RADIO PROCEDURES

Introductions:

The main principle differ little, no matter what system of communications and regadless of the frequency being used. There are various conventions of procedure which are particular to some services, but in general they are all similar. Do not use amateur expressions with non-amateur operators.

Callsigns:

• It is essential that everyone listening on radio frequencies is in no doubt as to who is talking to whom.
• The callsign of the station contacted is always to be used BEFORE that of the transmitting station.
• Callsigns to be used are issued at the time of the event.
• In a disaster emergency or a Search and Rescue event, callsigns MUST reflect a recognisable geographical location near the search area.
• Operators should familiarise themselves with the event callsigns and procedures relevant to their area.

Establishing a Radio Net:

A radio net consists of two or more radio stations operating on the same frequency for the purpose of communicating with one another. It consists of a control station and one or more "Sub" stations.

• The Net Control Station(NCS) is usually located at the senior headquarters of the organisation, and is responsible for ensuring that good net discipline is maintained and that all stations have an equal opportunity to transmit.
• "Sub" Stations are the other stations in the net.

Message Sending:

The same type of message form should be used at both ends of the transmission to provide a common sequence of preamble.

Radio Operating Techniques:

1. Listen before you call – Someone else may be using the channel. If more than one station is transmitting at the same time, garbled transmission will result.
2. Speak clearly – Use your normal voice and do not speak too fast. Hold the microphone close to your mouth but at right angles and talk across the face of the microphone. This reduces distortion and wind noise.
3. Think before you speak – Know what you are going to say before you press the microphone switch. Divide your message into natural phrases instead of individual words so that it flows smoothly.
4. Spelling – Spell difficult, ambiguous or unfamiliar words – using the phonetic alphabet if necessary.
5. Record Messages – Write all messages clearly and include time of receipt or transmission.
6. Maintain a message log – Summarise all activities on the net noting the time, stations worked and a brief summary of the messages content or number. Keep this log as your record of the activity. WT logs have been used in Courts of Law and at Inquests. A spare or trainee operator may be used for this purpose

1. Station to Station Transmissions – Communications between stations should be restricted to official messages or those of an emergency nature only.
2. Short Conversation – Do not wafle. Conversations should be kept as brief as possible allowing others time to use the frequency.
3. Prompt Replies – When called, or when a transmitting station has said "over", reply immediately. When a transmitting station fails to receive an immediate reply, there is doubt as to whether;

i. the message is received

ii. the radio is working

iii. the operator is still at the radio.

• Lack of a prompt response can cause loss of confidence in radio as a useful communications tool.

Procedures

These definitions indicate that the phrase "OVER AND OUT" is contradictory and should not be used.

Procedure Words(Prowords)

The following prowords are acceptable for general use:

Common Abbreviations

Listed here are the majority of common abbreviations in use in messages:-

Phrases

The following list and explanations explain most of the common phrases which may be used in message texts;

Radio Procedures/9M6JJ

Last Updated on 01/09/02
By Godfrey Yin (9M6GY)
Email: godfrey@pop.jaring.my

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