1. I Got My License, Now What?! Saratoga Amateur Radio Association
Two-Way Radio Basics 101
I Got My License, Now What?!
How the pieces fit together.
How to communicate effectively.
How to program your radio.
Presented by the
Saratoga Amateur Radio Association
HT OrientationRev_4C 2/24/2011
Don Steinbach – AE6PM

2. Presentation Topics Why amateur radio Radio equipment choices
Repeaters
Communication tips
Nets
Problems & solutions
HT overview
Programming the HT

3. Why Amateur Radio? More capability than FRS, GMRS, MURS or CB
Many more frequencies and operating modes available.
Better antennas are possible.
Higher power is possible.
High-quality equipment.
Disciplined/professional operators (usually).
Repeaters in place to provide improved coverage.

4. Radio Equipment Choices
Fixed or mobile units
Intended for home or car installation
High power output – to 50 watts or more
Efficient antenna (can be)
Not suited for carrying around
Handheld transceiver (HT)
Designed to be carried around
Low power output – to 5 watts
Relatively inefficient antenna
Many models and choices
All compatible with each other

5. REPEATERS
Most of our VHF (2-meter) & UHF (70 cm) communication is via repeaters.
Repeaters are owned and maintained by clubs or individuals.
Repeaters are licensed, have their own call letters, comply with FCC regulations, and are the responsibility of a designated trustee.
The expected effective range of a 500 milliwatt FRS radio on the UHF band in typical urban terrain is less than a mile, or six vertical floors.
Licensed GMRS portables are authorized up to 5 watts of transmitter output, ten times the power of an FRS radio. This enables reliable communication for several miles and more than ten vertical floors.
Licensed GMRS mobile radios may not exceed 5 watts transmitter power on the seven simplex channels which are shared with the FRS, but they may use more efficient external antennas. When used on designated “split” repeater frequencies, GMRS mobile radios are authorized up to 50 watts, 100 times the power of an FRS radio, enabling wide-area coverage by using established repeater networks.

6. Repeater Basics A Repeater is a special type of transceiver.
“Repeats” signals to extend the range of handheld and mobile units.
Receives on one frequency while simultaneously re-transmitting on another.
Usually located in favorable locations with efficient antennas.
Transmits at many (10-100) times the power of a handheld radio.
Coverage depends upon the local “radio horizon,” perhaps 10 to 60 miles operating radius.
The expected effective range of a 500 milliwatt FRS radio on the UHF band in typical urban terrain is less than a mile, or six vertical floors.
Licensed GMRS portables are authorized up to 5 watts of transmitter output, ten times the power of an FRS radio. This enables reliable communication for several miles and more than ten vertical floors.
Licensed GMRS mobile radios may not exceed 5 watts transmitter power on the seven simplex channels which are shared with the FRS, but they may use more efficient external antennas. When used on designated “split” repeater frequencies, GMRS mobile radios are authorized up to 50 watts, 100 times the power of an FRS radio, enabling wide-area coverage by using established repeater networks.

7. FM Repeater (Line of Sight)
A repeater consists of a radio receiver, an amplifier, a transmitter, an isolator, and either one or two antennas. The repeater transmitter produces a radio signal on a frequency that is different from that of the received signal.
This so-called frequency offset is necessary to prevent the strong transmitted signal from disabling the receiver. The isolator provides additional protection. A repeater located on a hill top, high building or tower, can greatly enhance the performance of low power portable or mobile radio equipment by allowing communications over distances much greater than would be possible without it.

8. Repeater Surprises
The repeater might spontaneously identify (it has its own call letters).
Some use voice, some use Morse code.
Some announce the time on the hour.
Most repeaters have a timeout timer.
Turns off the transmitter after three minutes (typical) continuous transmission – an FCC requirement.
Longwinded talkers
Stuck microphone switches
Microphones dropped down between the car seats
The courtesy tone (beep) indicates that the timer has reset and the transmitter is back in service.
The expected effective range of a 500 milliwatt FRS radio on the UHF band in typical urban terrain is less than a mile, or six vertical floors.
Licensed GMRS portables are authorized up to 5 watts of transmitter output, ten times the power of an FRS radio. This enables reliable communication for several miles and more than ten vertical floors.
Licensed GMRS mobile radios may not exceed 5 watts transmitter power on the seven simplex channels which are shared with the FRS, but they may use more efficient external antennas. When used on designated “split” repeater frequencies, GMRS mobile radios are authorized up to 50 watts, 100 times the power of an FRS radio, enabling wide-area coverage by using established repeater networks.

