WB2KAO 85 RAGCHEW NET

How to Use the 85 Ragchew Net Logger

This page explains how to use the 85 Ragchew Net Logger at https://ragchewnetlog.ddns.net for both regular net participants and Net Control Stations (NCS).

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For All Users (Net Participants)

Accessing the Logger

• Open your web browser and go to https://ragchewnetlog.ddns.net.
• Bookmark the page for future use.
• If your browser offers an option like “Install app” or “Add to Home Screen,” you can install the logger as an app on your device for quick, full-screen access.

What You See on the Screen

• Header (blue bar): Shows “85 Ragchew Net Logger,” the text chat number (716-537-6176), and “Ragchew Net Chat Session.”
• Top bar:
  • Net Status: Shows whether the net is OPEN or CLOSED.
  • Archives link: Takes you to past nets and their logged stations.
  • NCS login area: Used only by NCS operators (requires a password).
• Left side – Net Log: A table with one row per check-in. Columns:
  • Handled (check mark when NCS has worked that station)
  • Callsign
  • Name
  • Nickname
  • Address
  • Grid
  • Time (check-in time)
• Right side – Web Chat:
  • Scroll area showing chat messages with timestamps and callsigns.
  • Input boxes to send your callsign and a text message.

Checking In Using Quick Web Check-In

When the net is OPEN, you can check in directly from the page.

1. Locate the “Quick Web Check-In” form on the left side of the page.
2. In the Callsign box, type your callsign (for example, NY1US).
3. Click Quick Check-In.
4. The page will reload and you will appear in the Current Net Log table.

• The logger will automatically look up your Name, Address, and Grid from QRZ (when available).
• If the net is CLOSED, the system will not accept new check-ins until NCS opens a new session.

Using the Web Chat

Use the chat panel to interact with NCS and other stations.

1. On the right side of the page, find the chat area.
2. Enter your callsign in the first box.
3. Enter your message in the second box.
4. Click Send.

• Your message appears in the chat list with your callsign and a timestamp.
• All connected users see the message instantly, without needing to reload the page.
• Chat messages are informal and do not create check-ins in the main log; for an official check-in, use Quick Web Check-In or have NCS log you.
• Chat history is cleared when NCS closes the net.

Understanding the “Handled” Column

• A check mark (✔) in the Handled column means NCS has worked that station and marked them as handled.
• An empty box means the station is still waiting or in progress.
• Regular users cannot change this column; only NCS can toggle the handled status.

Viewing Archived Nets

• Click the 📁 Archives link in the top bar.
• The archive page lists all past nets grouped by the time they were closed.
• For each net you can see:
  • Callsign, Name, Nickname, Address, Grid
  • Handled status at net close
  • Original check-in time
• Archives are read-only and serve as the historical log of the 85 Ragchew Net.

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For Net Control Stations (NCS)

Logging In as NCS

1. Go to https://ragchewnetlog.ddns.net.
2. In the top bar, find the NCS login box.
3. Enter the NCS password and click Login.
4. After successful login:
   • The top bar changes to show “Logged in as NCS”.
   • The “Add Entry (NCS only)” form appears above the net log table.

Keep the NCS password private and share it only with trusted NCS operators.

Opening and Closing the Net

• Open Net:
  • Click the Open Net button at the start of the session.
  • Net Status changes to OPEN.
  • The logger accepts new entries and Quick Web Check-Ins.
• Close Net:
  • Click the Close Net button at the end of the session.
  • The logger:
    • Copies all current entries into the Archives with a “Net closed” timestamp.
    • Clears the current net log and all chat messages.
    • Sets Net Status to CLOSED.

Adding Entries as NCS (QRZ Lookup)

When logged in as NCS and the net is OPEN, use the NCS-only entry form:

1. Above the Current Net Log, find the “Add Entry (NCS only)” form.
2. Fill in:
   • Callsign (required).
   • Nickname (optional).
3. Click QRZ Lookup & Add.
4. The logger:
   • Queries QRZ using the configured account.
   • Automatically fills in Name, Address, and Grid when available.
   • Inserts the entry into the current net log with the current UTC time.

Use this for RF check-ins you receive on the net and for any manual corrections or additions.

Handling Quick Web Check-Ins

• Quick Web Check-Ins from users appear in the same log table as your entries.
• When a user submits the Quick Web Check-In form:
  • The logger looks up their information on QRZ (when possible).
  • Adds them to the table with name, address, grid, and timestamp.
  • Broadcasts the new row to all connected browsers without needing a manual refresh.
• As NCS, you treat these entries like any other:
  • Verify the info as needed.
  • Mark them handled when you have worked that station.

Marking Stations as Handled

• In the Current Net Log table, each row has a checkbox in the Handled column when you are logged in as NCS.
• To mark a station as handled:
  • Click the checkbox for that row.
  • The row turns grey to show it has been handled.
  • The change appears for all connected users.
• To un-handle a station (if you clicked by mistake), uncheck the box and the row returns to normal.
• Only NCS operators can toggle this column.

Using Chat as NCS

• Use the chat panel on the right to:
  • Announce that you are taking check-ins.
  • Post instructions (“Stand by,” “Taking mobiles,” etc.).
  • Acknowledge web check-ins and questions.
• Enter your callsign and message, then click Send.
• Messages appear instantly for all users.
• Remember: chat messages do not automatically create log entries; use the NCS Add Entry form or Quick Web Check-In for official check-ins.
• All chat messages are cleared when you close the net.

Viewing and Managing Archives as NCS

• Click 📁 Archives in the top bar.
• You will see a list of archived nets grouped by the time they were closed.
• For each past net, the archive shows:
  • Callsign, Name, Nickname, Address, Grid
  • Handled status
  • Original check-in time
• If enabled, NCS may see a Clear Archives button:
  • Clicking it deletes all archived entries permanently.
  • Use this only when intentionally wiping history.

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Tips and Best Practices

• Encourage users to bookmark https://ragchewnetlog.ddns.net and install it as an app where possible for one-tap access.
• Keep the NCS password secure; only trusted net control operators should log in as NCS.
• Remind users:
  • Use Quick Web Check-In (or an NCS operator) for official check-ins.
  • Use the chat panel for comments, questions, and informal interaction.
• At the end of each session, always click Close Net:
  • This archives the current session cleanly.
  • Clears the log and chat so the next net starts fresh.