Free to print, share in a club newsletter or post in a group. Please keep it as is, with the CQDeck name on it.
Read it as text
Join an on-air net with confidence. A net is an on-air meeting at a set time and frequency. Net control runs it and tells everyone when to talk.
- Find a net. Club websites and NetFinder list local nets by day, time and frequency.
- Listen first. Listen to the opening. Net control explains how the net runs and what to say when you check in.
- Check in. When check-ins are called, say your call sign phonetically, once, then let go.
- Wait your turn. Net control acknowledges you and adds you to the list. Stand by until they come back to you.
- Take your turn. When net control calls you, answer what they ask, say “no traffic” if you have nothing to add, and end with your call sign.
In the pictures
- A phone’s list of local nets: 146.880, Club Net, Tuesday 8:00 PM · 147.240, ARES Practice Net, Monday 7:30 PM · 442.100, Newcomers Net, Thursday 7:00 PM.
- Checking in: “Kilo Juliet Five Lima Quebec Mike.”
- Net control: “KJ5LQM, welcome. Stand by.”
- Taking a turn: “First time on the net, no traffic. KJ5LQM.”
Key terms
- Net: an on-air meeting at a set time and frequency.
- Net control: the station that runs the net.
- Check-in: letting net control know you’re there.
- Traffic: a message or comment for the net.
Good to know
- Emergency traffic always comes first.
- Newcomers are welcome. Many nets ask for first-timers.
- Missed your turn? Check in at the next call for check-ins.
- On a directed net, nobody talks until net control calls on them.
In short: Listen first, give your call sign when check-ins are called, wait your turn, and keep it short.
Checked October 2026 against FCC Part 97.
