Dear Howard,

I ran a vhf net for about 7 years.  There are several options:

1.  You could buy a hdeadset with a boom mike and foot switch and plug it
into your rig.  You would probably have to solder the plugs to the cord.  I
used a headset like that for many years.

2.  I have also Held the Mike in one hand and read the preamble with the
other.  I don't have a headset and foot switch set up for my present rig.

The first option makes it easy to take check-ins because both hands are
free.

The second option is harder, but you can still handle the check-ins.  Make
sure your rig is locked so you can't accidentally press a button and change
frequencies.  If you have buttons on the mike, make sure you can't
accidentally press one and lose frequencies.

When you are taking check-ins, you'll have to let go of the mike and bang
away on the brailler or use a BrailleNote or other notetaker.  I know one
guy who uses a slate and stylus, but I wouldn't recommend that.  For one
thing, it's too slow; and you would have to remember where you were on the
line.  Mostly, I used a brailler, but I have run a few nets using my
BrailleNote and I like using it much better.

I hope these ideas help.

Terri Pannett, Amateur Radio call sign KF6CA.  Army MARS call sign AAT9PX,
California
----- Original Message -----
From: "Howard Kaufman" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, July 18, 2004 7:02 AM
Subject: running a net


:         I have been asked to run a net on our local repeater.
: Since I only have two hands, I am trying to figure out how to read
: the  preamble script, my check in list, and hold a hand mike at the same
: time.  Does anybody use braille here and run a  VHF net?  If so how?
: Thanks!
: