MARTS Information Sheet FM/VHF STANDARD OPERATING GUIDE

Welcome to Amateur Radio!

It is a fascinating hobby with many facets that can be practised by all amateurs alike. All the different things that
make up this hobby culminate in contacting other persons with the same basic interest and, above all, the contacts
made will contribute towards friendship and goodwill to each other. In these times of stress and strife, we all need
to make friends more than ever before, and we can only promote goodwill by being on our best behaviour
whenever we pick up the microphone, the Morse key or use a computer in Amateur Radio. Politeness is the key to
good operating.

In the same way that we have Traffic rules for road usage, and the Law of the Land for the good of the community,
so there are Regulations and Operating Procedures governing our hobby, designed for us to obey, in order to
make it easier to live with our fellow man. The Regulations are the Law, and the Operating Procedures mutually
agreed "rules". Both are designed to make our hobby such a pleasure.

Amateurs are heard not only by ourselves but many non-hams, shack visitors, folks on scanners, authority
monitoring department etc. We need to keep it from sounding like the CB band and keep a professional approach
to our communication skills. Insult, jamming, disparaging comments with no ID, swearing, heated exchanges and
calling another a ‘xxx’, really have no place on the repeaters. Good natured jibing is self evident and humor is in
order, but grim enemies have been made on the repeaters – bite ye olde tongue, keep cool or stop transmitting.
Don’t stomp on new comers or any other comers for poor operating practice – a gentle reminder or better to
discuss it off the air.

Never talk about Politics, Race, Religion, Sex or any other matter which may be offensive to the person to whom
you are talking or to other persons. These are argumentative subjects and can cause problems.

This FM/VHF Standard Operating Guide (SOG) is intended to assist new amateur assignment holders in figuring
out what FM/VHF and repeater operation is all about. The best approach for all new hams is to do a lot of
listening when they first get their equipment. Try and figure out what the standard operating norms are in
your location. Make sure to try to emulate the best quality operating practices and avoid the poor practices
that are often found on the ham bands. (Note that "old timers" are often just as guilty or more guilty of sloppy
operation.)

CODES FOR A HAM RADIO OPERATOR

The ham is considerate. He/She never knowingly uses the air (radio waves) in such a way as to
lessen the pleasure of others.

The ham is loyal. He/She offers his/her loyality, encouragement and support to his/her fellow
hams, his/her local clubs.

The ham is progressive. He/She keeps his/her station (radio equipment) abreast of science. It is
well-built and efficient. His/Her operating practice is above reproach.

The ham is friendly. Slow and patient sending when requested, friendly advice and councel to the
beginner, kindly assistance, co-operation and consideration for the interests of other; these are the
mark of the ham spirit.

The ham is balanced. Radio is his/her hobby. He/She never allows it to interfere with any of
his/her duties he/she owes to his/her home, his/her job, his/her school or community-and lastly
his/her knowledge and his/her radio station are always ready for the service of his/her country and
his/her community

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 MARTS Information Sheet FM/VHF STANDARD OPERATING GUIDE

A. REPEATER OPERATION

PURPOSE OF A REPEATER: In the strictest sense, the purpose of a repeater is to extend the range of handheld
and mobile stations. Base stations with reasonable antennas often don't need the extended range afforded by a
repeater. However, it is common practice for all types of stations to make use of repeaters. We need to think of the
repeater as a valuable resource (especially wide coverage repeaters).

A repeater is a shared resource. It takes a considerable amount of time and money to keep a repeater up and
running and there are many people who use the ‘OLD LADY’ (slang for old repeater or old repeater system) or
‘YOUNG LADY’ (slang for new repeater or new repeater system).

Thus, courtesy is the order of the day. Yield the frequency to someone who needs it. Also, try not to interrupt
another conversation on the repeater needlessly. Cooperate with other assignment holders to keep the repeater
operation fun and useful. Think about the content of your repeater conversations since many other assignment
holders and non-licensed individuals are usually monitoring the frequency. If you've run out of useful things to
say, it's probably time to sign off!

The most important three things to remember about repeater operation (for that matter, any amateur radio
operation) are common sense, courtesy and spirit of goodwill.

Repeater operation is a little bit different than other forms of amateur radio communication. Usually the signals are
strong and clear so some of the practices used on the other bands are not necessary. Therefore there are special
rules governing repeater operation and they are as follows:

1. Listen is the 1st rules. The strongest reason for listening before transmitting is to ensure that you wont
interfere with anyone already using the frequency and to catch on to the swing of things. Make sure your
volume is on!

2nd reason for listening is that it may tell you a great deal about the condition of the bands. Although a
band may be dead by popular consent at a particular time, frequent openings occur which you can take
advantage of if you are listening at the right time.

3rd reason for listening is that you you can’t hear ‘em you are not likely to work ‘em. Several short calls
with plenty of listening spells will net you more contacts than a single long call. If you are running on QRP
(low power) you may find it more fruitful to reply to someone else’s CQ rather than call CQ yourself.

Repeaters are party-line. Lots of people use them on and the one you’ve selected may be busy with
another conversation. So listen for a minute or two.

2. Courtesy. Adding to the impolite operation does not improve ham radio.

3. Keep contacts short. Three minutes is the generally accepted maximum length for an over using a
repeater.

4. Don’t willfully interfere with other Amateur transmissions. Wait your turn. If you have something to
offer to the conversation in progress, then join in properly using your Call Sign.

