AMATEUR RADIO TRAINING Operating Procedures Release: v1.41 hamtrain.co.uk

OPERATING PROCEDURES Making Contact Use of “Calling Channel” Introduction to Repeaters Handling Abuse

Phonetic Alphabet A Alpha N November B Bravo O Oscar C Charlie P Papa D Delta Q Quebec E Echo R Romeo F Foxtrot S Sierra G Golf T Tango H Hotel U Uniform I India V Victor J Juliet W Whiskey K Kilo X X-ray L Lima Y Yankee M Mike Z Zulu

Signal Reports Format: RST Readability Strength Tone For voice, sent as two numbers: e.g. “59” (totally readable, very strong) Detailed summary can be found in “Foundation Licence Now!” book, but basic ranges are: Readability Strength Tone (Morse or Data only) 1 = Unreadable 1 = Faint 1 = Extremely Rough 5 = Totally Readable 9 = Very Strong 9 = Pure

Common ‘Q’ Codes: Amateurs use a series of ‘Q’ codes a form of shorthand for common radio terms. Common ones include: QSL: Confirmation / received QTH: Location QRZ? Who is calling me? QSO: Conversation QSY: Change Frequency QRT: Closing down (Going Quiet) Other common codes include: CQ: Calling for someone to talk to 73: Best Wishes

Making Contact on VHF VHF is generally line-of-sight. 2 metres: 144 to 146MHz Note the “FM Calling” frequency on the band plan at 145.500MHz Use this frequency to call for someone, or to call CQ … then move to a different frequency for your chat. This frees the ‘Calling Channel’ for others.

“Repeaters” Repeaters extend ranges over a wide area, and allow contact where signals may be blocked by obstacles Useful for handheld and mobile users The UK has around 500 voice repeaters Mix of Analogue and Digital (DMR, D-Star, Fusion) Some may also be linked via the Internet

Repeater Network Run by volunteers Commonly 2m or 70cm Frequencies are shared around the UK Full list at www.ukrepeaters.net Smartphone app available 2m repeaters 70cm repeaters

How Repeaters Work An “input” and an “output”, so that they can transmit and receive at the same time. Typically (but not always): 2m repeaters transmit 600kHz above their input frequency 70cms repeaters transmit 1.6MHz or 7.6MHz below the input Repeaters are “smart”. They only let in valid signals Timeouts to cut down on long “overs”. Listen for the tone before transmitting, as this resets the timeout You need to program your radio with the offset, and a CTCSS tone to get access.

Image source: ukrepeaters.net CTCSS Tones Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System CTCSS is a low frequency tone which is continuously transmitted as part of your audio Repeaters will only activate if they “hear” the correct CTCSS tone. This blocks interference There are nine blocks of tones in the UK, identified by letters You must program your radio to transmit the right CTCSS tone Image source: ukrepeaters.net

Accessing a Repeater When accessing a repeater: Ensure you have the correct ‘offset’ – Note the Minus sign Ensure you are sending the correct CTCSS tone – Note the “ENC” or “T” symbol Store the repeater setting to a memory for easy recall

Using a Repeater: Listen in to your local repeater to learn the etiquette: Callsigns and locations used more often Timeouts and tones “This is M6QQQ listening for any calls” “BREAK” Repeater Nets

Data Modes: Data modes, such as PSK31, SSTV, JT65 involve connecting your radio to a computer. The radio will need to be set to make sure PTT (Push-to-talk) is set correctly The audio signal levels into and out of the computer need to be set correctly Packet Radio (No longer widely used), makes use of a TNC, Terminal Node Controller for connection between computer and radio

Logging: Not mandatory, but good practice and helpful for contests and awards Ofcom can mandate logging to help identify interference and compliance issues Use of computer logging apps is common, as is a traditional paper-bound log book

Handling Abuse Transmission of music, and the use of offensive or threatening language is not acceptable Don’t respond to any abuse you may encounter and don’t confront the perpetrator If abuse is persistent, keep a log The RSGB’s AROS (Amateur Radio Observation Service) can help with repeated abuse Guidance on the Ofcom and RSGB websites

Summary VHF QSO Find someone using 145.500 FM “Calling Channel” Have your conversation on a free frequency Repeaters Covers more distance Radios need to be set for the offset and CTCSS tones Priority to mobile stations Abuse Don’t respond to any abuse you hear

Operating Procedures Any questions? HamTrain.co.uk © EssexHam.co.uk