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Some methods of operating in one radio service may have different use in the amateur radio service. This is most
noticeable from operators that frequent the public service frequencies or CB radio service. I am not saying they are
operating improperly, just that things are done differently in the amateur service. Knowing what is considered standard
procedure for amateur use will assist greatly when attempting to "get the message through".
Ten codes are not used on the amateur frequencies. All amateurs surely know 10-4 is an acknowledgement, but it
is not considered proper on the the amateur bands. Negatory is also not an appropriate method for answering in the negative
(besides not being an actual word). One of the primary reasons for using proper pro-words is because they have become
so standard and have been selected because it is less likely to confuse them with other words in the context they are normally
used.
Another commonly misused word is "break". Primarily on HF this is used for a station with emergency traffic attempting
to "break the net". It is very poor practice to say break, have the NCS stop the net expecting an emergency condition
exists then learning the breaking station had no emergency. It also is not a good way for people to remember your call.
If you want to jump into the conversation, the accepted method is to just say your call sign at a convenient opening in the
conversation. One of the next stations would then acknowledge you by giving your call and saying "recognized".
You will then be inserted into the rotation of the comments or logged into the net if it is a formal net operation.
When operating in a net, it is considered poor operating practice to comment or transmit without first gaining permission
from the NCS. No matter how important you think your information may be, ALWAYS request permission to transmit.
You may feel it justified to make a comment because of the impotance of your information, but if it is indeed important enough
to interrupt the net, let NCS recognize you so there is no chance of anyone missing the information. If you have something
of importance for the net, then at a break either say your call sign or say "re-check". When the NCS recognizes you,
then you can pass the information that was of importance to the net. If what you had to say had no importance to the
net, then wait and pass it after the net secures.
Of course some of these practices are loosely enforced on rag-chew nets since their purpose is socializing. The
net participant has to remember the type net they check in to and operate accordingly. Traffic nets, ARES/RACES nets
or MARS nets require strict adherance to "net manners" and ALL participants should only transmit with NCS's permission.
----------------------------------------------------
ZIG ZAG COMMUNICATIONS
by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
An EM basic studies training module)
In radio traffic circuits the shortest route between two points may not be a straight line. It may not
even be possible. Also, a common mistake is to think that radio communications during disasters or other emergency
incidents can be contained within the affected or "declared area", a county or some other arbitrarily drawn jurisdiction.
While this may be true for very local incidents, emcomm planning must include the (often necessary) involvement of stations
up to many hundreds of miles away and outside the affected area. A large part of being a skilled radio operator
is understanding and experience (on an ongoing basis) of radio signal propagation patterns, quirks, and anomalies. This
is essential in order to ensure that a message gets through under adverse atmospheric or other man-made conditions.
Consider this hypothetical scenario: A disaster has stricken your county, state, region or
even your entire country. The infrastructure is down. No telephone service, no email, no internet, and commercial
power has been knocked out. Radio repeaters (both amateur and public service) have been knocked
out. Satellite phones are non-existent or they are in very limited supply. Public officials have no way to communicate
within the devastated area or with the "outside". Thousands of victims have no way to get messages out to
family and/or friends. Emergency planners often neglect to consider the need to relay messages accurately through multiple
relay stations and networks far beyond their own jurisdiction.
This is what amateur radio was destined to do.
But only if operators are well trained and disciplined and properly prepared to handle record message traffic.
(RADIOGRAMS).
The EMCOMM radio spectrum can be divided into two primary resources. VHF/UHF (frequency bands above
30 MHz), and HF (below 30 MHz). Each band and the various modes all have a role.
VHF (2 meters) FM is the
most common and most readily available. Nearly everyone is able to talk. (How well they can communicate
is debatable...but that is another issue.) While the VHF signal path is generally considered to be line-of-sight,
experienced hams know that this often is not the case. For example, I live in mountainous terrain, yet I routinely
talk from my base station (using 25 watts and a ground plane antenna on a 20 ft. mast) to mobile units 40 miles
way with hills in between. If I switch to my 13 element Yagi at 35 ft., my base station range is extended to 100
miles or more...with a mountain range between. On SSB or CW it is not unusual to work stations 300 miles distant!
