SAR Fundamentals/Communications

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Communications is such an important aspect of SAR, so please review the following material:
Communications is such an important aspect of SAR, so please review the following material:
-
:□ Study Guide for Restricted Operator Certificate http://www.obsr.ca/radio-ric23.pdf
+
:□ {{link|SAR Fundamentals/Communications/Study Guide for Restricted Operator Certificate}}
:□ {{link|Members:Search and Rescue Fundamentals manual/Chapter 14|SAR Fundamentals Manual: Ch.14 (pg 201)}}
:□ {{link|Members:Search and Rescue Fundamentals manual/Chapter 14|SAR Fundamentals Manual: Ch.14 (pg 201)}}
:□ {{link|Members:Basic Search and Rescue Skills textbook/Addendum 4|Basic SAR Skills Manual: Addendum 4 (pg F-9)}}
:□ {{link|Members:Basic Search and Rescue Skills textbook/Addendum 4|Basic SAR Skills Manual: Addendum 4 (pg F-9)}}
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== Objectives ==
== Objectives ==
At the conclusion of this lesson the participants:
At the conclusion of this lesson the participants:
-
# will be able to ...
+
# will meet the requirements of the SARA Telecommunications Training Standard
== Time Plan ==
== Time Plan ==
Total Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
 +
* 2018-12: 75 min -- Brett -- included too much theory
 +
* 2013-02: 52 min
 +
 +
See {{nbw|2016|10|26}}
 +
* {{link|Image:Members:2016-10-26 21 18 56u-scan.pdf}}
{{lesson slides start}}
{{lesson slides start}}
{{lesson slide|00:00|3 min}}
{{lesson slide|00:00|3 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=1|200px|right]]
Introduce topic title
Introduce topic title
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Present Objectives
Present Objectives
-
{{lesson slide|00:03|}}
+
{{lesson slide|00:03|4 min}}
-
instructional points in normal font
+
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=2|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=3|200px|right]]
 +
* Why is communications important in SAR?
 +
** The biggest problem you will ever experience in a SAR situation is lack of communication.
 +
** Critiques: "The first problem is always communications"
 +
* Why professionalism, why standards?
 +
** communicating clearly with other groups
 +
** expectations of other groups (RCMP)
 +
** working efficiently
 +
** competence
-
''aids, exercises, activities in italic''
+
{{lesson slide|00:07|4 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=4|200px|right]]
 +
* What communications methods have you seen used in SAR?
 +
** commercial radios
 +
** HAM radios
 +
** FRS
 +
** cell phone
 +
** sat phone
 +
** SPOT
 +
** inReach
 +
** voice
 +
** hand signals
 +
** mirrors
 +
* ''Discuss value of each''
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:11|3 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=5|200px|right]]
 +
* Basic Radio Theory
 +
** all the wireless electronic communications methods are using radio waves
 +
** radio waves are electromagnetic radiation, same as light, longer wavelength
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:14|8 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=6|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=7|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=8|200px|right]]
 +
* Wavelength / Frequency
 +
** All radio transmissions have a wavelength
 +
** The speed of radio is the same: 3 x 108 m/s (speed of light)
 +
** The number of waves received at a spot per second changes with the wavelength. Shorter wavelength, higher frequency.
 +
* Bands:
 +
** VHF: 30 - 300 MHz: 10 m to 1 m
 +
** UHF: 300MHz - 3 GHz: 1 m to 10 cm
 +
* Longer wavelengths bend around hills easier
 +
* Shorter frequencies can carry more information, packed closer together
 +
* Some frequencies bounce off the high atmosphere easier
 +
* Simplex: Transmit and receive on same frequency
 +
** one at a time
 +
* Duplex: Transmit and receive on different frequencies
 +
** simultaneously
 +
** typically using tower: repeater channels, cell phones
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:22|3 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=9|200px|right]]
 +
* Power
 +
** Power is measured in Watts (W)
 +
** The more power the further the signal can be received
 +
*** Generally: double the distance, 4 times the power
 +
** advantages to less power?
 +
*** Neighbours can share the same frequency
 +
*** Batteries last longer
 +
* Typical: 0.5 W FRS, 2 W GMRS, 3 W commercial handheld, 30 W commercial mobile, base station
 +
** 5 W HAM portable
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:25|2 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=10|200px|right]]
 +
* Polarity
 +
** compare with polarized glasses
 +
** different types of antennas transmit and receive with different polar orientations
 +
