TO: ALL ARES OPERATORS IN DISTRICT 3 (OFFICIAL)
ALL AMATEURS IN WEST VIRGINIA (INFORMATION)
FROM: WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED AND WOOD
COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICES (ARES)
ARES DISTRICT 3 BULLETIN NR 07.11 DATE: March 18, 2007
SUBJECT: DO YOU LOCK YOUR RADIO?
Does your radio have the ability to lock the frequency so it can't be changed until you unlock it? If you're involved with some kind of activity which may require you to be available at a moment's notice, you can be sure you're on frequency if you lock it there. New state of the art radios have so many bells and whistles; it's possible to occidentally change frequencies or even go simplex without knowing it. If it's a Walkie-Talkie and you carry it in your back pocket, or on your belt, you might bump one of the buttons, and presto, you're on another frequency. Mobile radios may have a channel select knob that is easy to turn. While you're talking, your microphone cable could just brush the knob, and presto, you're on another frequency. Both mobile radios and Walkie-Talkies that has a microphone which allows you to change frequencies, can also be a problem. Your microphone might fall on the floor, or you might bump one of the up/down buttons and presto, you're on the frequency. If your radio has the ability to lock the frequency, learn how it works and use it as often as you can. Most of the time you'll only be using one frequency, so why take a chance of accidental moving off frequency when the communications you are providing may be very important.
(reprinted, with modification of Wood County RACES Bulletin NR
95.52)
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
ARES Assistant Section Coordinator WV
ARES District Emergency Coordinator WV District 3