Version 5.

0 – 15 May 2024

A reference for the AmRRON Communicator

V
Disaster and Civil Defense Communications

The American Redoubt Radio Operators Network

www.AmRRON.com

APP-200-5.0
REV 20240515
 AmCON
(AmRRON CONdition)
(Threat level relative to conventional communications disruptions and
guidance for action)

LEVEL ACTION
Conduct AmRRON Nets according to the

1
Emergency Net Schedule. Make adjustments
based on the situation.
- Prepare a STATREP or SITREP for your area.
- Follow all instructions of Net Control
- Conduct local nets to account for others and assess
ACTIVE your local/regional situation.
INCIDENT

2
Disruption of communications expected or highly
likely
- Conduct a ‘test’ net among group and regional or national
network as situation requires
- Monitor all sources and stay informed.
Incident - Prepare all equipment for operation or evacuation
IMMINENT - Review radio operations with family/group.
- Maintain regular contact with your local group

3
Increased probability of interruption of conventional
communications. Not ‘imminent’.
- Finalize plans with family/friends/Network for ‘what-if’
- Review Comms Plan and monitor radio traffic and
increase frequency of nets as necessary.
Incident - Maint./Checks on fuel, back-up power, batteries, etc.
Probable

4
Possible near-future interruption of conventional
comms
- Inventory, locate, and assemble all comm equipment.
- Increase monitoring of situational developments (News)
- Make phone & email contacts to keep everyone in your
Incident network informed.
Possible - Continue with regularly-scheduled nets

5
No known or anticipated threat to communications
- Conduct Regularly-scheduled practice nets
- Monitor radio frequencies and maintain proficiency
- Check in to local/regional ham nets, or monitor if
No Incident unlicensed
- Develop and expand current nets and training sessions

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 By John Jacob Schmidt

Copyright 2024 AmRRON

Any specific information, such as net schedules, protocols, AmRRON Frequency Charts, or any other
information specific to AmRRON Communications is proprietary. Those portions may be distributed
with the author’s notification and permission. This SOI may not be posted, distributed, or sold without
the author’s prior approval.
To inquire, email [email protected]

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 AmRRON MISSION STATEMENT

We are committed to maintaining a continental

network of radio operators for disaster response
and civil defense, always ready to serve our
communities, our states, our nation, and our
fellow countrymen with unconventional
communications in times of need.

AmRRON Guiding Principles (Mission Statement expounded)

1. All patriot-minded radio operators are welcome and encouraged to train, participate,
and contribute for the purposes of disaster response and civil defense. When it is within
an AmRRON operator’s ability, he/she should always selflessly contribute to the
preservation and protection of life, liberty, and property.

2. Proficiency is encouraged with all forms of communications, including licensed

Amateur Radio, license free radios, and any other type of communications method.

3. All citizens are sensors (eyes and ears) during a disaster. The network exists not
only for you to stay informed, but for you to inform others as well, sharing important
information about developments and aiding in everyone’s overall situational awareness.

4. AmRRON operators are willing to render communications assistance where it is

needed and wanted, and avoid interfering where it is not.

5. AmRRON operators should always be willing and capable of supporting leaders in

their communities who may not have communications capabilities, and may include
clergy, community leaders, elected officials, and other patriot-minded organizations and
individuals.

6. AmRRON members should be self-reliant, ready and skilled to provide

communications in most any environment, under austere conditions, with little or no
outside support for indefinite periods of time, especially when there is no commercial
power or communications infrastructure.

7. AmRRON operators are committed to supporting and advancing traditional American

values, our heritage, liberty, Christian charity, lawfulness, and helping our fellow
countrymen in times of crisis, and never supporting those whose objectives are in
conflict with those values and ideals.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION TITLE PAGE

INTRODUCTION .................................................................. 10
ICE (In Case of Emergency) ................................................ 11-12

SECTION 1 OPERATIONAL NET SCHEDULE ................ 13

1.2 Variable Net Schedule.................................................... 16
1.3 Persistent Presence Net.................................................. 17

SECTION 2 PRACTICE and TRAINING NETS..................... 18

2.1 SCHEDULE: National Net Weeks....................................... 18
2.1.1 TUESDAYS...................................................................... 18
2.1.2 THURSDAYS .................................................................. 19
2.1.3 Local 2m/CH3 Nets ....................................................... 19
2.2 Persistent Presence Net (Practice) ................................... 19

