CRRG Digital Learning Net – Net Control Script

Date: Every Saturday
Time: 10:30 am MT
Frequency / Nodes:
XLX022H (DMR, YSF, D-Star)
AmComm TG 31081 (DMR)
TGIF TG 356 (DMR)
WIRES-X Room 00728
Wires-X Simplex Gateway 441.100MHz at 72nd and Sheridan
W0SUN Repeater -439.475MHz, on North Table Mountain

Check-in platform: ham.live (log-on before the net starts)

Opening / Roll Call (10:30 am MT)

“Welcome to the CRRG Digital Learning Net, this is [Your Callsign] opening the net on [frequency/node]. I’ll start with the stations that have already checked in.”

Net Purpose & Quick Reminder (after roll call)

“Our goal today is to share tips, troubleshoot hardware/software, and discuss any digital mode you’re working with—whether it’s FT8, JT65, PSK31, D-STAR, System Fusion, DMR, C4FM, or newer modes like JS8Call.”

Announcements (optional, 1–2 min)

Upcoming local hamfest / club meeting.

New firmware releases (e.g., Yaesu FT-DX101 update).

Recent changes to EchoLink or WIRES-X policies.

Any licensing deadlines or exam dates.

(Feel free to skip if there are none.)

Digital Mode Spotlight (5 min per segment)

Segment Suggested Talking Points

FT8 / FT4 Best practices for weak-signal work, recommended antenna setups, decoding tips.

JS8Call Group messaging, QSO party etiquette, linking to other nets.

PSK31 / RTTY Software options (Fldigi, MixW), typical bandwidth, common pitfalls.

D-Star / System Fusion How to set up repeaters, talk-through, and digital voice linking.

DMR / C4FM Time-slot basics, talk-group management, interfacing with TGIF.

Emerging Modes Brief intro to FreeDV, MFSK, or Q65 if anyone is experimenting.

Net Manager tip: Invite a volunteer to lead each segment or share a quick demo. Keep each segment to ~5 minutes to stay on schedule.

Hardware & Software Q&A (15 min)

“Open floor for any questions about radios, interfaces, sound cards, or software configuration. Please state your callsign and the issue briefly, then we’ll discuss solutions.”

Typical topics:

Connecting a Sound Card Interface (e.g., SignaLink USB) to a Kenwood TS-590 for FT8.

Updating Yaesu System Fusion firmware via Fusion Software.

Using Hotspot devices (e.g., DVMEGA, Pi-Star) with DMR networks.

Antenna tuning for 50 MHz JS8Call operations.

JS8Call Footnote (2 min)

“JS8Call QSO Party Reminder – This weekend is the second weekend of the month, which makes it a JS8Call QSO Party weekend. JS8Call is a weak-signal, keyboard-to-keyboard mode based on FT8 that lets you send group and individual messages across HF, VHF, and UHF.

• Check out js8call.com for downloads and tutorials.

• Add @CRRG to your group list.

• Give us a CQ CQ CQ on 50.318 MHz across the Denver Front Range.

Closing Remarks (2 min)

“Thanks for a great session, everyone. Remember to log your contacts on ham.live and keep experimenting with those digital modes. The next net will be the same time next Saturday. This is [Your Callsign], signing off. 73 and clear!”

Quick Tips for Running the Net

Stay on Time – Keep each segment tight; use a timer if needed.
Encourage Participation – Ask quieter stations for input (“How about you, [callsign]?”).
Record the Net (if allowed) for later review or newcomers.
Post-Net Summary – After the net, post a short recap on the ham.live forum or your club’s Discord channel.
Safety First – Remind participants to follow FCC/ITU power limits and to verify frequency allocations for their region.
Feel free to adapt any part of this script to match your club’s style or the specific digital modes you want to emphasize. Happy netting!

**** Paste in for Ham.live ****

Welcome to the CRRG Digital Learning Net

Join CRRG on Discord: https://discord.gg/BbRZWJjCFH