From my home in Northern California, I have worked a stations in Washington state on 2 meters FM, using one solitary repeater
in Eugene, OR. (The local operators in Eugene could hardly believe it when they asked "where are you guys located?")
Now consider a hypothetical scene where the "hub" of a TYPE I ARCT has been stationed near
the center of the desired service area. Of course the location chosen for that station will depend upon several factors (e.g.
- accessibility to persons and agencies who need to send/receive messages). However, it may not
be the ideal location for the best signal paths to the perimeter (TYPE 3 or 4) stations. (Emcomm is not
a contest, or field day, where you can choose the best radio location.)
Therefore the ARCT leader(s) must consider
placing some relay TYPE 3 or 4 ARCTs to serve as relays at carefully selected locations (e.g. - a hill top or a tall
building.) If your planning has included a self-powered portable repeater, that will free up some operators
for field stations. A portable repeater can often be left unattended for 24-48 hours. Also, consider enlisting
trained operators who may already live at "good radio locations" and who are capable of relaying message traffic.
Ideally, every ARCT should pack a portable 20 to 30 ft. mast*. These are available from war surplus
and other outlets. Add a two meter, 3 (or more) elementYagi**, or other gain antenna, and with careful planning
and deployment, a TYPE I ARCT (and extra T-3 or T-4s if needed) can provide a service area of literally thousands
of square miles! And that's without HF and only using VHF simplex relays and networks! You do not need a
rotator other than the "Armstrong" type.*** Add a portable repeater on a mountaintop and your network range is
greatly expanded! (I recommend only full duplex repeaters. Forget the so-called "simplex repeaters."
Most operators lack the know-how and necessary discipline to use these units.) Of course, if the operators are not accustomed
to good net discipline and message traffic handling, this effort will not be effective.
*** (Turn it with your strong arm.)
Reprinted from the Nov 2007 EMCOMM
Monthly
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ZIG-ZAG COMMUNICATIONS - PART II
by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
"The Art of Communicating on HF...under less that optimal band
conditions."
An EM advanced studies
training module)
NOTE: This is "Part II." It is about knowing how to maximize the effective
use of the HF amateur bands for emcomm and other communications.
ZIG-ZAG SIGNALS
In January, 1921, a few radio pioneers conducted transcontinental message radio relay tests. (In Morse...of
course).
Hiram Percy Maxim, 1AW*, organized and executed his famous trans-continental message relay in January 1921.
He sent the message to R. Matthews, 9ZN in Chicago, who relayed it to Louis Falconi, 5ZA, Roswell, NM, and finally
to V.M. Bitz, 6JD, in Los Angeles who sent an acknowledgement back over the same circuit. The round trip took 6 minutes
and 30 seconds! And this was done using Morse and spark-gap transmitters. These early TEST messages
demonstrated just how fast a message could be relayed across the continental U.S....and back.
The goal was to pass
the traffic in as straight a line as possible, but there was a slight ZIG ZAG in the path due to the location of
available relay stations. However, little was known "way back then" about radio signal propagation patterns, and
the ability to relay a message from one point to another via an out-of-the-way station was yet to be explored.
Unfortunately, some emcomm leaders still assume that all radio communications in a disaster or other emergency incident
can be handled within the affected county, state, or region.
For point of discussion, lets say a (hypothetical) incident
has occurred in west Texas. Communications are needed between El Paso and the State Capitol at Austin. (Approx. 525
miles.) When band conditions are "long" signals may not propagate via a direct PTP (point-to-point)
path between those two points. However, suppose an emcomm traffic net is in operation and available on 14.280 SSB and
both Texas stations have communications with a skilled operator in Duluth, MN.
All of the operators involved are
trained and practiced in proper message traffic handling and net procedures. A circuit is established and
net discipline is maintained. RADIOGRAMS are then quickly relayed between El Paso and Austin....accurately and
expeditiously. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of using the universal format for message traffic no matter
what mode is used. Why? Assume the HF station handling the Austin traffic is actually located 20
miles outside the city, and messages received at the Austin HF relay (a good TACTICAL call sign for this circuit) are
being relayed to a VHF FM station located just outside the state EOC. The messages are received
at the VHF station, written or typed ("X separators" are removed), and are hand carried to the officials (addressees)
inside.