9. Repeater Etiquette Listen on the frequency before transmitting.
Avoid interfering with a communication already taking place.
To make it known that you are available for a contact, say “(your call), monitoring”.
e.g., AE6PM …. monitoring.
Identify yourself when experimenting with the repeater.
Unidentified transmissions are illegal (and annoying).
During a casual contact, pause occasionally to give someone else a chance to join in.
To join a conversation, simply say your call letters during a pause.

10. How to sound like a professional.
COMMUNICATION TIPS
How to sound like a professional.

11. Communication Tips Speak in plain language and use common terminology.
Don’t use “10 codes” or “Q Signals” during emergencies.
“Q Signals” are ok in normal communication.
Avoid “10 codes” and TV show lingo.
Speak in a normal tone of voice.
Shouting only distorts the sound of your voice, it does nothing to increase the range.
If consistently overmodulating, back away from the microphone.
Only one person speaks at a time.

12. Communication Tips
Use predetermined tactical call signs (emergency comm only).
Amateur radio operators must identify with their FCC assigned call sign at the end of a transmission or series of transmissions and at least once every 10 minutes during a transmission.
No need to say “for ID.” Why else would you identify yourself?
If someone seems to be in charge (a net control station, for example) listen to them and do what they say.

13. Communication Tips Use common procedural words:
THIS IS - Identifies who is calling.
Say the other persons call sign first, and then your call sign.
OVER - Means “I have finished speaking and it’s now your turn.”
GO AHEAD - Means “I’m ready to copy.”
COPY or ROGER - Means “I received and understand your communication.”
OUT or CLEAR - Means “I am finished and expect no reply.”
Always end with your callsign.
The basic four prowords that everyone should know are:
“This is,” “Over,” “Go Ahead” and “Out.”
“THIS IS” - is always used when you identify. It makes it clear WHO is INITIATING the contact.
"OVER" - means that you are ready for the other person’s reply and it is their turn to speak
“GO AHEAD” - you are ready for the other person to speak so you can copy their message.
“OUT" - means that you are done and expect no further reply’
The station who initiates the contact should end it.
Next slide>>>

14. Communication Tips
Do not speak immediately upon pressing the push-to-talk switch, because the first syllable will probably get “clipped.”
Hesitate for a fraction of a second before speaking.
System may need a fraction of a second to wake up.
When transmitting a formal (i.e., written) message, say five words at a time and ask for an acknowledgement after each five-word group.

15. Communication Tips
Test your radio before separating from your group or partner.
Never say “we” when you mean “I”or “me.” Some hams do this, for whatever reason.
Gives an incorrect impression of the number of people involved in an incident.
Potential waste of rescue resources.
Use universally accepted (ITU) phonetics whenever possible.
When in doubt, use whatever phonetics come to mind.

16. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Standard Phonetics
A - Alpha
J - Juliet
S - Sierra
B - Bravo
K - Kilo
T - Tango
C - Charlie
L - Lima
U - Uniform
D - Delta
M - Mike
V - Victor
E - Echo
N - November
W - Whiskey
F - Foxtrot
O - Oscar
X - Xray
G - Golf
P - Papa
Y - Yankee
H - Hotel
Q - Quebec
Z - Zulu
I - India
R - Romeo
The standard phonetics of the International Telecommunication Union were carefully developed to be readily understood under noisy communication conditions when pronounced by non-English speakers, and to be distinct in any language.
Improvised phonetics and common “TV cop show” APCO phonetics are less effective in noisy operating environments.
Next slide>>>

17. NETS Organizing a group of communicators.
Maintaining order in the face of chaos.

18. Nets Nets are a way of organizing a group of radio communicators.
One station acts as Net Control.
Other stations report or respond in turn as requested by Net Control.
Nets are usually scheduled to occur on certain dates at certain times.
Nets may occur spontaneously just because several people have converged on a frequency.
Net Control could be anyone – even you!