5. Use simplex wherever possible freeing the repeater for necessary uses. If you are talking with
someone who is within simplex range, go ahead and switch over to a simplex frequency and free the
repeater up for other people to use. This is especially true if you are going to ragchew for quite a while.

6. Leave a pause between over’s. This is to enable week stations with emergency traffic to make contact.
Three seconds is the accepted break.

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7. Don’t tune up on a repeater’s input frequency. You should make tune-ups as short as possible with no
long dead keying. Always identify yourself.

8. Most repeaters have a time-out timer and a “courtesy beep" of some sort which forces stations to wait for
a short time between transmissions. If they don't wait, they run the risk of timing out the repeater and
having your QSO temporarily ‘cut-off’. MARTS East Coast repeaters have a standard 1 minutes timer.

9. Long CQ’s ( calling CQ CQ ) are not necessary or desirable on VHF/FM or UHF frequencies.
It is HF band stuff and should never used on repeaters. Just report that you are monitoring the frequency.
Either they are listening or they are not. If anyone is listening and wants to contact you they will respond to
your brief call. When using CW, "CQ" is a lot shorter than "calling any station". SIMPLY KEY UP AND SAY
YOUR CALLSIGN OR ASK IS ANYONE ON THIS REPEATER. Make sure you don't "double", (talk at the
same time), in any circumstances or band!!

10. Speak clearly into the microphone. It is a good idea to adjust your speaking distance from the
microphone and audio gain control to obtain the best results. If you change your microphone or
transceiver, repeat the process with the new equipment. It is often better to talk across the microphone
instead of into it.

11. If conditions are difficult, use standard phonetics to spell words. The standard phonetics is used and
understood by all operators and will get through far better than any other phonetics you may invent.

12. Do not monopolise the repeater as others may want to use it.

13. If your signal is very noisy into the repeater, or if you are only opening the repeater squelch intermittently,
finish the QSO and try later when you are putting a better signal into the repeater.

14. Do not keep triggering the repeaters (press the PTT) to make sure that it is there. This annoys the
other people who monitor the repeater and it is not a good operating practice. If there is kerchunking, it is
very hard to know if it is an ungrateful ham or a malfunction of a repeater. A better way to announce your
presence is to call and request a signal report from someone who may be monitoring the repeater. This
may also result in an interesting and unexpected contact.

15. NEVER-NEVER-NEVER transmit without giving your call sign! Not even a test!
If you need to test then say, “ This is 9W2xxx testing”. It is considered poor form to just “key” the repeater
to listen for the courtesy tone to make sure your radio is working or you are reaching the repeater. You will
hear it happen, but it is poor amateur practice.

If you need to test a radio, go to simplex frequency that is not in use, but not the national Simplex Calling
Frequency ( V40 – 145.500 ). Don’t work on your radio on the repeater. If you need a response to see if
you are getting out, call another operator on a working radio, or on the telephone and ask them to listen
for you on the simplex frequency. Any testing done on a repeater should be EXTREMELY SHORT.

16. On voice repeaters voice procedures should be used. This also applies to all voice frequencies within our
amateur bands. The use of "Q" codes (e.g., QSL, QSO, QTH, QRT, etc.) should be reserved for CW
conversations and CW nets. It is much easier to say what you really mean in the first place.

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AIRWAVE OWNERS, REPEATER FAIRIES, AND RATCHET JAWS.

No one owns the airwaves. There is no frequency that you have a right to over any other amateur radio operator.
Occasionally you will find one or more hams out there who think they own a particular frequency. They don’t.
Neither do you. It is customary in Ham radio to allow other ham operators in on your conversation. If your
conversation is so private or personal that another ham cannot enter into it, you probably should not be holding it
on ham radio. It is also customary to not join a conversation in progress unless you have something reasonable to
contribute to it. Breaking in, just to be transmitting is bad practise.

There are no repeater fairies. Repeaters do not magically appear out of thin air and maintain themselves.
Someone has to pay for the repeater and its maintenance. If you use a repeater on a regular basis, you should
contribute to its support.

Ragchew. Rachet jawing has two connotations in Amateur Radio – one good, one derogatory. The good form is
also known as a “rag chewer” these are individuals who enjoy carrying on long conversations about non-
controversial subjects with other hams, above and beyond the normal communication of signal reports and
equipment reports. These individuals may carry on a long QSO, but use good press-to-talk type technique. Not
carrying on in long monologues, letting the other stations frequently have a turn.

The derogatory form of ratchet jawing is also known as broadcasting. This is poor amateur practice. No ham
wants to get known as a “broadcaster”. This is the ham who is in love with listening to his own voice and listening
to himself rattle. He will ramble on for long periods not turning the conversation over to other stations. You don’t
want to be this kind of ratchet jawer.

CHECKING INTO THE REPEATER: If you are out ‘running around in your jalopy’ (or just hanging around the ham
shack) and want to talk to someone, flip to the repeater frequency and see if anyone is around. It's not necessary
to give a long call on FM/VHF. Most stations indicate their availability for a call by transmitting and saying:

If you are not sure if the repeater is in use, just give your callsign and ask:
Is the repeater in use, this is (your callsign); etc

This will avoid interrupting a conversation (QSO) or an emergency. If the repeater is quiet, you can say:
(your callsign) monitoring ; or
(your callsign) mobile ; or
(your callsign) listening ; or
(your callsign) listening – anyone on frequency; etc

If you want a quick ‘radio check’ to see if you are accessing the repeater adequately:
Anyone on frequency, (your callsign) request for a radio check please; or
Anyone on frequency, (your callsign) request for a signal report please; etc

If somebody answers, you have a contact!

