An Amateur Radio net or simply "net," is an on-the-air gathering of Amateur Radio operators. Most nets convene on a regular schedule, specific frequency, and organized for a particular purpose; such as relaying messages, discussing a common topic of interest, severe weather, emergencies, or simply as a regular gathering of friends for conversation. It's also an excellent time to test radios, antennas, and equipment.
Our nets are open to all properly licensed Amateur Radio operators. Come in and join us! The Net Manager for LEARA is Carl - KB8VXE.
Skywarn
Skywarn is activated when severe weather moves through Cuyahoga County. The Skywarn Practice Net is every Wednesday night at 8:30 PM local time during severe weather season, April through September, on the 146.760 repeater with 146.880 as a backup. The purpose is to practice Skywarn activation and procedures. See the Skywarn page for activation practices during severe weather. The contact for the net is Cuyahoga County Skywarn and can be contacted via their website.
Club Net
The LEARA Weekly Club Net is every Thursday night at 8:00 PM local time on the 146.760 repeater with 146.880 as the backup. The net is a casual round table. Carl - KB8VXE is the contact for the net and updates a LEARA Club Net Activity Log. He is always looking for Net Control operators. Give it a try!
Recommended Programs and Hardware
Radio to computer interface: SignaLink USB.
Text and message exchanges: Fldigi, Flmsg. Downloads page (then click the program name and download the installation file for your operating system). These are free programs and available on all major platforms.
SSTV: Windows: MMSSTV. Mac: MultiScan 3B. Linux: QSSTV.
Mobile Apps
Net participants have used mobile apps on the net too.
Text and message exchanges: Android: AndFlmsg install instructions.
SSTV: Android: DroidSSTV ($6.99). iOS: SSTV Slow Scan TV ($2.99) or the Ham Radio Decoder Bundle (which includes SSTV) ($6.99).
Getting Started Tutorials
The net has prepared getting started tutorials on installation, setup, and operating the digital applications used on the net.
Radio Interface Setup - Setup of a radio interface device including: Windows Sound configuration, testing and troubleshooting, time shifting the net (recording and playback), sound card calibration.
Fldigi suite - Installation, setup, and use of Fldigi, Flmsg, Flwrap in NBEMS including: sending and receiving text messages, forms, and files.
MMSSTV - Installation, setup, and use of MMSSTV including: receiving, logging, image history, transmitting, standard pictures and templates, template editing.