Therefore, it is important for all emcomm operators to participate in nets and become familiar with net procedures
on a regular basis. Choose nets that demonstrate proper and effective net and traffic procedures, and that you know
are capable of correctly handling message traffic. Participate in at least one local, regional and national net
on a regular basis. Avoid "good ol' boy rag chew nets" if you want to learn and practice proper network operations.
One of the arguments we often hear from those who promote the use of radio-infrastructure-hybrid-communications,
is that emcomm stations may not be within range of the station they wish to contact. We also hear the argument, "the
HF bands may be dead." The fact is: A complete "blackout" on frequencies between 1.8 and 30.0 MHz is extremely
rare. If and when that should happen, the frequencies usually return in 24-48 hours. Also, FM, SSB and CW VHF
communications are always there, and in the hands of skilled relay operators, traffic can be handled over many hundreds of
miles. (Ref. Part I in EM in the November 2007 issue.)
Before we get to our
discussion about HF "ZIG ZAG" communications, let us first consider line-of-sight mobile
and fixed HF propagation and review some of the characteristics of the more popular HF amateur bands. For short distances
(1-20 miles...more or less) HF is often not considered for emcomm. But when VHF is not feasible it should be considered
as a viable option. First, be sure that the selected frequency is clear. Remember that HF band conditions can
change rapidly and incoming signals from far away may suddenly cause interference. Also, your signals may suddenly interfere
with stations many hundreds of miles away.
10 meters
The ten meter band was once very popular
for local mobile communications. A quarter-wave whip is only 100 inches (2.5 meters) long and works well.
For a NVIS signal, a mobile unit can be parked, and the whip is then tilted over to provide a NVIS** signal.
HF line-of-sight, ground wave, and even NVIS is an excellent alternative for "local" emcomm! Remember, the propagation patterns
are not different from the 27 MHz Citizen Band, and more power may be used (legally!). CW, SSB and FM are also
legal (check the band plan) and you will not have to (hopefully) listen to vulgarity and undisciplined operators.
12-15-17 meters
For the purpose of this discussion, we will bypass these three bands. But they are
viable options, especially when 20 meters is busy with contests, DX activity, rag-chewing, or other hobby-radio activities.
Propagation on these three bands is similar to 10 or 20 meters.
20 meters
This band is arguably the most popular band for DX (long distance) communications.
It is often the band of choice for transcontinental, international, maritime and transoceanic radio traffic, but it often is
very congested with DX chasers, contests, long-winded yakkers, and other hobby-radio related activities. These
may make emcomm traffic and public service net operations very difficult and challenging. The 20 meter band
is not recommended for close range (line-of-sight) contacts since your signals may interfere with stations across the country
or on the other side of the world.
30 meters
Emcomm leaders often neglect this band in their planning. Thirty meters is THE band for domestic
regional emcomm traffic. NO "hot-air" pontificators using amateur radio for their own personal soapbox.
30 meters is CW, RTTY and data only! NO high-power stations splattering all over the band! (200 watt maximum.)
Skilled Morse operators can pass reams of RADIOGRAMS with little interference. Amateurs should always keep in mind that
we are secondary users of this very special privilege; but also that, it is an excellent band for medium-range
regional emergency and public service communications!
40 meters
Generally speaking, the 40 band is the mainstay for regional emcomm. It is usually the best
choice for regional (100-700 miles) communications during daytime. It is also usable for much longer distances
during hours of darkness, but this also allows for more QRM. Other factors such as your latitude (and the latitude of
the other station) will affect propagation, as well as, the solar cycle, annual season, weather events, etc.,
and it is often plagued with shortwave broadcast (SWBC) interference. The "key" here is...become an experienced
operator...and become familiar with propagation patterns for all bands!
75/80 meters
75m 'phone and 80m CW are considered to be the mainstay for regional and even local emcomm
during nighttime hours. But it is often open during midday, and is the most viable option for daytime emcomm when the
MUF (maximum usable frequency) drops below 7 MHz. Also, when daytime propagation on 40m is good from 300-1000 miles
it is often at ZERO (nil, zip, nada) for stations closer than 300 miles. (NOTE: Please realize that the
distances stated are approximate.)
