# Presentation: 317620

## Civil Air Patrol  Advanced Communications User Training

**Voice of Command**

## Advanced Communications User Training (ACUT)

- Network operating procedures
- Formal message preparation and handling
- Familiarity with different radio modes and equipment (e.g. HF, VHF, SSB, FM)
- Working knowledge of CAPR 100-1, Volume 1
- Basic orientation to digital radio operations
- Successful completion of the Advanced Communications User Test (open book)
- A passing score is 80%, corrected to 100%.

## CAP Communications Manuals and Guides

- CAPR 100-1 Volume 1: Communications
- Civil Air Patrol Radiotelephone Procedures Guide
- until CAPR 100-1 Volumes 2 and 3 are released

## Principles of Civil Air Patrol Communications

- Survivability
- Reliability
- Flexibility
- Maintainability
- Speed
- Security

**Notes:**
Survivability
Emergency power, backup antennas, and standby stations allow CAP’s communications systems to survive when other communications fail.
Reliability
Reliable communications requires both dependability of the system (i.e. its failure rate), and the ability to pass a message from the message initiator to the recipient without delay and without loss of meaning.
Flexibility
Flexibility in communications is the capability to meet changing situations and various types of mission assignments with a minimum time delay.
Maintainability
The equipment must be maintainable, but also the readiness of the system operators to perform their duties must be maintained.  Therefore, continued training is of great importance.
Speed
Delays at communications centers and relay stations caused by poor communications practices, improper training, disregard for established rules, and inadequate management and supervision must be eliminated if maximum speed is to be obtained.
Security
Security is the protection resulting from measures designed to deny unauthorized people access to sensitive information being transported through our communications system.  Under emergency conditions, though, the importance of speed sometimes outweighs the need for security.

## Operation of CAP Radio Stations by Unauthorized Personnel

- The operation of all CAP Radio Stations must be under the direct supervision of a properly authorized Civil Air Patrol radio operator.

## Station Authorization

- CAP stations are authorized to operate as part of a *fleet* authorization, applicable, typically, to a wing.
- A station authorization for the *fleet*, must be on file somewhere in the unit.  (If the fleet authorization is for the wing, then the station authorization must be on file somewhere in the wing.)

## Communicating with Other Agencies

- CAP stations operating on non-CAP frequencies must have written authorization from the licensed agency.
- The radio must meet all requirements for use in that band under FCC or NTIA.
- A copy of the FCC license or the federal authorization must also be obtained.

## ES Mission Communications

- Communicators are needed for nearly all ES missions in CAP, both SAR and DR.
- Additional training is required to achieve a Radio Operator emergency services rating.  This training is outlined in CAPR 50-15.

## Transmitter Power

- Radio operators should use the minimum power required for satisfactory operation.
- In particular, HF stations are limited to the minimum power required to establish communications.

## The Universal Access Repeater Tone.  

- 100.0 Hz is a national "all-repeaters" tone
- Use for a short period of time, to contact a local station to determine the proper tone to use.
- Portable radios of 6 watts or less may use 100.0 Hz for routine operations only if the radio is incapable of using the primary discrete tone.

**Notes:**
100.0 Hz is a national "all-repeaters" tone, available to transient operators who don't know the unique PL tones for the local repeaters.  Use is discouraged because it can activate multiple repeaters simultaneously.
A visiting mobile station may use the universal access tone, for a short period of time, to contact a local station to determine the proper tone to use.
Portable radios of 6 watts or less may use 100.0 Hz for routine operations only if the radio is incapable of using the primary discrete tone.

## National Calling Frequencies

- Authorized for use by all CAP stations for communications concerning all matters relating to official CAP business

## Digital Communications

- Digital communications refers to a radio communications system that uses computers and associated equipment to transfer messages and files across the country.

## Packet Radio 

- Packet Radio is transmission utilizing a standard method of data flow management or "protocol" titled AX.25
- Allows rapid and error free transmission of data

**Notes:**
Using the protocol of AX.25, a Terminal Node Controller processes text into finite bursts, or "packets" of data.  These packets include addressing and error checking information which self-directs the message from the originating station to the destination without operator assistance, even when many intermediate relay stations are used.
Host stations augment this capacity with "store and forward" software that routes messages automatically through a larger network.
Packet Error Checking
As each packet is sent, some additional data is added to the packet to allow the receiving end to verify that what was received is in fact what was sent.  This ensures that messages are sent and received 100% error free.
The additional data which is added to each packet also allows a certain amount of error correction.  This means that if a small amount of the data received is not exactly as it was sent, the receiving end may be able to "recreate" what data was actually sent, without asking the sending end to retransmit the data.

