A GOOD VOICE EMCOMM OPERATOR

Post date: Oct 02, 2013 2:53:22 AM

Tidbits From:http://www.emcomm.org/archives/EQ/2010/spring2010.htm

A GOOD VOICE EMCOMM OPERATOR:

1. ALWAYS makes sure that his/her transceiver is properly adjusted. Mic gain level, on the proper frequency, not using excessive power, etc.

2. ALWAYS speaks clearly and succinctly...and not too fast (or too slow).

3. Establishes two-way contact and obtains a signal report before starting a transmission. (If you want a radio check take your radio to a repair shop.)

4. Avoids talking directly into a microphone. But rather talks "across the mic".

5. Knows and uses ITU PHONETICS www.emcomm.org/svares/training/itu_phonetics_10_30_2001.htm

6. Uses ROGER solely to indicate that a transmission has been received and is understood. (ROGER is the voice equivalent of R in Morse.)

7. Does not use ROGER for "yes", "affirmative", or "I agree with you" and does not say: "That's a big ROGER" or some other similar slang term.

8. Says AFFIRMATIVE for "yes" and does not use it in place of ROGER. (They are not the same.)

9. Says NEGATIVE for "no". "Nega-tory" (or other similar slang terms) is not in his or her vocabulary.

10. Uses SAY AGAIN when they need something repeated. "Repeat" or "please repeat" may be confused with "received."

11. Says the call sign of the station he/she is turning the contact over to, followed by their call sign, followed by OVER. (Same as K or KN in Morse.)

12. Allows a one-second pause before transmitting. (If you wait too long...someone may butt in and say something like: "it's been passed to you.")

13. Keeps their transmissions reasonably short.

14. Pays attention and practices "TLC"...("To Listen Carefully").

15. Knows where (s)he is located and knows how to effectively communicate that location to another station.

16. On 'phone says: "Say your location" or "What is your location?" Never: "What's your QTH?", "What's your 10-20", or (worse yet) "What's yer twenty?". (Note: Law enforcement uses the "10 code" and their own phonetics. Amateur, commercial, maritime, aeronautical and other operators use the ITU standard prowords.) Ref. www.wrrl.org/operating/itu_phonetics.htm and www.wrrl.org/operating/icao_radiotelephony.htm

17. Stays in a net (and pays attention) unless checked in and checked out.

18. Does not ask another operator to "check me in" (to a net) unless he/she plans to remain in radio contact with the relaying station during a net period. Telephone, email, Internet and other landline circuit relays are not radio...and do not count. Nor does: "Check me in to the net tonight. I'm going bowling." This puts the other operator on the spot and is worthless.

19. NEVER whistles, says "hell - oh", or blows into a mic when transmitting. (Use a dummy load instead.)

20. NEVER keys down on a frequency that is in use to adjust an antenna matching unit, and NEVER fails to identify when tuning up or testing.

21. NEVER slurs his or her call sign when identifying in voice.

22. NEVER "quick keys." On 'phone, always allow a pause of 0.5 to 1.0 seconds before PTT in order to allow another station break in. Then allow another 0.5 to 1.0 seconds before speaking. (This prevents cutting off the first few letters or words of your transmission.)

23. NEVER transmits using excessive power.

24. ALWAYS identifies at the end of each communication, and at least every ten minutes during a communication. (Part 97.119)

25. ALWAYS remains courteous and respectful of others on the air. (Even if the other operator is "a world class lid".)

DUH - UH!

Here are some transmissions that have actually been heard...during public service nets:

(After "doubling" on a net control station.): "Net? Is there a net on? What time is it? What frequency am I on?"

"BREAK!" (NCS says): "Go ahead". The "breaker" then asks: "Is the club breakfast this Saturday or next?"

"Uhh, W...as in...as in...as in...Juarez!"

"Uhh, H...as in...José."