160 meters
This MW (medium wave) band is often forgotten by emcomm operators. While it is generally a band for
night owls, it has been known to open during daylight hours...even at mid-day. Also, during daylight, line-of-sight,
and/or ground-wave propagation is often very good. Propagation on this MW band is very similar
to the MW AM BCB (broadcast band). We often hear comments such as "160 needs too long of an antenna" or, " I don't have
enough real estate!" However, there are plenty of operators who regularly operate on 160 meters both
mobile and portable, by using proper base loading coils.
NOTE: Due to DX activity in the lower
portion of this band, please keep domestic (U.S.) activity above 1850 kHz.
KNOW HOW
All emcomm operators need a working knowledge of propagation patterns
and know how to select the best band. Time of day, time of year, and where we all are in the solar cycle are all
factors. When an HF band seems unusable, should you pack it up an go home? Not if you (and other emcomm
operators) know how to:
ZIG-ZAG
When propagation does not allow for direct communications you have these choices:
1. You can wait
until band conditions allow PTP communications. Usually this only takes a few hours or less. It
is perfectly acceptable to wait until an evening net, or even until the next day, if the message is for routine
(R) or welfare (W).
2. You can change bands. Skilled operators will already know which bands are
open at various times of day and which nets have operators capable of handling message traffic. An effective emcomm
net may involve relay stations many hundreds, even thousands of miles, away.
3. You can use distant (out-of-your-area) relays. Just because an emergent situation is local,
state- or province-wide, or is confined to within a region, it doesn't mean that emcomm signals must be confined to within
that area!
FAIR WEATHER HAMS
In my experience as a net manager and as a
net control operator when band conditions are poor (especially over a period of time), net participation falls off considerably.
For hobby or "rag-chew "nets...this is no big deal. But since emergencies can occur at any time, practicing
operating under poor conditions provides a valuable learning and experience in both net operating discipline and in needed
relay skills.
Experienced operators know that the quickest route between two points is not always a straight
line, and they know how to "zig-zag" signals to get a message through.
NET PROCEDURE
REVIEW
A CASE IN POINT: A few days ago I was the NCS on the JNN (PTZNN)***. As usual
(according to good practice) I tuned up on the nominal frequency (7204 kHz) a few minutes before the net was to begin, pushed
the PTT button, and said, "This is K6SOJ testing. Is the frequency clear?" Hearing nothing, I then said,
"This is K6SOJ for the Jefferson Noon Net calling for a signal report from any net station." No response. I called
again. A station in the Midwest replied with, "You are 59 in Nebraska." I thanked him and I immediately
knew that the 40 meter band was long, very long, and that probably no station in the JNN service area (Pacific
and Mountain Time Zones) would hear me. I asked the Nebraska operator if he would announce: "This is -----,
the Jefferson Noon Net will be on 3987 kHz today." (The idea was so that stations in the western U.S. would know
to tune to the alternate 75 meter frequency.) He sounded puzzled. Why would a California
station be asking a Nebraska station to make an announcement to a western US net? He replied with, "Sorry, I don't have
80 meters." I replied with, "I want you to make the announcement on this frequency." He complied, and JNN stations
then knew to move to 3987 kHz (our 75 meter alternate frequency).
The sad thing is, as kind and as willing
to help as the Midwest operator was, he had NO IDEA as to why I would ask him to make that announcement!
Sadly, he is typical of many hams today.**** Anyway, most of the JNN "regulars" heard the announcement, moved
to 75 meters, and we had one of the best nets we have had in a long time, with excellent propagation on a band that typically is
not a good choice for midday regional communications. ZIG-ZAG works!
Therefore, (in review), in
a net operation, two close(r) stations may not be able to contact each other and a distant relay must
be used. Astute net control operators are aware of this factor. On the 40 meter JNN, the band is often "long". Stations
can hear other stations 300-400 miles away, but not in the 50-200 mile range. It is important for the NCS
to ask a distant relay (or two) to call for check-ins and/or traffic. The distant station temporarily becomes and acts
as an alternate NCS. TACTICAL identifiers (e.g. - "SEATTLE RELAY") are appropriate. As each (additional)
station checks in, the alternate NCS acknowledges each station by saying the call sign and location. Since
the (primary) NCS can hear the relay, he/she makes in entry in the net log. If a roundtable is included in the
routine, the NCS then announces a rotation in such as way as to avoid having a station passing it to a nearby station.