(your callsign) standby; or
Contact (your callsign); or
First contact from (your callsign); or Contact perdana dari (your callsign); etc

To call someone:
9M2xx / 9W2xx / 9W2xxx (twice) this is (your callsign). Are you in the frequency?; or
9M2xx / 9W2xx / 9W2xxx (twice) this is (your callsign) calling and standby; or
9M2xx / 9W2xx / 9W2xxx (twice) di sini (your callsign) memanggil and standby; etc

To respond/answer:
9M2xx / 9W2xx / 9W2xxx this is (your callsign) returning…….. [continue your QSO]; or
9M2xx / 9W2xx / 9W2xxx di sini (your callsign) kembali…….. [continue your QSO]

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Hints:
Do not interrupt Calls. Many poor operators in Amateur Radio interrupt another station that is starting to
make a call. For example : “ 9W2xxx, 9W2xxx this is 9W2zzz calling” ( then while 9W2zzz is waiting for a
return call from 9W2xxx, the poor operator station jumps in and tries to start a contact with 9W2zzz, or
calls 9W2zzz.)

Don’t do this , this is very poor operating procedure, and under regulations constitutes deliberate
interference, which is illegal. WAIT. After the calling station ( 9W2zzz ) is finished calling, in the event
that 9W2xxx does not answer him, 9W2zzz will say “9W2zzz clear”. Once the calling station clears, you
may call that station.

IDENTIFICATION: MCMC regulations require an amateur assignment holder to identify themselves at the
beginning and the end of a series of transmissions. The rationale to identify your station when you first come on
the air is to lets other stations know who you are right from the start. And also you are the valid licence holder!

BREAKING: Breaking in on a conversation is similar to interrupting someone else when they are talking. A
repeater is a shared resource, so we should expect that other people may have a need to use the repeater while
we are on the air. No one has exclusive rights to the frequency and repeater.

The best way/good time to break into or joining a conversation is to simply give your callsign in during the ‘pause’
between transmissions. Some assignment holders use the word "break" which is somewhat controversial. You will
hear some Hams say:
‘break’ meaning ‘I want to join in’.
‘break break’ meaning ‘ I have important traffic’
‘break break break’ meaning ‘I have a dire emergency’

In some circles it is perfectly acceptable, while in others it is reserved for emergency communications. Usually, if
you have time to squeeze the word "break" in, you can just as well squeeze in “your call sign”. Using your callsign
instantly identifies yourself to the stations using the repeater. Eg:
(your callsign); or
Contact (your callsign); or
(your callsign) joining in; or
(your callsign) nak bagi info; or
(your callsign) waiting for my turn; or
(your callsign) nak bagi traffic report; etc

If someone ‘break’ in on you, GIVE PRIORITY TO THEM. Let them transmit RIGHT NOW. You should respond:
Go ahead breaker; or
Go ahead (breaker’s callsign); or
Go ahead contact; etc

Iniiating and terminating a QSO: ( different between QRU, QRX, QRT )

9M2xx / 9W2xx / 9W2xxx this is (your callsign) signing off and clear, 73; or
9M2xx / 9W2xx / 9W2xxx this is (your callsign) signing off and listening for your final, 73; or
9M2xx / 9W2xx / 9W2xxx di sini (your callsign) QRT, 73.

To change frequency:
9M2xx / 9W2xx / 9W2xxx this is (your callsign) signing off and QSY to ……….

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All hams should announce why they are breaking – it would make repeater life a lot more organized. The exeption
is WHEN SOMEONE ANNOUNCES AN EMERGENCY. All stations should then CLEAR THE REPEATER
IMMEDIATELY AND DO NOT TRANSMIT! The station who declared the emergency has the frequency, unless
they ask for your help or they obviously do not know how to handle the situation. Do not reply to an emergency
call if you cannot provide the service requested.

No hard rules can be laid down in this regard but YOU MUST USE YOUR COMMON SENSE AND TREAT
EACH CASE ON ITS MERITS.

Once again if you are not in a position to go to the assistance of the emergency caller directly, leave the
call to a station that has a telephone available or other facilities available. Time taken up when you cannot
be of useful assistance may cost a life.

SLANG AND JARGON: While the use of “ham slang” is fairly common, in radiotelephone (voice) communications
it is poor operating practice. Most FM repeater operations can be done with a minimum of slang and jargon. Plain
language works quite well. Try to avoid the overuse of Q codes, phonetics, etc. such as "Roger roger, Gang, I
QSL your QSL and thanks for the QSO from your QTH, standing by, over."

