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=====Basic Communication Skills===== The Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club provides communication support for many public service events in our community. Examples of information being exchanged between the FCARC and event coordinators includes medical emergencies, welfare checks, status reports on participants, or a request for the sag wagon. In order for effective and efficient radio traffic to be passed from the event operators to event officials, the FCARC is asking all participants read the following guidelines before transmitting on your radio for an FCARC communication event.\\ The first section called Basic Communication Skills is from Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course – Level I from the ARRL which provides an overview of the basic skills every Ham Radio operator should know to provide emergency communications. Even though this is based on emergency communication, the fundamentals can be used for the FCARC communication events. The second section consists of the FCARC’s general radio guidelines and primary focus points of radio traffic during FCARC’s public service events created by Andy Palm, N1KSN. Basic Communication Skills* __Objective:__ This lesson introduces communication skills that are specific to emcomm operations, and helps you understand differences from normal Amateur Radio operations. Information: An emergency communicator must do his part to get every message to its intended recipient, quickly, accurately, and with a minimum of fuss. A number of factors can affect your ability to do this, including your own operating skills, the communication method used, a variety of noise problems, the skills of the receiving party, the cooperation of others, and adequate resources. In this unit, we will discuss basic personal operating skills. Many of the other factors will be covered in later units. Why Are Emergency Communication Techniques Different? Life and death communications are not part of our daily experience. Most of what we say and do each day does not have the potential to severely impact the lives and property of hundreds or thousands of people. In an emergency, any given message can have huge and often unintended consequences. An unclear message, one that is delayed or mis-delivered, or never delivered at all can have disastrous results. __Listening:__ Listening is at least 50% of communication. Discipline yourself to focus on your job and "tune out" distractions. If your attention drifts at the wrong time, you could miss a critical message. Listening also means avoiding unnecessary transmissions. A wise ham once said, "A ham has two ears and one mouth. Therefore he should listen twice as much as he talks." While you are asking, "when will the cots arrive?" for the fourth time that hour, someone else with a life and death emergency might be prevented from calling for help. Sometimes the job of listening is complicated by noise. You might be operating from a noisy location, the signal might be weak, or other stations may be causing interference. In each of these cases, it helps to have headphones to minimize local noise and help you concentrate on the radio signal. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and other technologies may also help to reduce radio noise and interference. __Microphone Techniques:__ Even something as simple as using your microphone correctly can make a big difference in intelligibility. For optimum performance, hold the mic close to your cheek, and just off to the side of your mouth. Talk across, rather than into, the microphone. This will reduce breath noises and "popping" sounds that can mask your speech. Speak in a normal, clear, calm voice. Raising your voice or shouting can result in overmodulation and distortion, and will not increase volume at the receiving end. Speak at a normal pace _ rushing your words can result in slurred and unintelligible speech. Pronounce words carefully, making sure to enunciate each syllable and sound. Radios should be adjusted so that a normal voice within 2 inches of the mic element will produce full modulation. If your microphone gain is set so high that you can achieve full modulation with the mic in your lap, it will also pick up extraneous background noise that can mask or garble your voice. A noise-canceling microphone is a good choice since it blocks out nearly all unwanted background noise, and is available in handheld and headset boom mics. Headset boom microphones are becoming