Example: If I am in northern California (near the Oregon border, I pass it to a Washington station, who then
passes it to a Nevada station, who then passes it to an Oregon station, and so on. It is useless to have all the Washington
stations follow each other since they are too close together. (Of course, if they are very close to each other,
they may hear each other via ground wave...but the NCS has no way of knowing this.)
TO CHECK OUT, or ... TO NOT CHECK OUT? THAT IS THE QUESTION!
Have
you ever heard someone say: "I can't hear net control," or, "I can only hear two or three stations, so I am checking
out." That's OK it is only a "Good Ol' Boys" rag chew, but it is not good practice on a public service,
traffic, or emcomm net. There just might actually be some traffic for that station's area, or someone may
want a weather report or other information from you, or that station that "can only hear 2 or 3 stations" may
be the only station that can provide a relay for some important traffic. If you must "check out" before the close of
net, come up with a valid reason!
FINALLY
Don't ask another operator to,
"Check me in. I won't be on the net today." You are either in the net...or you aren't!
If the NCS calls for stations with limited time, that is when you should check in. (But please
don't check in as a limited time station, and then break in during the net with comments or contact calls.) If you suddenly
have more time, check in again and remain in the net until you check out again or the net closes.
*** PTZNN = Pacific Time Zone Noon Net
**** This is an example of some of the many gaps that are being
left out of amateur radio training. One of the missions of EMCOMM MONTHLY and the WRRL
is to try to fill in some of those "educational gaps."
Reprinted from Dec 2007 EMCOMM Monthly
======================================================
I found the information below, on the operating site for the N3KZ repeater system in Philly. This is a real
good guide for operating on repeaters. It answers alot of questions that new hams ask about using VHF/UHF repeaters.
Basic Repeater Etiquette
Starting a QSO via a directed call. There are two main ways by which a QSO can begin, one
is via a directed call and one is via monitoring. A directed call is where one amateur calls another amateur individually,
such as "N3XYZ from K3ABC". In such a case, K3ABC is looking for one particular individual, N3XYZ. It generally is not
an invitation for anyone other than N3XYZ to return the call. If N3XYZ doesn't answer the call, K3ABC may just clear off by
saying "K3ABC clear", or may clear and listen for other calls by saying "K3ABC clear and listening". The "and listening" or
"and monitoring" implies they are interested in hanging around to QSO with anyone else who might be listening at that time.
"Listening" and "monitoring" don't mean you are listening to somebody else's conversation, they mean you are listening for
other people who may want to call you to start a new QSO. Likewise, just saying your call by itself with nothing following
it is meaningless. If you were to say "N3XYZ", people listening wouldn't know if that means you were monitoring for calls,
whether you were testing, or whether they missed the callsign of a party you were calling. Be concise, but be complete.
Starting a QSO via a monitoring call. If the repeater is not in use, simply stating your
callsign followed by "listening" or "monitoring" implies that you are listening to the repeater and are intersted in having
a QSO with anyone else. Calling CQ on a repeater is generally not common, a simple "N3XYZ listening" will suffice. There is
no need to repeat the "listening" message over and over again as you might do when calling CQ on HF. Once every few minutes
should be more than sufficient, and if someone hasn't answered after a few tries, it probably means there is nobody around.
If someone is listening and wants to QSO, they will answer back. Avoid things like "is anybody out there" or "is there anybody
around on frequency"; it sounds like a bad sci-fi movie.
Joining a QSO in progress. If there is a conversation taking place which you would like to
join, simply state your callsign when one user unkeys. This is the reason for having a courtesy tone: to allow other users
to break into the conversation. One of the stations in QSO, usually the station that was about to begin his transmission,
will invite you to join, either before making his own transmission or afterwards. Don't interrupt a QSO unless you have something
to add to the topic at hand. Interrupting a conversion is no more polite on a repeater than it is in person.