19. Net Etiquette
The Net Control station maintains control of the communication situation at all times, until the net is closed and the frequency is returned to normal use.
The Net Control station assumes that all who have “checked into” the net are available.
Do not check someone into the net in their absence unless you have them in sight and they are ready to respond with their radios.

20. Net Etiquette Respond only to Net Control.
Get permission before contacting anyone else on the same frequency.
Answer promptly.
Monitor the radio continuously.
Answer immediately if you are called.
Don’t leave the net without notifying Net Control, or else until the net is closed.
In a formal net you should respond only to Control and follow instructions exactly.
Answer promptly when called. Do not leave the net without checking out. If you will be out of contact, hand off the radio to someone else, or check out, during a lull in activity, and explaining the situation.
“Supply 1, turning off radio to refuel vehicle, will report when back in service, over.”
Next slide>>>

21. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
“Stuff” happens.
Interference
Weak signals
Desense
Repeater failure

22. Interference
All radio communication is susceptible to interference from various sources, natural or man made.
Interference may be accidental or intentional.
You can be the recipient or the interferor.
It’s probably possible to avoid an interferor by changing frequency.
Try moving to a slightly different location.
Try “body shielding”.

23. Interference Wait for the interferor to “go away.”
Listening to the conversation may give a clue as to how long the contact will last.
Contact the interferor and ask to use the frequency for a moment.
Most likely they are using CTCSS or DCS and therefore can’t hear your audio.
Using CTCSS or DCS does not eliminate interference between units on the same frequency.
It simply masks it and creates the illusion of non-interference.

24. Weak Signal Move to a slightly different location (a few feet).
Raise the antenna (and you).
Make sure the antenna is vertical (assuming repeater and other antennas are vertical).
Turn around – your body may be in the signal path.
Replace the “rubber ducky” antenna with something better.
Move to a completely different location.

25. Desense Shorthand for “De-sensitize”.
Your radio, in the presence of a strong signal on a nearby frequency, may seem to go deaf.
Even though you don’t hear the other signal, it overloads some of the circuitry in your radio, such that it can’t properly process the desired signal.
The solution is to move away (physically) from the other signal source. 25 25

26. Repeater Failure
If the repeater fails, then communication can only be in simplex mode directly from HT-to-HT.
Change from duplex (repeater) to simplex (no repeater) operation
Level 1: Leave HT on , Hz PL, NO OFFSET.
Level 2: Change frequency to MHz, no PL tone, no offset.
Level 3: Change frequency to MHz, no PL tone, no offset.

27. What are all the knobs and buttons are for?
HT OVERVIEW
What are all the knobs and buttons are for?
How do you program it?

28. HT User Interface DIFFERENT MAKES and models of radios vary, so…
READ the INSTRUCTIONS
BECOME FAMILIAR with the controls on YOUR radio!
While most 2-way radios have similar features, different makes and models of radio vary in their controls and method of operation.
FRS portables like the one you received in your CERT kit are simple and their controls are for the most part, intuitive.
Public safety, business, GMRS and amateur or “ham” radios have more and different functions which can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with them.
So you need to READ THE MANUAL and become familiar with the features on YOUR radio. Next slide>

29. HT User Interface Power On-Off Switch
Combined with the volume control on some models
Separate push-button on some models
Portable radios should be turned off before removing the battery pack. Disconnecting the battery from a radio without turning it off first on many models will causes it to lose its memory or “personality.”
The power on switch on some radios may be a push-button, on others it is combined with the volume control.
To use the radio you must first ensure it has batteries or a battery pack installed and turn the radio “on.”
Next slide>

30. HT User Interface Volume Control
Adjust the volume control until you can hear the other users.
Adjust the volume control until you can hear other users. If no one is on the air, you can open the “squelch” control until you hear “white noise” and adjust the volume from that.
Next slide>