Some ham jargon/slang (just for reference) :

73 – best wishes / best regards

88 – Hugs and kisses
DX – Talking to stations very far away
Dxpedition – A trip to a (usually) remote place to operate ham radio
Elmer – An experiences ham helping a newcomer
Handy, HT – Hand held tranceiver ( not portable! )
Homebrew – Home made equipment
Jalopy – Old vehicle
Lid – An inconsiderate operator
OM, Old Man – Any male ham (regardless of age), husband
Over – “it’s your turn to talk, I’m listening”
Rag chew – Shooting the breeze, just chatting
Rig – ham radio equipment
Saltmine – Workplace, office
SK, Silent Key – When referring to a ham, it means they died
Tail gating – Transmitting quickly after another transmission
Ticket – Amateur radio license
Wallpaper – Awards and certificates, QSL cards
Work – Make contact with
XYL – Wife
YL – Young lady – Any female ham, regardless of age

Some jargon/slang which not exist at all!! :

Tango-tango
Oscar
Cangkulan
Cenopy

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B. SIMPLEX OPERATION

Simplex operation is direct station-to-station radio communication without the use repeater. The range is
much more dependent on antenna type, antenna height and power output but significant distance can be covered.
Two mobiles having a QSO on flat land can typically cover 15 to 20 miles. If one station is on a hill, the range can
be much longer. If you happen to be standing on top of Genting Highland (at 6,000 feet about sea level), you can
contact someone 50 to 60 miles away. Simplex operation can be fun. It is a challenge to see how far your signal
can go (yes, without some powerful repeater extending your range).

So don't forget about simplex. Some of the best contacts have been ever had were on simplex. One of the reasons
is the challenge of seeing how far your signal will go. The other factor is that there are fewer people listening on
simplex. There is less of the "party line atmosphere" that can exist on a repeater where everyone within repeater
range will hear every word of every station. (Also, you are not tying up the precious resources of the repeater.)
Often, this leads to a longer and more meaningful discussion between you and other station on the other end.

C. MAKING CONTACT

Sometimes new hams find that no one answers their call. So they try again. Again, there is no answer. After a few
days of trying this, they figure that the local stations are ignoring them, probably because they have a "new"
callsign. Yeah, they've heard about the old-timers being rude to the newcomers. So they assume that's happening
to them. Well, they may be right, but maybe not. Keep in mind that, hams who have been on the air for a long time
often view their radio as a means of accomplishing certain things...like talking to their buddies or checking into their
favorite nets. The thrill of meeting new, unknown people may be gone. So they become reluctant to grab the mike
to answer every new call. But they aren't out to get you.

Chill out. Don't put a chip on your shoulder if people don't flock to respond to your call. You've just walked into an
electronic cocktail party and sometimes it is difficult to strike up a conversation. Listen for when someone else
checks in on the frequency and call them instead.

Make sure you have something interesting to say besides:

"The rig here is a Kenwood hand held running 5W into a melted rubber duck antenna."

Try to find other people that have interest which are common with you. Another strategy is to attend one of the
local eyeball sessions and get to know a few people. Volunteer for club activities, attend Field Day and, in general,
be willing to help out. Once you get to know people face to face, the on-the-air contacts are more frequent and
meaningful.

D. TRANSMITTER TESTING

Try to keep test transmissions off the air by using a good dummy load instead. Be aware that even a slight amount
of radio energy leakage from a dummy load may activate a sensitive repeater. Use a transmit frequency other than
the repeater input even when testing with a dummy load. Some tests must be performed on the air, such as tuning
an antenna for best match. Use a repeater frequency that is not used in your vicinity or a not-too-popular simplex
frequency.

If your intent is to key the repeater to see how strong its signal is, don't kerchunk it/press the PTT. Remember,
‘kerchunking’ is annoying to the listeners. Instead, transmit and say:
(your callsign) testing; etc

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E. INTERFERENCE

Most repeaters is blessed with very few malicious interference problems. If you do hear this sort of thing (jamming,
foul language, etc.), NEVER acknowledge it on the air. Giving the person some kind of response only
encourages such behavior. Also keep in mind that interference may not be intentional. Most stations have at one
time or another accidentally press the PTT, switch off the mike or have mistakenly left the receiver volume turned
down and transmitted on top of someone. Assume good intentions until proven otherwise.

F. PROPAGATION

2 Meters normally exhibit line-of-sight propagation. This means that the signal travels to the optical horizon (and
perhaps a little farther). Increased Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT) increases the distance to the horizon and
propagation distance. This is why repeaters are located on the top of mountains or tall buildings. Propagation
characteristics of 144 MHz and 440 MHz are similar, with 440 MHz more susceptible to the shadowing effects of
hills and other obstructions.

On some occasions, VHF and UHF propagation enhancement occurs and signals propagate significantly further
than line-of-sight. These propagation modes include tropospheric ducting, sporadic E-skip and meteor scatter.
Most of the long-distance VHF/UHF work is done using single-sideband or CW on the low end of the bands.
G. SIGNAL REPORTS

Signal reports are often given in terms of ‘receiver quieting’. A strong signal will ‘fully quiet’ an FM receiver, while a
weak one will be ‘quite noisy’. A "Full quieting" report is given to a signal which exhibits no background noise or
hiss. Signal reports are often given in terms of "percent quieting" to give the transmitting station a better idea of the
signal quality.

When using a repeater you do not give RST reports. It is important to realise that you are listening to the
repeater's transmitter, relaying whatever signals it can hear, be it yours or someone else's. You are not hearing the
mobile station directly, so it is no good giving a signal report in the usual way. Reports are limited to estimating how
strong the mobile is at the repeater's receiver.

The Input. There are three levels: :" you are clear, readable and full quieting" meaning that there is no background
noise, "Smooth noise" meaning that there is a little hiss on the signal, and "Rough Noise" meaning that it is difficult
to understand the station because of background noise. These reports are only useful, however, if the repeater has
a strong signal with you.

When using a repeater there are two communication paths at work -- the path from the transmitting station to the
repeater and the path from the repeater to the receiving station. Either one of these paths can exhibit noise due to
a weak signal. If the receiving station has a strong S-meter indication but the transmitting station sounds noisy, the
transmitting station is probably weak into the repeater. Remember that the signal strength indicated by your S
meter is due to your distance to the nearest repeater and not the transmitting station.

Another one heard on most repeaters " Man, what did you do, you are loud on me , looks like you are putting a 5 &
9 ' on me!" NO.... Both stations through the repeater are hearing the repeater, not each other directly. THERE IS
NO WAY TO TELL A STATION WHAT THEY ARE "PUTTING ON A REPEATER" as far as signal strength.
They may be able to tell the other station that "white noise", ( static), is heard on their signal or that they are "picket
fencing", ( clipping in and out) , but without being at the repeater receiver with an S-meter hooked to the repeater
receiver you cannot tell what signal strength the repeater is receiving.

A frequency modulated transmitter used on the VHF/UHF amateur bands should be set for a maximum frequency
deviation of 5 kHz with full modulation. Unlike SSB transmitters, the signal strength of an FM signal is independent
of modulation level. That is, a dead carrier produces just as much power as a fully-modulated signal. Excessive
modulation of an FM transmitter does not improve the reception of the signal and often degrades it. On the other
hand, inadequate FM deviation causes weak received audio. The level of audio heard on the receive end is

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relatively independent of received signal strength. This means that changing transmitter power does not
affect the loudness of the audio at the receive end. Use only enough power to access the repeater you are
using well.

The RST system of signal reporting is based on a scale of:

1 to 5 for readability/audio
1 to 9 for signal strength
1 to 9 for tone in the case of CW reports (for the purity of tone)

Give honest reports at all times. Do not try to make the other fellow feel good by giving an inflated or incorrect
report.

H. STANDARD INTERNATIONAL PHONETICS

The use of standard international phonetics is highly recommended. ( They were created so that all
stations would have a STANDARD to go by when passing traffic in bad conditions. ) It is of good practice
to always use the proper phonetics in identifing our callsigns and handles, this is to facillitate
listening/monitoring station to identify us clearly and without confusion. It is rather troublesome to keep
repeating the callsign phonetically over and over again but it is necessary especially in repeater usage as there are
many listening/monitoring stations that maybe be at the border of the repeater coverage who may not get a clean
audio. Many nets specifically request the use of standard international phonetics to make it easier to operate the
net control.

Avoid using Phonetics for telling name of places such as Kilo Bravo for KB, Kilo Lima for Kuala Lumpur!
Remember there are many listener out there! KB maybe mean for Kota Bharu, Kuala Besut, Kuala Balah etc. and
KL for Kok Lanas or Kedai Lalat instead of Kuala Lumpur! Use PLAIN LANGUAGE eg. Kota Bharu unless when
spelling it : Kilo Oscar Tango Alfa separation Bravo Hotel Alfa Romeo Uniform.

The Standard International Phonetics are:

Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar,
Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-Ray, Yankee, Zulu

I. Q-CODES

Amateur Radio has its own unique lingo. Amateur Radio is a much older radio service than many other radio
services. Its lingo developed from older military and commercial (primary ship navigation) radio. The 10-code
system used in business and civil government (police, fire, ambulance) communications. While there is nothing
wrong with the 10-code, it is not part of normal Amateur Radio lingo and should not be used.

Q-codes are normally NOT REQUIRED and SHOULD NORMALLY BE AVOIDED on repeater operations,
especially on VHF/FM repeaters. ( They are created for and from CW and ssb traffic nets. )

Many new Radio Amateurs start with telephony (Phone) yet use the Q-code which is meant for Morse Code (CW)
use, and not for Phone or voice operation. On phone there is little point in saying "there is some QRM on your
signal" instead of simply saying "there is some interference on your signal". Many new Licensees seem to think
that they should use the Q-Code simply because they are Radio Amateurs.

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However, they are part of the amateur radio culture and are used on the air. Sometimes, the use of Q-codes helps
to keep the QSO short and sweet but try NOT to use Q codes when communicating in Phone Mode unless there is
a language difficulty. The following are some of the common Q-codes frequently used on VHF/FM repeaters:

QRA Your station name/handle or address

QRK What is the readability of my signal (R1 to R5)
QRL Busy
QRM Are you being interfered with? or interference from other station
QRO Shall I increase power or high power
QRP Shall I decrease power or low power
QRT Stop sending or close down or closing down station
QRU Have you anything for me? or I have nothing for you or that’s all from me
QRV Are you ready? or I am ready
QRX Temporary stop (will come back on freq.) or I will call you again at (time) or standby or when will you
call me again
QRZ Who is calling me? or you are being call by (callsign) on V…..
QSA What is my signal strength? (S1 to S9)
QSB Are my signal fading? or your signal fading or fading
QSD Bad sending or bad transmission
QSL Can you acknowledge receive or receive and understand or verification or copy or confirmation
QSN Did you hear me? or I hear you
QSO Radio contact or conversation
QSP Will you relay to….? or I will relay to ….. or relay message
QSY Change to another freq.
QTH What is your position? or Where are you now? or what is your current location?
QTR What is the correct time? or the time now is….

If you ever do CW , you will find that sending QTH for " my location " is much shorter. Speaking in voice, especially
on FM using Q signals, would make me ask," WHY DO YOU HAVE TO USE "Q" SIGNALS ??? Because it sounds
"cool" ?

