PURPOSE:

To demonstrate the international reach of DMR.
To provide a Net for interaction (even if only check-ins) with hams outside the local area and outside a specific interest group (most Nets are limited to one or both of those types).

Apart from conducting a Saturday TG91 worldwide net, our other important goal is to assist fellow HAMs, especially our young amateur radio enthusiasts who've just recently learned proper amateur radio etiquette. Since the majority of them are on QRX, we want it to be enjoyable and educational for all. We also aim to clarify some important matters and make some suggestions. More specifically, the intention is for our Net Controllers to provide good examples of operating procedures during the Net, including correct use of the International Phonetic Alphabet.

LISTEN, LISTEN AND LISTEN AGAIN:

During TG91 worldwide check-in, some HAMs call other stations immediately without listening.
Some don’t listen to what is currently happening, causing wasted time and setting a poor example on-air.

We humbly suggest everyone listen for at least several seconds to hear the TG91 Net Controller transmitting, or use the polite standard method of asking, "Is the talk group in use?" followed by your call sign (or "Is the frequency in use?" if on RF). This avoids confusion as the Net Controller will answer straight away. This method is common on RF and is gaining practice on VOIP. It's a great example for newcomers to become polite HAM operators.

Before calling stations for check-in on TG91 worldwide net, we always call stations with priority or emergency traffic first (messages with double or triple breaks). This ensures we can assist emergency situations without delay.

In emergencies, main power grids often fail, and radios run on battery power with weak signals that can drain quickly. That is why we must pause and listen carefully for priority stations with very weak signals during emergency transmission. We strongly encourage all HAMs to listen carefully before pressing PTT.

Listening is a key skill to become a superstar HAM and a basic requirement.

TG91 IS NOT AN ENGLISH ONLY SPEAKING TG/CHANNEL:

TG91 promotes camaraderie worldwide. It is unfair to exclude HAMs who don’t speak or understand English by claiming TG91 is English-only. We welcome everyone and try our best to understand all participants. Q-codes can help when language barriers exist.

If a HAM interrupts or calls out of order due to language difficulties, TG91 net controllers politely explain the net and related matters in the caller's own language when possible.

INTERNATIONAL PHONETIC ALPHABET (IPA):

Accurate IPA is crucial for young hams who recently learned it, especially during emergency and public service communication. One wrong letter can be catastrophic when passing rescue coordinates.

Some HAMs alter IPA intentionally. Since TG91 is monitored by many young enthusiasts learning IPA, hearing different versions—especially from older stations—can be confusing.

Altering IPA is not illegal. However, it misleads young hams who are learning proper etiquette. We don’t forbid altering IPA, but the majority of HAMs worldwide encourage young operators to practice the standard IPA.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO PRACTICE CORRECT IPA:

Correct IPA reduces transmission errors, especially during power outages when radios operate on weak battery signals during disaster rescue operations. One incorrect letter can mean the difference between life and death.

For example, during the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, a single IPA error in coordinate transmission could have directed rescuers to dangerous areas.

Let’s help future young HAMs continue our mission to serve the public by supporting emergency communication during disasters.

Worldwide Check-In Operation

For newcomers, the Net Controller will explain how the Worldwide Check-In operates: region by region across the globe.

Since the Net runs for a long time, and some like to check in at specific times without listening to the entire net, here is the calling order to help you know when your region is up:

• Asia and Pacific
• Middle East
• Europe (many stations and sub-regions)
• Africa, Caribbean, Latin America (including Mexico)
• North America (Canada and the US)

Within each region, the Net Controller calls for check-ins from groups of countries, individual countries, and sometimes specific areas (e.g., US call zones). When your area is called, please check in then. The Net Controller will also call for late or missed check-ins from certain areas at times.

Please only check in when your area is called or during late/missed check-in calls. Out-of-order check-ins cause confusion and delays.

When checking in, please use the phonetic alphabet to say your callsign. This helps the Net Controller log calls quickly and accurately.

For example, the Net Controller might say a callsign like "X1XXX" using phonetics, without giving a personal name or location.

If you have traffic (messages), please announce it at check-in. If you don’t have traffic, it’s best not to announce this to keep the net moving efficiently.

Traffic typically covers DMR events, new repeaters, or other DMR-related topics.

This is a controlled net: all traffic must go through Net Control. After several check-ins, the Net Controller will pause to read back heard callsigns. If you are heard, you are checked in and need not continue repeating.

Also remember, digital logs are kept, so you will be logged even if Net Control misses you due to network issues.

History

The Net began in 2015 when many California DMR repeaters joined the then-new Brandmeister Network.
It was started by Dick K6SUU who initially did net control solo.
It was modeled on a similar older Net on Talkgroup 1 on the DMR-MARC cBridge network.
During a Christmas/New Year period, Dick went overseas and asked for volunteers; Alec N1AJW and Paul VA6PW stepped up.
Since then, the Net Controller group has expanded with many members joining and leaving.

Key Personnel

Net Founder: Dick - K6SUU
Digital Log Acquisition and Processing: Dave - M7NTE
Scheduling: Paul - VA6PW
Script Editor: Paul - VA6PW
Website and Systems: Dave - M7NTE
NCO Onboarding Coordinator: Barry - K6ST
NCO Support: William - 2E0HMR

Volunteering

We are always looking for new Net Controllers. If interested or for more information, please email the Net Controller group at info@worldwidecheckin.net.