Ways You Can Become a Better RACES Operator

Besides being active in your RACES Unit, you become a more valuable operator when you 
improve your capabilities. The ideas below came from several experienced operators.

Radio Skills

? Read all that your can about operating hints and suggestion.
? Listen to "nets" to get a sense of proper -- and improper -- "net"-iquette
? Learn the commonly accepted phonetic alphabet -- words said to indicate a letter, e.g. Alpha 
for "A".
? Learn commonly accepted oral "pro-signs" -- words or word combinations designed to that 
improve the oral exchange of information, e.g. "Negative" in place of "No".
? Learn about digital information modes, e.g. packet or APRS
? Learn Morse Code
? Learn about ATV (Amateur Television) or SSTV (Slow Scan Television)
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Emergency Communications Knowledge

? Become familiar with written materials that discuss emergency operating plans and 
procedures.
? Read the ARRL books on public service/emergency communications. Some are now 
available for reading at their Web site, http://www.arrl.org, for example, The Public Service 
Communication Manual.
? Become familiar with the FCC rules in Part 97, especially those that relate to emergency 
communication.
? Meet and become familiar with other (non-ham) members of your Office of Emergency 
Management,.
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Equipment

? Become familiar with your radios and how to quickly change settings, such as frequencies 
and squelch tones.
? Develop a working knowledge of equipment at your EOC's RACES station
? Prepare a "Go Kit" or "Ready Bag" that has important items for mobile assignments
? Make sure you always have an adequate supply of 12 V power. Keep those rechargeables 
charged and have backup devices, e.g. alkaline battery packs, cigarette lighter plugs, or 
charged gel cells
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