## Components of a Packet System

- Terminal Node Controller (TNC)
- Terminal Device (Computer)
- Radio Transceiver

## Terminal Node Controller (TNC)

- The interface between the user's terminal device and the transceiver.
- Often is a small computer to run the AX.25 protocol software.
- Accepts digital data from the terminal device, processes data, and assembles text into a "packet" of digital information which contains addressing, routing, text and error checking and correction information.

## Terminal Device

- Displays and transmits ASCII characters and control codes.
- Human-to-machine interface
- May be a computer, either storing the messages coming into it, or, acting as a terminal to display the messages.

## Radio Transceiver

- The interconnection between the TNC and the radio is very simple.  It requires only a speaker audio signal from the radio, a microphone level input to the radio, and a push-to-talk line to allow keying of the transmitter.

## Components of a Packet System

- Packet Bulletin Board System (PBBS)
- A computer system used for storage and retrieval of message traffic.
- Users leave addressed messages on the bulletin board and destination stations retrieve messages when they connect to the BBS.

## Digital call signs

- Wing digital call signs are made up of the two-letter postal state identifier, followed by the assigned four digit number.
- Typically, the assigned four digit number is composed from the station call sign number, right justified, filled with leading zeros
- Example:
- Alabama Wing ”Goldenrod 265" would become _AL0265_

## Digipeaters

- A digipeater operates on a single frequency, and is basically a "store and forward" device.
- By using the "digipeat" function, traffic can be relayed through an intermediate station's TNC without human intervention.  This permits error-free transfer of messages that can span unlimited distances from origin to destination.

## Communications

- Basic Operations

## Establishing Contact

- (Station being called) THIS IS (Station calling)
- BLUE MESA 31 THIS IS HILL CAP 52
- If the station does not answer after a second call:
- STATION NOT HEARD, THIS IS HILL CAP 52 OUT.
- This lets other stations know the frequency is available.
- You should not make another call for at least 10 minutes unless it is urgent or an emergency situation.

## Phonetic Alphabet

- ALPHA
- BRAVO
- CHARLIE
- DELTA
- ECHO
- FOXTROT
- GOLF
- HOTEL
- INDIA

- SIERRA
- TANGO
- UNIFORM
- VICTOR
- WHISKEY
- XRAY
- YANKEE
- ZULU

- JULIET
- KILO
- LIMA
- MIKE
- NOVEMBER
- OSCAR
- PAPA
- QUEBEC
- ROMEO

## Words to Remember

- Prowords
- add to the efficiency of communications
- Never used instead of text in a message.
- List is available in the “Radiotelephone Procedures Guide.”

- Urgency Signals
- MAYDAY
- PAN
- SECURITE

## What Channel Do I Use????

- Simplex First, Then Repeaters (transmit & receive on same channel).
- Ground to Ground (Ch. 3)
- Ground to Air (Ch. 4)
- Repeater outputs
- Primary  (Ch. 1)
- Secondary (Ch. 2)
- Use outputs not used by local repeaters first

## Communications PlansWhere can I find them?

- Operations & Training Plan
- Day to day operations and operator training
- Emergency Communications Plan
- Mission Communication Procedures for SAR and Disasters
- Available from the Wing/DC

## Communication Nets

## Directed Net

- Stations obtain permission from the Net Control Station prior to communicating with other stations in the net.
- Often started with a roll call, to determine which members are monitoring the Net.
- Each station identifies itself, as called, with its CAP assigned tactical call sign.
- Following roll call, transmission of traffic occurs.
- Messages are transmitted in order of precedence.

## Net Control Station (NCS)

- Controls and directs the flow of radio traffic within their Net.\
- Is primarily responsible for net discipline.

**Notes:**
NCS is charged with the responsibility for the efficient movement of traffic within the net or network, for the relay of inter-net traffic, and for implementing the necessary measures to promote and insure circuit discipline.
The decisions and instructions of the NCS in conducting the Net are final and will not be contested on the air.  

