USING RADIOS

 

We often use radios when working in disasters and in remote environments where the mobile network is limited.

It’s good to know the basics.

 
 

Here are some basic but you can learn more by taking the online Stay Safe course.

Communications equipment provides a lifeline for personnel working in difficult environments. Staff and volunteers must be therefore be trained to how to use multiple means of communication devices.

This section contains basic theory and practical instructions and tips that can be used during trainings, or as a quick reference for those that have undertaken training.

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HOW TO TALK ON THE RADIO

  1. Be sure your radio is switched on, set to the appropriate channel and that the volume is up.

  2. Take a moment to think - know what you are going to say before transmitting. If it’s a long message with complicated details (like map coordinates), it is best to write it down before you call.

  3. Listen for at least five seconds to avoid interfering with an existing communication. Let others finish their communication before starting a new conversation.

  4. To Talk - press and hold the push-to-talk (PTT) button.

  5. To Listen - release the the push-to-talk (PTT) button. It’s important to remember that the other person cannot speak/transmit unless you release the PTT button.

  6. The microphone should be approximately five centimetres from your mouth.

  7. Say {their name twice}, this is {your name}. For example “Ayse, Ayse, this is Karl, over.”

  8. When you are finished speaking, say “over”, so that the other person knows they can start speaking. When they say “over” you can start speaking again.

  9. Talk at a normal speaking volume - do not shout.

  10. Use normal language but be brief and to the point.

  11. Speak clearly and not too quickly.

  12. Use short sentences, then pause to listen.

It takes training and practice to become comfortable using a radio - please ask for it.

 
 
 

VHF RADIOS

Very high frequency (VHF) radios are the most commonly used radio equipment in IFRC field operations. The two most common types are hand-held VHF radios and vehicle VHF radios, both of which are introduced below. It is important that staff and volunteers know how to use handheld and vehicle radios (so they can call for help if needed) and how VHF radio waves travel (so that they don’t try to communicate from a bad location).

Using a VHF handheld radio

1. Turn the power on

Turn the upper left knob clockwise to turn the radio on and adjust the volume.

2. Selecting a channel

Use the channel knob/buttons to select the correct channel. Remember to ask and note which channels to use when you receive the radio.

3. Push-to-talk

Press the push-to-talk (PTT) button and wait for one second before you start talking.

 

Using a VHF vehicle radio

1. Turn the power on

Turn the (round) upper left knob clockwise to turn the radio on and adjust the volume.

2. Selecting a channel

Use the middle buttons to select the correct channel. Get in the habit of asking the driver which channels to use when you get into a vehicle. If they get hurt in an accident, it may be up to you to call for help.

3. Push-to-talk

Pick up the handset and press the push-to-talk (PTT) button on the side - and wait for one second before you start talking.

 

How VHF signals travel

  • VHF radio waves travel in a straight line and usually as far as the line of sight. Basically, this means that if you are looking through binoculars at the spot you want to make contact with, you should be able to communicate to that point with the VHF radio.

  • Buildings (walls/roofs) and geographical features such as hills, mountains, forests can block the signal. This is why other communication devices are required in mountainous areas, for example.

  • Under good conditions, you have about 5km of range with a VHF handset and 20km with a vehicle VHF set, which emits a stronger signal and has a higher antenna. This is why other communication devices are required for longer range field missions.

Batteries

  • Charge your radio batteries every chance you get and carry a spare when going to the field in case one of the batteries is defective or fails to charge completely.

  • Know that batteries discharge at a much faster rate when transmitting than when receiving.

  • During a crisis, when it may be difficult to recharge batteries, use the radio more sparingly to preserve the batteries. For example, you may need to establish a fixed time to communicate with the radio room and switch the radio off in between.

Common Mistakes

  • Trying to communicate from an unsuitable location such as in a valley or behind a large building.

  • Trying to communicate on the wrong channel (or not knowing the channel).

  • Low battery level (means less power to transmit).