SECTION 3 CH3 Project (Channel '3' Project) ................ 20

SECTION 4 AmRRON Nets - Defined and Explained ... 21

4.1 Operational Nets (Real world/Simulated) ................... 22
4.2 AmRRON Persistent Presence Nets ............................ 23
4.3 Special Nets ............................................................... 24
4.4 Training Nets.............................................................. 25
4.5 Practice Nets ............................................................. 25
4.6 National Net Activities ............................................... 26
4.6a Net Word of the Week (NWOTW) .......................... 26
4.6b AIB (AmRRON Intelligence Brief) ............................ 26
4.6c AIB Supplemental Vericode ................................... 26
4.8 Activation Alerts ......................................................... 27
4.9 T-REX & other scenario-based Exercises .................... 27

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 SECTION TITLE PAGE

SECTION 5 Digital Mode Operations .......................... 28

5.1 Digital Mode Software Programs ................................. 29
5.2 Digital Mode Operations ............................................. 30
5.2.1 FLDIGI Digital Modes .............................................. 30
5.2.2 FSQcall or FSQ 4.5 (in FLDIGI) ................................ 41
5.2.3 JS8Call .................................................................... 41
5.2.4 Commstat............................................................. 45
5.3 Digital Mode Information and Resources .................... 48
5.4 Waterfall Location Guide ............................................ 49

SECTION 6 Reports and Forms .................................... 50

6.1 Station Reports ........................................................... 51
6.2 Distributed Traffic ....................................................... 52
6.2.1 IES (Initial Event Summary).................................. 52
6.2.2 AIB (AmRRON Intelligence Brief) ......................... 53
6.2.3 EXSUM (Executive Summary) .............................. 53
6.2.4 PSA (Public Service Announcement) ................... 53
6.2.5 Other ................................................................... 53
6.3 Station Traffic .............................................................. 54
6.3.1 STATREP defined, and guidance......................... 54
6.3.1a STATREP (Commstat)...................................... 57
6.3.1b STATREP (FLMSG)............................................ 58
6.3.1c STATREP (Simple Text Version)....................... 59
6.3.1d Abbreviated Text STATREP............................. 61
6.3.2 SITREP ................................................................ 62
6.3.2-0 Modified Mercalli Scale-Earthquake ............... 63
6.3.3 SPOT REPORT (SALUTE) ....................................... 64
6.3.4 9 Line MEDEVAC Request.................................... 66
6.3.5 ICS Forms (ICS213, 213RR, and 214)................... 67

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 6.4 FORMS, other reports, ................................................. 70
6.4.1 Communications Log .................................... 71
6.4.2 Net Control Station (NCS) Log .............................. 72

SECTION 7 AmRRON TTPs & Operational Guidance .. 73

7.1 File Naming Protocol ................................................... 74
7.2 Message Precedence .................................................. 78
7.3 Message Handling Instructions.................................... 80
7.4 AmRRON Tier Structure .............................................. 81
7.5 Conduct Before and During Nets ................................. 85
7.6 Net Ops-Minimizing Interference ................................. 86
7.7 QSY Procedures ........................................................... 88
7.8 On-Line Check-in: Practice Nets ................................... 91
7.9 Net Scripts ................................................................... 91
7.9.1 Super Simple CH3 Contact .................................. 91
7.9.2 CH3 Portion of 2m Ham Nets -- what to say ........ 92
7.9.3 CH3 ‘Quick Net’ Script.......................................... 93
7.9.4 Channel 3 Net Script (FULL) ................................ 94
7.9.5 VHF/UHF (2m/70cm) Simplex Net Script ............. 95

SECTION 8 Radio Operations ........................................ 98

8.1 Making a Radio Call ..................................................... 98
8.2 Communications Crash Course ................................... 99
8.3 Communications Gear (an Overview) ......................... 101

SECTION 9 Comms References and Resources ......... 103

9.1 Phonetic Alphabet (NATO/ITU) .................................... 103
9.2 Signal Report (RST system) ........................................ 104
9.3 General Overview of Radio Compatibility ................... 105
9.4 Zulu Time Conversion Chart ....................................... 106
9.5 Prowords .................................................................... 107
9.6 Other Frequencies and Nets of Interest ..................... 109

