Club Net
The VK3FSK Club Net is a weekly on-air gathering for members and visitors, held every Wednesday at 8:00 PM on the club's UHF repeater. There is also a CW Members net - for details of this CW net see the CW Nets page.
What is an Amateur Radio Net?
In amateur radio, a net (short for network) is a scheduled on-air meeting where licensed operators gather on a shared frequency at a set time. Nets are a cornerstone of amateur radio culture — they keep clubs connected, provide a regular reason to get on air, and offer a friendly, structured environment for both experienced operators and newcomers alike.
Nets can serve many purposes: some focus on emergency communications training, others on technical discussion, and many — like the VK3FSK net — are primarily social, giving members a chance to catch up, share news, and talk radio.
A list of Nets, their times and frequencies can be found at:
Repeater Details
The net is conducted via a UHF repeater. To participate, tune your radio to the following settings:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 439.825 MHz |
| Offset | −7 MHz |
| CTCSS Tone | 91.5 Hz |
Note: The club is currently operating on a temporary repeater while a permanent installation is arranged.
What Happens on the Net
The net is run by a net control operator — a club member who opens the session, calls for check-ins, and facilitates the conversation. During the net the net control assumes the callsign VK3FSK.
A typical net includes:
- Check-ins — participants call in to identify themselves and join the net
- Club news — upcoming meetings, events, and announcements
- Technical discussion — projects members are working on, equipment questions, and tips
- General conversation — anything of interest to the amateur radio community
The net usually runs for around 30–60 minutes depending on how many members check in and what's on the agenda.
How to Participate
All licensed amateur radio operators are welcome to check in — whether you're a long-time member or just curious about the club. To join:
- Tune your radio to 439.825 MHz, with a −7 MHz offset and 91.5 Hz CTCSS tone
- Listen for the net control operator to open the net and call for check-ins
- When invited, key your radio and give your callsign
- Net control will acknowledge you and you'll be part of the net
If you're new to nets or not sure what to say, don't worry — just give your callsign and your location, and net control will guide you from there. Everyone was new once!