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Primary ↔ Backup Handoff

A step-by-step walkthrough for swapping N/C roles mid-net.

When to hand off

  • You need to step away (radio trouble, phone call, weather, fatigue).
  • Your audio quality has degraded and the Backup is clearer on frequency.
  • You're training a new N/C and want them to take live check-ins.
  • A scheduled split: Primary runs the first half, Backup runs the second.

What "Hand Off to Backup" actually does

  • Swaps the Primary and Backup call signs on the open net record.
  • Writes a time-stamped audit note (e.g. [19:47] N/C handoff: KX1ABC → KX1XYZ) into the net log.
  • Pushes the change instantly to every connected screen — Live panel, Follow view, and the new operator's Active Net page.
  • Does not close the net, lose check-ins, or change the preamble. It is safe to use at any point.

Before you press the button — verify these

VerifyWhy it matters
Backup is on frequency and acknowledges they're ready to take it.Avoids dead-air gaps; confirms RF path before transferring control.
Backup is signed in to the Net Log app on their device.They need an active session to log check-ins under their call.
Backup's N/C profile is complete (call sign, name, location).Preamble placeholders and check-in suggestions rely on profile data.
Current group / step is finished or paused at a clean break.Easier for the incoming N/C to pick up without re-asking stations.
No half-typed check-in sitting in the entry form.Unsaved input stays on your device — finish or clear it first.
Announce the handoff on air before clicking.Net participants should hear who is now controlling.
Confirm the swap target — the Backup pill shows the right call sign.Prevents handing off to a stale or wrong backup assignment.

Step-by-step walkthrough

  1. On air. Say something like: "Net, this is <your call>. I'm handing N/C duties to <backup call>. Stand by."
  2. Confirm readiness. Wait for the Backup to acknowledge on frequency. Do not click until you hear them.
  3. Open Active Net. Locate the Hand Off to Backup button in the Net Actions cluster on the right side of the Net Details panel.
  4. Verify the pill. Check the Backup pill: Primary shows you, Backup shows the correct incoming N/C.
  5. Click Hand Off to Backup. The button confirms. Roles swap, an audit note is written, and the Live panel updates everywhere.
  6. Pass the script. Tell the new Primary which group/step you're on (e.g. "We just finished Short-Time, moving to Traffic.").
  7. New Primary takes over. They continue logging check-ins from their device. You can stay signed in as Backup or step away.

After the handoff

  • The audit log shows the swap with timestamp — useful for post-net review.
  • The Live Net panel on the home page reflects the new Primary immediately.
  • If you need to swap back, the new Primary clicks Hand Off to Backup again.
  • Closing the net, exporting XLSX, and editing check-ins all still work normally for either operator.

Troubleshooting

SymptomFix
Backup pill is blank or wrong.Open the net's settings and set the correct Backup call sign before handing off.
Backup doesn't see the net update on their screen.Have them refresh, or verify they're signed in with their N/C profile.
Clicked Hand Off by mistake.Click Hand Off to Backup again to swap roles back. Both events are recorded in the audit log.
Need to hand off to someone who isn't the listed Backup.Edit the net's Backup call sign first, then perform the handoff.

Tip: practice a handoff during a Test Net before doing it on a live one. Test nets are clearly labeled and don't affect club statistics.