RADIO COMMUNICATION ETIQUETTES – RULES TO FOLLOW FOR 2-WAY COMMUNICATION

Keeping in touch at a distance is the new normal, especially during a pandemic like COVID, where rules are being imposed on social distance to prevent the virus’s spread and safeguard the health of families and friends. In the commercial sector, this is the case too, as the work must go on and people must hustle to earn their bread. It can get difficult to actually stay in touch; that is where the PTT tools like Motorola Radios come into play. 

These PTTs (Push to Talk) devices connect with steady networks such as Wi-Fi, LMRs and broadband networks. Some devices also use a separate RF (Radio Frequency) channel that the construction workers or people in the mining industry can adopt to communicate without interference.

Basic two-way communication rules for effective dialogue:

The basic walkie-talkie or radio communication devices are used in schools, construction sites, mining industries, large commercial spaces, warehouses, and entertainment facilities.

RF communication devices such as Motorola Radios are ideal due to their strong battery life. They are the best form of communication available, especially in spaces devoid of radio towers and good signal reception. 

But during communication, there could be confusion amongst individuals who are not comfortable using it or who are new to the concept of walkie-talkies. To allow people to get comfortable using these devices and ensure there is proper two-way communication being established. 

The following are a few basic etiquettes to be followed which will benefit receivers on both ends:

• During the commencement of communication, it is best to start with stating who the individual is by naming themselves so that the party on the receiving end can instantly associate and remember who the individual is.
• As more than one communicator is using the RF (Radio Frequency) channels at a time, as there are many trying to have simultaneous communication with someone, there could be a potential interference or even line blockage if the messages are on the walkie-talkie. To prevent such situations, it is best to keep the outgoing messages short and be point and stating “break” after the message indicates the message has ended.
• It is also very useful to know a few phonetics of NATO, a traditional brief communication style used by walkie-talkie users for ages. Terms like Uniform, Whiskey, Alpha, Oscar, Papa, Tango, Zulu, Echo, Juliet, and Victor were the most used terms where the phonetic alphabet corresponded with traditional ones to prevent further confusion.
• During the termination of a message or the call, mention terms like “out”, which will indicate the end of a conversation.
• Set the radio frequency to the desired RF channel and ensure the device stays connected to avoid resonated interference sounds. If this is not properly set, there could be loud screeching noises that could either deafen the individual at the receiver end or hear lots of interference, making it difficult for them to comprehend the words they hear.
• Keep in mind that the RF communication of devices like Motorola Radios is done on a common frequency channel accessible to all walkie-talkies connected to the same channel. If there are sensitive matters to be communicated, do not do so on this device as there could be potential eavesdroppers who could get their hands on this sensitive information. Remember only to use this channel to communicate on general terms; any other sensitive discussions can be had face to face.