Recruit Training Flight

1. Recruit Training Flight Lesson 6 Basic Radio Communications

2. Basic Radio Communications Introduction to Radio

3. Aims of the Lesson • To look at Radio use within the ATC; • To learn to differentiate the different types of network; • To look at the basic parts of a network.

4. By the end of the Lesson: • You will be able to describe what a radio network is; • Be able to draw a diagram of a free network; • Be able to describe an open network; • Know the function of a Network Control Station.

5. Radio in the ATC • Communication is key in many situations. • It can involve simply talking face to face with someone, passing a note, sending a letter, texting, phoning or talking on the Radio. • In the ATC, we have a national radio network we can use to contact other squadrons or use on activities. • The network was started at the end of WWII to train cadets to use HF (High Frequency) radio equipment.

6. A Network • A group of Radios using the same frequency. • All radios are connected by invisible connections, somewhat like a net. • The main types of Network are: • Free Network • Directed Network.

7. Directed Network • A Directed network has a Network Control Station. • Other stations may only communicate with the express permission of the NCS. • The NCS will dictate priorities and orders. This means that NCS (network control station) will do most of the communicating as they will be the first point for any message. • This is a CONTROLLED network.

8. Directed Network

9. Network Control Station • There can only be one Network Control Station (NCS) for a network. • The chosen NCS can be any station, based on: • Equipment Efficiency • Operator Experience • Volume of radio communication to be passed. • It is also usual for the NCS to be located in a specific room used just for the purpose of radio communication.

10. Free Network • This is a network operating without a Network Control Station. • All Stations are free to speak to each other direct. • It is an UNCONTROLLED network.

11. Free Network

12. Radio Procedures • It is important that whenever we use the cadet radios we use the correct procedures. • It is also important to remember that standard radio communications are not secure, i.e. anyone could be listening in to what you say. • In the next lessons, we will look at procedures and then security.

13. By the end of the Lesson: • You will be able to describe what a radio network is; • Be able to draw a diagram of a free network; • Be able to describe an open network; • Know the function of a Network Control Station.

14. Any Questions

15. Basic Radio Communications Radio Procedures

16. Aims of the Lesson • To introduce the correct radio procedures to be used on cadets frequencies; • To look at security of transmissions; • Introduce the correct methods of transmitting messages over the cadet net; • Introduce the concept of pro-words, appointment titles and transmission of letters and numbers.

17. By the end of the Lesson: • Will be able to send and receive clear, concise and correct radio messages using the cadet network; • You will know and be able to use the phonetic alphabet; • You will know how to transmit details such as times and grid references; • You will have an understanding of the security implications of radio usage.

18. Radio Procedures • The correct procedure for using radio can be remembered by SAD: • Security • Accuracy • Discipline • This is the basis for all radio communication.

19. Security • Each sender must have a recognised callsign. • Each ATC squadron has a MOD issued callsign. They all start MR • M = UK • R = RAF • Followed by a letter, for example N • Letter = A geographic area of the UK • Followed by 2 numbers, for example 45 • Number = a particular squadron. • A mobile radio will have an additional M at the end, and possibly a number if there are more than one, for example: • MRN45 M5 would be a correct callsign for a mobile handset.

20. EcclesCallsign • Our squadron callsign is made up of: • M - UK • R - RAF • N – Regional Code • 64 – Squadron Identifier • Giving us the full callsign MRN64 • Any of our mobile radios will therefore be: • MRN 64 M and an individual number.

21. Who is Listening? • Apart from someone transmit a message, what must there be for a successful communications? • Someone listening. • On radio, anyone with your frequency COULD be listening in to your messages. • We always assume there are at least three elements on the net: • Sender • Listeners • Interceptors – an unauthorised person!

22. Stopping Interceptors • Service radio procedures should mean an interceptor cannot easily identify what we are saying to each other on radio. • There are some DOs and DONTs for radio usage

23. NEVER • Use unauthorised codenames. • Use personal names or nicknames. • Use slang, jargon or foul language. • Transmit aircraft types, roles or weapon loads in clear speech. • Transmit details of arms or ammunition, particularly their movements. • Transmit unit locations in clear speech.

24. ALWAYS • Use your callsign at the start of a transmission. • Use only authorised codenames and codewords. • Ask a station to ‘Authenticate’ if you think it may not be a genuine Station calling.

25. Authentication • This section is blank. Your instructor will talk you through the process as it is RESTRICTED

26. Other Aids to Security • We have other aids we can use to make speech more secure on the radio net: • Veiled Speech • Codes • Common Appointments • These can confuse the untrained interceptor and will mean at least some of our communications are kept secret.

27. Veiled Speech • Do not send a time and place. • Instead, use a sentence which means something to listeners but not to interceptors. • EXAMPLE: • Do not say: Meet me at Eccles Squadron at 7pm • Instead: Meet me at my squadron, usual time. • This could mean any squadron or any time, but to those who know your callsign and parade it will be easy to understand.

28. Codes • Codes can be used over the radio to confuse any interceptor and make the message more secure. • For codes to work, a code book must be written and both sides must have access to the book. • This has to be kept SECRET. • EXAMPLE: • Instead of Eccles Squadron – Use FOXTROT. Listener will look for locations in their code book, look up FOXTROT and see you mean Eccles Squadron. • Other codes, such as number or letter changes can be used also.

29. Appointment Titles • Appointment titles can be used to disguise command or other assets. • EXAMPLE: • SUNRAY may be used for Commander. It could be a Cadet Corporal in charge of a small group with a mobile radio, i.e. MRN64 M6 SUNRAY or it could be the squadron commander, i.e. MRN64 SUNRAY. • List of appointment titles are given as a handout for this lesson.

30. Any Questions

31. Accuracy • Listen out to ensure there will be no interference with a transmission from another station. • Know the operation of your microphone. • Try not to vary the distance between the microphone and your mouth. • Do not talk too close to the microphone. It should be about 50 mm from your mouth and you should speak across it not directly into it. • Do not hold the microphone or boom of a combined headset/microphone system. • Use normal conversational tone & speak clearly.

32. Accuracy • Pause before and after number. • Do not use hesitation sounds such as ‘er’ or ‘um’. • Fully press the Press To Transmit (PTT) switch when ready to speak. • If you stop speaking during your message, release the PTT switch until you start speaking again - such breaks in transmission should be avoided. • Do not release the switch until you have finished talking. • Ensure that the PTT switch has released correctly. If it is pressed, no one else can transmit.

33. Accuracy • Remember RSVP: • R – Rhythm: • Natural rhythm and divide message into smaller chunks • S – Speed: • Slightly slower than normal and constant speed. Use prowords to shorten any message which may be written down. • V – Volume: • Constant level to be heard over background noise. • P – Pitch • Slightly higher than normal speaking voice

34. Prowords • These are defined words that can be used to shorten the length of messages. They have specific meanings. • EXAMPLES: • THIS IS - Indicates the callsign of the sender is about to follow. • OVER- This is the end of my present transmission to a listener - a reply or acknowledgement is required. • OUT- This is the end of my transmission - no reply is expected. • WAIT OUT - Your transmission has been received, a reply will follow later. • WILCO - Message received, understood and I will comply with your instructions. • ROGER- I have received your last transmission satisfactorily. • SAY AGAIN - Request for repetition of a whole, or part of a message.

35. Prowords • MESSAGE - The transmission to follow will require to be written down. • FIGURES - Used before groups of numbers sent digit by digit. • GRID- Used before any encoded reference or grid reference sent in clear speech. • RADIO CHECK - Report how you receive my transmission. • SPEAK SLOWER - Transmit at a lower speed. • BREAK- I am separating the text (during a long transmission) or I have finished transmitting to you and want the next identified station to reply. • TIME - The following group is a time group or a date time group. • UNKNOWN STATION - Used when calling a Station whose identity is not known. • WRONG- Your last transmission was incorrect. Correct version is...

36. Phonetics • This is the use of words to represent Letters and Numbers. • Using phonetics will reduce the likelihood of confusion when transmitting grid references, numbers or unfamiliar words. • EXAMPLES: • A – Alpha • B – Bravo • 1 – WUN • 9 – NINER • Decimal – DAY-SEE-MAL • The handout has the full phonetic alphabet and number pronunciation.

37. Phonetic Usage • Grid References: The Grid Reference SD 567 980 would be transmitted – • GRID SIERRA DELTA FIFE SIX SEV EN NINER AIT ZERO • Time: The time 7.30pm would be transmitted • TIME WUN NINER TREE ZERO • GRID and TIME are both examples of what? • Prowords

38. Any Questions

39. TASK • 1) Spell out your own surnames using the Phonetic Alphabet • 2) Give your day, month and year of birth, spelling out the month

40. Discipline • ALWAYS • Use correct voice operating procedure. • Maintain a constant listening radio watch. • Ensure the correct frequency or channel is selected and used. • Answer all your calls promptly. • Think before transmitting and make sure that you know your message. • Release the transmit switch as soon as you have finished speaking and make sure that the set returns to receive.

41. Discipline • NEVER • Violate radio silence unless an emergency makes it necessary. • Compromise classified information by using plain language. • Make unnecessary, over-long or unofficial transmissions. • Identify yourself or your unit by name. • Swear or lose your temper. • Disclose Air Cadet Frequencies. • Give telephone numbers or addresses.

42. Sending A Message • Radio Check – it is important to establish whether a radio link is working when you first switch on. • To do this, you must do a RADIO CHECK • To a known station: • MRN46 THIS IS MRN64 – RADIO CHECK OVER • To any station: • ALPHA CHALIE THIS IS MRN64 – RADIO CHECK OVER • Alpha Charlie is a code for any callsign and allows any station to reply.

43. Strength & Readability • In a reply to a RADIO CHECK, both the strength and readability will be given according to a set scale. • Strength: • LOUD • GOOD • WEAK • VERY WEAK • FADING

44. Strength & Readability • Readability: • Clear • Readable • Unreadable • Distorted • Intermittent • Interference • This way, the station asking for a radio check knows they may have to alter their equipment to send a better signal.

45. Radio Check Message • The following is a sample message between two stations: • MRN46 this is MRN64 Radio Check Over • MRN64 this is MRN46 Good Readable Radio Check Over • MRN46 this is MRN64 Loud Clear Out

46. Messages • Radio Messages have three parts: • The CALL • The TEXT • The ENDING

47. Messages • The CALL is the initial part of the message between two stations. • It follows a similar format: • MRN45 this is MRN64 – MESSAGE OVER • MRN64 this is MRN45 – SEND OVER • …… • The TEXT is then passed, for example: • MRN45 this is MRN64 Move to GRID SIERRA DELTA WUN TWO TREE FOWER FIFE SIX OVER • The END is usually a repeat of parts of the message followed by an ending to the message. • MRN64 this is MRN45 GRID SIERRA DELTA WUN TWO TREE FOWER FIFE – WILCO OUT

48. Abbreviated Callsign • As you can see from the last message, the message is full of Callsign. • In a long message exchange, the MR could ve dropped leaving N64 or even the whole base callsign if mobile radios are used to leave M1, M2 etc.

49. Any Questions

50. By the end of the Lesson: • Will be able to send and receive clear, concise and correct radio messages using the cadet network; • You will know and be able to use the phonetic alphabet; • You will know how to transmit details such as times and grid references; • You will have an understanding of the security implications of radio usage.