PREPARING TO TALK ON RADIO

Objectives

• Prepare scout for the following merit badge requirements:

7.a.2.a. Carry on a 10-minute real or simulated ham radio contact using voice.

Use proper call signs, Q signals and abbreviations.

7.a.2.b. Properly log the real or simulated ham radio contact and signal report.

7.a.3. Explain at least five Q signals or amateur radio terms you hear while

listening.

Note: Actually doing these requirements is a separate class.

Reference Materials

• Handouts: Q Signals

RST System

Phonetics

UTC Conversion Chart

Logging Contacts

Radio Contact Procedures

• Merit badge pamphlet pages: 44-49.
• 8.5 X 11 blank paper for scouts to use.
• Other materials: Two FRS radios

Suggested Activities

• Look over Q Signals handout and indicate the most commonly used signals.
• Discuss RST system and quickly go over RST handout.
• Mention why standard phonetics are used. Have scouts write out phonetics are for their name, our station callsign, our QTH and their home QTH.
• Discuss why we use UTC and go over UTC handout.
• Discuss the Logging Contacts handout and how it should be completed.
• Discuss the Radio Contact Procedures handout. Stress that scout must do their part to carry the conservation by doing about half the talking, asking questions, and giving more than one word answers to questions.
• Quickly look through pages 44-49 with the scouts to make sure there are not questions.

- Note that the abbreviations listed on page 45 and starting on the bottom of page 46 and onto page 47 (and used in the QSO on page 48) are for CW (Morse code) contacts and are not used for voice contacts.

• Have some scouts (as many as time will allow) simulate a short contacts using the FRS radios and provide mentoring on their procedures so they will be ready to make a real contact. Have them use Q signals, exchange RST reports and log the contact.