TM 11-5820-890-10-1
NCS NOTES
It is extemely important that you consider LOS (Iine-of-sight) when setting up
a net. Radio signals cannot go around corners or transmit out of a valley to
a flat plain or vice versa. You must be aware of man-made obstacles such as
tall buildings and power lines as well as natural obstacles such as mountains
and dense jungle areas. You should also be aware of distance (range) due to
the curvature of the earth. LOS simply means that your RT antenna must be
able to be seen by the antenna of the RT that will be transmitting or receiving
your signal.
A cold start net opening should be used to initially open a net. It Is used when
all radios in a net have the same cold start TSK, MAN frequency, CUE frequen-
cy, hopset(s) and lockout set(s). The NCS will ERF FH sync time to all net
members. If net is to be opened in CT, refer to pages 2-38 and 2-39.
The use of COMSEC and TRANSEC fill devices may be limited to communica-
tions personnel and unit NCO’s to reduce the incidence of operator loading
errors.
Make sure that you and the members of your net release the handset
push-to-talk as quickly as possible after you’ve finished talking. Before answer
ing a call, make sure that you wait 2 or 3 seconds after pressing handset push-
to-talk before responding.
Only one hopset or lockout set can be in holding memory at one time. Only
one hopset can be sent at one time.
A retrieved hopset does not have to be stored back into permanent memory.
To clear the display of a hopset or lockout set in holding memory, move FCTN
to position other than LD.
Make sure that you allow enough time between steps for members to do what
you’ve instructed them to do.
The MAN channel is the net’s communication channel during a cold start net
opening. Make sure that members know to set CHAN to MAN if contact is lost.
When operating from a location or vehicle having multiple radios, make maxi-
mum possible use of OE-254 antennas at greatest attainable distances.
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