CAP ICUT Supplemental Info

Voice of CommandDeveloped by:Bruce Bream, Lt Col, CAPOhio Wing/Eagle SquadronSeptember 2013Note:This presentation does NOT contain any For Official Use Only (FOUO) information.

CAP CommunicationsIntroductory Communications User Training (ICUT)Supplementary Information1LicensingOperators and Radio StationsCall SignsRadio Communications SystemsEquipment FamiliarizationUse of RepeatersRadiotelephone Operating ProceduresTimekeeping and Date-Time Groups ProwordsPhonetic AlphabetRadio NetsMessage FormsDistress and Emergency CommunicationsRadio Communication PracticeLocal Operating ProceduresBasic Communications Course Overview2CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)CAP Radio Operator LicensingCommunications Orientation2-3 Hour Class on:Standard Operating ProceduresLocal Operating ProceduresEntitles CAP member to operate a CAP RadioOhio Wing issues a Radio Operator Authorization (ROA) (CAPF 76)TWO Levels of Operator Licensing:The regulations for CAP Communications are CAPR 100-1 & CAPR 100-3Advanced Communications User Training4-5 Hour ClassPass the Advanced Communications User Test, CAPF 119Entitles CAP member to be assigned a call sign for their radioRequired as part of the Communications Specialty Track

National HeadquartersCivil Air PatrolMaxwell AFB AL 36112-6332RADIO OPERATOR AUTHORIZATIONName and address of operator:JOHN E. DOECHARTER SER-AL-001ISSUED: 05-03-95Card No.: AL-00123Expiration:ON MEMBERSHIP3Page #CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)Licenses Public radio stationsTV, FM, AM commercial broadcastersAmateur Radio, FRS, Citizens bandCAP Radio Station LicensingCAP is a considered a federal agency for radio licensingFederal agencies are not allowed to use services allocated exclusively to the public sector for their businessAmateur Radio and Citizens Band cannot be used for CAP businessFamily Radio Service (FRS)On ES missions: limited to communication with victims to expedite a rescueMay be used for all non-ES mission activities on a non-interference basis

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)Licenses Federal agenciesDepartment of Defense (DOD)Department of Homeland SecurityFEMA, NASA, EPA, USPS, Etc.Civil Air Patrol4CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Types of Stations & Tactical Call Signs

GROUND & MOBILEAIRMOBILEColumbus 104CAP 3421Columbus 401Ohio Wing Call Sign ExamplesFirst two digits are Wing numberGround & Mobile Reserved Call signsLast digit assigned to command staff:..1Commander(C 101)..2Deputy(C 302)..3Chief of Staff(C 1003)..4Communications(C 4)..5Chaplain(C 705)Airmobile Call SignsCAP Corporate Aircraft are always CAPnnnn except,

Member-owned aircraft:Use assigned CAP number for reimbursable missionsOtherwise, use tail number5Page #CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)CAP Communications SystemsCAP FrequenciesHF - Long-range (50-1000+ miles)Voice is the primary means of communicationFAA Aeronautical FrequenciesISR (Intra Squad Radios)Short range (2-3 miles)Similar to FRS radiosSatellite Digital Imaging System (SDIS)Used for digital imagingData relayed through satellite

Uses FAA frequenciesCommunicate with all radio equipped aircraft

VHF - Short-range (5-50 miles)Range determined by time of day, frequency, and sunspot cycleRange determined by radio horizon

HF StaticCapabilitiesHF SSB NetSounds

6Extra files for buttons to work:Capabilities: CAPabilities.wmv from National HQ websiteSounds: From http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/MAEL/ag/rsounds.htm

Page #CAP Radio Operating ModesAnalog ModulationAM Amplitude modulationSSB Single SidebandFM Frequency Modulation

Digital ModulationP25 (Project 25 Standard)P added to channel nameDigital EncryptedOnly with CAP HQ permission & assigned digital keyCAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)

