Mini-Tips – Part 5 July 26, 2006

Bob Kenyon – K8LJ

Keep a copy of the operating manual with your field transceiver

Your field radio may do something unexpected. You may need to use one of its special features. Your relief operator may not be familiar with how it works. There are dozens of reasons for keeping a copy of your field transceiver's operating manual nearby, preferably in a waterproof wrapper. From ARECC Level I course book

How close are you to the antenna?

You want your signals to reach other emergency operators, not irradiate YOU. This is especially true if you have boosted your power. Make sure your antenna is a safe distance away from your operating location and that its emissions are not directed at you. From KB0H

Are those batteries REALLY charged?

Before you head off to handle an emergency, be sure that those batteries that you THINK are charged really are. From N0UIH

Push THEN Talk

Pause for a second after keying up your transmitter. It may be slower to react than you realize. From N0UFB

Maintain a fire extinguisher near your battery charging station

This applies primarily to larger batteries, but every battery is a chemical device and you will be pumping energy into it. Having a fire extinguisher handy is a reasonable precaution. From N0OBG

Don't forget the duct tape!

Duct tape is a wonderful product that comes in handy during a disaster. From Every "go-bag" list ever written

Alfa Romeo Echo Sierra

Use standard International Telecommunications Union phonetics (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-Ray, Yankee, Zulu) From ARRL

Don't become one of the casualties

Part of your preparations should be making sure that you're fit enough to work in less than ideal conditions. You won't need to be in perfect shape, but you'll at least want to be able to get through a shift without becoming ill. Regular moderate exercise will help you develop the stamina you'll need to be an effective emergency communicator. From KB0H