Military References Page The RTO's Page The RTO's Wiki Links Page 1 Introduction & Equipment. 2 Basic Radio Operations - includes useful learning aids. 3 NATO Phonetic Code 4 Prowords 5 FIVE BY FIVE 6 Authentication Codes 7 Message Precedence 8 Radio Frequencies The Profanity Codes ARAN

	CONTACT!

The Radio Telephony Operator's Page "Apparently, we have been authorised to destroy Moscow!" ...why? Because Elephants can detect via their feet the Extra Low Frequencies used to communicate with nuclear submarines. Introduction Welcome to the RTO's webpage. Here you will find an outline of how we plan to make use of radio during CONTACT in the future, plus links to various sites and suppliers for radio communications kit and training materials for those players who want to take it to the next level. You can find a detailed In-Character article on military radio procedure by clicking HERE. Meanwhile, what's the plan... The Situation Old Radios Never Die Left: the old Motorola Talkabout 250, which is a slightly updated version of the even older '200 which we've been using since PMR's became legal here in the UK in April 1999. My second ancient one has now finally gone the way of all things! Firstly, much of our kit is waring out or is of the cheap and not so chearful type and is in need of replacement to give us a decent radio network. Therefore we are taking the opportunity to review what our options are for new kit before anyone begins parting with their pennies. For grunt to grunt communications, like most we currently only use the analogue PMR446 (Private Mobile Radio) service, the licence free system in the 446MHz UHF band popular throughout the airsofting community. This is a low powered service (500mW) with just 8 frequencies plus 38 so-called privacy codes that create the illusion of 304 channels using CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System). These codes are only used when there are many users in the same area as they are less efficient than uncoded transmissions. As yet we do not have any intermediate or long range communications capacity. A unit in the field currently has no way of getting in touch with the Bunker (the base), for example to arrange a safe return from an off-world mission. We have experimented with using mobile phones, but there are signal issues in the field, as well as problems with incoming calls at the bunker. So this is an area ripe for development. So that's where we stand, so where are we going? The Plan Short Range Squad Level Radios First there are big changes coming to the PMR field. In addition to the current analogue service, an entirely new one has been legalised here in the UK, this is the dPMR446 or "digital" PMR service, which is being touted as the digital revolution. So what's the big deal? Well apart from the additional 16 frequencies, and the 104 DCS (Digital Coded Squelch) providing 1,664 "channels", the key feature is in the name "digital". As the range increases between two analogue radios the signal degrades, becoming weak and increasingly difficult to read, thus seriously limiting the useable practical range especially in close terrain etc. Digital on the other hand though still only permitted to transmit at 500mW can take even the weakest signal and deliver crystal clear speech. When the range does exceed the systems ability, you hit what is called the "digital cliff", thereafter nothing, not even a hiss. This means not only far clearer readability, but significantly longer range even in woodland and buildings. The downside at the moment is that the kit is not cheap. The manufacturers are starting with the high end business market first, and will work down to the kiddy market as time goes by, and presumably demand rises. Currently we are right on the cusp and so little licence free kit is available here in the UK, Europe on the other hand is awash with it, but this will change, and it will give us time to put our pennies aside. Fortunately the new dPMR radios coming on-line tend to have both the analogue and digital service, complete with CTCSS and its digital equivalent DCS, providing a total of 1,968 "channels across both services. This means that old and new kit can function together, giving us a decent transition period. One other point is that over the last 17 years since the introduction of PMR, the quality of kit available has steadily got better. The top of the range kit is tough. Tough enough for serious milsim games like CONTACT, plus they come with a host of modern features, such as in-built scrambler systems for security. Long Range Platoon Level Radios Next, we need better longer ranged equipment for inter-squad and squad to base communications, and we are exploring several options. However the front runner is to take advantage of the changes in the law making it far easier to gain access to the amateur radio bands. Myself and one other are already qualified, but four others have decided to attempt the course and the exam that is necessary to pass so as to gain a licence. So why bother, why not just use CB? Good question, and we may end up using CB as well, but that like the PMR service has its limitations. Unlike the amateur or "ham" bands, you can only use voice on CB, and the maximum power is restricted to 4 Watts, but you tend to get this only from the larger mobile radios with big antennas, the CB handhelds perform little better than the PMR's. However the CB service now shares one advantage with PMR's, in that since 2006 you no longer need to buy a licence to use it. However the advantages of amateur radio are great. Firstly even with the basic licence, you can operate a radio up to 10 Watts, in multiple bands and modes which not only give you far greater range, but the ability to send and recieve other kinds of signals. This includes data, text, video and automatic positional data which not only can be sent to another reciever, but uploaded on to the web in real time. Imagine if