Monday Night We’ll Discuss, “How to start your own DMR net and what to do as a NCS (Net Control Station)”

Posted on December 13, 2024

This Monday night we will talk about “How to start your own DMR net and what to do as a NCS (Net Control Station).”

Join us on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266 (Michigan Nets channel) for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, December 16th from 7:30 PM ET to 8:25 PM ET. The net will conclude early to allow time to switch (QSY) talk groups to the Michigan One DMR Net (which begins at 8:30 PM ET on BrandMeister Talk Group 3126).

Every Monday night, join the DMR Tech Net as we make Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) easier to understand and fun to use!  If you have a topic suggestion for a future DMR Tech Net, please let us know!  Send the email to Dana@dmrtechnet.net

Creating your own DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) net involves several steps, including planning, setting up technical aspects, and promoting your net. Here’s a guide to get you started:

  1. Define the Purpose and Format
  • Purpose: Determine what your net will focus on. It could be a technical discussion, hobbyist chat, emergency preparedness, or specific to a geographic area or interest group.
  • Format: Decide if the net will be structured (e.g., a formal roundtable or Q&A) or casual. Define the duration, typical topics, and any ground rules.
  1. Choose a Time and Frequency
  • Pick a day and time that avoids overlap with existing popular nets.
  • Select an appropriate duration (e.g., 30–60 minutes).
  • Verify which talk group (e.g., BrandMeister, TGIF, etc.) is suitable and available for your net.
  1. Coordinate with Talk Group Administrators
  • Reach out to the administrators of the talk group or network you plan to use.
  • Secure permission to host your net on a specific talk group or repeater system.

  1. Prepare Technical Details
  • DMR ID: Ensure you have a valid DMR ID registered with RadioID.net.
  • Programming Your Radio: Program the talk group into your radio using a codeplug.
  • Hotspot or Repeater Access: Verify you have a reliable connection via a local repeater or personal hotspot.
  1. Plan Your Net Script
  • Create a script for opening, conducting, and closing the net. Example:
    • Opening: “Welcome to the [Net Name]. My name is [Your Name/Call Sign], and I’ll be your net control operator. This net is focused on [specific purpose]. Let’s begin by taking check-ins.”
    • During the Net: Outline topics, encourage discussion, and manage speaking order.
    • Closing: Summarize key points and thank participants.
  1. Promote Your Net
  • Announce your net on platforms like Facebook groups, forums, or websites catering to amateur radio enthusiasts.
  • Use local amateur radio clubs and repeater coordinators to spread the word.
  • Share the time, date, and talk group details.
  1. Run the Net
  • Arrive prepared and test your equipment beforehand.
  • Act as net control and guide the discussion while maintaining order.
  • Keep a record of participants and topics discussed.
  1. Gather Feedback
  • After the net, ask for feedback from participants to improve the experience.
  • Adjust topics, format, or timing as needed based on the feedback.
  1. Stay Consistent
  • Host your net at the same time and on the same platform regularly.
  • Consistency builds trust and encourages participation.

Creating a net on the TGIF or BrandMeister network involves a few steps. Here’s a quick summary guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Register on Network

  1. Visit the TGIF/BrandMeister Network website and create an account.
  2. Fill out the registration form with your details, including your callsign and DMR ID.

Step 2: Connect to the Network

  1. Connect your device to the network to enable communication with other users on the network.

Step 5: Join a Talk Group

  1. Go to the Network website and navigate to the talk group section.
  2. Join an existing talk group or create a new one by entering a unique ID and description.

Step 6: Start Communicating

  1. Invite others to join your talk group and start communicating.
  2. Test your setup to ensure everything is working correctly

November/December , 2022 On the Air magazine

Send an email to subscribe@dmrtechnet.net if you want to subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter. To see previous newsletters, check out our website: https://dmrtechnet.net/   You can always chat with the DMR Tech Net team on TGIF talk group 31268, the DMR Tech Net channel or Brandmeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel.

The DMR Tech Net team is assisting Dustin N8RMA with NCS duties on the Michigan One DMR net, which begins at 8:30 PM ET on BrandMeister Talk Group 3126, the statewide Michigan calling channel.
Here is the list of the upcoming NCS (Net Control Stations) for it:

  • Dec 16 Brad KE8WNV
  • Dec 23 Dana KCØMYP
  • Dec 30 Rick AD8KN
  • Jan 6                   ???

https://www.michiganonedmr.net/

The next DMR Tech Net TV Zoom broadcast is Tuesday, December 17 from 8pm-9pm ET.  Our tentative topic will be tweaking the CPS (Computer Programming Software) settings.