** keep antennas upright
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:27|3 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=11|200px|right]]
 +
* Signal Encoding
 +
** AM: Amplitude Modulation
 +
** FM: Frequency Modulation
 +
*** more resistant to static interference
 +
** Generally: established by band, fixed in radio
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:30|4 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=12|200px|right]]
 +
* Squelch
 +
** radio waves always present, but is it a real transmission?
 +
*** Electromagnetic noise, interference
 +
** suppress speaker based on signal strength
 +
** squelch button: remove squelch
 +
** CTSS: Continuous Tone Squelch System
 +
*** very low frequency tone added to transmission, if not present, suppress speaker
 +
*** tone is so low can't be heard by human ear (maybe elephant, whale!)
 +
*** FRS sub-channels
 +
*** 2 sub-channels of same channel can't be use at same time
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:34|1 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=13|200px|right]]
 +
* "Channel"
 +
** Combination of Frequency, Polarity, Encoding, and Squelch to transmit and receive on
 +
** Listed on our radios so other agencies can program theirs to our channel
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:35|1 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=14|200px|right]]
 +
* Anatomy of radio
 +
** power source
 +
** microphone
 +
** transmitter / modulator
 +
** antenna
 +
** demodulator / receiver
 +
** squelch / speaker
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:36|3 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=15|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=16|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=17|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=18|200px|right]]
 +
* Types of radios
 +
** ''show pictures''
 +
** handheld/portable
 +
** mobile
 +
** base
 +
** repeater
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:39|1 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=19|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=20|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=21|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=22|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=23|200px|right]]
 +
* Connectors & Mobile Antennas
 +
** show pictures
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:40|8 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=24|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=25|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=26|200px|right]]
 +
* Use of radios
 +
** Battery Replacement
 +
** Using the controls
 +
*** power, volume
 +
*** channel selector
 +
*** squelch
 +
*** transmit (PTT)
 +
*** external mic
 +
** Posture of the user
 +
*** Keep the antenna vertical and fully extended.
 +
*** Distance from outside noise when sending.
 +
*** Keep the mic about 2 to 3 inches away from the mouth at 45 degrees.
 +
*** normal speech levels
 +
*** Hold the mic button down momentarily (1 sec) before and after you speak.
 +
** Mobile Radio setup and use
 +
** Base Radio setup and use
 +
** Equipment and channels we have access to
 +
*** Channel 1 - Emergency Services repeater
 +
*** Channel 2 - Emergency Services talk-around (Simplex)
 +
*** Channel 9 - Tac 9 (RCMP) - Simplex
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:48|2 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=27|200px|right]]
 +
* Communication Protocols
 +
** set by laws of physics
 +
** set by international treaties
 +
** set by Canadian law
 +
** set by SARA standard
 +
** set by professional expectations
 +
* Physics: Do not cut into a message being sent. Listen before you send.
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:50|1 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=28|200px|right]]
 +
* Professional expectations:
 +
** Sound professional. Absolutely everyone is listening.
 +
** Make sure your information is clear, concise and short. Think before you speak, not during.
 +
** Speak slowly and clearly.
 +
** Use simple words.
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:51|2 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=29|200px|right]]
 +
* Standard Words and Phrases
 +
* used internationally
 +
** pronunciations are tuned to world-wide speakers
 +
** vocabulary comes from both English and French
 +
* ITU Alphabet
 +
** letters all sound the same when spoken, clipped
 +
** say "Alpha" write A
 +
** A - Alpha (AL fah)
 +
** B - Bravo (BRAH voh)
 +
** C - Charlie (CHAR lee *or* SHAR lee)
 +
** D - Delta (DELL tah)
 +
** E - Echo (ECK oh)
 +
** F - Foxtrot (FOKS trot)
 +
** G - Golf (GOLF)
 +
** H - Hotel (hoh TELL)
 +
** I - India (IN dee ah)
 +
