Radio Communication Training

This course is designed strictly around the practical usage of two-way radios. Each student can attend as much or as little of the course as they need.

Goal 1: (40 minutes) use a radio as part of a group to communicate confidently, clearly and effectively. This first half hour takes students from zero to proficient in the standard use of a radio. You'll learn practical radio protocols and ways to communicate effectively.

Goal 2: (1 hour) program a radio to communicate with a group. This takes students from zero to proficient in radio settings and programming. This is for those using their own radio or those who wish to better understand the tool itself.

Goal 3: (1.5 hours) make appropriate decisions for a group's radio communication protocol, set up multiple radios, prepare a group for radio usage, and manage communication during an action. The final two hours prepare you to set up and manage your group's communication tools and protocols for a complex event.

Topics covered: 

• • using a radio in a practical, tactical or work environment

  • laws that users must know before transmitting

  • technical information about two-way radios

  • basic and specialized equipment

  • setting up radios

  • extended paths of learning

Recommendations for before the course:

• While it's recommended to have at least two radios to get the most out of the course, it's not necessary. If you're unsure which radios to get, the training may help you decide.

  • For easier programming and easier navigation of federal laws, family radios from any sporting goods or online store may fit your needs. Get radios with "privacy codes" and any other features you may want regarding weather channels (NOAA), hands-free transmission (VOX),  durability (IP67, IP68), ergonomics, etc. If you're getting FRS or MURS radios, make sure to double check that the radios are licensed by the FCC, or you won't be able to transmit legally.

  • Some people choose the path of programmable radios, but they bring with them several legal challenges. For those willing to navigate the federal laws, you'll need at least two Baofeng UV-5R radios with a cable to link them to your Mac, Linux or Windows computer (You don't need a cable for every radio, but two is one, and one is none. Shop around. You can get bigger batteries or even get a better model of Baofeng, but it's noteworthy that the UV-5R is extremely common. Download and install the CHIRP software https://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Download.

• Watch this interesting 3-minute video about the electromagnetic spectrum to get a big-picture understanding of frequencies and where two-way radios fit into the bigger picture.

• Watch Tacticool Girlfriend's "My Radio Communications Setup" video for some tips.

• Download, install and set up the Zello app on your phone.

The course content is compiled from the tried and true practices of organizations that handle multiple aspects of complex events, largely with the use of radios as one of the primary tools. Other sources that have influenced this training's content are small unit tactics; anecdotes, analysis and experience of real-world actions; and various testing and experimenting.

This course doesn't cover Amateur Radio, which is largely a different topic and use case. Some may find this analysis useful if you're considering getting into Amateur Radio.

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