less expensive and more popular, but care should be taken to choose one with a cardioid or other noise canceling type element. Many low-cost headset boom mics have omni-directional elements, and will pick up extraneous noise. "Voice operated transmission" (VOX) is not recommended for emergency communication. It is too easy for background noise and off-air operator comments to be accidentally transmitted, resulting in embarrassment or a disrupted net. Use a hand or foot switch instead. When using a repeater, be sure to leave a little extra time between pressing the push-to-talk switch and speaking. A variety of delays can occur within a system, including CTCSS decode time, and transmitter rise time. Some repeaters also have a short "kerchunk" timer to prevent brief key-ups and noise from keying the transmitter. It also gives time for some handhelds to come out of the "power-saver" mode. Leaving extra time is also necessary on any system of linked repeaters, to allow time for all the links to begin transmitting. These techniques will ensure that your entire message is transmitted, avoiding time-wasting repeats for lost first words. __Lastly,__ pause a little longer than usual between transmissions any time there is a possibility that other stations may have emergency traffic to pass from time to time. A count of "one, one thousand" is usually sufficient. Brevity & Clarity: Each communication should consist of only the information necessary to get the message across clearly and accurately. Extraneous information can distract the recipient and lead to misinterpretation and confusion. If you are the message's author and can leave a word out without changing the meaning of a message, leave it out. If the description of an item will not add to the understanding of the subject of the message, leave it out. Avoid using contractions within your messages. Words like "don't" and "isn't" are easily confused. If someone else has drafted the message, work with the author to make it more concise. Make your transmissions sound crisp and professional, like the police and fire radio dispatchers and the air traffic controllers. Do not editorialize, or engage in chitchat. An emergency net is no place for "Hi Larry, long time no hear," "Hey, you know that rig you were telling me about last month&." or any other non-essential conversation. Be sure to say exactly what you mean. Use specific words to ensure that your precise meaning is conveyed. Do not say, "that place we were talking about," when "Richards School" is what you mean. Using non-specific language can lead to misunderstandings and confusion. Communicate one complete subject at a time. Mixing different subjects into one message can cause misunderstandings and confusion. If you are sending a list of additional food supplies needed, keep it separate from a message asking for more sand bags. Chances are that the two requests will have to be forwarded to different locations, and if combined one request will be lost. __Plain Language:__ As hams, we use a great deal of "jargon" (technical slang) and specialized terminology in our daily conversations. Most of us understand each other when we do, and if we do not on occasion it usually makes little difference. In an emergency, however, the results can be much different. A misunderstood message could cost someone's life. Not everyone involved in an emergency communication situation will understand our slang and technical jargon. Even terms used by hams vary from one region to another, and non-hams will have no knowledge of most of our terminology. Hams assisting from another region might understand certain jargon very differently from local hams. For these reasons, all messages and communications during an emergency should be in plain language. "Q" signals (except in CW communication), 10 codes, and similar jargon should be avoided. The one exception to this is the list of standard "pro-words" (often called "pro-signs") used in Amateur traffic nets, such as "clear," "say again all after" and so on. We will discuss some of these pro-words in detail below, and others later in this course. Avoid words or phrases that carry strong emotions. Most emergency situations are emotionally charged already, and you do not need to add to the problem. For instance, instead of saying, "horrific damage and people torn to bits," you might say "significant physical damage and personal injuries." __Phonetics:__ Certain words in a message may not be immediately understood. This might be the case with an unusual place