OUTLINE – PROCEDURE FOR MOVING A LINN COUNTY ARES NET TO ANOTHER FREQUENCY

1. When the designated repeater or simplex frequency for a net is or becomes unusable, the NCS will move the net to another repeater or simplex frequency.
   • Normally, steps 2 through 4 should be completed within one minute.
2. Frequencies should be attempted per the Frequency Plan. If simplex operation becomes necessary, the NCS may turn over control of the net to a stronger or better-located station.
3. If the net is scheduled to be held on a LCARES’ simplex frequency that is found to be unusable, the net will be moved to the other LCARES simplex frequency. If neither is available, any designated 2m simplex frequency may be used. Some frequencies, however, are designated as primary for other counties or are locally reserved for specific purposes. Please refer to the list below when choosing a frequency.
   

   Frequency	Designation
   146.400	BENTON
   146.415	AVOID: DSTAR repeater input
   146.430
   146.445
   146.460
   146.475
   146.490
   146.505	LINN 1
   146.535
   146.550	JONES
   146.565
   146.580	BUCHANAN
   146.595
   147.405	AVOID: DSTAR repeater output
   147.420
   147.435
   147.450	CEDAR
   147.465	DELAWARE
   147.480	LINN 2
   147.495	JOHNSON
   147.510	AVOID: EIDXA packet node
   147.525	IOWA
   147.540	Common “ragchew,” put this last
   147.555
   147.570
   147.585

4. The NCS, using as much power and antenna gain and height as necessary and available, and using duplex and/or simplex operation as appears to be required for the problem at hand, will attempt on the original frequency to notify other net participants that the net is moving to the new frequency. Note: In the case of a jammed repeater, there is no point in asking for net participants to “check your mics.” If the problem is a radio stuck in transmit mode (for whatever reason), that radio’s operator will not hear you.
5. The NCS will begin or continue the net on its new frequency. If the check-in process isn’t complete, the NCS may (to save time) presume stations that checked in on the old frequency have moved to the new one, and will ask for only new check-ins. Exceptions: (1) Stations that had been designated to fill a specific role will be called to ensure he/she is available; (2) where regular roll calls are required, the NCS will call all stations.
6. The NCS will ask for a volunteer, preferably one with a well-equipped 2m station and, in the case of a jammed repeater (stuck mic, etc.), one close to the repeater’s receive antenna. That person will notify late-comers to the net of the frequency change.
7. In general, it is better – less confusing – if the net stays on the new frequency should the problem with the original frequency be resolved.

Last modified: 6 February 2020