Communications

Radio Communications 101

JimPrice — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:46:54 GMT

As members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, our communications procedures follow the Allied Communications Publication Communications Instructions Radiotelephone Procedures ACP125(F). This document specifies communications procedures for the Armed Forces of the Allied Nations.

The procedures that we use may seem a bit formal and stilted, but are necessary for clear and concise communications. Because many members of the boating public use poor radio procedures, it is easy for us to fall into bad habits. By reviewing and practicing proper procedures we will not only sound professional on the air, but will set an example for others to follow.

Here are some key elements that you should remember as a radio operator:

Method of Speech. The key words to remember are Rhythm, Speed, Volume and Pitch (RSVP). Rhythm. Use short sentences divided into sensible phrases which maintain a natural rhythm. Do not speak word by word. Where pauses occur, release the mic button to minimize transmission time and permit stations to break in when necessary.
Speed. Speak slightly slower than for normal conversation. Where a message is to be written down by the recipients, or in difficult conditions, extra time should be allowed to compensate for the receiving station experiencing the worst conditions. Increasing or decreasing the length of pauses between phrases, as opposed to altering the gaps between words, easily adjusts speed of transmission; the latter will create an unnatural, halted style of speech, which is difficult to understand.
Volume. Your volume should be as for normal conversation. Shouting causes distortion.
Pitch. Your voice should be pitched slightly higher than for normal conversation to improve clarity.
Calling Procedure. Always say the station you are calling followed by your call sign. Nothing sounds more unprofessional than the often heard, “Leaky Tiki to Water Wagon.”
General Procedures. Just like an actor, be confident in what you are going to say, before you say it. Practice new procedures by saying them out loud until your speech and speed are proper.
Radio Guard. When Sector Portland, is maintaining your radio communications guard, they will set a timer to remind them to check with you every 30 minutes. It is easier for them to make the call each vessel in turn for the ops and position check. Be prepared for their call by knowing your situation and position.
Use Prowords. Procedure words are words and phrases with standardized meanings. They are used to speed communications and convey precise meaning. The most commonly used prowords are: THIS IS, OVER. ROGER, WAIT, WAIT OUT, and OUT. A complete lists of the prowords and their meanings are in the references cited below. Words common to other forms of radio communications, like: 10-4, Go Ahead, Clear, and “Got your ears on?” will signify to all who are listening that you don’t know proper radio procedure. They should never be used.
Know the Phonetic Alphabet. Often when radio conditions are poor or strangely spelled vessel names must be transmitted, you are going to need to use the phonetic alphabet. This will be no time to learn it. A good way to learn it is by reading license plates phonetically while you are driving.
Keep it Short. In an emergency situation the radio channels can quickly become overcrowded. Therefore it is good practice to minimize radio traffic as much as possible. Even though we do not pass secure radio traffic, short transmissions make it more difficult for those using scanners to intercept our messages. Do not use names or other personal references on the air. Use cell phones to pass this kind of information or to resolve issues.
Maintain a Radio Watch. If you are on patrol, either Sector Portland or AUXCOM has your radio guard. This means they are listening on your assigned channel and watching out for you. If you do not report in they will initiate a “Lost Comms” procedure which will tie up additional resources up to an including an expensive and embarrassing helicopter search.
Maintain Your Radio. Everyone knows that electrons and water do not get along. Moisture can work its way into coaxial cable and connectors and reduce your radio signal to useless noise. Note the performance of your radio by how signals sound at different distances. Ask other vessels for radio checks. If your signal or reception degrades, have your radio, antenna and coaxial cable checked.

References:

Allied Communications Publication Communications Instructions Radiotelephone Procedures ACP125(F).http://www.nor.com.au/community/sarc/acp125~1.pdf
Auxiliary Specialty Course Communications (AUXCOM) study guide http://www.cgaux.info/g_ocx/training/AuxCom/COMDTPUB%20P16794.32B.pdf
Boating Safety and Seamanship Manual, Lesson 10 (Your Boat’s Radio).

What kind of radio should I purchase for my vessel?

JimPrice — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:40:03 GMT

The primary radio you purchase for your vessel should be a marine VHF radio (FCC Part 80 type accepted) There are many options available. As an auxiliarist, you may be able to get GSA pricing on your radio. This price will generally be around 60% of the list price. Additionally, many dealers will also give auxiliarists a discount. You should get a radio that interfaces with a GPS receiver. Make sure you get an MMSI number and program it in. This will allow other auxiliary vessels and the Coast Guard to quickly determine your position. A combination radio and GPS with a decent sized display is even better.

As a second radio on your boat or a radio for your vehicle, I would recommend an Part 90 type accepted commercial radio. This type of radio is now required for operation on our Auxiliary VHF radio frequencies and repeaters. Using this type of radio through the repeater system that we are building in Oregon and Washington will give you wide radio coverage with other vessels.

At this point we have the software to support the ICOM F-121 radio. It has 128 Channels and can be programmed for Marine and Auxiliary VHF frequencies. If you ever get a Ham license it can be programmed for that as well. It is a very solidly constructed and meets Mil-STD-810 shock and vibrations specifications. You can get the specifications at:

http://www.icomamerica.com/products/landmobile/f121_series/default.asp

The GSA price is $251.00 from ICOM America at 800-872-4266.

Where do I find an antenna for my vehicle?

JimPrice — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:24:41 GMT

Most antennas for the VHF marine band are manufactured to be mounted on vessels. If you wish to become a mobile radio facility you will need a different kind of antenna depending on where and how you want to mount it.

On my pickup, I have an NMO mount in the roof and 1/4 wave antenna cut to 18 in. This allows my truck to fit in my garage. You can also use a Larsen Magnetic mount NMOMM ($31.95) if you don't want to drill a hole.

On my car, I have a NMO trunk lid lip mount with a Larsen NMO150BCO coil ($25.25) and a Larsen W490B 5/8 wave whip ($13.50) cut to 43-7/8 in. for the marine band.

These can beI purchased from Ham Radio Outlet, 11705 SW Pacific Hwy (99W) Suite Z, Portland, OR 97223 503-598-0555

Which radios are approved for mobile radio facilities?

JimPrice — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:18:18 GMT

The following link lists radios that are approved for use as VHF radio facilities.

http://www.d11s.org/members/CMOps/NarrowBand_2.pdf

Two things to note:

1. The prices listed are higher that we can get them for. For instance, we can get the ICOM F-121 for $251.00

2. The Motorola HT portable radio is not approved as a primary facility radio.

http://www.icomamerica.com/products/landmobile/f121_series/default.asp

The GSA price is $251.00 from ICOM America at 800-872-4266.

Why do we have to go narrow band on our VHF (non marine) radios

JimPrice — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:15:09 GMT

This URL links to a page on the District 11 web site that explains why we are being required to go to narrow band VHF radios. Note that this DOES NOT apply to marine radios. Only to the VHF radios that we use on frequencies specifically assigned to the auxiliary and for our auxiliary repeaters.

http://www.d11s.org/members/CMOps/NarrowBand.pdf