This was the Training Topic for the YL Net for Monday Feb 4, 2019 by AC4HH
RADIO PROCEDURES, Part 1
Most of this lesson is taken from Wikipedia with some from the ARRL website.
First we’ll talk about VOICE PROCEDURE (also called on-air protocol)
Many of the procedures listed in the materials I read are intended for use by the armed forces, civil aviation, police and fire departments, so I’ve selected ones just related to amateur radio operators.
Voice procedure training and on-the-air protocol is intended to maximize clarity of spoken communication and reduce errors when passing messages. It is important that radio operators use standard procedures especially when passing messages during emergencies.
The following was written of radio amateurs who worked during Hurricane Katrina:
“ . . . many of the operators who were deployed had excellent go-kits and technical
Ability, but were seriously wanting in traffic handling skill. In one case it took almost 15
Minutes to pass one 25-word message.”
Voice procedures are designed to provide the fastest and most accurate method of transmitting messages. All messages to be passed to another operator should be pre-planned, brief and straightforward. Ideally, messages should be written down, but even brief notes reduce the risk of error. Messages should be clear and logical in order so as not to confuse the recipient.
These procedures consist of many different components. The three most important ones are:
1. Voice procedures – what to say
2. Speech technique – how to say it
3. Microphone technique – how to say it into a microphone
We’ll start with voice procedures.
1. Speak clearly and distinctly. Slurred syllables and clipped speech are both hard to understand.
2. Speak slowly. Give the operator on the other end a chance to get the message the first time.
3. Avoid extremes of pitch. A high voice cuts best through interference, but is shrill and unpleasant if too high. A lower pitch is easier on the ear, but is hard to understand through background noises if too low.
4. Be natural. Maintain a normal speaking rhythm. Group words into phrases in a natural manner. Send your message phrase by phrase rather than word by word.
5. Use standard pronunciation. Regional terms and pronunciations make it difficult for persons from other parts of the country to understand. Using standard pronunciation like a news broadcaster is easiest to understand. (Surely they are not talking about a Southern accent.)
6. Speak in a moderately strong voice.
Next we’ll talk about SPEECH TECHNIQUES
Communicating by voice over two-way radios is more difficult than talking with other people face-to-face or over the telephone. The human voice is changed dramatically when talking over the radio, such as distortions that can occur in microphones, transmitters, receivers, and speakers. The radio signal is subject to fading, interruptions, and other interference—all of which make human speech more difficult to recognize. Often radio procedures manuals teach the RSVP method of speech: RSVP (most of which we’ve already mentioned):
R. Rhythm: Use short sentences divided into sensible phases which maintain a natural rhythm.
S. Speed: Speak slightly slower than for normal conversation. If a message is to be written down by other operators, or in difficult conditions, extra time should be allowed. The speed can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the pauses between phrases, not the gaps between words. It has been taught that radio operators should talk at a speed of fewer than 100 words per minute.
V. Volume: Speak quietly when needing to whisper, otherwise the volume should be that of like having a normal conversation. Shouting causes distortion.
P. Pitch: The voice should be pitched slightly higher than for normal conversation to improve clarity.
That’s all we will cover for tonight. Next time we’ll start with microphone techniques.
This is AC4HH returning to net control.