Interrupting a QSO to make a call. If you need to make a directed call to another amateur
but there is already another QSO going on, break into the conversation during the courtesy tone interval by saying "Call please,
N3XYZ". One of the stations will allow you to make your call. If the station you are calling returns your call, you should
quickly pass traffic to them and relinquish the frequency to the stations who were already in QSO; don't get into a full QSO
in the middle of someone else's conversation. If you need to speak with the party you call for a significant length of time
(say, more than 15 seconds), ask them to either wait until the current QSO has cleared, or ask them to move to another repeater
or simplex channel to continue the conversation.
Roundtables and "Turning it Over". When more than two amateurs are in a QSO, it is often
referred to as a "roundtable" discussion. Such a QSO's usually go in order from amateur A to amateur B to amateur C ... and
eventually back to amateur A again to complete the roundtable. To keep everyone on the same page, when any one amateur is
done making a transmission, they "turn it over" to the next station in sequence (or out of sequence, if so desired). Without
turning it over to a particular station when there are multiple stations in the QSO, nobody knows who is supposed to go next,
and there ends up either being dead silence or several stations talking at once. At the end of a transmission, turn it over
to the next station by naming them or giving their callsign, such as "...and that's that. Go ahead Joe." or "....and that's
that. Go ahead XYZ." If it's been close to 10 minutes, it's a good time to identify at the same time as well, such as "...and
that's that. N3XYZ, go ahead Joe."
IDing and Who's Who? By FCC regulations, you must always identify at 10 minute intervals
and at the end of a transmission. If you are making a test transmission or calling another party, this is a one-way transmission.
Since it has no "length" as there is no QSO taking place, you should identify each time you make a call or a test transmission.
When identifying yourself and another party (or parties), or when making a directed call, your callsign goes LAST. "N3XYZ,
K3ABC" means that K3ABC is calling N3XYZ, not the other way around. There is no need to identify each time you make a transmission,
only once every 10 minutes. You do not need to identify the station with whom you are speaking, only your own callsign, but
it is generally polite to remember the call of the other station. Avoid phonetics on FM unless there is a reason for using
them, such as the other station misunderstanding your callsign. When phonetics are needed, stick to the standard phonetic
alphabet.
Demonstrations. From time to time, an amateur may want to demonstrate the capabilities of
amateur radio to another non-amateur. The typical way to do this is to ask for a "demo" such as "N3XYZ for a demonstration."
Anyone who is listening to the repeater can answer them back. Usually telling the calling party your name, callsign, and location
is what they are looking for, not a lengthy conversation. Someone doing a demo may ask for stations in a particular area to
show the range of amateur radio communications, such as if the calling station is in the Poconos they may ask for any stations
in south Jersey or Harrisburg areas, which is more interesting than demonstrating that they can talk to someone in the same
town as they are in.
Signal Reports. If you are unsure how well you are making it into the repeater, DO NOT kerchunk
the repeater. Any time you key up the repeater, you should identify, even if you are just testing to see if you are making
the machine. "N3XYZ test" is sufficient. Do not use the repeater as a "target" for tuning or aiming antennas, checking your
transmitter power, etc. Use a dummy load where appropriate, or test on a simplex frequency. If you need someone to verify
that you are making the repeater OK, ask for a signal report such as "N3XYZ, can someone give me a signal report?" "Radio
check" is a term most often used on CB, "signal report" is what most amateurs ask for.
Language. Aside from some of the techno-syncracies inherent in amateur vernacular, use plain
conversational English. The kind of English that would be suitable for prime-time television, not R rated movies. Avoid starting
or encouraging conflicts on the air. If a topic of conversation starts to draw strong debate, change the subject. Avoid "radio-ese"
lingo whenever possible. CB has its own language style and so does amateur radio, but the two are not the same. Amateurs have
"names", not "personals". Although many new hams have graduated from the CB ranks, let's try to keep CB lingo off the amateur
bands. When visiting a new repeater, take some time to monitor before jumping in to get a feel for the type of traffic and
operating mannerisms of that particular system. Some repeaters are very free-wheeling in that there are people jumping in
and out of conversations constantly. Others primarily have directed calls on them and discourage ragchewing. Others are member-exclusive
repeaters. Listen before you talk, when in Rome do as the Romans do.