## Break-in Procedures

- Only emergency or urgent traffic justifies break-in procedures.
- A station wishing to break in will transmit at the pause with his/her station call sign.
- The word "Break" is  not used as a break-in proword.  This proword is used solely to separate message text from other portions of the message.

## Types of Nets

- Command Net
- Communicators Net
- Chaplain's Net
- Special Purpose Nets
- Mission Net
- Training Net

- Regional Nets
- Wing Nets
- Group Nets
- Squadron Nets

**Notes:**
Command Net
The Command Net is composed of the stations representing the region headquarters and the National Headquarters.  This net is restricted to a primary and two alternate stations for each region.  The purpose of this net is to pass traffic from national headquarters to the region/wing nets for further dissemination.
Communicators Net
The daytime and nighttime communicators nets are open to participation by any licensed communicator.  The purpose of these nets is the free exchange of information.  Questions of both a technical and administrative nature may be handled.  Furthermore, the traffic originating on other nets may be handled on the communicators nets to insure widest possible delivery of information.
Chaplain's Net
Although the primary purpose of the Chaplain's Net is the exchange of information between chaplains at all levels, the net is open to all members for participation.
Special Purpose Nets
There are several special purpose nets such as the Santa Claus Net and the Hurricane Net, which are activated as necessary.  The participation in the net is determined by the type of net involved.
Regional Nets
Composed of the stations representing the region headquarters and the wing headquarters within the region.  The purpose of this net is to pass traffic from region or higher headquarters to the wings and from the wings to region or higher headquarters.
Wing Nets
The purpose of the wing net is to pass traffic from the wing or higher headquarters to subordinate units or from subordinate units to the wing or higher headquarters.
The wing net is composed of the wing net control station and the stations representing the headquarters of the groups within the wing.  When groups are not a part of the wing organization, the wing net is composed of the wing net control station and the stations representing the headquarters of the units within the wing.  Wing nets will generally use high frequencies because of the distance to be covered.  However, the use of VHF should be encouraged wherever feasible.
In small wings, a wing net will often be open to all stations within the wing, and will be conducted on VHF.
Group Nets
A group net is composed of the group net control station and the stations representing the headquarters of the squadrons within the group.  VHF should be used when possible.
Squadron Nets
The squadron net is composed of the squadron net control station and the stations representing the squadron's operational elements.  Mobile stations at squadron level should be equipped with the capability to assure communications with other mobile stations and the squadron headquarters.

## Free Net

- In this net, the Net Control Station authorizes member stations to transmit traffic to other stations in the net without obtaining prior permission from the net control station.
- Free net operation does not relieve the NCS of the responsibility for maintaining circuit discipline.

## NCS script

- Each wing has its own Net script
- Roll call
- a list of call signs
- by Group, in some wings

**Notes:**
ATTENTION ALL PATRIOT STATIONS, THIS IS (your call) NET CONTROL STATION OPENING THE REGULAR PATRIOT NET AT (xxxx) ZULU.  THIS STATION WILL PAUSE TEN SECONDS FOR ANY EMERGENCY OR OUT OF WING TRAFFIC, OVER (pause)

ROLLCALL FOLLOWS.  STATIONS PLEASE LIST ANY TRAFFIC ON INITIAL CHECKIN.  WING STAFF STATIONS, OVER (pause)

100 SERIES STATIONS, OVER (pause)

200 SERIES STATIONS, OVER (continue through 900)

ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL STATIONS, VISITORS, OR CHANGES IN TRAFFIC FOR THIS EVENING'S NET?  THIS IS (your call), OVER. (pause)

(pass traffic in precedence order, highest to lowest)

(ask again for late stations or changes in traffic)

closing the net: THIS IS (your call) NET CONTROL STATION CLOSING THE PATRIOT NET AT (xxxx) ZULU AND THANKING ALL STATIONS FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION, OUT.

