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4x4 Accessories

The Practice of Operating 29 MHz Citizen Band Two-way Radios

Radio Procedures

  1. The following is a simplified version of the conventional procedures used by professional bodies such as the military, air traffic controllers, and some law enforcement agencies.
  2. Radio is a very simple method of communication provided one or two basic rules are adhered to. To communicate by radio is not like talking on the telephone. - once the push to talk button is pressed, the frequency is occupied and no other station can break in. All that happens is that, (if both stations are of equal strength) the signal will be distorted. This is why procedures are required - but, these procedures can be very simple as will be discussed.
  3. The International Phonetic Alphabet should be used to spell words that may be misunderstood.

    The International Phonetic Alphabet
    A Alpha J Juliet R Romeo
    B Bravo K Kilo S Sierra
    C Charlie L Lima T Tango
    D Delta M Mike U Uniform
    E Echo N November V Victor
    F Foxtrot O Oscar W Whisky
    G Golf P Papa X X-Ray
    H Hotel Q Quebec Y Yankee
    I India     Z Zulu

    Numerals

    0 = Zero Zee-ro
    1 = Wun
    2 = Too
    3 = Tree Thuh-ree
    4 = Fower Fow-a
    5 = Fife
    6 = six
    7 = Seben Se-ben
    8 = Ait
    9 = Niner Nine-a
    Pro Word = Figures
  4. Simple, unambiguous phrases should also be described, such as:

    Do you copy/Do you receive: Self-explanatory
    Roger: Received and understood
    Wilco: Received, understood and will comply.
    Affirmative: Self-explanatory
    Negative: Self-explanatory
    Please relay: Self-explanatory
    Disregard this transmission: Self-explanatory
    I say again/say again: Self-explanatory
    Send: Self-explanatory
    Go ahead: Self-explanatory
    Off and clear: Self-explanatory
    Stand by/Standing by: Awaiting a further communication.
    Out: This transmission is at an end
  5. Always listen out before transmitting

    A radio net is when there are two or more stations in communication.
    1. It is always best if each station is allocated a 'call sign'. The easiest is the letters of the alphabet i.e. Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.
    2. To effect more control, a control station should either be appointed or take control. Sometimes this is a natural - such as a base station or the organiser of the activity. The control station may have a special call sign or simply be one of the designated call signs. The important aspect is that all stations in the net must know who the control station is. Control should preferably be able to read all transmissions.
    3. In a large net, no station should ever call or communicate with another station without first going through control. Call control and request permission e.g.

      Alpha: "Control this is Alpha, may I contact Bravo"
      Control: "Standby, Bravo come in for control"
      Bravo: "Control, Bravo standing by"
      Control: "Bravo contact Alpha"

Remember, when a net is large, particularly in a convoy, you may not be able to hear the station that control is in contact with - therefore if you call and don't get an acknowledgement, give a little time before you call again..

Another rule is once you are in radio communication - ALWAYS listen out until you have cleared the frequency. You should never close down without advising other stations on the net. Nothing can be more frustrating to a control station than to call a station who is believed to still be in contact, but has closed down.

The basics as listed above are self-explanatory, if you adhere to these procedures you will adequately be able to perform the needs of a radio operator for 4x4 needs on 29 MHz.

The "Ten Code" and radio amateur phraseology, only complicates a simple system.

Convoy Procedures Without Radios

The vehicle in front is always responsible for the vehicle behind. He must ensure that the vehicle is in position at all times. The minute he loses sight of the following vehicle he must stop, this will create a chain reaction, and the vehicle he is following will do the same until the whole convoy has stopped. Even when the whole convoy is equipped with radios, this procedure should be adopted, radios do sometimes cease to operate.

     

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