PURPOSE

The (Lancaster County) Simplex Net is held every Saturday at 8:30 pm local time. The stated purposes of the Simplex Net are: to build relationships among amateur radio operators; provide a practical way for hams to explore local VHF propagation; provide opportunities to use and improve radio operation skills; and encourage station improvements that result in higher preparedness for emergency communications. The Simplex Net provides a consistent time and frequency for hams to test their equipment and receive feedback from others.

AFFILIATION & PARTICIPATION

The Simplex Net isn’t sponsored or endorsed by any ham radio club. The Simplex Net isn’t affiliated with any preparedness organization. All amateurs on frequency are welcome and encouraged to check-in and participate.

LISTENING

Listening is at least 50% of communication. Listening means avoiding unnecessary transmission. A wise ham once said, “A ham has two ears and one mouth. Therefore he should listen twice as much as he talks.” VHF radio is line of sight and easily obstructed, you will likely not hear all transmissions from every station. There may be long pauses of dead air. Please do not transmit during those times! Even if you can’t hear someone else, your uncontrolled transmission could prevent someone from being heard by others. Just like back in elementary school, we need everyone to wait their turn to be called upon before speaking.

ZONES

The Simplex Net divides Lancaster County into three zones based on major roads. The Northwestern zone (WEST) is North of US 30 and West of PA 501. The Northeastern zone (EAST) is North of US 30 and East of PA 501. The Southern zone (SOUTH) is anything South of US 30.

A map of the zones is posted at: https:/simplexradio.net/zones/ .

NET CONTROL STATIONS

There will be one net control station designated from each zone during the Simplex Net. During the net, control operations will transfer from zone to zone as needed to obtain as many check-ins as possible with a minimum need for relays.

RELAYS

A “relay” happens when one amateur passes information between two other stations. Any station on this net may be a relay. We encourage all operators to have a pencil and paper at the ready. Write down the callsigns of other hams as you hear them. As net control acknowledges stations, cross them off your list. When net control calls for relays, if you have written down a call sign that wasn’t acknowledged, you should reply with your call sign and the word ‘relay’ and then wait for recognition. When net control asks you to do so, please list any unacknowledged calls that you heard.