Going Simplex

It is standard procedure to move to the simplex frequency of 147.090 any time the RCWA 2 meter repeater is non-functioning. This reduces the coverage area considerably, for you are 100% dependent on your own equipment and that of others with whom you converse. Because you are not using the repeater frequency pair, you will hear no courtesy tone either.

If you are uncertain whether the frequency is in use, simply put out your call and unkey. If you get no response, it’s likely the frequency is clear and you may attempt your contact. Base stations will be able to “hear” at further distances than mobiles, handi-talkies or stations with smaller antennae (such as inside ladder-line or wire antenna).

BREAK, BREAK, BREAK: The Proper Use

In Amateur Radio, the word BREAK is used to convey an emergency, which means all non-emergency traffic stops and yield the frequency to the emergency. It also means that any and all Amateur Radio Operators on frequency must stand-by to support the emergency.

So, how do we properly use BREAK?

Use of BREAK BREAK.

As previously stated, using BREAK indicates an emergency, but the Radio Operator initiating the emergency call MUST provide information about the emergency to other Radio Operators so they will know how to provide assistance. After an Amateur Radio Operator responds to the Radio Operator initiating the emergency, he/she will provide information about the emergency and state what assistance is being requested.

There is an ongoing conversation on the frequency.

If there is an ongoing conversation on the frequency / repeater, you wait for a pause between transmissions in the conversation and you transmit “BREAK, BREAK, BREAK. I have an emergency.” Or “BREAK, BREAK, BREAK. I have emergency traffic.” At this time operators participating in the conversation immediately cease their conversation and offer or standby to assist the operator initiating the emergency.

There is no ongoing conversation on the frequency.

If there is no ongoing conversation on the frequency / repeater, you transmit “BREAK, BREAK, BREAK. I have an emergency.” Or “BREAK, BREAK, BREAK. I have emergency traffic.” Any operator monitoring the transmission will immediately respond to the operator initiating the BREAK and offer assistance.

Who is in Control?

The operator initiating the emergency becomes the On Scene Control Operator. The first operator to respond becomes the “Net Control” Operator and must remain in that position to provide assistance. If the Net Control Operator cannot continue as the Net Control Operator, he/she must designate another operator as the Net Control Operator, however, before this hand-off occurs, the outgoing Net Control Operator must contact the On Scene Control Operator and inform him/her who the new Net Control Operator will be. The Net Control Operator will broadcast on the frequency / repeater “This is the Emergency Net Control Operator, [callsign]. An emergency is in progress. Please use an alternate frequency / repeater for regular use.” This broadcast should be sent every ten (10) minutes or so. This broadcast is not to impede support to the emergency. This will prevent other Amateurs, not aware of the emergency, from breaking in to use the frequency / repeater.

Who terminates an emergency?

Only the On Scene Control Operator can end the emergency and release the frequency / repeater back to normal use, at which time the Net Control Operator will make the announcement.

Following this procedure will eliminate confusion and provide support to the Amateur involved in an emergency!

Use of Call Signs

It’s easy, in the course of a conversation, to forget some of the ‘softer’ rules and regulations we all learned in order to achieve the licensing we have.

One of the easiest to forget is appropriate transmission of your call sign when exiting a conversation, especially during a net event. When you end a conversation or complete a check-in during a net, it is appropriate that you transmit your call sign to end the conversation. Often, a net control operator, if aware you intended to end the conversation, will provide one final opportunity for you to sign before moving on to the next check-in or putting out a call for more check-ins.

Another easily forgotten rule is to regularly transmit your call sign during the course of a conversation lasting more than 10 minutes. There are two reminders available, right on the repeater. The first is the repeater ID itself. This occurs at 10-minute intervals, especially if the repeater is in use. If you hear the repeater ID, then you should do so and continue your discussion. The second could be the amateur to whom you are speaking. If they ID, chances are it’s because they heard the repeater ID during your last transmission. That means it’s a good practice for you to ID as well.