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

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

3. Phonetic Alphabet A Alpha N November B Bravo O Oscar C Charlie P PapaD
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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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 MHz
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.

7. “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

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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Operating Procedures
Any questions?
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