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 SECTION TITLE PAGE
9.7 Frequency Tables ....................................................... 111
9.7.1 FRS (Family Radio Service) ................................... 111
9.7.2 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) .................. 112
9.7.3 MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) ........................... 113
9.7.4 CB (Citizen Band) ................................................... 113
9.7.5 NOAA Weather Alert ............................................... 113
9.7.6 National Calling/Hailing Frequencies ...................... 114
9.7.7 UTC Time Server Frequencies ................................ 114
9.8 Software (Free & Downloadable) ................................. 115
9.9 Additional Internet Resources ..................................... 115

SECTION 10 Intelligence and Security ........................ 116

10.1 COMINT Intercept Worksheet .................................... 116
10.2 COMINT Intercept Collection Objectives .................... 117
10.3 Source & Information Reliability Matrix ..................... 118
10.4 PIRs (Priority Intelligence Requirements) ................... 120
10.5 Authenticating (Friend or Foe?) ................................. 121
10.5.1 The AmRRON Prefix........................................... 122
10.5.2 AmRRON X-Ray Call ........................................... 122
10.5.3 Ten-Letter Authentication Word......................... 123
10.5.4 PGP Authentication and Kleopatra...................... 124
10.5.5 Using Checksum Hash Authentication................. 125

SECTION 11 Glossary of Terms ...................................... 126

Your Station Schedule ................................................. 129
(Use this to set up the schedule you regularly use at your station)

[Amateur Radio] "plays a vital public safety communications

service...[with]...tremendous potential...when all other forms of radio
communication fail, especially during emergencies."

T h e H on. G regW al den

M ember, U . S. C ongress

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 INTRODUCTION
This SOI was produced to assist in the standardization of communications among
the prepper, patriot, and Redoubt communities, to increase the probability of
connecting with like-minded groups and individuals in a major regional or national
catastrophic event.

More specifically, this guide was designed to assist AmRRON (American Redoubt
Radio Operators Network) operators, and other communicators, with the task of
conducting communications operations during training exercises, disasters, and for
civil defense. This will aid in the response to an event and, especially, provide the
communications infrastructure for the recovery and rebuilding efforts afterward.

The AmRRON communications plan is a standardized communications protocol. It is

NOT intended to be the ‘end all’ communications plan for your family or group.
Every group, whether family, retreat group, community organization, militia,
churches, mutual aid group, etc. should have their own internal communications
plan.

Every family or group should identify at least one individual to become the
designated communications expert (Communicator/Operator) for your group. The
group can collectively strive toward setting minimum communications capability
goals and then grow from there. As a minimum, you should have the capability to A)
communicate among your own group and B) be able to receive communications in
every band and mode (Scanner, local Ham, Regional and national Ham, commercial
broadcasting, and shortwave radio broadcasts from across the country and around
the world).

Licensed Ham operators (formally, Amateur Radio operators) are inherently

connected and informed during emergencies when conventional communications
are disrupted. This usually leaves the non-ham operators disconnected and
uninformed. There are comparatively very few licensed ham operators among the
populace, but there are many citizens in every community who can act as eyes and
ears. These citizens often have no way of receiving valuable, life-saving information,
and even less capable of relaying important information to someone who could
disseminate that information widely to others, such as Hams.

AmRRON is changing that. With the development of the CH3 Project, Ham
operators are now linked with non-licensed communicators using FRS, MURS, and
CB radios to pass information in both directions. What was originally envisioned as
a regional (American Redoubt) communications network is now continental. Local
Ham 2m/non-ham CH3 nets are forming across the country.
AmRRON has activated during multiple real-world disasters and events across the
United States. We’ve assessed and modified our communications plan multiple
times as new technology emerges and experience highlights needed improvements.

This is a work in progress, so thank you for joining us in this rewarding endeavor.

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 IN CASE of EMERGENCY
WHAT DO I DO? WHAT TO EXPECT?
In a major regional or national grid-down emergency:
● Secure your family and yourself first.
● Local AmRRON operators will be taking to the air on CH3 and VHF
ham (2m). Hopefully you have joined or established a local
AmRRON net in your area.
● Regionally and nationally, HF operators are already on the air now!