** J - Juliett (JEW lee ETT) (NOTE SPELLING: 2 T's)
 +
** K - Kilo (KEY loh)
 +
** L - Lima (LEE mah)
 +
** M - Mike (MIKE)
 +
** N - November (no VEM ber)
 +
** O - Oscar (OSS car)
 +
** P - Papa (pah PAH) (NOTE STRESS IS ON THE 2ND SYLLABLE)
 +
** Q - Quebec (keh BECK)
 +
** R - Romeo (ROW me oh)
 +
** S - Sierra (see AIR rah)
 +
** T - Tango (TANG go)
 +
** U - Uniform (YOU nee form)
 +
** V - Victor (VIK tor)
 +
** W - Whiskey (WISS key)
 +
** X - X-ray (ECKS ray)
 +
** Y - Yankee (YANG kee)
 +
** Z - Zulu (ZOO loo)
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:53|2 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=30|200px|right]]
 +
* Numbers
 +
** 3-Tree
 +
** 4-Fower
 +
** 5-Fife
 +
** 9-Niner
 +
** Hundred
 +
** TOUsand
 +
** Decimal
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|00:55|12 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=31|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=32|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=33|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=34|200px|right]]
 +
* Calling procedures
 +
** Treat like all your job is, is to pass on written messages. Think telegraph.
 +
** Call Signs
 +
** Format: (Dest Call Sign)x3, THIS IS (Source Call Sign)x3, (message) OVER (or OUT)
 +
** This Is ...
 +
** Over - I have finished talking and I am listening for your reply. Short for "Over to you."
 +
** Out or Clear - I have finished talking to you and do not expect a reply. Channel available for other use.
 +
** Roger - Information received.
 +
** Copy - I understand what you just said (after receiving information).
 +
** Acknowledge - confirm you've received
 +
** Stand By
 +
** Go Ahead
 +
** Correction / I Say Again / Say Again
 +
** Read Back / Message is / That Is Correct
 +
** Words Twice
 +
** Shortening the format
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|01:07|6 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=35|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=36|200px|right]]
 +
* Call Signs
 +
* "All Stations"
 +
* "Control" - Network Control
 +
* SARA Standard:
 +
** A - Prefix assigned to Medical Teams
 +
** B - Prefix assigned to specialized resources, not just boats - boats, ATVs, Bikes, Horses
 +
** D - Prefix assigned to Dog Teams
 +
** H - Prefix assigned to Helicopter units or the aircrafts call sign may be used e.g.. C-GAHM
 +
** S - Prefix assigned to Search teams
 +
** T - Prefix assigned to Tracking teams
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|01:13|2 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=37|200px|right]]
 +
* Specialized messages: answers
 +
** Affirmative / Negative
 +
** Wilco - Will Comply (after receiving directive/request).
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|01:15|2 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=38|200px|right]]
 +
* Specialized messages: time
 +
** Use the 24 hr clock to tell time.
 +
** Hundred
 +
* Zulu - UTC (GMT) aviation
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|01:17|2 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=39|200px|right]]
 +
* Specialized messages: radio check
 +
* How Do You Read?
 +
* Strength / Clarity
 +
** 1 - (unreadable)
 +
** 2 - (breaking up)
 +
** 3 - (readable with difficulty)
 +
** 4 - (readable)
 +
** 5 - (perfectly readable)
 +
** 5 x 5, "loud and clear"
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|01:19|5 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=40|200px|right]]
 +
* Specialized messages: emergencies
 +
** MAYDAY / PAN PAN / SECURITY
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|01:24|8 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=41|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=42|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=43|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=44|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=45|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=46|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=47|200px|right]]
 +
* General messages
 +
** use of plain language
 +
*** not "10 code": 10-4
 +
** exceptions:
 +
** SARA standard: 10-62 means turn radio off or move away from group. (RCMP)
 +
** Death or injury relayed in code or special word by mgmt., instructions.
 +
** Pincher SAR's codes
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|01:32|2 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=48|200px|right]]
 +
* Communications Traffic Logging
 +
** SARA Standard: log must be kept ICS-309 form
 +
** acting as radio relay
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|01:34|3 min}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=49|200px|right]]
 +
* Canadian law
 +
** must identify yourself
 +
** profane language
 +
** false distress
 +
*** e.g. tests that seem real
 +
** privacy
 +
 