you will a Combat Information Centre (CIC) either in the field or back at base with computers and large monitors/TV screens displaying unit positions on a map, complete with video and data streaming from helmet/gun camras and inexpensive tablets or even drones. And on top of this the higher level licences grant access to more frequency bands and higher output power; intermediate offers up to 50 Watts, while the Full licencees can use up to 400. And finally the quality of the kit is far better, although at a price. But again as a Ham you are legally permitted to build your own radio using a kit, or even from scratch, plus you are allowed to transmit in Morse Code, which is still used on occaision by Special Forces. I think its worth having a go, and if after we have tried, it turns out not to be possible, then we always have a fallback position with the humble CB service. Finally, I am pretty sure from what I have read on-line that others are either actually already using amateur radio in airsoft, or are considering it. So I intend to create and promote the Amateur Radio Airsoft Network or ARAN, to draw folks together to share ideas, experiences, and promote both hobbies. PMR & dPMR Squad Level Radios The ICOM IC-F29DR dPMR For PMR446 squad level radios you do not need to buy a licence or pass an exam to use this kit. Just purchase the radio, some accessories and hit the battlefield. However not all PMRs are the same, as you might well expect. The picture at left is the IC-F29DR digital Private Mobile Radio the latest piece of kit from ICOM, a top quality manufacturer of licence free radio equipment. Although currently available throughout Europe via the German, French and Spannish distributors, it is not yet on sale here in the UK. This is the radio that I propose we use for individual Marine communications as part of the Squad level network in CONTACT. It is programmable, simple to use in the field (vital in combat), has a sensitive digital reciever providing greater range and clarity. Unlike most radios of this type it is sealled to IP67, meaning that it is dust tight, and submersible to 1 metre for 30 minutes. Bearing in mind the terrain and weather conditions played in during CONTACT, this is the ideal piece of kit. Its not going to be cheap, but quality never is. Estimated price is somewhere between £150.00 and £180.00, hopefully less. Its older analogueequivalent the IC-F29SR is on sale at as little as £121.00, but I suspect this is to clear stocks before the arrival of the IC-F29DR. There is also an app enabling these radios to be programmed by a PC, but this costs an additional £60.00. For ease of use the School will buy a copy of the app for quick cloaning at events. BTW PMR radios fall in to roughly four price range catogories: Under circa £50.00, with weak construction, adequate analogue transmitters, poor recievers, giving poor reception and range, and a short life span. Intended for "family" use, aka kiddy kit. Under circa £100.00, splash proof but not dust proof construction, with good analogue transmitters and average recievers, providing moderate range and a reasonable service life. Intended for fair weather hobbiests. Under circa 150.00, water-resistant~submersible, and dustproof, stout construction, with excellent analogue transmitters and matching recievers, giving good range and long life expectancy. Intended for professional users. Over circa 150.00, submersible and dust-tight, stout construction, with excellent digital and analogue transmitters and matching recievers giving outstanding range, and service life. Intended for the serious professional user. PMR Links Links related to PMR and dPMR licence free equipment etc. ICOM IC-F29DR dPMR This is a link to the Japanese ICOM page (in English) for this radio. As I mentioned above it is currently available all across Europe via the German, Spanish and French distributors, but not yet here in the UK - come on guys! Amateur Radio Left Top The international Radio amateur symbol. Left Middle The Yaesu FT-817ND radio mounted in an arid digital camouflaged Sierra Pack. Click image to visit the pack makers website. Left Bottom The Yaesu FT-817ND itself. Click image to see the product description at YAESU.COM. Amateur Radio is the most sophisticated communications option open to players of CONTACT. Before you can use such equipment legally you have to take and pass an exam. After which you will be given your own personal radio callsign and you will have earned the title of "Ham" operater a coruption of the term "amateur". The amateur radio service at the Foundation Level permits operators to transmit a range of signal types including GPS data, video, Morse Code and data links connecting radios to the web, and thus to computers, as well as voice transmissions. With an output of up to 10 Watts, using significantly better antenna than PMRs, such radios would provide an excellent long range command net for CONTACT, covering our entire AO (Area of Operations). So, two players are already qualified, and another four have decided to study for, and try to pass the lowest level exam. Some intend to try for the intermediate and advanced levels as well, which permit outputs up to 400 Watts. As an aid I have assembled the following list of links. If you find any others that may be of use, please pass them on to me for inclusion here. One of the first things we will do at RGHQ-51 is establish a base-station linked to an antenna mounted on the bunker's own mast. There is already a Amateur Radio group operating out of the bunker, who have already set up an antenna and a repeater. We are in discussions with a view to making use of their kit when we are running events. However In addition to using these radios as base stations, you can also carry and operate them from backpacks, when they are referred to as "portables". The radio above is the Yaesu FT-817ND, a 5 Watt dedicated multi-mode, multi-band (HF, VHF and UHF) backpack