Operating Simplex

Memory Mode.  If your radio has been programmed with a Multnomah County ARES 2021 template, your regional frequency will be stored in one of your radio’s memory locations.  See the tables on the previous pages for the channel number.

VFO Mode. In some cases the simplex frequency for your subnet won’t be programmed into a memory location on your radio. So, you’ll need to put your radio into VFO mode.  This is sometimes done by tapping a V or VFO button.  On many radios there’s a V/M button that will cause the radio to alternate between VFO mode and Memory Mode. Once you’re in VFO mode, you should be able to select any frequency by either turning a knob or pressing up and down arrows, depending on which radio you’re using.  Some radios allow you to enter a frequency on a keypad.

Band.  When you shift to VFO mode you may find that your radio is on the wrong band.  For example, for this exercise we’ll be using frequencies in the VHF 2-meter band which start with 144, 145, or 146 or 147.  If you find your radio displays a frequency that starts with 440 or something similar your radio is on the UHF 70-cm band.  Most radios have a Band button that allows you to tap until you get to the desired band.

Squelch.  When you’re using a repeater, you almost always want your squelch set high enough so your radio audio is automatically turned off when there’s no signal.  Doing so is easier on your ears and your brain.  When  you’re operating simplex, however, the incoming signal may not be strong enough to “break the squelch”.  For this reason, it is often best to turn down your squelch one or more notches so that you hear weak signals and rather than suppressing them. The downside is you will hear obnoxious noise when there is no signal.  While doing so will be harder on your ears, having your squelch turned down makes it more likely you’ll hear weak signals, and with some luck and persistence decipher what the other operator is saying.

Power.  For this exercise, you probably want to set your radio on high power to maximize the chance that the net control operators and other operators will be able to hear you.  During an actual deployment however, operating on high will drain your radio’s battery more quickly than low or medium power.  So, when we once again have a chance to practice from our staging areas, we should try communicating at lower power settings, especially when we are communicating with operators on our own team or teams nearby.

Location and polarization.  If you are using a handheld radio, your exact position can make a big difference in how well you will be able to hear and be heard. If you don’t hear the control operator well, try moving your position including whether you are standing or sitting, how you are holding the radio*, where you are in your home, etc. You may even need to go outside if weather permits. Note that your best position relative to the Resource Net operator may be quite different from what works best relative to your Subnet Controller.

* Holding your radio so its antenna is vertical will usually produce the best results.