Information on ARRL EC-016 course: https://www.delcoares.net/training/arrl-training/ec-016-public-service-emergency-communications-mgt
https://www.arrl.org/ec-016-course
My favorite section from ARRL EC-016 training Topic 5b2 section ‘Asking for Check-ins’:
Studies show that “this is” and unkeying before sending callsign just wastes time. Better for the NCS to just read back the calls they receive.
Dave WB5HJV
NCS Texas ARES net
I’m glad you mentioned that, Dave. That is my personal view as well. But because “this is…” is so prevalent on directed nets, I do the same, just so as not to seem impolite. When in Rome…
I’d suggest further to drop “this is” altogether on directed nets calling for checkins, and simply give your call sign alone in clear ITU phonetics.
73, Ravi N5OL
One of our mentors, Bill Stietenroth, K5ZTY, SK, didn’t want to hear “this is” either. He claimed that familiarity was worth 3dB and he already has written down your call sign before you finished saying it.
Try using “this is” on an HF contest and see how far you get. “TI station go again” “TI station only please”. No contact, QRZed?
Jeff KE5FGA
I’m glad you mentioned that, Dave. That is my personal view as well. But because “this is…” is so prevalent on directed nets, I do the same, just so as not to seem impolite. When in Rome…
I’d suggest further to drop “this is” altogether on directed nets calling for checkins, and simply give your call sign alone in clear ITU phonetics.
73, Ravi N5OL
I liked that too. Saves a lot of time on our local ARES net. I also tell them that, even though we ask for check-ins using ITU phonetics, acknowledge using simple letters (unless they made up their own phonetics, then acknowledge using ITU as a gentle correction) Much faster.
Finally! The myth of “This Is” has been exposed as the nonsense that it is. I experience that as NCS for the Texas ARES Net; I get pile-ups even using “this is”.
If you want to hear tactical communications at its finest, listen to the Houston TRACON (Terminal Radar Control) frequencies in hard IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions. You never hear “This is. [mike unkeys] This is Southwest 1”. What you hear is “Houston Departure, this is Southwest 1 at 5 Thousand climbing to 1-6 Thousand on the Industry Eight Departure.” That’s it. It’s a party line and other flights under Instrument Flight Rules need the channel. Proper radio procedure is taught during training for the Instrument Airplane rating.
73 de kb5pgy
Interesting and look forward to training. As a new ham I recently started saying “this is” mainly because I heard it so often, I began to think it was proper procedure.
This post clears that up thanks, for reminders and prevent bad habits, could NCS remind operators at the intro of the net. Might help the new hams.
Thanks for everything y’all do.
Welcome to the world of ham radio Gerry. This is may have gotten its own life because it is standard on the RACES nets.
Jim,
What is the standard on RACES nets? To do the “This is” or to NOT do the “This is” ??
You know, I’ve never listened to a RACES net, might have to do that, MARS too . . .
Thanks & 73
David C. Taylor, N5KWD
Texas Emergency Amateur Communicators (TEAC), Secretary
East Side ARS (EARS) and Oak Forest ARC (OFARC)
ARRL Lifetime and Diamond Member
Phone: 832-725-8610
Wow. That makes sense why its used. (I would suspect a lot of of people belong to both. I’m also planning on joining races so again great info.
73
The difficult thing I always experienced during “check in” was having so many people calling in at the same time and ended up getting cut off multiple times, operator’s talking over each other, etc. It’s very awkward. There has got to be a better way.
Jim,
What is the standard on RACES nets? To do the “This is” or to NOT do the “This is” ??
You know, I’ve never listened to a RACES net, might have to do that, MARS too . . .
Thanks & 73
David C. Taylor, N5KWD
Texas Emergency Amateur Communicators (TEAC), Secretary
East Side ARS (EARS) and Oak Forest ARC (OFARC)
ARRL Lifetime and Diamond Member
Phone: 832-725-8610
Jim,
What is the standard on RACES nets? To do the “This is” or to NOT do the “This is” ??
You know, I’ve never listened to a RACES net, might have to do that, MARS too . . .
Thanks & 73
David C. Taylor, N5KWD
Texas Emergency Amateur Communicators (TEAC), Secretary
East Side ARS (EARS) and Oak Forest ARC (OFARC)
ARRL Lifetime and Diamond Member
Phone: 832-725-8610
The standard is to follow the lead of Net Control…
73 Dallas N4DDM
Whatever you do, don’t fall victim to “paralysis by analysis.” Go ahead and
buy/build one and start tinkering with it. This is a learn-by-doing hobby.
No politician or scholar assured your freedoms.
A Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, or Guardian did!
Jim,
What is the standard on RACES nets? To do the “This is” or to NOT do the “This is” ??
You know, I’ve never listened to a RACES net, might have to do that, MARS too . . .
Thanks & 73
David C. Taylor, N5KWD
Texas Emergency Amateur Communicators (TEAC), Secretary
East Side ARS (EARS) and Oak Forest ARC (OFARC)
ARRL Lifetime and Diamond Member
Phone: 832-725-8610
I personally think we could find something significantly more important to discuss and improve our communications than whether or not operators use or do not use the term “This is” when checking into a net. I’ve seen it both ways, where the use of the technique saves time as well as sometimes taking more time for checkins. And I don’t think it at all appropriate to judge a volunteer communicator’s worth to our cause by whether or not they use the phrase. Getting hung up on such a minor issue brings doubt as to whether we really want to improve our ability as communicators or simply impose our will on others and make them comply. Let’s not make a mountain out of a mole hill.
Dave Wells, KD5E
originally licensed 1981
The standard is to follow the lead of Net Control…
73 Dallas N4DDM
Whatever you do, don’t fall victim to “paralysis by analysis.” Go ahead and
buy/build one and start tinkering with it. This is a learn-by-doing hobby.
No politician or scholar assured your freedoms.
A Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, or Guardian did!
Jim,
What is the standard on RACES nets? To do the “This is” or to NOT do the “This is” ??
You know, I’ve never listened to a RACES net, might have to do that, MARS too . . .
Thanks & 73
David C. Taylor, N5KWD
Texas Emergency Amateur Communicators (TEAC), Secretary
East Side ARS (EARS) and Oak Forest ARC (OFARC)
ARRL Lifetime and Diamond Member
Phone: 832-725-8610
Agree, was getting ready to say same thing, making a mountain out of a mole hole!
Chris Luppens
Amen, Dave Wells!!!
Is there a way to remove myself from this conversation with out leaving the group?
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In my opinion, for what’s it’s worth, saying “This is” helps to prevent doubling during check ins and wasting time by Net Control having to go back over the 2 or three that keyed on each other and asking to try again.
Just my 2¢
John Ralston - KØRVB
Bexar Co. ARES AEC Skywarn
NCS Bexar Co. Skywarn Net
NWS Certified Skywarn Spotter
ARRL Member
Ten Ten 763Ø3
CoCoRaHs
OM 7626
HamShack Hotline 5437
Amen!!!
73,
Gary A. Greer, N5EXP
The standard is" say this is, unkey to see if youre doubling with another station, then dentify with ITC phonetics."