Why would you say, " What is your QTH, you have a lot of QRN, QUA Jim lately? QSL?"All the tech licensees are
sitting there saying " what the heck is he talking about?" Or why would you say " Hi , Hi " on voice ( CW .... .. .... .. =
H I H I for humor intended) ??? Oh , by the way, coded transmissions ARE NOT ALLOWED ON VOICE!

Here is "q t h " in CW compared to "my location";--.- - .... compared to -- -.-- .-.. --- -.-. .- - .. --- -.here is 7 3
compared to best regards;--... ...—compared to - ... . ... - .-. . --. .- .-. -.. ...

That should explain it! Even if you dont know CW, you can see the difference in how many dots and dashes are
used in each term ! Many control operators dont say anything at all about users because there are not that many
users anymore and they are afraid they will ' run somone off ' . Did they ever think that maybe that is the reason
there are not that many people on repeaters, due to listening to all the LID's using CW lingo on voice ? It is better
to have a few "good operators' than 70 bad ones like on some repeaters in the larger cities. There are
courteous ways to mention these things to newer operators "on the air". Here is one of them, " Hey, you dont have
to say all that Q stuff because you are on FM phone, just use it just like you're on a telephone, (remember kids are
listening)..... PLAIN ENGLISH! All you are required to do is be courteous and say your callsign every three minutes
as the repeater ID's, and use it when you sign off....." Use PLAIN LANGUAGE!

Plain language should be used, and cliches and jargon should be kept to a minimum. In particular, avoid the use of
‘QSY’ when ‘go to’ is meant, ‘cangkulan’ or ‘oscar’ when ‘working’ is meant and ‘tango-tango’ when ‘eyeball’ is
meant.

Taken individually each is almosts harmless, but when combined together give a false-sounding “radioese” which
is actually less effective than plain language in most cases.

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Using Q-signals too often is bad form. Although Q-signals have a very valuable place in Amateur Radio, they are
not universally accepted on F.M. voice channels. Using them during EVERY TRANSMISSION is really annoying.
• Recommendation: use Q-signals sparingly. Once in a while. Not very often.

Q code, Phonetic alphabets should only be employed when they are necessary to clarify the spelling of a
word or callsign.

J. EMERGENCIES

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considered the international use of radio communication in the
event of natural emergencies/disasters. Administration/Regulator of every country are to provide the needs of
international disaster and emergency communications within their statutory. In the event of natural
emergencies/disasters, normal communications systems may be overloaded, damaged or completely disrupted
and the rapid establishment of communication to facilitate worldwide relief actions is essential. As the amateur
band are not bound by international plans or notification procedures, they are well adapted for short term use in
emergency situations and is vital in meeting this need until normal communications are restored.

It is stated that the frequency bands allocated to the amateur service specified in the ITU Radio Regulations may
be used by Administration/Regulator to meet the needs of international emergencies/disasters communications.
Amateur involvement is limited to the duration of the emergencies/disasters and to the specific geographical area
of the emergencies/disasters, as defined by the responsible authority of the affected country.
Emergencies/disasters communications will take place within the emergencies/disasters area, between the
emergencies/disasters area and the permanent headquarters of the organization providing relief.

Any communications shall be carried out only with the consent of the administration/regulator of the country in
which the emergencies/disasters has occurred. Relief communications provided from outside the country in which
emergencies/disasters has occurred shall not replace existing national or international amateur
emergencies/disasters networks. Close cooperation is desirable between amateur stations and the stations of
other radio services, which may find it necessary to use amateur frequencies in emergencies/disasters
communications. International relief communications shall avoid, as far as practicable, interference to the amateur
service networks.

Radio amateurs have a long history of helping out when emergencies occur. These emergencies tend to fall into
two categories:
1) Disaster situations
2) Short-term emergencies that a single amateur station happens upon.

Radio amateurs are urged to participate in their society/local club activities that may provide simulation exercises
to enable them to be fully prepared for the real emergencies/disasters.

Some things that you need to think about in a short-term emergency:

* What kind of emergency? Give specific answers
* Where are you? What is the nearest mile marker, intersection or landmark?
* Are there any injuries? One of the most important things the authorities want to know is whether to dispatch an
ambulance or not.
• In an emergency, it is often better to have a station to make the phone call through their handphone. This
gives the authorities a number to call back for further information. Also, at the scene, you may get
distracted just when the dispatcher asks for information. If there is no coverage by handphone, then it is
better for the station to go on the air and seek for help. In such cases, the responding station, should
ideally be one working from his base station. Handphones sometimes have the notorious habit of failing
when you need it most.

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* With the full-duplex nature of the telephone system, the dispatcher may expect to interrupt you and put you on
hold. Keep your transmissions short. Tell the dispatcher that you are calling via "amateur radio relay", but don't
bother passing along your callsign or other unnecessary information.
* Refrain from dialing 999 for non-emergency situations such as disabled vehicles, non-functioning traffic lights,
etc.

K. ANTENNAS FOR HANDHELD RADIOS

Almost everyone routinely uses a "rubber duck" antenna for handheld radio/handy talkie. This antenna is
essentially a quarter-wave which is shrunk down to about 1/4 of its usual length. Think of this antenna as a leaky
dummy load, because its effectiveness is not much better than that. Its short length and the lack of a ground plane
(which is required for a 1/4-wave style antenna) makes its performance quite poor. Only the high sensitivity of FM
repeaters make handheld radio/handy talkie with rubber duck antennas so useful.