 +
{{lesson slide|01:36|}}
 +
* Hands On use of radios
 +
** Calling other stations
 +
** Passing traffic
 +
** Multiple Radio use simulation
 +
{{lesson slide|01:36|}}
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=50|200px|right]]
 +
[[Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|page=51|200px|right]]
 +
Questions
{{lesson slides end}}
{{lesson slides end}}
See [[:Image:Communications-Lesson-Plan.odt|Plan (odt)]] [[:Image:Communications-Lesson-Plan.pdf|(pdf)]]
See [[:Image:Communications-Lesson-Plan.odt|Plan (odt)]] [[:Image:Communications-Lesson-Plan.pdf|(pdf)]]
-
 
== Aids ==
== Aids ==
{{prompt|What materials are needed or useful in presenting this lesson.}}
{{prompt|What materials are needed or useful in presenting this lesson.}}
-
See [[:Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.odp|Slides (odp)]] [[:Image:Communications-Lesson-Slides.pdf|(pdf)]]
+
* Slides {{document format links|Communications-Lesson-Slides}}
* FRS Radios
* FRS Radios
* PCSAR's portable radios
* PCSAR's portable radios
Line 152: Line 479:
** phonetic alphabet (handout or in text book)
** phonetic alphabet (handout or in text book)
** hand-out:
** hand-out:
-
: http://pcsar.dyndns.org:8080/mem_docs/doc-051-communication-log.pdf
+
**: [[PCSAR DOC-51 Communications Log]]
: see sar/pc/training/subject/sar-fundamentals/components/subject/11-communications
: see sar/pc/training/subject/sar-fundamentals/components/subject/11-communications
Line 159: Line 486:
* {{subpage|Examples}}
* {{subpage|Examples}}
* {{subpage|Exercise}}
* {{subpage|Exercise}}
 +
* {{subpage|Study Guide for Restricted Operator Certificate}}
 +
* {{link|Image:Members:2013-02-27 19 38 17u-scan.pdf}}
== Question bank ==
== Question bank ==
{{prompt|List of questions suitable for an review/exam of this section.}}
{{prompt|List of questions suitable for an review/exam of this section.}}
-
* [[/Question bank]]
+
see {{subpage|Question bank}}
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
{{prompt|What are some of the questions that students typically ask. Include the answers.}}
{{prompt|What are some of the questions that students typically ask. Include the answers.}}
 +
 +
Q: How do external cell phone boosters work?
 +
 +
A: See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_repeater
== Feedback ==
== Feedback ==
{{prompt|When has this lesson been presented. What was the feedback.}}
{{prompt|When has this lesson been presented. What was the feedback.}}
-
Feedback / comments / updates:
+
* 2010-10-06 Wuth presentation to PCSAR. Projector did not work. Ran out of time for exercise.
* see msg Date: Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:32:17 -0600
* see msg Date: Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:32:17 -0600
Line 175: Line 508:
{{prompt|What can others do with this lesson?}}
{{prompt|What can others do with this lesson?}}
-
Recommended license below. Fill in the year and the author's name(s):
+
Original content copyright © 2010-2013, Brett Wuth.
 +
 
 +
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Canada License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ca/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
-
Copyright © YEAR, Author.
+
== Acknowledgements ==
-
This work is licensed under a
+
* SAR Alberta Telecommunications Training Standard
-
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.5 Canada License.
+
** Rick Koinberg (VE6RAK)
-
To view a copy of this license, visit
+
** Jack Humpries (VA6IX)
-
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/
+
** Bill Heise (VE6SAS)
-
or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
+
** Lyn Michaud (VE6OGN)
 +
* Earlier lesson plans
 +
** Jake Waiboer, Chris Jorgensen
== Reference Material ==
== Reference Material ==

Current revision

This page is based on the Lesson plan template.

Use that template to make similar pages.

Contents

[edit] Subject

What is this lesson plan about?

This lesson plan covers the material of SAR Alberta's Telecommunications Training Standard.

[edit] Authors

List who wrote this lesson plan.


[edit] Scope

What is included in this lesson, what's not and why.

SAR Fundamentals Manual: Ch.14 "Communications"
Basic SAR Skills Manual: F-4 "Communications"
Exercise

This training should include:


