Radio Net and Call Signs Quiz

Radio Communication

• A radio net is a group of stations working together on the same frequency.

Identifying Radio Stations

• A call sign is a combination of pronounceable words that identifies a facility or station.
• An individual call sign identifies a single station within a net.
• A collective call sign identifies two or more stations in a particular radio net, but not all stations.
• A net call sign identifies all radio stations in a net, including the station calling and its own identity.

Pro Words

• Pro words are pronounceable words with assigned meanings to facilitate transmission by radio communication.
• Examples of pro words and their meanings:
  • Over: My transmission is ended, and I expect a response from you.
  • Roger: I received your last message satisfactorily.
  • Out: My transmission is ended, and I expect no response from you.
  • Wilco: I will comply with your instruction.
  • Query: Clarification is needed.
  • Lima Charlie: I received your message loud and clear.
  • Say again: I did not understand your transmission, please repeat.
  • Wait one: Request that you wait for a minute.
  • Read back: Read back the message you have copied.
  • Radio silence: Cease transmission immediately, but keep listening on the same frequency.
  • Break-break: Stop your conversation and allow me to transmit an urgent message.

Signal Communication

• Signal communication is a method or means of conveying information from one person or place to another, except by direct conversation.
• Means of communication is a medium by which a message is conveyed from one person to another.
• Agency of communication is a facility that provides signal communication by any particular means or combination thereof.

Tactical Radio Sets

• Tactical radio sets are the principal means of communication in tactical units, used for command, fire control, exchange of information, and administrative purposes.
• They are especially adopted for rapid-changing situations, such as air-ground-ship-to-shore and air-to-air communication.
• They are essential for communication in impassable terrain or where wire and other means are impractical to install.

Means of Communication

• Wire is used as the principal means of communication in all military units.
• Wire communication embraces all equipment used for laying, recovering wire, battery-operated and sound-powered telephones, switchboards, and teletype equipment when authorized.

Familiarization of Radio Equipment

• PRC-77 characteristics:
  • Frequency-modulated (FM)
  • Transmission range: 8 km (LOS)
  • Whip antenna
  • Power source: 12 VDC, 20 PCS BA-30, 12V wet cell battery
  • Press to talk (handset)
• URC-601 characteristics:
  • Handheld
  • Press to talk
  • Whip antenna
  • Transmission range: 3-4 km (LOS)
  • Power source: 8 PCS BA-30
• URC-187 characteristics:
  • Amplitude-modulated (AM)
  • Transmission range: 40 km (sky wave propagation)
  • Dipole antenna
  • Press to talk (handset)
  • Power source: 36 PCS BA-30, 12-24V wet cell battery

Advantages of Tactical Radio Sets

• Speed of installation: easy to establish than wire or other means of communication
• Flexible: no fixed circuit is required to be constructed
• Provides communication across terrain where it may be impractical to install wire

Disadvantages of Tactical Radio Sets

• Lack of security: radio is the least secured means, and it is always assumed that interception can occur every time the transmitter is placed on operation
• Subject to interference from precipitation and jamming from other missions