LOCAL:
● Listen for Emergency Disaster Services for news and Updates:
● Local Commercial Radio and Television (many have backup power)
● NOAA Weather Alert Radio
● ARES/RACES and local ham club Amateur Radio nets in your area (see
www.radioreference.com for listings in your area – before a disaster strikes).
● Police/Fire/EMS Scanner

How do I listen?
● AM/FM radio receiver
● CH3 radio (FRS, MURS, CB)
● Ham Radio (VHF/UHF)
● Scanner (police, fire, EMS, Amateur Radio, aircraft, government, etc.)
● SDR (Software Defined Radio receiver)

If you have two-way radio communications capabilities:

● Prepare a STATREP (or abbreviated STATREP, at minimum)
● Attempt to make initial contact with others using the S.O.I.
Frequencies. If no initial contact, then:
● Join/start a net following the Net Schedule SECTION 1.
● If there is not a local AmRRON net in your area, tune in to local
ham club and/or ARES/RACES nets.
● Listen for information and instructions.
● Send your STATREP to your local NCS and check on others.

IN CASE of EMERGENCY
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 IN CASE of EMERGENCY
REGIONAL/NATIONAL (HF Communications):
To Listen:
● Amateur Radio transceiver or receiver
● Shortwave Radio with SSB (Single Sideband), or;
● SDR (Software Defined Radio) Receiver dongle, or;
Get on the air!
1. Fill out STATREP (and any other pertinent reports)
2. Identify next scheduled Operational Net (SECTION 1)
3. Persistent Presence Net (see SECTION 1.3). Operators are on the
air!
4. Start a Net Communications Log (See SECTION 6.4.1 - Page 71)
5. Be prepared to send STATREP to NCS and others in the network
6. Beaconing (if you use JS8Call and/or FSQCall).
Sending JS8Call ‘Heartbeat’ when you first get on the air, or at the
onset of the event, lets others know who is on the air and begins
building the ‘network’.
***REMINDER*** Turn beacons/sounders/heartbeats OFF approximately
10 minutes prior to scheduled nets. Do not manually send
queries in JS8Call during scheduled nets or when distributed traffic is
being passed. This includes SNR requests, queries for messages to the
group (such as @amrron), or group queries of any kind.
If there is not a scheduled net taking place, or starting soon, submit
your Status Report for others’ situational awareness. This will help
begin to paint a picture for everyone on the air as to the scope and
effects of the event.
7. Send a Commstat STATREP to the group @amrron (if you have and
run Commstat). Send your STATREP to QST AmRRON in all the
modes on which you are operational. This includes an abbreviated
STATREP on fldigi, JS8Call, and FSQ. Also,
8. Follow instructions of NCS. Assume ‘Schedule Bravo’ Net schedule
until modifications to the schedule is announced (SECTION 1.2)

IN CASE of EMERGENCY
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 SECTION 1 OPERATIONAL NET SCHEDULE

NATIONAL Nets in Zulu time (DAYTIME)

National VOICE 19:00Z 20m 14.338 USB
National DIGITAL 20:00Z 20m 14.110 USB
My Local Time -->

EVENING Rolling Regional Net (80m HF)

Operational Regional Rolling Net times listed in ZULU TIME
Net Type Time Time Freq
ZULU (Local)
EASTERN DIGITAL Net 0100 2100 sum 3.588 USB
2000 wint
EASTERN VOICE Net 0200 2200 sum 3.818 LSB
2100 wint
CENTRAL DIGITAL Net 0200 2100 sum 3.588 USB
2000 wint
CENTRAL VOICE Net 0300 2200 sum 3.818 LSB
2100 wint
MOUNTAIN DIGITAL Net 0300 2100 sum 3.588 USB
2000 wint
MOUNTAIN VOICE Net 0400 2200 sum 3.818 LSB
2100 wint
PACIFIC DIGITAL Net 0400 2100 sum 3.588 USB
2000 wint
PACIFIC VOICE Net 0500 2200 sum 3.818 LSB
2100 wint
sum= Summer (Daylight Savings) wint= Winter (Standard Time)

**HF Digital Nets begin on Contestia 4/250, and traffic is passed using
MFSK-32 (or other most suitable mode for the band conditions).

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 MORNING Rolling Regional Net (80m HF)
Operational Regional Rolling Net times listed in ZULU TIME
Net Type Time Time Freq
ZULU (Local)
EASTERN DIGITAL Net 1100 0700 sum 3.588 USB
0600 wint
EASTERN VOICE Net 1200 0800 sum 3.818 LSB
0700 wint
CENTRAL DIGITAL Net 1200 0700 sum 3.588 USB
0600 wint
CENTRAL VOICE Net 1300 0800 sum 3.818 LSB
0700 wint
MOUNTAIN DIGITAL Net 1300 0700 sum 3.588 USB
0600 wint
MOUNTAIN VOICE Net 1400 0800 sum 3.818 LSB
0700 wint
PACIFIC DIGITAL Net 1400 0700 sum 3.588 USB
0600 wint
PACIFIC VOICE Net 1500 0800 sum 3.818 LSB
0700 wint
sum= Summer (Daylight Savings) wint= Winter (Standard Time)

**HF Digital Nets begin on Contestia 4/250, and traffic is passed using
MFSK-32 (or other most suitable mode for the band conditions).

