Definitions of Amateur Radio Nets That We Use

Note: The following nets and the regional subnets are summarized in this diagram.

Regional Subnet: We operate simplex subnets to serve up to 9 regions of Portland. Each subnet has a Subnet Control Operator (SNC) who follows the Subnet Control Operator Standard Operating Procedures.

Resource Net: During major exercises and actual deployments we use a Resource Net to keep track of amateur radio operators to help assure their safety and to determine their availability to assist in the deployment. Our Resource Net can also be used to share updated information as people become available during an exercise or emergency. Examples would include frequency changes and changes in organization. We use the MC-2 repeater for the Resource Net. If the repeater should be down you should use MC-12 to communicate simplex on the frequency normally used by the MC-2 repeater as its output frequency.

Command Net: Command Net will provide announcements or requests from EOC, typically using MC-9 at scheduled times. Command Net may also contact SNCs on their respective subnet frequencies and ask them to switch to MC-9 for further information or to exchange traffic. SNCs who need to make voice contact with the EOC should use the Tactical Net instead of the Command Net.

Tactical Net: This net should be used by SNCs who have voice traffic for the EOC or otherwise need to make contact with the EOC radio room. Note, however, that except possibly for Emergency traffic, formal messages should normally be routed to the EOC via the Winlink Gateway (below). This net usually operates simplex on MC-8 but during some exercises and deployments we may use the MC-3 duplex channel which uses the PARC VHF repeater on Mt Scott. The Tactical Net Control (TNC) operator is normally located in the EOC Radio Room. SNCs check in with the TNC and provide information to the TNC such as rosters of the teams that have checked in with their subnets. If an SNC has Emergency traffic, the TNC may agree to take such traffic by voice or ask that it be sent by Winlink. At the end of an exercise or at the end of a shift during an extended deployment, SNCs check out of the Tactical Net.

Winlink Gateway: During a major disaster, the Winlink gateways in Multnomah County may be cut off from each other due to problems with local Internet connectivity (e.g. a severed fiber optic cable.) During exercises, we simulate this situation by requesting that all subnet controllers try to use an experimental gateway located at the EOC. Operators should not start a Winlink session until after they confirm that a session is not already underway on the same frequency.