Mini-Tips – Part 2 June 28, 2006

Bob Kenyon – K8LJ

Respond to the question asked

The Net Controller asks, "Do you need a break?" The operator at the other end replies, "We've got two other guys here, but one of them is running a message over to Post Five and the other one doesn't really know how to run this rig, and it's my own equipment and it's really expensive. And besides, the Captain told me to let him know the minute someone answers his request and I'm not sure I trust this other guy to handle that." You'll notice that the operator did everything except answer the question. Focus on the question asked, or the statement made, and respond to it directly. From Gary Hoffman, KB0H

Learn the proper way to send numbers

Read each numeral individually. For example, say two three four rather than two hundred thirty four. Enunciate each numeral. Always say zero and never say oh. Pronounce nine as niner. From ARECC Level I course book

Mobile over hand held

A hand held transceiver is certainly a lot easier to transport, but ultimately a mobile transceiver is better for field operation. It has more power and can handle continuous usage a lot better than a hand held radio can. From ARECC Level I course book

What does ARES expect you to do?

At a minimum, Licking County ARES would like you to take the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Courses, learn how to handle written messages, and learn how to act as a net control station. If you do those three basic things, you will be well on your way to being an effective emergency communicator.

Never alter a message

Do not alter a message, even to correct a typographical error. What you think is right may actually be wrong. Moreover, any change you make might subtly alter the meaning of the message. Send or write it exactly as you receive it. From ARECC Level I course book

There is no privacy on the air

We are not allowed to use codes or encrypt data on the amateur bands. Make sure that your served agency understands that if they ask you to send patient information or other information of a personal nature. From ARECC Level I course book

What if it rains?

The weather will never cooperate with you. Make sure that your equipment is sufficiently protected from the elements. Just covering it with a bit of plastic while you run from your car to the communications tent may not be enough. If you trip and drop your bundle in the mud, will your equipment still work? It will have a much better chance of surviving if it's in a waterproof carry-all. From Gary Hoffman, KB0H

You are your own safety officer

When setting up or operating a station of any size, the very first thing on your mind should be, is it safe? Am I going to irradiate anyone with RF energy? Could my battery spill acid? Can it fall on anyone's foot? Have I created an electrical hazard? Could anyone trip over my feedline or get poked in the eye by my antenna? The safety of your station is your responsibility. Make sure that it cannot harm you or anyone else. From Gary Hoffman, KB0H

Take the FEMA courses

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, provides a number of free courses over the Internet. The information in several of these courses is very useful to emergency communicators. See the St. Louis County ARES Web site for a list of FEMA courses that we recommend. From ARECC Level I course book

Try running a net

You may be the first amateur radio operator available during an emergency. This would make you the Net Control operator, even if only for a short period of time. To help prepare yourself for this possibility you should try running a local net at least once. Licking County ARES will be happy to give you that opportunity, and will give you all the assistance you need. From ARECC Level I course book

It may be a dirty assignment but don't show up looking like a slob

You can be the smartest amateur radio operator in the world, but if you show up at a served agency dressed in a slovenly fashion, you will leave them with a very poor impression of yourself and of ham radio in general. From ARECC Level I course book