QSY GUIDANCE:
It may be necessary for a net to change frequencies due to interference on the
primary frequency, degraded band conditions for that particular band at that
particular time, or for other reasons. This is the NCS’s prerogative.

Moved, but in the same band: If you do not hear any activity at the scheduled
net time/frequency, go up 3kHz, and then again 3kHz. Then 3kHz below the
scheduled frequency, and then down another 3kHz until you find the net taking
place.

Moved to a different band: If you do not hear the net after doing a +/- 3kHz
search, then switch to a different band -- If on 80m, switch to 40m, etc.

See QSY Instructions in Section 7.7, on Page 88

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 LOCAL 2m NETS

Morning Regional Net

Regional Rolling Net times listed in local time EACH time zone
Net Type Time Band / Freq
(Local)
*Local 2m Voice (inquiry) 06:00 Voice 2m / 146.420

*Local 2m Digital (inquiry) 06:30 MFSK32 2m / 144.500

Local 2m Voice (NET) 08:30 Voice 2m / 146.420

CH3 (FRS/MURS/CB) 08:45 Voice Channel 3
Local 2m Digital (NET) 09:00 MFSK32 2m / 144.500

*Inquiry - This is a designated optional time to call for any Priority or higher
traffic to be passed to the upcoming HF net, prior to the start of HF regional
nets. Local nets may need to be adjusted due to circumstances or
conditions at the local level. Determined by local NCSs.

Summer/Winter - 40m/80m: NCS may choose to switch to the other

band if conditions on the scheduled band are severely degraded. See
Section XX on Page XX for QSY Guidance

VHF Nets: MFSK32 @ 1500 on the waterfall

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 1.2 Variable Daily Net Schedule
The situation will determine the number of daily nets needed throughout an
event. It may only be necessary to run one net per day for exchanging traffic
and sending out reports or announcements. Running as few nets as possible
will help save time and precious emergency power.
The Persistent Presence Nets are always active, whether or not AmRRON is
running ‘Operational’ nets, for stations who have the power to keep their
stations on the air.
“Schedule Alpha”
“Schedule Bravo”
“Schedule Charlie”
“Schedule Delta”
Determined by National or Regional Net Coordinator, or by SIGCEN director.
Relaying of announced schedule should be made using all means available.

VARIABLE NET SCHEDULE

Schedule A (ALPHA) Persistent Presence Net ONLY (See Section 1.3)

or ‘Persistence Only’

Schedule B (BRAVO) ● National

● Evening Rolling Regional
DEFAULT SCHEDULE
In event of unexpected
Comms-down emergency

Schedule C (CHARLIE) ● Morning Rolling Regional

● National
● Evening Rolling Regional

Schedule D (DELTA) Modified or customized schedule to meet mission

requirements, when deviation from S.O.I. Schedule
(Customized or Hybrid is necessary.
Schedule) Details of modified net schedules would then be
disseminated as needed.

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 1.3 Persistent Presence Net
AmRRON is always on the air on the AmRRON HF digital frequencies!

Training, practice, and Operational Persistent Presence Nets run virtually the same.
This enables a seamless transition from non-activation to operational status in the
event of a sudden grid-down emergency.

See the full description of Persistent Presence Net operations in Section 4.2

PERSISTENT PRESENCE DIGITAL NET

Band/Freq. ZULU Local Time

40M 7.110 Approx. 1 hr after sunrise to 20:00Z

20M 14.110 20:00 - 22:00

40M 7.110 22:00Z to approx. 1 hour after sunset

80M 3.588 Approx. 1hr after sunset to approx.

1hr after sunrise.