Assume any transmission can be heard by non-CAP personnel

7CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)F1F2 Voice Operating ModesSIMPLEXREPEATERSingle Frequency - One Station at a Time

RTInputOutputTwo Frequencies - One Station at a TimeYour radio switches to Frequency 2 when you press the PTT switchFrequency 1Frequency 2F1F1VHF Channel Name:CCnn or AIRnn(e.g., CC1, CC2, AIR1)VHF Channel Name:Rnn(e.g., R33, R56)8Page #CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)VHF-FM Repeater Operational Advantage

InputOutputRepeaters increase the range of mobilestations due to the high profile locationtypically covering a 20-50 mile radius9Page #CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Primary mode of operation should be Simplex (CCnn or AIRnn)Select closest Repeater when simplex not possible (Rnn)VHF-FM Airmobile use of Repeaters

10VHF-FM ChannelizationFrequencies are FOUO and not to be released outside CAP

Unique identifiers used for each channel

Ohio Wing VHF-FM ChannelsGround simplex channels CC1 & CC2Ground-based Repeaters RnnAirmobile Repeaters Rnn AIR & Rnn AIRAir to Ground simplex channels AIRn

Guard channel GUARD1Simultaneously monitored by second receive channel in radioNote:You may be listening to two channelsBe sure to know which one you transmit on11CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)FAA Aeronautical SAR StationsAir-Ground Communications on FAA aircraft frequenciesAeronautical Search And Rescue (SAR) ground stations operate on two Aircraft Frequencies:122.9 MHz - TRAINING Only123.1 MHz - ACTUAL Missions Only

Ground Station Call Signs use geographical locationTHIS IS Lost Nation Base OVERELTs - Training & Actual

121.775 MHzTraining transmitters121.5 MHzActual ELTs

12CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)VSCCC1PowerSupplyBasic Radio Station ComponentsPower Sources120VAC Power Supply12VDCGeneratorBatteriesRadio TransceiverDesigned for a single or multiple frequency band and modes, such as:CAP VHF-FMCAP HF-SSBFAA VHF-AMAntennaFrequency sets relative sizeVHF-FMMagnetic MountFixed verticalHF-SSB50 foot DipoleFixed verticalBumper mount verticalAntenna CoaxSpecial cable that connects radio to antenna120 VACOutlet13CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Basic Radio Station Operation SummaryPower (On/Off)Usually part of Volume controlBattery powered radios should be turned off when not being used to conserve the batteriesVolumeSet to easily hear stations but not annoyingly loudOn portable radios the higher the volume, the more battery power is used and the sooner the battery runs outSquelchAdjusts the point where audio and noise (hiss) are suppressed (quiet)Adjust until noise is heard and then back off to just past the point where the noise stopsSome newer radios do not have a squelch knobChannel SelectorSelects both receive and transmit frequenciesUnless it is a corporate radio, there is no assurance that the frequencies are set the same on the channel selector. Know the frequencies in use and how your radio is set up or programmedConsult the person who furnished the radio for the specific settings for the radioMicrophoneSpeak into the microphone using a normal speech levelDont yell or whisper; Shouting does not increase intelligibility or rangePush to Talk (PTT) SwitchPress the PTT when talking; Release PTT to listenMonitor the channel for a few seconds before you transmit to ensure that you dont interfere with other traffic prior to pushing the PTT14CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Radios you will see in CAPCAP VHF-FMFAA Aircraft VHF-AM

E.F. Johnson 5112 portableE.F. Johnson 5317 Stealth mobileTait 2020IITechnisonic TDFM-136NAT NPX-138

Motorola Micom-2CAP HF-SSB

Icom IC-4008MIntra Squad Radio (ISR)

ICOM A-22Tait T196

Note: Only authorized maintenance personnel may make adjustments that require removal of panels/chassis.

