BLACKSKYE COMMUNITY GMRS
Etiquette & Radio Procedures
Basic Rules of Radio Communication
General
The international radio language is English, except in cases where you are licensed to speak in some other language.
When using a two-way radio, you cannot speak and listen simultaneously as you can with a phone.
Don’t interrupt if you hear other people talking. Wait until their conversation is finished.
Unless it is an emergency – if it is an emergency, inform the other parties that you have an emergency message.
Do not respond if you aren’t sure the call is for you. Wait until you hear your call sign to respond.
GMRS callsigns must be given every 15mins during conversation.
Refrain from saying "10-4" or using other 10-codes. Use plain language
Preparation
Perform radio checks to ensure your radio is in good working condition.
Ensure the battery is charged and the power is on.
Keep the volume high enough to be able to hear calls.
Regularly make radio checks to ensure everything is working and you are still in range to receive signals.
Memorize call signs and locations of persons and radio stations you communicate with regularly.
In radio communication, you are not called by your name. Everybody has their own unique call sign.
Action
Think before speaking.
Make your conversations as concise, precise, and clear as possible.
Do not use abbreviations unless they are well understood by your group.
What Other Rules Should I Know About?
The following message types are NOT permitted.
Messages in connection with any activity which is against Federal, State, or local law
Music, whistling, sound effects or material to amuse or entertain
False or deceptive messages
Advertisements or offers for the sale of goods or services
Messages (except emergency messages) with stations in the Amateur Radio Service, any unauthorized station, or to any foreign station
Continuous or uninterrupted transmissions except for communications involving the immediate safety of life or property
Messages for public address systems
NATO Phonetic Alphabet | The NATO phonetic alphabet is the internationally recognized alphabet for radio communication. Using phonetics to communicate a callsign or name is sometimes necessary due to factors such as poor signal, speech intelligibility, or difficulty distinguishing letters such as M and N, and T and P.