Emergencies. If there is a QSO going on, break into a conversation with the word "Break"
or "Break for priortity traffic." DO NOT USE THE WORD BREAK TO JOIN IN A QSO UNLESS THERE IS AN EMERGENCY! All stations should
give immediate priority any station with emergency traffic.
Malicious Interference. If there is malicious interference, such as kerchunking, touch-tones,
rude comments, etc. DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE IT! Continue the QSO in a normal fashion. If the interference gets to the level where
it is impossible to carry on the QSO, simply end the QSO as you normally would.
Power. Use the minimum power necessary to complete a QSO. However, the minimum power necessary
doesn't just mean you are barely tickling the repeater receiver squelch. If someone says that you are noisy, increase power
or relocate or take whatever measures you can to improve your signal. Continuing to make transmissions after being told your
signal is noisy is inconsiderate to those listening. The amateur radio manufacturers continue to come up with newer, smaller
handheld radios, many with power levels well under a watt. Many new amateurs start out with a handheld radio as their "first
rig". Although convenient, they aren't the most effective radios in terms of performance. Without a good external antenna,
operating a handheld radio indoors or inside a car is going to result in a lot of bad signal reports.
-----------------------------------------------
The following bit of information was taken from the March 2007 EmComm Monthly:
PROPER RADIOTELEPHONE (VOICE) OPERATING PROCEDURES
Proper: Use ROGER for "received and understood".
Not so proper: Do not use "QSL" on voice. (On CW, R = received and understood,
QSL = "acknowledged.")
Proper: Use AFFIRMATIVE
for "yes."
Not so proper: Do not use ROGER for "yes" -- ROGER
means "received and understood". It does NOT mean "YES" or "I AGREE."
Proper:
Use SAY AGAIN when you are not sure of a word or a phrase, and want it repeated.
Not so
proper: Do not use REPEAT -- it may be mistaken for "received".
Proper: End a transmission
with your call sign or "over". Or, "back to net control, this is ------".
Not so proper:
Ending a transmission with "ROGER", "ROGER ROGER", or "OK?"
Terrible: Ending a transmission
by not saying anything and leaving everyone wondering if your power went out, your transmitter blew up, or if you
dropped dead.
If you know that you will be transmitting again within ten minutes
from the last time you said your call sign, it is acceptable to just say "over" or your station's TACTICAL call sign
if one is in use. Otherwise say your legal call sign. And...it is NOT necessary to say, "for
ID".
Proper: Tune up using a dummy load. If you need to check your antenna SWR
use an antenna analyzer. If you don't have an analyzer:
1. - LISTEN: A few minutes before transmitting.
The frequency might be in use, and you are not hearing a station that is transmitting.
2. - ASK: "Is this frequency
in use?"
3. - TEST: "This is ------- testing". If sending a carrier
only keep the power level low and complete your measurement and adjustment quickly.
4. - IDENTIFY with your call sign
Not so proper: Key down without first listening, and then taking
"forever" to tune up.
Terrible: Intentionally keying down on top of another station. But
be sure to identify so others will know who the inconsiderate lid is!
Proper:
Saying your location when checking into a net.
Not so proper: Not
saying your location when checking into a net. You may be famous, but not everyone automatically knows who or where
you (usually) are.
Worse: Giving a vague location such as: "I'm at home," or
"I'm out in the shop."
Terrible: When asked to "say your location" say: "guess", or "who wants to know?", or some other jerk answer. Proper:
Calling for a signal report.
Not so proper: Saying, "I need a radio check." Your radio
may be working fine...but noise, fading, "multi-pathing", interference, distance, or a lousy antenna may result in poor communications.
Also, very few of us will be close enough to you to drive over to your house to check your radio for you. However, if
you really want to sound like a "CBer"...go ahead and call for a "radio check!"
Proper:
Be on time for the net and pay attention. When the NCS calls for "stations on limited time" check in by saying (or sending)
your call sign if you cannot stay around for the net.
Not so proper: Checking
into a net when the NCS calls for "stations on limited time", and then ramble on for about ten minutes
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