  • Why communications is important
  • Why professionalism, why standards?
  • communications methods used in SAR
  • Basic radio theory
    • Radio waves / light waves
    • Frequency
      • Bands
        • VHF: 30 - 300 MHz: 10 m to 1 m
        • UHF: 300MHz - 3 GHz: 1 m to 10 cm
    • CTCSS - continuous tone coded squelch system
      • interference
      • FRS sub channels
    • Propagation (sara std field)
    • Anatomy of radios (sara std field)
    • Types of radios
      • Base (sara std field)
      • Hand Held (sara std field)
      • Mobile (sara std field)
      • Repeater (sara std field)
      • Simplex vs Duplex (Repeater)
    • Connectors & Mobile Antennas (sara std field)
  • Use of radios
    • Battery Replacement (sara std field)
    • Using the controls (sara std field)
    • Posture of the user (sara std field)
    • Base Radio setup and use (sara std control)
    • Equipment and channels we have access to
  • Communication Protocols
    • Do not cut into a message being sent. Listen before you send.
    • choosing your words
      • Sound professional. Absolutely everyone is listening.
      • Make sure your information is clear, concise and short. Think before you speak, not during.
      • Speak slow and clear.
      • Use simple words.
      • Standard Words and Phrases
        • ITU Alphabet (sara std field)
        • numbers
          • 3-Tree 4-Fower 9-Niner
        • Calling procedures (sara std field)
          • Over - I have finished talking and I am listening for your reply. Short for "Over to you."
          • Out or Clear - I have finished talking to you and do not expect a reply.
          • Roger - Information received.
          • Copy - I understand what you just said (after receiving information).
          • Acknowledge - confirm you've received
          • This Is ...
          • Go Ahead
          • Stand By
          • Correction / I Say Again / Say Again
          • Read Back / That Is Correct
        • Wilco - Will Comply (after receiving new directions).
        • Affirmative / Negative / Wilco
        • Use the 24 hr clock to tell time.
        • Radio check
          • How Do You Read?
          • Strength / Clarity
            • 1 - (unreadable)
            • 2 - (breaking up)
            • 3 - (readable with difficulty)
            • 4 - (readable)
            • 5 - (perfectly readable)
      • MAYDAY / PAN PAN / SECURITY
      • Use of plain language (sara std field)
        • One exception 10-62 means turn radio off or move away from group. (sara std field)
        • PCSAR's codes
        • Death or injury relayed in code or special word by mgmt., instructions.
    • Call Signs
      • All Stations
    • Communications Traffic Logging (sara std control)
  • Laws
    • must identify yourself
    • profane language
    • false distress
      • e.g. tests that seem real
    • privacy
  • Hands On use of radios
    • Calling other stations (sara std field)
    • Passing traffic (sara std field)
    • Multiple Radio use simulation (sara std control)

[edit] Prerequisites

What should students already know/have accomplished before the lesson is presented.


Communications is such an important aspect of SAR, so please review the following material:

□ Study Guide for Restricted Operator Certificate
□ SAR Fundamentals Manual: Ch.14 (pg 201)
□ Basic SAR Skills Manual: Addendum 4 (pg F-9)

In particular:

□ memorize the phonetic alphabet
□ memorize the Procedural Words
□ study the examples on how the Procedural Words are used

See Assigned reading

[edit] Objectives

At the conclusion of this lesson the participants:

  1. will meet the requirements of the SARA Telecommunications Training Standard

[edit] Time Plan

Total Time: 60 minutes

  • 2018-12: 75 min -- Brett -- included too much theory
  • 2013-02: 52 min

See Brett's 2016-10-26 notes


Time Material


00:00

3 min

Introduce topic title

Introduce Instructor

Present Objectives

00:03

4 min

  • Why is communications important in SAR?
    • The biggest problem you will ever experience in a SAR situation is lack of communication.
    • Critiques: "The first problem is always communications"
  • Why professionalism, why standards?
    • communicating clearly with other groups
    • expectations of other groups (RCMP)
    • working efficiently
    • competence


00:07

4 min

  • What communications methods have you seen used in SAR?
    • commercial radios
    • HAM radios
    • FRS
    • cell phone
    • sat phone
    • SPOT
    • inReach
    • voice
    • hand signals
    • mirrors
  • Discuss value of each


00:11

3 min

  • Basic Radio Theory
    • all the wireless electronic communications methods are using radio waves
    • radio waves are electromagnetic radiation, same as light, longer wavelength


00:14

8 min

  • Wavelength / Frequency
    • All radio transmissions have a wavelength
    • The speed of radio is the same: 3 x 108 m/s (speed of light)
    • The number of waves received at a spot per second changes with the wavelength. Shorter wavelength, higher frequency.
  • Bands:
    • VHF: 30 - 300 MHz: 10 m to 1 m
    • UHF: 300MHz - 3 GHz: 1 m to 10 cm
  • Longer wavelengths bend around hills easier
  • Shorter frequencies can carry more information, packed closer together
  • Some frequencies bounce off the high atmosphere easier
  • Simplex: Transmit and receive on same frequency
    • one at a time
  • Duplex: Transmit and receive on different frequencies
    • simultaneously
    • typically using tower: repeater channels, cell phones