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Tait T2000IICAP VHF-FMDirect channel number entry possible with keypad and enter keyNote:These Tait 2020 radios are factory-modified for CAPA standard Tait 2020 purchased on your own from other than CAPMart will not be NTIA compliantUp / Down buttons change the channel16CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)E.F. Johnson 5317 Stealth CAP VHF-FM

Channel / Group KnobToggles changing channel or group each time you pressTurn to select channels or groupsThere are 16 memory groups with 10 channels per groupGroups and channels are labeled with text namesNote: Refer to channel guide or knowledgeable operator for what channel numbers to use.17CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)

E.F. Johnson 5112 Portable CAP VHF-FMOn-Off-Volumeand SquelchChannel SelectorMicrophonePTT18

CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Technisonic TDFM-136 CAP VHF-FMSelect Channel:1/CHAN, #, # Enter

Scroll Channels:4 Down6 Up

Brightness:2 Up / 8 Down

Scan:5 On / OffTwo simultaneous receive channels (Main & Guard)Current standard CAP Aircraft CAP VHF-FM radioMAIN Power on/off & Main channel volumeGUARD Guard channel volumeSQUELCH Push to open SquelchMN/GD -Selects active channel for transmitG1/G1 -Selects active Guard channel G1 or G2HI/LO -Selects Hi (10w) or low (1w) transmit power

Note: Do not use the other keypad keys19CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)

NAT NPX-138 Radio Operation CAP VHF-FMControls:MNMain Volume & On/Off - (Channel activity light to right of MN knob)GDGuard Channel Volume (Leave CCW)SCAN/NORM/GDTXLeave in NORMGD1/GD2Guard Channel Select GD1=Repeater (Ch 1) GD2=Air/Ground (Ch 4)DISPID=Channel Name, RX=Receive frequency, TX=Transmit FrequencyCHAN+/- Step up/down through programmed channelsBRIGHT+/- Change display brightnessEDITDont move this switch!SQPush to open squelch to check volume and weak signals

Operation:Powers up with other radios as shown aboveTurn on (if necessary), Set Channel, Adjust Volume, Check Squelch, Set Audio PanelFeatures:FAA accepted for aircraft use100 pre-programmed channelsSame channels in all aircraftOperates from 138-174 MHzGuard channel monitorUse with CAP as well as Coast Guard, State Highway Patrol, and local Police20CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)

Motorola MICOM-2CAP HF SSB RadioChannels are switched via the up/down buttonsFunction button toggles between various displays including the frequency and the channel number21

CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Similar to FRS radios but on shared-use federal government frequenciesDesigned for ground team use and large functions like encampments and schoolsNot issued to individuals - issued in deployable packagesWont talk with CAP VHF-FM radio systemCommanders, and ES Officers should plan for readily available batteriesAA Battery life: Ni-cads about10 hours, Alkaline about 30 hoursISR battery costs are reimbursable on CAPF108 if mission/SAREX is reimbursed (with receipts, complete forms, etc.)Flight-line supervisor should use VHF-FM (Ch4) to marshal pilots in aircraftIntra Squad Radio (ISR)22CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)

Zulu Time is Standard TimeKnown as Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) based on an accurate atomic clockSimilar to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) - based on mean earth rotationZulu time is the same, no matter what time zone you are inStandard Time Zones:ESTEastern+5 = ZCSTCentral+6 = ZMSTMountain+7 = ZPSTPacific+8 = Z1 hour less for Daylight Saving TimeEDT +4 = ZWWV Time Broadcast

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CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Date-Time Group16 0218Z APR 11DateTimeMonthYearDate and Time in ZULUZULU - Means that time is UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)

Z = EST + 5 hours Z = EDT + 4 hours

A DTG specifies one minute in a centuryDont forget to account for change in day, month or year25CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Date-Time Group PracticePractice making a DTG for the following times/events:

Right Now

July 7, 1997 3:07 am

Apollo 11 Moon Landing, 7/20/1969, 4:17 EDT

April 15, 2001 9:18 pm

ELT Heard: Feb 28, 2005 7:21 pm

What local date/time is 010459Z JAN 05?

26CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)PROWORDSTHIS ISPreface to your call signROGERLast transmission received OKOVERIm done, go aheadOUTIm done, byeWILCOROGER and I will complyWAITI will be back in a few secondsAFFIRMATIVEYesNEGATIVENo or not receivedSpecial words used for Clarity and Brevity in communications

Most commonly used prowords:27PROWORDSCLOSE DOWNStations are to close down operationEXERCISEPractice communicationNO PLAYThis actual, not an exerciseSPEAK SLOWERTalk slowerUNKNOWN STATIONUse in place of a call signSAY AGAINSay that againCORRECTIONOops! I really meant to say

28CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Phonetic Alphabet & NumbersAAlpha(Al fah)BBravo(Brah voh)CCharlie(Char lee)DDelta(Dell tah)EEcho(Eck-oh)FFoxtrot(Foks trot)GGolf(Golf)HHotel(Hoh tell)IIndia(In dee ah)JJuliet(Ju lee ett)KKilo(Kee loh)LLima(Lee mah)MMike(Mike)NNovember(No vem ber)OOscar(Oss cah)PPapa(Pah pah)QQuebec(Keh beck)RRomeo(Row me oh)SSierra(See air rah)TTango(Tang go)UUniform(U nee form)VVictor(Vik tah)WWhiskey(Wiss kee)XX-Ray(Ecks ray)YYankee(Yang kee)ZZulu(Zoo loo)Pronunciationof Numbers

1Wun2Too3Tree4Fo-wer5Fife6Six7Seven8AteNiner0Zero29CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Contacting Another StationTo Establish ContactColumbus 40 THIS IS CAP 3421 OVER

Response from the Ground StationCAP 3421 THIS IS Columbus 40 OVER

No need to use call signs until communications are completeSay OVER before releasing PTT on mike

On Closing the Contact CAP 3421 OUTAlways end a transmission with OVER or OUT - NOT BOTH!Do not use Roger Wilco instead of Wilco. Roger Wilco means Last transmission received OK last transmission received OK and I will comply.30Page #CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Radio Net OperationNet Control Station (NCS)Maintains net discipline by controlling who is talkingMust be contacted first for permission to contact another station: Columbus 10 THIS IS Columbus 404 with a Priority message for Columbus 710 OVER

Sample Net Check-in (C10 is the NCS):Columbus 10, THIS IS Columbus 404 with no traffic, OVER

Acknowledging readiness to receive traffic:"THIS IS Columbus 710, GO AHEAD with your traffic OVER"Acknowledging receipt of a message:"THIS IS Columbus 710, ROGER your message OUT"A Formal Net controls flow of traffic on a single radio channel31CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)All transmissions must receive permission from the Net Control Station (NCS)Radio Nets - Contacting another StationC 401C 10NCSC 4041st2nd3rdColumbus 401,Contact Columbus 404 with your traffic, OUT

Columbus 10,THIS IS Columbus 401 with traffic for Columbus 404 OVER

Columbus 404,THIS IS Columbus 401, OVER

32CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)I SPELL / FIGURES / INITIALSUse I SPELL for pronounceable wordsExample: LODII SPELL LODI LIMA OSCAR DELTA INDIA LODIUse FIGURE(S) AND INITIAL(S) for non-wordsExample: N516FINITIAL NOVEMBER FIGURES FIVE ONE SIX INTIAL FOXTROTCORRECTIONSUse proword CORRECTION

