Participating and passing messages via Voice:
How to Begin: (at 9:00 AM)
Listen in on the proper frequency for other traffic.
(See the Hawaii County ARES ICS 204 & 205 for details)
When using simplex it can be helpful to lower your squelch level to hear weak signals.
When no one else is transmitting, call net control and check-in.
If you cannot hear net control but can hear another station, call that station instead. They may be able to act as a relay to a hub station.
If you can hear multiple other stations, but not net control, call the station with the strongest signal that can relay your message towards the net control station at your local hub. Ask the relay to transmit your check-in to the nearest hub station.
These examples are using the amateur radio call sign of WH6XYZ (Phonetic: Whiskey Hotel Six X-Ray Yankee Zulu)
Example of Calling a Net Control for passing a SitRep: (NCS)
(Your transmission)
“Net control, this is Whiskey Hotel 6, X-Ray Yankee Zulu with message traffic.”
(Or just transmit your call sign Phonetically and business)
Other Examples of appropriate transmissions to an NCS:
"WH6XYZ with priority message traffic. (over)"
"WH6XYZ SitRep"
"WH6XYZ Radio Check"
(Typical NCS Response)
WH6XYZ, this is net control. What is your message form?
(Your transmission)
“ACS SitRep.”
(NCS Response)
Go ahead. (If “standby” is received wait for the go-ahead before continuing)
(Your transmission)
“Exercise message number 1 to follow. over”
Notes:
Record message information on your ICS-309 log form.
The originating station assigns the message number. (Sequentially) This same message number is used by any relay stations passing it towards an EOC.
Upon receipt of the message, the EOC will confirm each message received and send back their message number. This is the confirmation number that we use to assure that they did actually receive it. In the case of an RFI that number could be used to reference the original RFA message. This number is recorded on the line of the ICS-309 for this message, under the "To" area:
On the SitRep form the message number from the EOC is entered at the bottom right of the form. (Receiver Message Number)
(NCS Response)
Go ahead.
Next, Continue by passing the message, line by line.
Passing a Message: (SitRep Sample)
(Your transmission)
“This is an exercise message”
(This may seem redundant but even experienced operators forget this step. We do it at the beginning and the end so frequency hopping listeners don’t panic.)
(NCS Response)
Rodger.
(Your transmission)
“Item 1: Mark (over)”
(NCS Response)
Go ahead. (NCS writes the information on their form before giving the go-ahead, and may ask you to “say again” or “Spell phonetically” or give other instructions. (i.e. “Standby”)
(Your transmission)
“Item 2: Kealoha. I Spell Kilo Echo Alpha Lima Oscar Hotel Alpha, Kealoha. (over)”
(NCS Response)
[At the discretion of the NCS or relay receiver]
Rodger Kealoha. Go ahead.
Notes:
Each NCS may use small variations in this format, reflecting their own style and to help everyone adapt based on band conditions and readability. When readability is unclear they are likely to repeat exactly what they heard you say, including the phonetic spelling. This is more common with HF. It may be unnecessary when signals are loud and clear.
It is the responsibility of both sender and receiver to ensure the accuracy of the message.
(continue until last item is transmitted)
If the receiving station reads back something incorrect, You Transmit:
“Correction: I say again …” (repeat the correct information)
After the last item of the message is passed, You Transmit:
“This is an exercise message. End of Message Number ##. No more.” [Where ## is your message number] Another example is to say, “One more message. (over)”
(NCS Transmits)
Would you like me to read back the message? Or [Depending on the situation.] Rodger. End of messages. Break. [Follow the NCS instructions.]
Notes:
A similar format is used when working with a relay station.
Speak slowly, stay calm. By Slowing down the overall process is faster.
Leave about 2-4 seconds of dead air before pressing the PTT. This will provide another station with priority or emergency traffic a chance to break in.
When someone doubles with a station transmitting, the receiver can tell. If the NCS is talking when the double happens, inform them. “Net control, I heard a double.” Typically we let the NCS or the relay you are working with handle the doubling station. They may ask that station to stand by or may allow them to break in. We must exercise good judgment because situations vary. (An inexperienced relay operator might not know how to handle it.)
Over time, both sender and receiver may adjust their style as they become familiar with working together. This is fine as long as it gets the job done.
Do not leave or turn off your station after transmitting a message. If you need to do so, make sure to check-out first.
See the ARES Guide - Hawaii County for more information.