## Message Traffic

- Categories of Traffic
- Formal Traffic
- Administrative Traffic
- Informal Traffic

**Notes:**
Categories of Traffic
Formal Traffic
Official traffic transmitted for, by, or in the name of the commander.
Administrative Traffic
The transmission of direct questions and answers between staff officers, relating to the official business of the organization(s) to which the participating officers are assigned.
Traffic that is personal in nature is prohibited.
Informal Traffic
Traffic other than formal or administrative types, or traffic which does not lend itself to the preparation of formal messages.
Usually is a direct exchange of information between various participants of a mission or exercise.
Example
During an actual mission or training period, instructions to air and ground mobile stations, rapid exchange of target information, preliminary status reports, etc.

## Sending A Formal Message

- Originator writes message of CAPF 4 (Message Form)
- Operator sends the form over the appropriate net (local, wing, region, etc. - Which ever assures fastest delivery)
- When transmitting the message the operator speaks slowly and clearly so that the receiving station has time to write the message completely.
- When finished, ask if fills are needed and provide them.

## Mission Communications

- Scheduled radio check-in procedures
- Sending a position report
- Reporting a clue or a find

## Nobody Hears Me!Choose a Good Communications Site.

- High ground (the higher the antenna, the better).
- VHF is line of site.
- Stay away from interference generators
- High power lines
- Power Transformers
- Underground Cables
- Computers (even in the field)
- Other radios on different frequencies

## Nobody Hears Me, STILL!Common Problems & Solutions

- Operator Failure!  (This is the most common cause!)
- Make sure you are following normal procedures and briefings.
- Check the radio
- Is the radio turned on, correct channel, and volume up?
- Is the battery good? (Replace with a charged battery)
- Switch to a repeater, if available
- Ask for a relay (from aircraft if available)
- Move to higher ground or another location
- If all else fails, find a telephone that works.

## Safety Concerns

- Lightning precautions
- Route wires and cables out of traffic areas
- Locate antenna away from electrical wires and people.
- Properly ground all equipment - Make sure IT is the path of least resistance.

## Communications Awards, Activities and Programs

- The Communicator Badge
- The Senior Communicator Badge
- The Master Communicator Badge
- See CAPR 100-1 for more details

**Notes:**
The Communicator Badge:
The basic Communicator Badge is designed to recognize those individuals involved in communications.
Eligibility Criteria:
Obtain the Radio Operator Permit card.
Participate in one mission in any communications capacity.
Participate in one communications exercise sanctioned by the Wing Director of Communications
Actively participate in communications, checking into 25% of the local nets over a minimum of one year.
Attend at least one communications meeting.
The Senior Communicator Badge:
The Senior Communicator Badge is designed to recognize the continuing participation of active communicators.
See CAPR 100-1 for eligibility criteria.
Senior does not refer to Senior Members; it refers to a more advanced rating.
The Master Communicator Badge:
The Master Communicator Badge is designed to recognize those communicators who have graduated to the communications management function and are actively promoting communications at all echelons by their actions.

## Cadet Eligibility for Communicator Badge

- Cadets are encouraged to pursue each level of the communicator badges.  To do so, cadets must meet all of the training requirements listed in the appropriate section of CAPP 214 with the exception of the portions specifically intended for the senior member training program.

## Out of Wing Operation

- Operation of mobile stations outside of the wing in which they are licensed is permitted.
- Operation on CAP frequencies in Canada and Mexico is prohibited.
- Before operating any radio in the states bordering Canada, you must check with the wing director of Communications to learn what the operating restrictions are.

## Communications with Higher Headquarters

- Any problems or questions regarding CAP communications should be addressed to the next higher headquarters, as a first remedy.

## Loss of Communications Privileges

- For reasonable cause, a wing or higher commander may terminate the privileges of any CAP member in his command to participate in CAP radio activities.

## Hints for the Open-book Test

- Study CAPR 100-1
- The table of contents is your friend
- All but one answer are in CAPR 100-1
- Even the one missing answer is implied
- Find _each and every_ answer in the reg
- Don’t mark an answer until you’ve found it!
- Don’t mark an answer until you’ve found it!
- Don’t mark an answer until you’ve found it!

## Mission Skills

- Sending a Position Report
- Steps to regain communications
- Reporting a find
- Reporting a Clue
- Employing Appropriate Frequencies
- Conducting Scheduled Check-ins
- Choosing a good Communications Site
- Knowledge of Plans and Procedures
- Message Handling Procedures
- Communications Safety Procedures