00:22

3 min

  • Power
    • Power is measured in Watts (W)
    • The more power the further the signal can be received
      • Generally: double the distance, 4 times the power
    • advantages to less power?
      • Neighbours can share the same frequency
      • Batteries last longer
  • Typical: 0.5 W FRS, 2 W GMRS, 3 W commercial handheld, 30 W commercial mobile, base station
    • 5 W HAM portable


00:25

2 min

  • Polarity
    • compare with polarized glasses
    • different types of antennas transmit and receive with different polar orientations
    • keep antennas upright


00:27

3 min

  • Signal Encoding
    • AM: Amplitude Modulation
    • FM: Frequency Modulation
      • more resistant to static interference
    • Generally: established by band, fixed in radio


00:30

4 min

  • Squelch
    • radio waves always present, but is it a real transmission?
      • Electromagnetic noise, interference
    • suppress speaker based on signal strength
    • squelch button: remove squelch
    • CTSS: Continuous Tone Squelch System
      • very low frequency tone added to transmission, if not present, suppress speaker
      • tone is so low can't be heard by human ear (maybe elephant, whale!)
      • FRS sub-channels
      • 2 sub-channels of same channel can't be use at same time


00:34

1 min

  • "Channel"
    • Combination of Frequency, Polarity, Encoding, and Squelch to transmit and receive on
    • Listed on our radios so other agencies can program theirs to our channel


00:35

1 min

  • Anatomy of radio
    • power source
    • microphone
    • transmitter / modulator
    • antenna
    • demodulator / receiver
    • squelch / speaker


00:36

3 min

  • Types of radios
    • show pictures
    • handheld/portable
    • mobile
    • base
    • repeater


00:39

1 min

  • Connectors & Mobile Antennas
    • show pictures


00:40

8 min

  • Use of radios
    • Battery Replacement
    • Using the controls
      • power, volume
      • channel selector
      • squelch
      • transmit (PTT)
      • external mic
    • Posture of the user
      • Keep the antenna vertical and fully extended.
      • Distance from outside noise when sending.
      • Keep the mic about 2 to 3 inches away from the mouth at 45 degrees.
      • normal speech levels
      • Hold the mic button down momentarily (1 sec) before and after you speak.
    • Mobile Radio setup and use
    • Base Radio setup and use
    • Equipment and channels we have access to
      • Channel 1 - Emergency Services repeater
      • Channel 2 - Emergency Services talk-around (Simplex)
      • Channel 9 - Tac 9 (RCMP) - Simplex


00:48

2 min

  • Communication Protocols
    • set by laws of physics
    • set by international treaties
    • set by Canadian law
    • set by SARA standard
    • set by professional expectations
  • Physics: Do not cut into a message being sent. Listen before you send.


00:50

1 min

  • Professional expectations:
    • Sound professional. Absolutely everyone is listening.
    • Make sure your information is clear, concise and short. Think before you speak, not during.
    • Speak slowly and clearly.
    • Use simple words.


00:51

2 min

  • Standard Words and Phrases
  • used internationally
    • pronunciations are tuned to world-wide speakers
    • vocabulary comes from both English and French
  • ITU Alphabet
    • letters all sound the same when spoken, clipped
    • say "Alpha" write A
    • A - Alpha (AL fah)
    • B - Bravo (BRAH voh)
    • C - Charlie (CHAR lee *or* SHAR lee)
    • D - Delta (DELL tah)
    • E - Echo (ECK oh)
    • F - Foxtrot (FOKS trot)
    • G - Golf (GOLF)
    • H - Hotel (hoh TELL)
    • I - India (IN dee ah)
    • J - Juliett (JEW lee ETT) (NOTE SPELLING: 2 T's)
    • K - Kilo (KEY loh)
    • L - Lima (LEE mah)
    • M - Mike (MIKE)
    • N - November (no VEM ber)
    • O - Oscar (OSS car)
    • P - Papa (pah PAH) (NOTE STRESS IS ON THE 2ND SYLLABLE)
    • Q - Quebec (keh BECK)
    • R - Romeo (ROW me oh)
    • S - Sierra (see AIR rah)
    • T - Tango (TANG go)
    • U - Uniform (YOU nee form)
    • V - Victor (VIK tor)
    • W - Whiskey (WISS key)
    • X - X-ray (ECKS ray)
    • Y - Yankee (YANG kee)
    • Z - Zulu (ZOO loo)


