North East Mixed Mode Net NEM 1 & 2 Ken Heitner AFE3VM / AFA3PB David Trachtenberg AFN3PL / AFA3TR NE Division Conference September 2015 Fort Indian Gap, PA

Background – NEM 1 & 2 NEM 1 & 2 are the direct successors to CW and Voice Nets held by MARS in the past 50 Years Ago Voice and CW Nets were very busy handling health & welfare traffic The challenge for NEM 1 & 2 today is to handle (encoded) official traffic with digital methods and: To be prepared for emergencies

NEM 1 & 2 - Requirements Good quality voice setup with HF transceiver and effective HF antenna Ability to send & receive messages digitally with: – M110A Digital Modem Terminal and / or –MT-63 Software ( FLDIGI) Above working in conjunction with Army Modem Terminal to send & receive complete digital messages

NEM 1 & 2 - Encryption Radio traffic security means MARS messages can no longer be sent in the clear Future MARS operations depends on our ability to encrypt & decrypt messages successfully Encryption & decryption is based on the Encryption Wizard and an appropriate key Please discuss further with your SMD

NEM 1 & 2 – Net Control Stations (NCS) We have a small group of excellent NCSs The NCS runs the net according to procedures defined in the MARS Operating Instructions and Net Script The NCS is assisted by one or more Alternate NCSs. An ANCS may also operate on secondary net frequencies The NCS and ANCS maintain a log in the Excel format (See URL: marsregionone) These logs are compiled in quarterly reports

NEM 1 & 2 – Participation Credit 1 hour – For intial check-in Fraction of hour – For subsequent check-in 1 hour – For emergency power (battery or generator) 1 hour – For field antenna ( emergency site) Participation is important Members should also work to improve their station’s performance, capabilities, and operating skills. (Report that time to your SMD!)

NEM 1 & 2 – Minor Relay Station Minor Relay Stations are the link between NEM 1 & 2 and the TransGlobal Net Minor Relay Station Requirements: –Good HF Voice Signal –Handle Digital Traffic in M110A or MT-63 –Capability to Verify Traffic Need more NEM 1 & 2 participants to become Minor Relay Stations

NEM 1 & 2 – Operating Frequencies NEM 1 & 2 channels are: RA, RB, & RC Every participant should work towards capability on all three channels Usually an antenna problem Make the antenna look electrically longer Use an antenna coupler on present antenna When push =>SHOVE, we need this !

NEM 1 & 2 – Summary We are doing well at this time. Preparing for future tasks requires continual improvements to operators & stations The challenges are there Continue to enjoy doing this work

NEM 1 & 2 – AFE3VM / AFA3PB hotmail.com WL2K: AFA3PB TPN: AFE3MC Phone: Always willing to help !