31. HT User Interface Squelch Control Either a concentric ring
under the Volume control
Or a separate knob of its own
“Open” until you hear hissing noise
“Close” just until noise just disappears
When the squelch is wide open you will hear a loud, hissing white noise. On some radios the squelch control is a separate knob. On others it may be a concentric ring under the volume control. After you have adjusted the speaker volume to a level which you can hear, close the squelch control gradually until the noise just disappears.
Next slide>

32. Frequency or Channel Selector
HT User Interface
Frequency or Channel Selector
Select desired receiver frequency
“Up-Down” arrows
Or a rotating “knob”
Or keypad
The channel selector on some radios is a set of “up-down” arrows, whereas on others it is a rotary knob with numeric indicators. In order to talk to others on your team, or to the command post, you need to know which radio frequency or “channel” they are on. It’s helpful to have a pre-established plan of suggested channel allocations. We will talk about that.
Your team will be assigned a “primary” working channel for operations. Select the channel which you are assigned in the incident communication plan.
Next slide>

33. HT User Interface Push-To-Talk (PTT) Switch Push or press to talk
Release to listen (normal
position)
The two-way radios we use for CERT all use a Push To Talk or PPT switch.
You Push to Talk
Release the PTT to listen.
Please LISTEN more than you talk.
If somebody seems to be in control of things, listen to and follow their instructions.

34. HT User Interface Speaker & Microphone
Unlike most FRS radios, the speaker and microphone on the HT are two separate units.
Both face forward
Speaker is behind the large grill
Microphone is behind small hole
It doesn’t work if it’s covered up by your hand
Most radios we use for CERT have a microphone co-located with the speaker.
To speak press the PTT, then speak in a normal tone of voice.
To Listen release the PTT.
It’s that simple.
Next slide>

35. HT User Interface Antenna It’s NOT a handle!!
Keep it vertical, never horizontal
Usually flexible (to avoid injury)
Can be removed and replaced
with better performing units
It’s NOT a handle!!
If your radio has a folding or telescoping antenna, ensure it is rotated vertical and fully extended. Hold your radio vertically at face level.
When you use a detachable speaker-mike with the radio on your belt your body reduces the effectiveness of the signal. This is especially true with low powered FRS radios.
A dangling microphone cord is liable to snag in debris and can be a hazard, so we generally don’t recommend their use during search operations, but it can be handy when you are in a safe, stationary location.
Next slide>

36. HT User Interface Batteries
The HT comes with a rechargeable battery pack
Keep it charged
Use individual batteries (e.g., AA) in a special holder as a backup
ALWAYS carry spare batteries!
To have reliable communications you must have fresh batteries in the radio. If the batteries are old or depleted you may be able to listen, but you won’t be able to talk, because it takes more current for the radio to transmit.
It’s a good idea when storing your CERT gear to first turn off your radio, then remove and either replace or recharge the batteries.
Always carry fresh batteries for your radio and at least one set of spares or an extra battery pack.

37. HT Accessories (Optional)
Batteries
Spare rechargeable battery pack
AA battery holder
Speaker/microphone
Clips on to lapel or collar
Power sources
Car charger
Cigarette lighter adapter
Antennas
Replacement for “rubber ducky”

38. PROGRAMMING THE HT Many buttons, many functions, many menu items.
Intimidating User’s Manual.

39. Programming the HT The three basic steps:
Enter the receive frequency
Check the offset
Enter the PL tone
Only step 1 is required to just listen.

40. That’s as complicated as it gets!
Programming the HT
The complete procedure:
Unlock the keypad
Enter the receive frequency
Check the frequency offset
For repeater operation (duplex) only
Most HTs take care of this automatically
Enter the PL tone
Check the transmit power level (optional)
Lower power for longer battery life
Disable the YAESU WIRES function (Yaesu users only)
Store the settings into memory (optional)
Lock the keypad
That’s as complicated as it gets!

41. Cheat Sheets
Programming instructions for your HT that you can stick in your pocket or Go-Kit.
“We” all use them.
Not a reflection on your ability.
Enhances your capability to react in a stress situation.
Make your own or use one that’s available.
Readily shared among users.
There are several available for this class.
Some are commercially available (Nifty Mini-Manuals).

