Establishing Contact

2017-03-16 & 2017-04-06

Tonight, we continued our conversation on making contact. Last time (March 16) we discussed the basics of contacting other stations via repeater and via simplex. The basic concept is to essentially be saying hey you, it's me. IE: I'd say K0GUZ, KE0HNW. I'd be calling to K0GUZ, and let him know that it's me. And of course after the conversion we'd both sign off using our call signs.

Tonight, we briefly discussed using tactical call signs and three way conversations. Many of us in Search and Rescue use tactical call signs on missions all the time. For example, "Ops, Team 1". We then carry on relaying necessary information and at the end, we use our amateur radio call sign. Kendall (K0KDG) used the example of operating communications at a bicycle rally in Moab. Whatever tactical designation that was decided on is used, with your ham callsign at the end of the conversation.

Nate (KE0KMS) asked about military vs law enforcement phonetic alphabet. The generally accepted phonetic alphabet for amateur radio is what we described as "Military", also known as NATO, or ITU Phonetic Alphabet. IE: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta.... For instance, my call sign is Kilo Echo Zero Hotel November Whiskey. Nate's is Kilo Echo Zero Kilo Mike Sierra.

Kevin (KF7YBE) asked about upcoming study options for Technician license. Frank (AD0XS) replied with information about upcoming study sessions. He was mostly planning on setting up General sessions because that was what the majority of the need has been, but he can also provide resources for studying for Technician. Feel free to get in touch with him via the 94 repeater or Here are a few resources he mentioned:

Thanks again for all the check ins!

73 - Terry (KE0HNW)