For hiking, public service events, and other activities where radio range is important, a longer antenna is very
helpful. Although there are full-size 1/4-wave and 5/8-wave models available, experience has shown that one of
the most effective handheld antennas is the end-fed 1/2-wave. The telescoping 1/2-wave antenna with a BNC
connector on the end is available from several manufacturers. This type of antenna can easily make the difference
between having an unreadable signal and being full-quieting into the repeater.

When a good antenna is attached to handheld radio/handy talkie, the receiver often exhibits problems due to the
much strong signals present. Strong signals (typically paging transmitters) will come blasting through the receiver
and interfere with the desired signal. Radio amateurs usually refer to this as "intermod", short for "intermodulation".
In reality, intermodulation has a specific technical definition that describes only some of these noise and
interference problems. Independent of the name, the end result is that the handheld radio/handy talkie receiver is
overloaded by these strong signals. One solution to the problem is to use an external filter to block out signals
outside the ham band. This type of filter will also block police, fire, weather and other non-ham signals, too.

L. AMATEUR STATION LOGBOOK

It is a good practice to maintain a logbook at your base station. It provides references on when you had last used
your station, or when some visitors had last used your station under your supervision. It also contains information
of the people you had made contact with, the date and time of the contact and on which frequency. This logbook
shall be available for examination at all reasonable times by the MCMC.

EXCERPTS FROM THE DRAFT SRSP FOR AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE

8.0 CONDITIONS FOR THE OPERATIONS OF ASSIGNMENT

8.1 An assignment holder is permitted to establish, install or work any of the following stations:
• Base station;
• Mobile station;
• Portable station;
• Earth station;

8.2 An assignment holder is permitted to establish any number of stations but is not allowed to work at two
or more locations simultaneously. ARS Assignment issued to special event stations are exempted from
this condition.

8.3 A station may be operated at any time provided that no period of uninterrupted transmission in frequencies
below 30 MHz shall exceed ten minutes and three minutes for frequencies above 30 MHz.

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8.4 The station shall in all cases be operated by a ARS Assignment holder or by another person in the
presence of the ARS Assignment holder, or, in the case of a training institution or club by its members
in the presence of and under the supervision of the station master/control assignment holder.

8.5 An assignment holder, upon switching on his apparatus is required to listen on the frequency
for at least two minutes to confirm if there are other assignment holders using the frequency. If
there are other assignment holders using the frequency, to grasp the call-signs of the
assignment holders on that frequency. The assignment holder can interrupt the communication
during the “3 second pause” requirement as mentioned in the next para 8.6 by stating his
assigned call-sign. The use of the word ‘break’ to interrupt the transmission is only to be used in
cases of emergency.

8.6 An assignment holder is required to provide a three-seconds pause within the audio message
being transmitted as often as possible. At least one occasion of a three seconds paused should
exist in a message of one minute duration. Video and data transmission are not required to
provide a three seconds pause within the transmission. However, a five seconds pause is
required at the end of each single transmission. This guideline is MANDATORY when messages
are transmitted through a repeater. This is to allow for interruption, in case there is a need to
transmit emergency, urgent or safety messages.

8.7 On shared frequencies with other radio system users, when listening upon switching on the apparatus
and found to be occupied by other radio system users, the assignment holder is required to switch to
another frequency which is not occupied to avoid interference.

8.8 In simplex operations, an assignment holder communicating with another station shall transmit its
assigned call-sign in the initial transmission and at least once in every ten minutes of transmission in the
frequencies above 50 MHz. In repeater operations, an assignment holder communicating with another
station shall transmit its assigned call-sign in the initial transmission and at least once in every three
minutes of transmission in the frequencies above 50 MHz.

8.9 When operating in the frequencies below 50 MHz, an assignment holder when communicating
with another station shall transmit its assigned call-sign in the initial transmission and
subsequently, at least once in every ten minutes of transmission.

8.10 The letters of the call-sign shall be spelt out using the international phonetic alphabet and figure
code as contained in Appendix A.

8.11 When operating through a repeater, certain stations have priority against other stations. The order of
priority is as follows:
i. stations relaying/transmitting emergency, distress messages
ii. low powered and hand-held stations
iii. mobile stations
iv. base and high powered portable stations

8.12 The following conditions shall apply to messages transmitted by an assignment holder:

• messages may be exchanged with any other amateur station except where the Commission after
consultation with the Society, has prohibited communication with stations of a specific
administration;

• messages relating to business, religion, politics and racial issues are prohibited;

• messages containing profane, offensive or obscene words of any language are prohibited;

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• messages shall be sent in plain language and shall relate solely to the Assignment holder’s
experiments, the Assignment holder’s personal affairs, the personal affairs of the person with whom
the Assignment holder is communicating or general matters relating to the radio amateur service;

• the use of apparatus for sending news, advertisements, communications of a business or non-
experimental character, messages for pecuniary rewards, or messages for and on behalf of a third
party, is expressly prohibited.

• the use of apparatus for malicious intent such as disrupting the usage of the frequency and other
similar acts is expressly prohibited.

MAKE YOURSELF A GOOD OPERATOR AND BE PROUD OF IT !

