Every day at 9 AM local time (Hawaii Standard Time), the Friendly Net is called to order on 7290 KHz using lower sideband (LSB) voice. All amateur radio stations licensed to operate on this frequency/mode are invited to check in (please respond to Net control instructions at all times).

The Friendly Net is registered with ARRL for emergency, traffic and weather but the usual activity on the Net consists of equipment checks, propagation comparisons and weather reports between and among stations in the Hawaiian island chain.

This net has been operating since at least the 1960s when the 7290 frequency at the high end of 40 meters was favored for all Hawaii inter-island communications (before VHF/UHF repeater systems came along). Also the high end of 40 was favored because of the popularity at that time of 40 meter HF mobile, this frequency allowing for as short and yet efficient antennas possible for 40 meters (all this still true for home stations).

With the morning time slot in Hawaii, foreign broadcast interference has not been a major factor in daily operations, so the net has not moved down to the 7075-7100 frequency slot now available to Hawaii amateurs. And, the 7290 frequency still holds a warm feeling for the old timers...

The net has a listed alternate frequency of 3860 KHz but this frequency has not been actively used for several years due to difficulties in antenna installation. Any use of this frequency will be announced on 7290 KHz during scheduled net sessions.

The Friendly Net operates round-robin style, that is stations need to log down the net roster when announced so that each station can then pass control to the next station on the roster rather than to Net control. Last station passes control back to Net control for further comments.

Please keep comments relatively brief as many stations must move on to other activities after the 2 usual rounds of comments. All stations are free to remain on frequency for further conversation after the net officially closes.

Comments, questions, etc. to Warren, KH6WM, Acting Net Manager (808) 487-1863.