radio. It is also shown above mounted in a purpose made digital camouflaged Sierra Pack produced by Portable Zero, in the "portable" role. Such equipment is ideal for CONTACT players wishing to serve as a units RTO (Radio Telephony Operator) providing long range communications to other units or back to base. This would also make an excellent base station at the Bunker. Click the image of the radio itself to go to Yaesu's website for more information. Be aware that these are seriously expensive pieces of kit. Once you have got it all, you won't have much change out of a K. But you'll have an entirely new hobby to play with, communicating around the world! By comparison its about the same as 2 or 3 good airsoft rifles or a decent machine gun, and how many of those can you carry at the same time! One final word, if it turns out to be impossible to go down the Ham route, there is always the Citizens Band (CB) radio option, which although far easier, and less expensive, it is extremely limiting. One suggestion that has been made is that if we have enough interest, we can run three networks, PMR/dPMR, CB and Ham. RSGB Links The Radio Society of Great Britain is the hobbies principal body supporting radio amateurs here in the UK. Membership of the RSGB is not a requirement, and if you are tempted by the idea of a discount on their books, you had better be buying a library full to justify it, unless the other services and the monthly magazine is also what you want. Getting Started Their page for beginners. How To Become a Radio Amateur: FAQ and resourses for the beginner. Training Books Page The first book above "Getting Started in Amateur Radio" is a handy little guide to the hobby, but the next two "Amateur Radio Exam Secrets" and "Foundation Licence Now!" are absolutely essential if you are thinking of tackling the basic exam. "Exam Secrets" costs £12.99 and covers issues for all three exams, while "Foundations" which costs just £4.99 is the course book for the basic exam. Both are available via Amazon if you prefer, and there the reviews are excellent, especially for "Exam Secrets" (4.9 stars). The other two books are for the intermediate and advanced exams, but that'll depend upon how enthusiastic you get! Book Shop FYI here is a link to the other departments of the RSGB book store. UK Club Finder Enter your postcode and you will find your nearest radio amateur club. There you can get training and support. Band Plans Current and past amateur radio frequency allocations. Useful Books on Amazon Electronics All-In-One Desk Reference for Dummies: UK Edition 8 in 1 by Dickon Ross & Doug Lowe. Pub: 25 Oct 2013 £19.98 Paperback New. £18.04 Kinddle Edition. Basic Electricity by U.S. Bureau of Naval Personnel Dover Books on Electrical Engineering - 28 Mar 2003 £10.99 Paperback New. £7.59 Kindle Edition Basic Electronics by U.S. Bureau of Naval Personnel Dover Books on Engineering - 28 Mar 2003 £12.99 Paperback New £3.50 Paperback Used. On-Line Training Sites Links to clubs and individual radio amateur sites that provide on-line training, resources etc. BRATS On-Line Training Course The front page for the BRATS radio amateur club's on-line courses for all three levels. "Level 1" is the course you want. The text is a bit wobbly, with bad spelling and typos, but the content seems sound. Essex Ham A site supporting amateur radio in Essex, with numerous useful pages. OFCOM Links Office of Communications, that is the body charged with managing the UK's radio airways: PMR Information on the law on the use of Private Mobile Radio (446MHz) CB Information on Citizens Band Radio (27MHz) Amateur Radio License Terms & Conditions A PDF copy of the terms and conditions of a radio amateur licence, all 23 pages of it, and you'll need to understand it for your exam: Other Amateur Radio Links Links to manufacturers and suppliers of amateur radio equipment, plus other miscellanious Ham sites. GB0SNB Radio Amateur Station at the Bunker This is the website of the special events amateur radio station based at the Kelvedon Hatch nuclear bunker where we run CONTACT. ICOM The website of ICOM Japan, a top of the range manufacturer. ICOM UK The UK distributor of ICOM radio equipment. Portable Zero A supplier of packs and tactical mountings for radios. Tactical Radio Carriers A supplier of packs and tactical mountings for radios. Yaesu UK The UK distributor of Yaesu radio equipment. A top of the range manufacturer. Misellaneous Radio Links Links to misellaneous sites, manufacturers and suppliers of radio accessories of interest to all users. A Dummies Guide To Radio Comms and the Law An airsoft sites short but dense article on the law governing the world of radio. Starkey's Headsets A supplier of top of the range headsets and related kit suitable for any kind of radio system. The Military Wireless Museum A private museum created by Ben Nock and located in Kidderminster, Worcestershire in the UK, it uses his amateur radio callsign G4BXD. Radio Related Organisations of use or interest to radio enthusiasts, listed in alphabetical order. CW Operators Club (Morse Code) Conférence Européenne des administrations des Postes et des Télécommunications (CEPT) - homepage European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations. European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) - homepage International Radio Amateur Union (IARU) - homepage International Telecommunications Union (ITU) - homepage Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network (RAYNET) Radio Amateurs Invalid and Blind Club (RAIBC) Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) UK Amateur Radio Callsign Database by QRZ.com Videos The following links are to on-line videos. Electronics Videos

End of Page

Mil-Sim & LRP WHX Weapons & Combat The Bunker The Plot Event Format Costs Gearing Up RGHQ-51 Military Ref. Page Who's Who BLAC Forums Articles

Home About Contact Us Diary QRD Rules WFS SHŌGUN CONTACT! Links