name, such as "Franconia" or an unusual last name, like "Smythe." The best way to be sure it is understood correctly is to spell it. The trouble is, if you just spell the word using letters, it might still be misunderstood, since many letters sound alike at the other end of a radio circuit. "Z" and "C" are two good examples. For that reason, radio communicators often use "phonetics." These are specific words that begin with the letter being sent. For instance, "ARRL" might be spoken as "alpha romeo romeo lima." To reduce requests to repeat words, use phonetics anytime a word has an unusual or difficult spelling, or may be easily misunderstood. Do not spell common words unless the receiving station asks you to. In some cases, they may ask for the phonetic spelling of a common word to clear up confusion over what has been received. Standard practice is to first say the word, say "I spell," then spell the word phonetically. This lets the receiving station know you are about to spell the word he just heard. Several different phonetic alphabets are in common use, but most hams and public safety agencies use the ITU Phonetic Alphabet, shown below, and others use military alphabets. Many hams like to make up their own phonetics, especially as a memory aid for call signs, and often with humorous results. Unfortunately, this practice has no place in emergency communication. In poor conditions, unusual phonetic words might also be misunderstood. We need to be sure that what we say is always interpreted exactly as intended _ this is why most professional communicators use standardized phonetics. __ITU Phonetic Alphabet__\\ A - alfa (AL-fa) \\ B - bravo (BRAH-voh)\\ C - charlie (CHAR-lee)\\ D - delta (DELL-tah)\\ E - echo (ECK-oh) \\ F - foxtrot (FOKS-trot)\\ G - golf (GOLF)\\ H - hotel (HOH-tell)\\ I - india (IN-dee-ah) \\ J - juliet (JU-lee-ett)\\ K - kilo (KEY-loh)\\ L - lima (LEE-mah)\\ M - mike (MIKE)\\ N - november (no-VEM-ber)\\ O - oscar (OSS-cah)\\ P - papa (PAH-PAH)\\ Q - quebec (kay-BECK)\\ R - romeo (ROW-me-oh)\\ S - sierra (SEE-air-rah)\\ T _ tango (TANG-go)\\ U - uniform (YOU-ni-form)\\ V - victor (VIK-tor)\\ W - whiskey (WISS-key) \\ X - x-ray (ECKS-ray)\\ Y - yankee (YANG-key) \\ Z - zulu (ZOO-loo)\\ Numbers are somewhat easier to understand. Most can be made clearer by simply "over enunciating" them as shown below.\\ One: "Wun" \\ Two: "TOOO"\\ Three: "THUHree"\\ Four: "FOH-wer"\\ Five: "FY-ive" \\ Six: "Sicks"\\ Seven: "SEV-vin" \\ Eight: "Ate"\\ Nine: "NINE-er \\ Zero: "ZEE-row"\\ Numbers are always pronounced individually. The number "60" is spoken as "six zero," not "sixty." The number "509" is spoken as "five zero nine," and not as "five hundred nine" or "five oh nine." __Pro-words:__ Pro-words, called "pro-signs" when sent in Morse Code, are procedural terms with specific meanings. They are used to save time and ensure that everyone understands precisely what is being said. Some pro-words are used in general communication, others while sending and receiving formal messages. We will discuss the general words here, and cover the formal message pro-words in a later unit.\\ Voice Morse\\ Code*\\ Meaning and function\\ * Clear SK End of contact. In CW, SK is sent before final identification * Over AR Used to let a specific station know to respond * Go ahead K Used to indicate that any station may respond * Out CL Leaving the air, will not be listening * Stand by AS A temporary interruption of the contact * Roger R Indicates that a transmission has been received correctly and in full\\ Two letters are sent as one character Source: ARES Field Manual\\ __Tactical Call Signs:__ Tactical call signs can identify the station's location or its purpose during an event, regardless of who is operating the station. This is an important concept. The tactical call sign allows you to contact a station without knowing the FCC call sign of the operator. It virtually eliminates confusion at shift changes or at stations with multiple operators. Tactical call signs should be used for all emergency nets and public service events if there are more than just a few participants.