I just had a quick etiquette question about interrupting Nets while out on SOTA activations, and how folk tend to go about it?
I was out on a recent activation, and arrived at the summit just as the post-GB2RS net (Glasgow area) was starting up, and wasn’t quite sure what to do about possibly interrupting/joining in. As it was, I just kind of ignored it and was able to make my activation contacts without it, but it did take me a wee bit longer than I would’ve ideally liked. The net sounded like a really good source of 5/9 operators well within range of me, but it also seemed to have absorbed most of the people who might’ve been active on 2m in the area.
My question is mostly on what the general etiquette in terms of joining or interrupting a net like this would be. For example: would I (politely) break in and advertise that I’ll be available on another frequency, or would it be acceptable to make my SOTA contacts directly on the net frequency? I don’t think I’d feel too bad breaking in on a couple of guys having an informal rag chew, but I think on a bigger net like that, I can imagine it being a bit of a pain in the bum for the net controller and the participants who’re trying to keep things in order for some muppet just to crash in for a hit-and-run right in the middle of things.
In this case, like I say, I didn’t end up really needing the net participants to make my activation, but I was very much focused on trying to get my contacts and get out of there as quickly as possible, and I could imagine on another day quite easily getting to the stage where I might need any contacts I could get my hands on.
Any help, suggestions or advice very much appreciated!
The Aberdeen area net is probably a good bit smaller than the Glasgow one, I guess, with maybe half a dozen ops.
This week, both @GM5ALX and me have used it on separate days to qualify hills during the HF blackouts. The guys are quite good at letting us in because it is a bit of excitement and variety for them. However, we generally try and email in advance the groups.io group they have set up for NE Scotland. That way they are prepared for someone that the net controller will try to prioritise for a round of contacts, and who probably won’t hang around for long.
A thank you email with a couple of photos usually goes down well, especially if it shows our arduous conditions!
We’ve had visitors to ES the past few years who are 2m FM specialists and they often timed their activations around the net, and the guys loved it. @M6BWA@M3ZCB.
On other occasions, I’ve heard two hams chatting on 2m and asked to break in for a contact or two. Usually this is welcomed, but on occasion I’ve been ignored.
I’d say that would be frowned upon. You would have to join your net and wait your turn, I guess.
had that a few times as well, especially in bad weather the (“made to be”) chasers were always happy to help me get done with the activation and fully understanding about the situation/my reason to interrupt them.
On the odd occasion I’ve been desperate for 2m FM contacts, I’ve broken into nets and also QSOs. Always been very polite and apologetic, explaining why I’m doing it and I’ve never had any issues.
Echoing what Fraser said, the folks on the Aberdeen net have always been particularly helpful.