HF WAS and DX Nets
joel Sampson / N5LXI

The HF WAS (Worked All States) and DX (Distance) Nets are a good way towork on your WAS and other awards. Most nets have their own, oftenextensive, awards program as well. And the nets give you somebody totalk to! While this guide is primarily for SSB nets, there are CW, AMand packet data nets as well.

My best advice is to listen to at least one entire session of a netbefore checking in yourself. You will learn the procedure and flow ofthe net. Most nets meet every day, so there is no hurry to check in. Itwill be there tomorrow! Don't check in and ask what the net is about.Know that before you check in!

Typically the Net Control Station, NCS, will give a preamblediscussing the basics of net operation. Most nets have web sites withinformation as well. Then the NCS begins taking check-ins, typically by calldistrict based on the date. That way all stations get a chance of beingfirst on the list. Some may give priority to DX or top award holders.

When your district comes up, listen for a "hole" between the otherstations checking in with the NCS, and give your call once phonetically.You may give you state and name, and perhaps a membership number (if youhave one) depending on the net. As stations check in, write down theirnumber, call, state, name and other information. Also indicate theirsignal strength (readability and signal) and make a note if it's astation you wish to work.

When it becomes your turn, you call the station (or stations if youget more than one call) you wish to work. And be listening for stationscalling you. When you are new to a net, you will get lot of calls! Logcontacts worked with stations call, state, sent and received signalreports, UTC time and date, and perhaps a membership number or name. Ifin doubt, write it down!

Most nets require you to exchange signal reports. That is, how wellyou are receiving the other amateur radio station. The RS system is thestandard used. Also see my signal report page.

The WAS/DX nets are not the place to ragchew. Send your signalreport and other required information but not much else! Stations areparticipating to work the maximum number of stations. Not to hear aboutyour weather or antenna farm. However, after the net officially closes,many stations will hang out and have discussions.

The requirements to become a official member of a net varies. Somerequire you work all 50 states on the net, others you simply work two orten others stations with membership numbers. Some are free to join,others may have a small one time or annual fee. The net web site willhave all of that information. You do not have to be a member of a net toparticipate in most nets. Otherwise they would never get new members!Most nets are very patient and welcome new hams to the net.

Another advantage of the WAS/DX Nets is most operate a free QSLbureau. Typically you send about ten SASE's to the buro manager to getstarted. Put your call in the upper left for filing purposes. Send cardsfor stations you work on a regular basis. The buro manager sorts themall and mails you a packet of eight or so QSL cards. It's likeChristmas! The QSL bureaus saves money and most people on the nets tendto use the bureau. If not, you are a direct QSL and stations willmail you a card to the location listed on the qrz.com website.

Here's a list of popular WAS/DX nets: