P222: Voice Operator Practice Workshop

To help each other keep our on-air and at-station skills fresh without pressure (brevity, tone, pace, clarity, and logging).

Format: 75 minute tabletop exercise, groups of 5

Build your “muscle memory” for core radio and control operator skills.

Get Package | Request Session | Help Coach

To smoothly and accurately shuttle messages between specific remote ESS or DSA sites and the EOC, VECTOR needs operators to feel comfortable with common wording, procedures, and protocols. We must also be able to confidently, smoothly, and accurately transfer messages by voice, while also sending complex messages on amateur radio data systems.

Every protocol described in this practice represents realistic conditions for VECTOR.

Expect a casual, supportive atmosphere with room to pause and ask questions. Locations include local public libraries, local community centres, City Hall, E-COMM, and Zoom. Session also suitable for radio practice.

Get Package | Request Session | Help Coach

Protocols drilled:

• signing in on task registration form or City sign-in sheet
• maintaining your position log
• maintaining your message logs while messages are coming in
• activation net
• message exchange
• message recording
• channel hopping
• interrupting flow
• standing down

Prepare at home

1. Bring two radiograms with messages between 5 and 10 words long to add to the practice set (humourous or scenario-based messages collected from previous sessions). Good messages at least have (further tips below):

   • header
   • key address and signature fields
   • fun or probable message

2. Read the guide

Get Package | Request Session | Help Coach

Message tips

• Use the call signs for the sites on the VECTOR map

• We have a “hard” set and an “easy” set, hard messages are long or complex

• 5 words is enough per message during practice

• some have used music, movies, TV, limericks, jokes and more as inspiration

• PERCS blank form helps when composing your message (PERCS)