Example: Turn right at next corner CORRECTION Turn left at next corner

33CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)SENDING NUMBERSProwords: FIGURES, DECIMAL, TIME, INITIALSDigit-by-Digit NotSeven Fifty750FIGURES SEVEN FIVE ZERONinerNot Nine849FIGURES EIGHT FOUR NINERDecimalPoint14.5FIGURES ONE FOUR DECIMAL FIVEZ Time1635ZTIME ONE SIX THREE FIVE ZULUInitial AndFiguresE21INITIAL ECHO FIGURES TWO ONEOne Figureand Initial3-AFIGURE THREE DASH INITIAL ALPHA34CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)CAP RADIO MESSAGE FORMAT (CAPF 105)Message HeadingPrecedence (Urgency)Date-Time Group (DTG)From (Originator)To (Addressee)Info (Other Addressees)

Message TextWhen read, separate from heading and end by the proword BREAKReceipt BlockFROM or TO Call SignDTG received or sentInitials of radio operator35CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)PRIORITY (P)Used For Messages Where Routine Isnt Fast EnoughProcessed Ahead Of Routine Messages, not to exceed 6 hours

ROUTINE (R)Most Used; Delivered In Order Received, no later than beginning of next duty dayMessage Precedence

Other Precedence you may hear but not used by CAP. Both are handled before Priority or Routine Traffic.

FLASH (Z)Highest PriorityHandled as fast as possible, ahead of All other messages

IMMEDIATE (O)Messages related to situations gravely affecting the security of the NationRequires immediate delivery not to exceed 60 minutes36ICS Form 213-OS

Message form used when working with other agencies using the Incident Command System

Similar content to CAPF 105 with some additions:Incident NameDTGToFromSubjectMessageReplyReply / Date37CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Distress and Emergency SignalsMAYDAYDistressPANUrgencySECURITESafetyOperator Responsibility

#1LISTEN#2Be Prepared to AssistDo NOT Transmitunless your services are neededor contact is requested}Supercedes allPriority orRoutine Traffic38CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)PROHIBITED Operating PracticesViolation of Radio SilencePersonal ConversationUse of given names or nicknames in place of call signExcessive tuning and testingProfane, indecent, or obscene languageInterruption of scheduled net activities in progressTransmitting in a Net without permission of NCSLeaving a directed net without the permission of the NCS, except in emergency situations or equipment failure

Other prohibited practicesUse of 10 codes or Amateur Radio Q SignalsTransmitting radio frequency info over the air (FOUO restriction)Use of Amateur Radio or Citizens Band frequencies for CAP business

39CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Always listen before transmittingListen for your callsign; Other stations may have traffic for youSpeak clearly and slowlyAnnunciate your wordsSpeak clearly and in a normal voice when transmittingRemain calm no matter what happens -- Dont PanicRead the message as writtenIf you dont understand it, ask the OriginatorONLY the Originator can change the messageKeep your traffic short and succinctGood Radio Operator Habits40CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Radio Signal ReportsSignal StrengthLOUD Your signal is very strongGOOD Your signal strength is goodWEAK Your signal strength is weakVERY WEAKYour signal strength is very weakFADINGAt times your signal strength fades to such an extent that continuous reception cannot be relied onReadabilityCLEAR The quality of your transmission is excellentREADABLE The quality of your transmission is satisfactoryUNREADABLE The quality of your transmission is so bad that I cannot understand youDISTORTED Having trouble understanding you because your signal is distortedWITH INTERFERENCE Having trouble understanding you due to interferenceINTERMITTENT Having trouble understanding you because your signal is intermittent

Example: Loud and Clear, Over

Reports such as:Four By FourFive By Five20 Over S9will NOT be usedRoger indicates you hear the stationNo need for a signal report41CAP ICUT Supplement (Sep 2013)Radio Operation Practice MessagesMission sortie assignmentMission status reportRadio signal reportGround Team position reportTakeoff / Landing time and airport reportReporting a clue or findPassing information or directionsRequest relay to regain communications"I am often asked how radio works. Well, you see, wire telegraphy is like a very long cat. You yank his tail in New York and he meows in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? Now, radio is exactly the same, except that there is no cat.Attributed to Albert Einstein 42