00:53

2 min

  • Numbers
    • 3-Tree
    • 4-Fower
    • 5-Fife
    • 9-Niner
    • Hundred
    • TOUsand
    • Decimal


00:55

12 min

  • Calling procedures
    • Treat like all your job is, is to pass on written messages. Think telegraph.
    • Call Signs
    • Format: (Dest Call Sign)x3, THIS IS (Source Call Sign)x3, (message) OVER (or OUT)
    • This Is ...
    • Over - I have finished talking and I am listening for your reply. Short for "Over to you."
    • Out or Clear - I have finished talking to you and do not expect a reply. Channel available for other use.
    • Roger - Information received.
    • Copy - I understand what you just said (after receiving information).
    • Acknowledge - confirm you've received
    • Stand By
    • Go Ahead
    • Correction / I Say Again / Say Again
    • Read Back / Message is / That Is Correct
    • Words Twice
    • Shortening the format


01:07

6 min

  • Call Signs
  • "All Stations"
  • "Control" - Network Control
  • SARA Standard:
    • A - Prefix assigned to Medical Teams
    • B - Prefix assigned to specialized resources, not just boats - boats, ATVs, Bikes, Horses
    • D - Prefix assigned to Dog Teams
    • H - Prefix assigned to Helicopter units or the aircrafts call sign may be used e.g.. C-GAHM
    • S - Prefix assigned to Search teams
    • T - Prefix assigned to Tracking teams


01:13

2 min

  • Specialized messages: answers
    • Affirmative / Negative
    • Wilco - Will Comply (after receiving directive/request).


01:15

2 min

  • Specialized messages: time
    • Use the 24 hr clock to tell time.
    • Hundred
  • Zulu - UTC (GMT) aviation


01:17

2 min

  • Specialized messages: radio check
  • How Do You Read?
  • Strength / Clarity
    • 1 - (unreadable)
    • 2 - (breaking up)
    • 3 - (readable with difficulty)
    • 4 - (readable)
    • 5 - (perfectly readable)
    • 5 x 5, "loud and clear"


01:19

5 min

  • Specialized messages: emergencies
    • MAYDAY / PAN PAN / SECURITY


01:24

8 min

  • General messages
    • use of plain language
      • not "10 code": 10-4
    • exceptions:
    • SARA standard: 10-62 means turn radio off or move away from group. (RCMP)
    • Death or injury relayed in code or special word by mgmt., instructions.
    • Pincher SAR's codes


01:32

2 min

  • Communications Traffic Logging
    • SARA Standard: log must be kept ICS-309 form
    • acting as radio relay


01:34

3 min

  • Canadian law
    • must identify yourself
    • profane language
    • false distress
      • e.g. tests that seem real
    • privacy


01:36


  • Hands On use of radios
    • Calling other stations
    • Passing traffic
    • Multiple Radio use simulation

01:36


Questions


See Plan (odt) (pdf)

[edit] Aids

What materials are needed or useful in presenting this lesson.

  • Slides (download/print: .pdf; edit: .odp)
  • FRS Radios
  • PCSAR's portable radios
  • Brett's portable ham radio
  • Example of PCSAR's mobile radio
  • computer projector
  • laptop
  • computer presentation slides
  • for each student:
see sar/pc/training/subject/sar-fundamentals/components/subject/11-communications

[edit] Question bank

List of questions suitable for an review/exam of this section.

see Question bank

[edit] Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the questions that students typically ask. Include the answers.


Q: How do external cell phone boosters work?

A: See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_repeater

[edit] Feedback

When has this lesson been presented. What was the feedback.

  • 2010-10-06 Wuth presentation to PCSAR. Projector did not work. Ran out of time for exercise.
  • see msg Date: Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:32:17 -0600

[edit] License

What can others do with this lesson?


Original content copyright © 2010-2013, Brett Wuth.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Canada License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ca/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA.

[edit] Acknowledgements

  • SAR Alberta Telecommunications Training Standard
    • Rick Koinberg (VE6RAK)
    • Jack Humpries (VA6IX)
    • Bill Heise (VE6SAS)
    • Lyn Michaud (VE6OGN)
  • Earlier lesson plans
    • Jake Waiboer, Chris Jorgensen

[edit] Reference Material

If you need to cite sources, do so here.


[edit] Notes

Any additional notes, etc.

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