\\ The NCS may assign the tactical call sign as each location is "opened." Tactical call signs will usually provide some information about the location or its purpose. It is often helpful if the tactical call signs have a meaning that matches the way in which the served agency identifies the location or function. Some examples are: * "Net" for net control * "Springfield EOC" for the city's Emergency Operations Center * "Firebase 1" for the first fire base established, or a primary fire base * "Checkpoint 1" for the first check point in a public service event * "Canyon Shelter" for the Red Cross shelter at Canyon School * "Repair 1" for the roving repair vehicle at a bike-a-thon * "Mercy" for Mercy Hospital\\ Calling with Tactical Call Signs: If you are at "Aid 3" during a directed net and want to contact the net control station, you would say "Net, Aid 3" or, in crisper nets (and where the NCS is paying close attention), simply "Aid 3." If you had emergency traffic, you would say "Aid 3, emergency traffic," or for priority traffic "Aid 3, priority traffic." Notice how you have quickly conveyed all the information necessary, and have not used any extra words.\\ If you have traffic for a specific location, such as Firebase 5, you would say "Aid 3, priority traffic for Firebase 5." This tells the NCS everything needed to correctly direct the message. If there is no other traffic holding, the NCS will then call Firebase 5 with, "Firebase 5, call Aid 3 for priority traffic."\\ Note that no FCC call signs have been used so far. None are necessary when you are calling another station.\\ Station Identification: In addition to satisfying the FCC's rules, proper station identification is essential to promoting the efficient operation of a net. The FCC requires that you identify at tenminute intervals during a conversation and at the end of your last transmission. During periods of heavy activity in tactical nets it is easy to forget when you last identified, but if you identify at the end of each transmission, you will waste valuable time. What to do? The easiest way to be sure you fulfill FCC station identification requirements during a net is to give your FCC call sign as you complete each exchange. Most exchanges will be far shorter than ten minutes.\\ This serves two important functions:\\ - It tells the NCS that you consider the exchange complete (and saves time and extra words)\\ - It fulfills all FCC identification requirements.\\ __Completing a call:__ After the message has been sent, you would complete the call from Aid 3 by saying "Aid 3, <your call sign>." This fulfills your station identification requirements and tells the NCS that you believe the exchange to be complete.\\ If the Net Control Station believes the exchange is complete, and Aid 3 had forgotten to identify, then the NCS should say, "Aid 3, do you have further traffic?" At that point, Aid 3 should either continue with the traffic, or "clear" by identifying as above. __Review of Habits to Avoid__ * Thinking aloud on the air: "Ahhh, let me see. Hmm. Well, you know, if&" * On-air arguments or criticism * Rambling commentaries * Shouting into your microphone * "Cute" phonetics * Identifying every time you key or un-key the mic * Using "10" codes, Q-signals on phone, or anything other than "plain language" * Speaking without planning your message in advance * Talking just to pass the time. *Reference * Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course – Level I p 37-50 FCARC’s general radio guidelines and primary focus points of radio traffic during FCARC’s public service events created by Andy Palm, N1KSN. - Listen before transmitting. - When you have a transmission to make, call net control by just saying your callsign and then wait to be recognized. - Speak clearly and distinctly. - Once recognized, say what you need to say and no more. Don't use 30 words when 5 will do--keep transmissions short. - Remember to ID at the end of each exchange (series of back and forth transmissions) to avoid inadvertently breaking FCC regulations on IDing. - Be ready to respond to net control's call at any time during the event. - Let net control know if you will be away from your radio for a while, and let net control know when you are back.\\ These guidelines are extra important if we are running simplex, since stations may not be able to hear one another. If net control does not respond to your first call, be patient as another exchange may be taking place.\\ The FCARC’s primary radio traffic will be concerned with (in roughly decreasing order of priority):\\ * Medical emergencies * Children separated from their group * Requests for rides from the sag wagon * Radio checks * Requests for re-supply of rest stops * Requests to secure rest stops * Reports on stragglers * Reports on first walkers * Requests to secure a station __Finally__, remember that part of the fun is knowing that although we are called radio amateurs, we provide a professional-grade service to our clients. Communications Readiness To participate in a Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club communications event you should be aware of the minimum and recommended equipment needed to effectively communicate with Net Control. Along with radio equipment you should have the proper supplies to help you make it through the event without any major problems.