TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATERUS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WOOD COUNTY BULLETIN NR 12.38 DATE: September 16, 2012
SUBJECT: NOT SO FAST
How many times have you tried to check into a net or make a contact only to unkey and hear other stations talking overtop of you? This will happen from time to time because of varied reasons such as band conditions, distance or frequency, but the biggest culprit is being too fast on the PTT button. Slow down. Whether you are checking into nets or during ANY radio communication, you should allow a few seconds between his/her last transmission and your next key up. Maybe, even let the repeater drop out if you're using one.
It is not a race to see who can key their transmitter the fastest or be the first on the list. It also gives the net control time to copy their information accurately without being rushed and asking for clarification. Most importantly, it also allows weaker stations or, or stations with emergency traffic to have a chance to be heard in between the stronger stations. It also helps to key your microphone and say something like "this is" and unkey for a second to listen, then proceed with your call sign if the frequency is clear, to make sure you will be heard. Call it professionalism, courtesy, or good radio etiquette, the 3 second rule between transmitter keys should be used anytime you're on the air. Someday, it may be you trying to get into a conversation for comments, directions, or an emergency.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV