Ok, you are hearing others on the radio, maybe you have talked to a few hams. But now you want to try something a little more formal. You want to join a net! Fortunately, this is very easy to do!

First, here is what you should do before checking into the net:
Verify your radio is on the correct frequency with the proper offset and PL tone – Link at the bottom of the page
Have your callsign ready, review the phonetic alphabet for your callsign letters so you don’t freeze up

We have to understand what a net is. A net is just a group of hams all listening and talking on the same frequency or repeater. There are several different types of nets, but they usually* follow this format:

1: Net control starts the net by announcing it
2: Net control asks for check-ins into the net
3: Other operators check in with their callsign – typically in phonetics
4: Net control acknowledges check-ins
5: Roundtable nets will have a discussion topic, and traffic nets will ask for traffic that needs to be passed
6: Net control works through all of these stations
7: Net closes after all traffic is passed or time is up (Some nets have to end to allow other nets to start)

Some very helpful tips:

First: LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN! Net control will set the tone and time to check in. Don’t try to check in when net control is not expecting it. When they are expecting your check-in, pause a second for dead air. If you are having an emergency, it is acceptable to transmit in the breaks and say something like ‘break break’.

Second: If you are in a directed net, only respond when net control gives you the air. Think of it like the old ‘talking stick’ when you were in school. When you are done transmitting, say that you are yielding back to net control by saying something like ‘back to you, net control’.

Third: Try checking your audio/signal levels BEFORE the net. This could be done 15-30 minutes before. Just key up and say ‘This is KZ7ZZZ, can I get a signal and audio report?’ Hopefully, someone is listening and will give you an accurate report.

If your audio is low/high, try adjusting your audio gain setting in your radio.

If your signal report is low, try moving the antenna or increasing power.

Fourth: When acknowledged by net control and given permission to speak, first start with your callsign. It is also a good idea to end with your callsign – just in case anyone didn’t hear it the first time. Use of the phonetic alphabet is always appreciated!

Finally: DO NOT KERCHUNCK THE REPEATER! If you want to test if you can hit the repeater, you can just push the PTT button and say your callsign when the repeater is quiet. Please do not just hit the PTT without saying anything – you should at least identify yourself.

Here is an example of how to check into the OTVARC casual net:
Casey (NC): This is Casey, WC7L, net control for the OTVARC casual net. Please come with your callsign slowly and in standard phonetics.

Wait for dead air. There may be others trying to check in

Press your PTT, take a breath, and then say your callsign slowly and clearly: ‘Alpha Bravo 7 Yankee Zulu’.

Casey (NC): I heard K1ZZZ, and then I heard Alpha Bravo 7 Yankee Zulu …

After some other check-ins and some other hams have a turn speaking, it will be your turn!

Casey: Alpha Bravo 7 Yankee Zulu, you are up next. What would you like to share with the net tonight?

Don’t forget to start by saying your callsign and name, giving your traffic, and then ending with ‘Alpha Bravo 7 Yankee Zulu back to net’.

Related Reading:
How to Program Your Radio
How to Use Repeaters
Your First VHF/UHF Station