The SitRepNet Project aims to build the infrastructure for a decentralized series of HF digital nets for exchanging Situation Reports and Status Reports (SitRep, StatRep) on approximately a regional level, or perhaps a state level. This is being done by providing the tools and the framework for any ham radio operator (General Class or above) to build a reporting network using HF digital modes. It is truly a decentralized, yet directed system.
SitRepNet is designed to be flexible enough to fit the needs of the widest possible range of situations. It is a set of tools, standards, and protocols that can be easily adapted to local needs by those involved rather than being a one-size-fits-all plan.
Plans to incorporate JS8Call and CommStatOne into SitRepNet are in the works, and will soon be added here.
- Not a replacement for, or duplication of, any existing net(s)
- No formal connection with any existing net(s), but cooperation and sharing traffic is encouraged.
- Not currently planned as a regularly scheduled net, but rather as a simple template that can be used when needed. Occasional nets will be held for testing, familiarization, and improvement.
- Anticipated coverage areas are the FEMA regions, or one or a few states. It is not intended for wider coverage; there are other nets better suited for that.
- Variable text files are used for flexibility. Macros can be easily adapted to the needs of a wide variety of nets.
- Purpose is the decentralized distribution of Situation and Status reports.
- Objective is to pass SitReps and StatReps in a minimum amount of time.
- Focus is on efficiency, simplicity, and standard formats.
- Anticipated use is in a situation where normal means of communications are not available, with a high likelihood of grid-down conditions.
- Net is handled by a primary NCS only – does not use Assistant NCS.
- Macros are available for download (see links below), and all are encouraged to download and add to their FLDIGI macros.
- All SitReps and StatReps are sent in plain text, using MFSK32, FLMSG, and the standard ICS-213 form.
- Frequency will be in the 40 meters or 80 meters band.
- Net Day and Start Time is determined by time zone and local consensus, as well as the activities of other nets.
FEMA/FCC Regions Map
Situation Reports
The contents and layout of SitReps and StatReps will vary depending on the situation and local needs. Form ICS-213 is used because it is a standard, general purpose form that is included with FLMSG, and it is not tied to any specific net organization. For practice and testing, it is suggested that we follow the SitRep format used by ERIN (Eastern Region Information Net):
❑ Localized weather report if out of the ordinary
❑ Fuel availability & prices, petrol/Diesel
❑ Civil unrest if any
❑ Unusual Military movement if any
❑ Other interesting local news
Again, this is for practice and testing. Here is an example SitRep sent to the ERIN net (HTML format)
Current Version: 1.1
File Downloads
★ SitRepNet Macros Package – wrapped in a ZIP file. Includes macro file and folder with macro variable text files, and a NOTES.txt file describing how to use.
★ Sample Net Transcript – PDF doc.
★ SitRepNet Macros Sequence – single page PDF doc for use as a step-by-step guide to running a SitRepNet using the macros. Includes basic info about the files.
Notes
- AmRRON is an excellent source for information about setting up your HF digital station.
- Software used for passing traffic is FLDIGI and FLMSG. SitRepNet does not use compressed files – all traffic is in plain text.
- Form ICS-213 is a standard part of FLMSG. By using this basic form, all reports are in a standard format and more easily shared. FLMSG converts received ICS-213 reports into HTML format, making it easy to print and organize.
- All SitReps and StatReps are assumed to be completely open source. SitRepNet is not designed for any sort of secure comms, and in fact is explicitly designed to make it easy for anyone with the appropriate equipment to receive traffic.
- SitRepNet is an operations net rather than a training net though there is always some overlap.
- SitRepNet is an Open Source project of:
- KN4AM, Stephen Clay McGehee in Volusia County, FL
- KD8NOA, Richard Jackson in Michigan
- Much of the design inspiration for SitRepNet comes from ERIN (Eastern Region Information Net)
- This page was first published on AUG 20, 2024.
I appreciate that your are NOT using FLamp, but instead have made these transmissions all easily readable as plain text using the standard FLdigi suite.
Thanks for the feedback.
I got tired of seeing all that wasted time and confusion getting fills from a FLAMP file when there really isn’t any need to get a perfect copy for what we’re doing. There is no PGP signature or any reason to accept nothing less than perfect copy. Plus, we want to have it as open as possible so that anyone can be kept informed. The fact that SitRepNet is intended to cover a fairly limited area means that, under most band conditions, there should be pretty solid copy for everyone on the net. (I’m sure you knew all that, but wanted to take the opportunity to say it again) 🙂 73!
Stephen- thanks for picking up the baton from the FO exercise. I have appreciated your posts & hope to get involved in this new direction. I’m in region 7 (KC area). I’m still getting antennas, software & hardware sorted out but I’m close to being reliably operational.