\\ - Radio Types - 2 Meter – Minimum - 2 Meter/440 - Recommended - Handheld for portable use - Mobile radio for fixed or mobile use - User Manual - Original – Minimum - Copy in binder – Recommended - Digital - Optional - Laptop - Tablet (i.e. I-Pad) - Antennas - Handheld - Stock - Minimum - “Enhanced” handheld antenna - Recommended - J-pole - Optional - Quad antenna - Optional - Magnet Antenna - Optional - Recommended when being used in Sag or Supply vehicle - Mobile or Fixed station - Use appropriate antenna for mobile or fixed station - Radio memories are programmed for (see appendix a for local frequency list): - Event frequency – Minimum - Local Repeaters - Recommended - National Simplex – Recommended - Local police, fire, ambulance –Optional - NOAA weather – Optional - Accessories - Speaker Microphone or Headset Microphone – Recommended - Extra battery pack – Recommended - Antenna adapters – Optional - BNC, SMA, PL-259 - Maps - Route – Minimum - This map should be provided by event coordinator - Local Area – Recommended - City – Optional - Logistics - Ham Radio License – Minimum - FCARC badge - Recommended - Supplies for notes - Pen or Pencil - Clip board - Supplies - Water and Snack – Recommended - Basic First Kit – Optional - Hand wipes – Optional - Clothing - Rain Gear – Recommended - Coat or Sweatshirt – Recommended - Warm gloves – Optional - Hat - Baseball type – Recommended - Winter – Optional - Sunglasses - Optional __Frequency List__ Frequency Offset Pl Tone Notes 147.760 Minus 107.2 Downtown Receive 147.760 Minus 100.0 145.330 Plus 100.0 443.650 Plus 100.0 145.520 National Calling 145.550 145.580 446.000 National Calling 147.555 Club Frequency 147.240 Plus 100 Winnebago Co. 146.655 Minus 100 Outagamie Co 147.300 plus 107.2 Calumet Co 442.175 Plus 100 W9RIC - Darboy 145.290 Plus 114.8 WE9COM 162.400 Rhinelander Green Bay 162.400 Milwaukee Sullivan 162.425 Sister Bay Green Bay 162.450 Crandon Green Bay 162.475 Wausau Green Bay 162.500 Gresham Green Bay 162.500 Black River Falls La Crosse 162.525 New London Green Bay 162.550 Green Bay Green Bay 162.550 Madison Sullivan For a complete listing, Go to http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/stations.php?State=WI&Sort=WF WeComm NOAA FCARC Repeaters Simplex ARES Echo Link __Frequency Tone Alpha Tag Description__ ''Outagamie County'' 155.415 107.2 PL OUSO1E Sheriff Dispatch - East Multicast 155.520 107.2 PL OUSO1W Sheriff Dispatch - West Multicast 155.700 107.2 PL OUSO1C Sheriff Dispatch - Central Multicast ("Gray") 155.820 107.2 PL OUSO2 Sheriff 2 Alternate/Information ("Black") 153.845 107.2 PL OUSO3 Sheriff 3 Mobile 1 153.800 107.2 PL OUSO4 Sheriff 4 Mobile 2 155.850 107.2 PL OUSO5 Sheriff 5 Mobile 3/Investigative 155.370 146.2 PL POINT Sheriff 9 Point-to-Point 154.250 CSQ BROWN Fire "Brown" Dispatch (Sheriff F-6) 154.295 FG BLUE Fire "Yellow" (FG BLUE) 153.830 107.2 PL SILVER Fire "Silver" Countywide Fireground 154.175 91.5 PL LIME Fire "Lime" Appleton Fire Fireground 154.385 107.2 PL GOLD Fire "Gold" Countywide Fireground 154.430 91.5 PL VIOLET Fire "Violet" Appleton Fire Dispatch 155.790 445DPL APPD Disp Police 1 Dispactch/Tactical 159.150 156.7 PL APPD Info Police 2 155.310 107.2 PL Merto Police Dispatch 154.085 82.5 PL Grand Chute Police Dispatch ''Winnebago County'' Frequency Tone Alpha Tag Description 158.730 162.2 PL WISO Sheriff 1 Dispatch 154.800 136.5 PL Oshkosh PD Sheriff 2 Oshkosh Police 155.610 146.2 PL NeenahMenash Sheriff 3 Neenah-Menasha Police 158.835 162.2 PL WISOCAR Sheriff 4 Auxiliary/Reserve/Tactical 155.370 CSQ POINT Sheriff 9 Point-to-Point 158.910 OshkoshPDDet Sheriff 19 Oshkosh Police Tactical 158.775 118.8 PL WIFIR1 Fire 1 "Red" (to be "Yellow") Dispatch 154.445 136.5 PL WIFIR2 Fire 2 "Green" Fireground 154.295 CSQ FG BLUE Fire 3 "Yellow" 154.325 146.2 PL WIFIR4 Fire 4 "Orange" Neenah-Menasha Fireground 154.190 136.5 PL Oshkosh FD Fire 7 "Silver" Oshkosh Fire 158.940 107.2 PL Menasha PDW Police Channel 16/Public Works 155.760 118.8 PL Neenah DPW Police Channel 5/Public Works Created by David Sprangers - ND9DW February 29, 2012 Public Service frequencies from http://www.radioreference.com/