  • No spare batteries. You, or someone on your team should always have a spare battery.

If you have a problem - try this:

  • Check you’re on the right channel and that the volume is up. Sometimes the dials gets turned by accident.

  • Move to a higher location. Find a high enough point where there are few physical obstacles between you and the area you want to communicate with. This can mean driving to the top of a hill or walking to an upper floor of the building.

  • Check for obstacles. Office walls, hills, other buildings can all interfere with the signal. Moving to the other side of the building or finding a spot with a clear line of sign to the receiver can make a big difference.

  • Put in a fresh battery if the power is low.

Other things to consider

  • VHFs are easy to lose or steal, so keep yours with you at all times and store it in a safe place.

  • Your radio may be programmed with several channels for talking to different groups or agencies, so check that you’re using the correct channel before talking.

  • VHF talk can be monitored by others, so think before you speak. Don’t share confidential information.

  • VHFs have a limited battery life, so keep the batteries charged and manage their use. Carry a spare.

 
 
 

HF RADIOS

The IFRC use HF radios in some of its vehicle and bases.

This section only covers vehicle mounted radios.

HF radios are installed in some vehicles to help drivers communicate with the radio room during longer range range field missions. While most staff and volunteers will not regularly use HF radios, it is important that they know how use it in case of emergency (e.g the drivers is incapacitated in an accident).

This section only offers basic instructions - to allow personnel to make an emergency call.

 

Using a HF radio (installed in a vehicle)

1. Turn the power on.

2. Select the right channel.

3. Press the call button and wait for the radio room to pick up (like a phone call).

4. Press and hold the talk button. When you press the button, wait one second before you start talking.

5. Release the talk button to listen.

IMPORTANT! When you get into a vehicle with an HF radio, ask the driver if it works, what the range is, and what channels are used. If you need to make an emergency radio call, you will need this info.

 

How HF waves travel

  • HF radio waves are a combination of groundwaves (direct line of sight) and skywaves (reflected by atmospheric layers).

  • Due to the skywaves, HF waves can travel much longer distances than VHF waves and are less affected by geographical features. Under ideal conditions, the signal range is thousands of kilometers.

  • Be aware that when your move approx 15-50 km away from the transmission site (radio room), you can can enter the “skip zone”. This is when you are beyond the range of groundwave and the skywave is bouncing over your position. If you cannot connect, try moving to a higher location or outside the skip zone.

  • The HFR signal is also affected by solar activity. Therefore, quality of reception can vary depending on the time of day and can also differ between days. These are factors that are out of your control but you should familiarize yourself with the radio coverage in your area of operation by mapping out potential spots where the coverage is inadequate. This is done by conducting radio checks while travelling in the field and marking on a map those areas where there are blind spots or no reception.

If you have problems, try this:

  • Check you’re on the right channel and that the volume is up.

  • Move to a higher location.

  • Change locations. You might be in the skip zone.

Other things to consider

  • HF communications can be monitored by others, so think before you speak. Don’t share confidential information.

 

RADIO ROOMS

The term ‘radio room’ is often used when referring to the country delegation’s operational communications centre. All delegations and Federation offices must establish a system or procedures to monitor delegates’ field movements. In larger operations, this can be done by establishing a radio room with radio room operators. In small delegations, it could be someone in the administration office who is responsible for monitoring field movement.

The most important thing to remember is that someone should always know where you are and have the means to communicate with you.

 
 
 

RADIO ALPHABET

Often called the radio phonetic alphabet, this alphabet is used international for two way radio communications, so it’s good to know it.

It’s especially important to the alphabet when working in disasters and in higher-risk areas since it commonly used during radio communications between, the UN, humanitarian agencies, militaries, authorities etc.

Remember!

  • Follow instructions.

  • Always assume others are listening.

  • Radios will not increase your security as such: only their proper use will.

  • Do not use the radio for social traffic/calls.

  • Never use the radio to convey military or security information.