42. Tone Squelch (PL Tone) CTCSS – Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System
The transmitter superimposes (encodes) a low-frequency (subaudible) tone along with the voice or data.
The receiver squelches the audio of any signal that does not include the tone (decode).
When in doubt …..
Transmit the encoded tone.
Any receiver or repeater that expects the tone will hear you, as will any receiver or repeater not expecting the tone.
Receive without expecting the tone.
You will hear anyone that is transmitting on the frequency whether or not they have encoded the tone on their signal.

43. WIRES ™
The Yaesu WIRES (Wide-coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System) proprietary internet connection feature operates by transmitting a short (~ 0.1 second) DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) tone burst each time the Push-to-Talk button is pressed.
Our repeaters are set up to mute DTMF tones. Each time the WIRES DTMF tone is transmitted, the repeater mutes for several seconds and the first few words of the user’s transmission are lost.
Ref:
Bottom Line … turn it off or disable it. Or, wait a couple of seconds before you speak after pressing PTT.

44. Think of it like a password to get into the system.
Definitions
CTCSS – Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System
Superimposes a very low frequency audio tone on the transmitted signal. This audio tone is frequently referred to as the PL Tone or the PL. There are 39 CTCSS tone frequencies.
DCS – Digital Code Squelch
Superimposes a stream of digital data on the transmitted signal. There are 104 DCS codes.
CTCSS and DCS are two different methods of accomplishing the same thing. They make it possible for the receiver to remain muted until the “right” audio tone (for CTCSS) or digital data (for DCS) is present on the received signal.
Think of it like a password to get into the system. 44 44

45. Definitions DTMF – Dual Tone Multi-Frequency
A system that uses eight different audio tones to create 16 tone-pairs representing the characters 0 thru 9, A thru D , * and #. Used for touchtone telephone dialing and other control functions.
PL – Private Line
PL is a Motorola trademark. CTCSS is a generic name for the same (or similar) implementation.
PTT – Push to talk or Press to talk.
The name of a switch on the HT that that changes the mode from receive to transmit.
VFO – Variable Frequency Oscillator
The circuitry that controls the frequency on which the radio receives and transmits (e.g., MHz). 45 45

46. Definitions
Duplex – An operating mode where a station receives and transmits simultaneously.
Simplex – An operating mode where only one station transmits at a time.
Doubling – A term used to describe the abnormal situation where two or more stations are transmitting at the same time. Usually, none are heard clearly. 46 46

47. Frequencies to Try K6SA Repeater (SARA)
MHz, - offset, PL Hz
Net Sunday night at 9:00 p.m.
W6UU Repeater (SCCARA)
MHz, - offset, PL Hz
Net Monday night at 7:30 p.m.
N6NFI Repeater (Palo Alto)
MHz, - offset, PL Hz
Talk-net every weekday morning
AA6BT Repeater (SVECS)
MHz, + offset, PL100.0 Hz
Net Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m.

48. Things To Do Check into the SARA 2-meter net Sunday night at 9:00 p.m.
MHz, minus offset, PL of Hz
MHz, positive offset, PL of Hz
Attend a SARA club meeting
Here, in this room
First Wednesday of the month (except July and August)
7:30 p.m.

49. Links www.k6sa.net (Saratoga Amateur Radio Association)
Great “Resources” page
(Silicon Valley Emergency Communications System)
Major source of emergency communication information
Santa Clara County emergency frequencies
Instructions for disabling YAESU WIRES
Assorted cheat sheets

50. References & Credits ARRL ARES Field Resources Manual
Saratoga CERT Radio Communications Plan
Virginia RACES, Inc.
Slides 4, 5, 21 and 29 were originally from “Portable Radio Fundamentals Part 1 of 2” and “2-Way Radio Fundamentals Part II”.
Most were modified in some way.

51. Programming Exercise Saratoga Command (K6SA Repeater)
MHz, minus offset, PL Hz
Saratoga Command Alternate (K6SA Repeater dead)
MHz, no offset (simplex), no PL
Saratoga Tactical Alternate (Simplex)
MHz, no offset, no PL
Saratoga Tactical Alternate 2 (Simplex)
MHz, no offset, no PL