CERT Communications in Clubside

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Last update on 16-Jul-2010 18:04

Two-Way Radios

Introduction. This page contains detailed procedures for use by Board members, unit owners and committee members. The procedures will change from time to time, as we accumulate experience using our radios. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions for improvement of these procedures.

Who is a user? Unit owners listed below are the current, known users of the radios. However, people travel, and may otherwise not be available. Anyone in the Community can be a handset user.

Radio Holders. (B) means board member. (M) means medically trained.

Additional Radios for Residents. If you wish, you can purchase your own radio set. Handsets similar to ours are currently (06-03-2005) available in pairs. Look for Uniden GMR-1088. Other brands may be OK, too. You can choose a different brand, but please be sure that it covers FRS channels 8-14.

Basic procedures. A few procedural rules will serve to keep us all talking on the same frequency (literally).

Communication channels 8-14 are the only ones that we can use without having to purchase individual licenses from the FCC. We will usually start on Channel 8, and may move to another channel if we find interference on 8. If we need to change to a different normal channel, we will notify you by e-mail and on this page.

To change channels, click the center button briefly, then increase/decrease the channel number using the up/down key on the right side of the radio.

Weather channel. Click the Wx/Alert button briefly. Select weather channel the same way as you select the communication channel. Best for this area is Weather Channel 7.

Power on your radio whenever you need to communicate, and just keep power on. Current drain is minimal when you are only listening.

Batteries. Radios come with rechargeable batteries. Best procedure is to keep using the battery until you receive the audible "low battery" warning. Power down and place the radio in the charger overnight. DO NOT OVERCHARGE. Overcharging shortens the useful life of the battery.

AC Power Outage. If AC power goes down and the rechargeable battery is exhausted, the radio will accept AAA dry cell batteries. We recommend that you keep a supply of AAA's on hand. Insert them as shown within the battery compartment.

Show your presence. When you first turn on your radio, say your name, as in: "This is Bill, listening on Channel 8".

Anyone listening answers: "Bill, this is [your name]"

Call Buttons. Our radios come equipped with "Call" buttons. Their only function is to issue a "wake-up call" or ringing sound, to all stations listening on the net. We recommend that you avoid using the call button on your radio.

Contact anyone: "Any station, this is Bill".

Contact someone: Don B, this is Bill, do you copy, over".

Procedure words (pro-words) such as "roger", "over", "10-4", etc., are optional. We are an informal group, with no procedural requirements other than a few basic measures to keep order in heavy traffic.

Open Net. The FRS frequencies are available to everyone, all the time 24 - 7. Only during practice nets, we invoke a degree of formality so that all can speak and be heard, in turn.

In time of heavy traffic and during practice nets, we need to become a bit more formal. One of us assumes duties of Net Control. The purpose of Net Control is to keep order on the network, prevent mutual interference, and give everyone a chance to be heard.

Please note, ANYONE can take over as Net Control. It is not difficult. Please print out the following procedure, and keep it handy in case of need.

Just follow this script:

"Hello, all stations, this is (...name...) in Unit xxx, your net control at Clubside Reserve. This net is being held on the FCC Family Radio Service, Channel ___, for the benefit of our residents.

"This is a controlled net. Please check in with your first names. Your check-in will be acknowledged after everyone has checked in.

"Please say 'Net Control', release your Press-to-Talk switch, and wait briefly, to be sure you are not doubling with anyone. If there is no doubling, please identify yourself by name and unit number. Net Control will not reply at this time, but should record all names in order of check-in.

After all check-ins have finished, Net Control will call on each member and encourage him or her to give a summary of any items, observations or just plain conversation of interest. Proceed with all names in order of check-in.

After all calls to checked-in members have been completed, Net Control will say: "Are there any more check-ins?" If so, acknowledge and invite them to speak.

If not, say "Thank you for participating in the net. Our next practice net will be on (date) at (time). We will look for you at that time. This is (...name...), your net control, closing the net and returning this frequency to normal use".

(End script)

That's about it! We will amend page as required. As always, any comments are appreciated.

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