In his latest Michigan Section News, our Section Manager, Dale WA8EFK writes:
The Michigan Net, QMN, celebrated its 70th Anniversary this autumn. Founded in late 1935 by members of the Detroit Amateur Radio Association, QMN is the nation’s oldest spot frequency traffic net and is responsible for a number of innovations in public service communications.
Before QMN, message traffic was handled through individual schedules between stations. Radio Amateurs who were not part of the ARRL Trunk Line system would typically maintain a schedule with stations to the North, South, East and West. When traffic was destined for a location in a particular direction, it was transferred on schedule to the station closest to the addressee. The non-systematic nature of these methods often resulted in delays in delivery.
A Committee of the Detroit Amateur Radio Association, with an eye toward improving public service communications, took advantage of a number of improvements in radio technology in the 1930s, such as stable crystal controlled transmitters and calibrated receivers, to implement a single-frequency traffic net. This new method permitted stations throughout a state or region to meet on a specific frequency, at specific times each day to exchange traffic, resulting in more reliable traffic flow and consistent message originations and delivery. This concept of the spot-frequency traffic net would become and has served as the predominant model for all traffic nets to this day.
At a QMN meeting in Detroit in 1939 a Committee developed the well-known QN-Signals, which were eventually adopted by the ARRL for all CW traffic net use. QN-Signals are widely distributed in ARRL publications and continue to be used throughout North America. QMN also pioneered in the field of disaster response, deploying QMN emergency response teams in an era before the Amateur Radio Emergency Corps (predecessor to today’s ARES) was a commonplace fixture.
Previously, QMN constructed and maintained a VHF packet radio network, which covered a large portion of Lower Michigan. For a time QMN also operated HF PACTOR gateways for use as a public service communications tool. Today QMN continues to serve as Michigan’s Section CW Traffic Net. In addition to handling NTS message traffic, QMN operates a statewide rain gauge network in support of the National Weather Service, having implemented innovative methods for automated message delivery and interface with NOAA computer networks.
QMN members take great pride in the efficiency and reliability of their CW traffic net. In recognition of its long-time role in public service communications, QMN wishes to announce the creation of a new operating award in honor of its 70th year: The QMN Emergency Preparedness Award. The award is open to any licensed radio amateur who meets the following requirements:
- He/she must deploy a portable HF station at least five times in a calendar year.
- Each time his station is deployed, he must check-in to one of the QMN CW Nets and originate a message to the QMN General Manager (WB8SIW).
- This message must be properly transmitted in standard NTS message format and should indicate that he is operating portable or on emergency power and where the station is deployed. Stations participating in NREN functions, emergency exercises, and similar activities may also qualify for this award, provided they are deployed in a portable configuration, check-in to a NTS CW net, and originate the required radiogram to the QMN General Manager.
A sample of the required radiogram message might be:
21 R K8QMN 12 GRAND RAPIDS MI JUN 27
WB8SIW BK
K8QMN OPERATING PORTABLE FROM US
COAST GUARD GROUP GRAND HAVEN
X 73 BK
MEYERUpon completion of the necessary requirements, the participant will receive a handsome certificate suitable for framing, which attests to his level of emergency preparedness and operating skill.
With the nice weather just a few months away, this award may provide just the incentive to get away from the TV and computer on a warm spring or summer evening.
I had no idea that QMN was such a trailblazer. All those involved deserve a hearty congratulations for their hard work.
Leave a Reply