NCS-SDR-CHAT ROOM-PHONE PATCH-OPERATIONS

Thoughts from N0CXY

As I have been doing the phone patch lately and the NCS for Thursday many correct, good, practices for Ham Radio operating procedures seem to be a forgotten practice. Let me start with my phone patch skills as poor as they are.

Phone Patch

As we run a phone patch it is a one way only communication just like on our radio so it is essential there that we remember when we say our piece and are finished to say "OVER" so the radio operator knows then to key or un-key for the other station to take there turn. Don't be VOX key down instantly for the changeover so there is time for the operator to get switched. We are not in a speed race so let's go slow and enjoy.

NCS

I process at a slower pace than most I guess so if using VOX or not, pause, be slow to key down giving time for the relay, Check-in, comment, contact, Short time, Traffic and all those things to happen. Things can move a lot faster if we slow up with some things. Handle everything through the NCS in the correct manner and all things moves so much smoother. I believe the Chat room and SDR and such are great things but cause a lot of confusion and are not so great for operations as we use them. If you do not hear them on the radio but do on a SDR you may or may not be a help. The SDR's are scattered all over the country and may work well for two or three operators in conversation but be of little help to a large group with all listening in different areas generating a huge confusion factor. When using SDR remember run all your help through the NCS in proper operating procedure. The same applies to the chat room when trying to help, remember not all operators are in chat or on SDR's so lets fall back to the tried and true Amateur Radio operation skills. With out these ham operating procedures some are not hearing and there is much doubling and confusion going on as a result. I am very guilty of all these errors as NCS and as an operator so will try hard to hone these skills back to what they should be. Remember to slow up so we can go faster. Just thoughts from  and old ham man! Thanks

Lew N0CXY

15 April 2024