Virginia Net (CW)
About
The Virginia Net (CW) is part of the National Traffic System (NTS), a nationwide network of amateur radio operators who relay formal messages, called radiograms, across the country. Morse code (CW) is used to ensure reliable communication even under limited infrastructure or emergency conditions. This net helps operators refine their CW radio skills and participate in public service communications.
Schedule and Frequency
Frequency: 3553 kHz
Time: 7:00 PM daily
Radiogram Traffic Routing
Traffic generally comes from and is relayed to:
- Messages originated by net participants
- The 4th Region Traffic Net
- Local and other traffic nets in Virginia
- Offloading of messages from the Digital Traffic Network
- Offloading of messages from the ARRL Radiogram Web Portal
How to Participate
If you have never checked into a CW traffic net before, listen to a few VN sessions to familiarize yourself with basic procedures, then give it a try. Pick up a copy of any edition of the "ARRL Operating Manual" and read the chapter on "Traffic Handling". It nicely summarizes CW net procedures for the beginner.
Check-in Procedure
When you hear the NCS send “QNI K”, that means check-ins are invited. Send “DE callsign QRU”, which means you want to be added to the net and you have no traffic to list. If you are bringing traffic to the net, instead of “QRU”, you would send “QTC city (city) …”, listing the destination(s) for your radiogram(s). Familiarizing yourself with standard CW "QN" signals is advised.
Benefits
- Improve your Morse code proficiency and radio communication skills.
- Contribute to public service by practicing the handling of radiograms.
- Become recognized as an NTS traffic handler through certificates and acknowledgment from ARRL programs.
VA Net Control Schedule
| Day | Callsign | First Name | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| M | WW8D | Tom | Salem |
| T | W4YE | Buddy | Wirtz |
| W | N3SW | Scott | Roanoke |
| Th | WA0WHT | Tom | Chincoteague |
| F | N3SW | Scott | Roanoke |
| Sa | N3SW | Scott | Roanoke |
| Su | WW8D | Tom | Salem |
Net Script (edit as needed)
Translation:
- VN = Virginia CW Traffic Net
- QND = Directed net, follow NCS directions
- QNN = NCS is N3SW, Scott, in Roanoke, VA
- QNZ = Please zero-beat on my frequency
- QNI = Check-in now
CW Speeds
Typical net speed is around 20 wpm. The NCS will adjust to your sending speed as needed to establish and maintain communication. “Accuracy transcends speed”.
Ask NCS to send you a practice message
We have a series of 75 training messages which teach NTS CW traffic handling techniques and net procedures. Ask for a training message when you check-in (by sending TNG PSE), and the Net Control Station will assign a net member to pass one or two training messages to you. Ask for training messages each time you QNI, and before you know it, you will have completed the entire training package and will receive a Section Net Certificate from the Net Manager.