be you!)

This Net has two rounds:

1. “What you did yesterday”
2. “What you’ve got planned for today”

Note: While 2 rounds for this Net and many others I have heard, it’s not the only way to do it, so don’t be surprised if it’s like this, but don’t fret if it’s not.

Let’s walk through how that might sound. (If you see <…> that’s just me not typing out EVERY word in between).

And just like that, Chris is now part of the second round. If Chris had heard names, he might use them too, but callsigns alone are totally fine. The next round would include Chris in the round so it’d continue from above with ZL5AAA passing to ZL5BBB, to ZL5CCC, and then back to ZL5NET.

Note: If you’re Chris, when the Net Controller passes to you, it’s your turn. Don’t just say your name and stop. At least introduce yourself, and then pass it back to the Net Controller. As a new HAM you’ll sound like you fit in better by passing back rather than just “Hi, I’m Chris” and saying nothing more making the Net Controller nurse you along (but they will happily if they need to)

If Chris has attended a few Net’s in a row, the Net Controller may ask if they want to become part of the rotation so they aren’t checking in each time, or sometimes if they are turning up regularly, Brian might just start passing it to them like they were always there. Sometimes it’s formal, sometimes it happens organically.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Sometimes someone drops out, gets skipped, or you’re not sure who’s next. That’s okay!

If you’re ever unsure, just pass it back to the Net Controller. That’s what they’re there for – to guide things, help you learn, and keep it friendly. Most will be happy to give you a quick pointer if needed. No harm done.

What If the Net Works Differently?

That’s why listening first is so useful. Every Net has its quirks.

• For pre-established, central control Nets, you’ll usually wait for the Net Controller to call you.
• For ad-hoc Nets, the Net Controller will call for check-ins and then outline the order and flow (round-robin or central control).

Note: You’ll notice that when doing the more formal pass-over with callsigns, I’ve represented the order as “Your Callsign” from “My Callsign”. That order is widely accepted to be good radio etiquite in any communications and should be applied (in my humble opinion) in this situation also (but I have heard others).

Just follow the structure they explain.

Tips for New Operators

• Speak Clearly: Use plain language and speak at a moderate pace.
• Be Brief: Keep transmissions concise to allow everyone a chance.
• Use Callsigns Properly: Always state your callsign at the start and end of your turn.
• Listen Carefully: Pay attention to the Net Controller and other participants.
• Practice Good Etiquette: Wait for your turn and avoid interrupting others.

Final Thoughts

Joining a Net is easier than it looks—and it’s one of the best parts of amateur radio. Just listen, follow the lead, and don’t be afraid to speak up.

Still have questions? Reach out to a local club or friendly Elmer — and remember, the best way to learn is by jumping in and giving it a go. See you on the airwaves.

73 de ZL4ER!

Glossary of Terms