To join the DMR Tech Net TV Zoom meeting, click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84447664395?pwd=djZMbFZaWVRkRDRudkRFeWc2WWV4UT09

Another option is to go to https://zoom.us/, then select “Join” (in the top right-hand corner), and use the following parameters to connect to the DMR Tech Net TV Zoom meeting:

  •  Meeting ID: 844 4766 4395 
  • Passcode: 370040

To join with only your phones’ audio, dial (312) 626-6799 and input the following:

  • Meeting ID: 844 4766 4395
  • Passcode: 370040

To view previous DMR Tech Net TV shows, visit our YouTube channel (and click the “Like” button!): https://www.youtube.com/@DMRtechnetTV or website https://dmrtechnet.net/dmr-tech-net-tv/

Here is the tentative DMR Tech Net upcoming schedule:

  • Dec 23       Would you participate in a DMR contest, like a W.A.S. (Worked All States)?
  • Dec 30      What new DMR features or products do you want to arrive in 2025?

Click below to hear the audio broadcast of this net:

Quick recap
Dana led a discussion about starting a DMR net, an informal gathering where participants share their local weather experiences and weekend activities, and the importance of having a net logger and backup admin for smooth operations. The meeting also included check-ins from members in various locations, with some sharing their experiences and insights about DMR technology. The conversation ended with the transition to the Michigan One DMR Net, with Brad as the net control.
Next steps
• Dana to post the partial audio recording of this meeting on the DMR Technet website.
• Brad (KE8WNV) to run the Michigan One DMR Net following this meeting on Brandmeister talk group 31,126.
• DMR Technet team to host the DMR Technet TV session tomorrow night at 8 PM Eastern time on Zoom.
Summary
Zoom Demonstration and DMR Net Discussion
Dana discussed the upcoming live demonstration of Zoom, which would allow participants to share screens and better understand the system. She also asked the attendees about their thoughts on starting their own DMR net, and what information they would include. The attendees were then asked to provide their phonetic call sign, call sign, name, and location. Dana also mentioned that Ken from Louisville, Colorado, should have received an email about the DMR Technet. The conversation ended with Dana asking Lucille for her comments on the topic of starting a DMR net.
Starting DMR Net and Sharing Experiences
Dana initiated a discussion about starting a DMR net, an informal gathering where participants share their local weather experiences and weekend activities. She mentioned that the net is open to all and is not challenging. Stan, who lives in Marquette, shared his experience of joining the net and emphasized that the net can be as formal or informal as desired. He also mentioned that there are other nets available for joining and that one can invent their own talk group. Dana also mentioned that she tries to record these shows for future reference.
Exploring DMR Net Creation Possibilities
Dana initiated a discussion about starting a DMR net, with Steve and Kurt sharing their experiences and insights. Steve, who has experience as a net control station, emphasized the importance of logging and the potential for exploring new topics. Kurt, who has never considered starting a net, found the discussion thought-provoking and expressed interest in creating his own net. Herb, another participant, suggested a focus on keyboard-to-keyboard communication over the radio. The conversation ended with an open invitation for others to start their own nets, with a specific talk group on Brand Meister 3, 1, 2, 6, 6, called the Michigan Nets Channel, being suggested as a potential starting point.
Net Control and Backup Admin Roles
Dana discussed the importance of having a net logger and backup admin for smooth operations. She also highlighted the role of net control in managing the network. Bob, who runs several nets in the glancing area, shared his experience as a net control station. He explained his format for running nets, which includes a list of check-ins, trivia questions, and a 73 round. Tom and Stan also shared their thoughts on starting a net and the importance of having fun. The conversation ended with a discussion on potential topics for a net, with the suggestion of a “hairnet” as a humorous example.
DMR Technet Meeting and Updates
Dana led a DMR Technet meeting, where participants checked in using their call signs. Brad KEAF.JW from Sault Ste. Marie, Norm from South Wales, New York, and John N. 2 Utv from Interlaken checked in. Dana then asked Brad about his preferred topic for a DMR net, to which Brad responded about his experiences with VHF and DMR repeaters in Kalamazoo and Marquette. Dana also mentioned the possibility of a missing participant and the potential for a future UP Tech group.
DMR Technet Meeting and Check-Ins
Dana led a meeting discussing the DMR Technet, a group focused on DMR technology. The meeting included check-ins from members in New York, South Wales, and Michigan. Brad shared his experience of starting a net on Brandmeister, and John discussed his training on a new requirement. The conversation ended with the transition to the Michigan One DMR Net, with Brad as the net control. The meeting also included check-ins from various members, with some being in and out.
DMR Tech Net