References:

MCMC – Guidelines For Amateur Radio In Malaysia ( 1st Edition, 2004 )

MARTS information sheet – FM/VHF Standard Operating Guide ( 9M2SQ, 9M2LAW, 9W2ZU – ver 3, Jan’04 )

Ham Radio! Good Operating Practices And Procedures For The Ham Bands ( Tim @ AJ4D )

Basic Operating Procedures for the New “HAM” ( Panhandle Amateur Radio Club – W5WX )

Operating Practices For Radio Amateurs ( SARL )

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GLOSSARY

AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE (ARS) - a radio communication service for the purpose of self-training,
intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, by duly authorised persons
interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.

AMATEUR STATION - one or more transmitters or receivers or a combination of transmitters and receivers,
including the accessory equipment, necessary at one location for carrying on radio communication in the amateur
radio service.

BASE STATION - an amateur station located as per the address in the Assignment certificate.

BREAK - the term used to interrupt a conversation, normally reserved for priority or emergency traffic.

COURTESY BEEP - the audible beep (or other signal) that occurs at the repeater's pre-set duration. Repeater
users should pause between transmissions to let this reset occur and to let others break in.

CTCSS - Continuous-Tone-Coded Squelch System, subaudible tones used for accessing some repeaters. These
tones are in the frequency range of 67 Hertz to 250.3 Hertz. MARTS repeaters have a standard CTCSS of 203.5
Hertz.

DIGIPEATER - a digital packet repeater for retransmitting packet radio signals.

DTMF tones - Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency tones which are produced by pressing a telephone or radio keypad
(otherwise known as Touchtones, which is an AT&T trademark).

DUPLEX - operation using a pair of frequencies, one for transmit and one for receive, as when using a repeater.

FM - Frequency Modulation. Modulation technique which places information on a transmitted signal by modulating
(varying) the frequency.

FULL QUIETING - a received signal having no noise in it.

INPUT FREQUENCY - the frequency that a repeater listens on (and the frequency that a repeater user transmits
on).

‘KERCHUNK’ - to key a repeater without identifying your station.

MOBILE STATION - an amateur station intended to be used while in motion or during halts at unspecified points.

‘OLD LADY’ - slang for old repeater or repeater system.

OUTPUT FREQUENCY - the frequency that a repeater transmits on (and the frequency that a repeater user listens
on).

PORTABLE STATION -an amateur station commission or set-up at a specific point which is other than the
address as per the Assignment.

REPEATER - an unmanned station that is capable of receiving a signal on one frequency and simultaneously
transmits (repeats) it on another frequency.

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STATION MASTER - an amateur station assignment holder of a club or society who is responsible for the conduct
and use of its station.

SIMPLEX - radio communications using the same transmit and receive frequency (as in communication between
two stations without the use of a repeater).

TRANSMIT OFFSET - the difference between the repeater user's transmit and receive frequencies. This offset is
either + or - 600 kHz on most 2-meter repeaters.

‘YOUNG LADY’ - slang for new repeater or repeater system.

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 MARTS Information Sheet FM/VHF STANDARD OPERATING GUIDE

APPENDIX A : STANDARD INTERNATIONAL PHONETICS

A Alfa N November
B Bravo O Oscar
C Charlie P Papa
D Delta Q Quebec
E Echo R Romeo
F Foxtrot S Siera
G Golf T Tango
H Hotel U Uniform
I India V Victor
J Juliet W Whiskey
K Kilo X X-ray
L Lima Y Yankee
M Mike Z Zulu

1 Unaone
2 Bissotwo
3 Terrathree
4 Kartefour
5 Pantafive
6 Soxisix
7 Setteseven
8 Oktoeight
9 Novenine
0 Nadazero

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APPENDIX B : BAND PLAN FOR FM/VHF

144.000 144.000-144.250 Moonbounce 145.3250 V26

CW 144.050 CW calling frequency 145.3375 V27
144.150 145.3500 V28
145.3625 V29
SSB and CW only 145.3570 V30
145.3875 V31
144.500 145.4000 V32
145.4125 V33
All modes 145.4250 V34
non-channelised 145.4375 V35
145.4500 V36
144.800 145.4625 V37
145.4750 V38
Digital 144.9000 Packet Digipeater 145.4875 V39
145.5000 V40 Calling frequency
144.990 145.5125 V41
145.0000 RV48 145.5250 V42 Not to be used at this time
145.0125 RV49 145.5375 V43
145.0250 RV50 145.5500 V44
145.0375 RV51 145.5626 V45
145.05000 RV52 145.5750 V46
145.0625 RV53 145.5875 V47
FM REPEATER 145.0750 RV54 145.600
INPUTS` 145.0875 RV55 145.6000 RV48
145.1000 RV56 145.6125 RV49
145.1125 RV57 145.6250 RV50
145.1250 RV58 145.6375 RV51
145.1375 RV59 145.6500 RV52
145.1500 RV60 FM REPEATER 145.6625 RV53
145.1625 RV61 OUTPUTS 145.6750 RV54
145.1750 RV62 145.6875 RV55
145.1875 RV63 145.7000 RV56
145.2000 145.7125 RV57
145.2000 V16 145.7250 RV58
145.2125 V17 145.7375 RV59
145.2250 V18 145.7500 RV60
145.2375 V19 145.7625 RV61
145.2500 V20 145.7750 RV62
145.2625 V21 145.7875 RV63
145.2750 V22 145.800
145.2875 V23 Satellite service
SIMPLEX
145.300 V24 146.000
CHANNELS
145.3125 V25

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