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 SECTION 2 PRACTICE and TRAINING NETS

For the most updated practice net information, go to:

https://amrron.com/nets-regional-national/

2.1 Schedule: National Net Weeks: National, Rolling

Regional, and local Nets
1st and 3rd weeks of the month
(The first Tuesday of the month begins the cycle)

2.1.1 TUESDAYS (NATIONAL AND REGIONAL DIGITAL)

NATIONAL HF Nets in Zulu time (DAYTIME)

National VOICE 19:00Z 20m 14.338 USB
National DIGITAL 20:00Z 20m 14.110 USB
My Local Time -->

Evening HF Rolling Regional Net

Regional Rolling Net times listed in local time EACH time zone
Net Type Time Band / Freq
(Local)
20:00 Summer 40m 7.110 USB
Regional **DIGITAL Net 20:00 Winter 80m 3.588 USB

NCS may change to the alternate band if primary band is

degraded. See Section 7.7, covering ‘QSY’ procedures (P. 88)

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 2.1.2 THURSDAYS (Rolling Regional Voice)

20:00 Summer 40m 7.238 LSB

Regional HF VOICE Net
20:00 Winter 80m 3.818 LSB

Local 2m Voice (NET) 19:00 Voice 2m / 146.420

CH3 (FRS/MURS/CB) 19:15 Voice Channel 3
Local 2m Digital (NET) 21:00 MFSK32 2m / 144.500

**HF Digital Nets begin on Contestia 4/250, and traffic is passed using MFSK-
32 (or other most suitable mode for the band conditions).

Rolling Regional HF Nets begin on the East Coast, and roll

westward to the next region every hour (8pm local time)
HF bands can be finicky. If the primary seasonal band is
severely degraded, he may determine the other band is more
favorable, and move the net to the better band.

2.2 Persistent Presence Net (Practice)

See Section 4.2 for more details about Persistent Presence Nets.
Operational and Practice schedules are the same.

PERSISTENT PRESENCE DIGITAL NET

Band/Freq. ZULU Local Time

40M 7.110 Approx. 1 hr after sunrise to

20:00Z
20M 14.110 20:00 -
22:00
40M 7.110 22:00Z to approx. 1 hour after
sunset
80M 3.588 Approx. 1hr after sunset to
approx.
1hr after sunrise.

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 SECTION 3 CH3 Project (Channel ‘3’ Project)

The CH3 Project refers to a standardized communications plan for the most
commonly used non-Ham radio communications bands which do NOT require a
license to operate. These are:
- CB (Citizens Band)
- FRS (Family Radio Service)
- MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service)

The standard is simple – 3,2,1

3 - Turn to Channel 3 on CB, FRS, or MURS

2 - Two Minutes before and after the hour, attempt

to make contact with others.

1 - Every one hour (during activation)

To conserve battery power, turn the radio off and attempt in the next hour.

Scheduled Nets:

At approximately fifteen minutes into the nets, during Regularly-scheduled 2m

Amateur Radio (Ham) nets, Net Control (NCS) should direct everyone participating
in the nets to break for five minutes. This time is used to attempt to make CH3
contacts, take check-ins, and relay any voice traffic for the net, or from the net to
be relayed to NCS. At the time specified by NCS, all stations should return to the
AmRRON Amateur Radio net and report check-ins and traffic.

For CH3 Scheduled Net Times:

Operational Nets: See Regional Net Schedules on Pages 15

Practice Nets: See Practice Net Schedule on Page 19

LEGAL NOTE:

Under FCC Rules,you must hold a General Class license, or higher, to transmit in the
20, 40, or 80 meter bands using Voice or Digital Modes.

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 SECTION 4 AmRRON NETS - DEFINED AND EXPLAINED
(Operational, Training, & Practice)
In this section, the following are covered:
● Nets Explained
● Operational Nets
● Persistent Presence Nets (take place continuously, during activation
and non-activation periods). They’re on the air right now!
● Special Net
● Training Nets
___________________
● Practice Nets
● Reporting/Checking in online
● Activities During Practice Nets

The ARRL’s NET CONTROL STATION Training Manual describes nets in the
following way:

The word "net" is short for "network". Networks can be defined as groups of
equipment, individuals, and/or agencies acting together to increase efficiency and
effectiveness through shared information and resources. The word "network" can be
further broken down into its two components. "Net" implies a capture and holding
effect. "Work" implies that something productive is to be accomplished. Ham radio
operators and nets in emergency situations capture, record, hold, and distribute
information so that others may work (produce results) more effectively.

The purpose of any net is to provide a means for orderly communication within a
group of stations. In a directed net, a net control station (NCS) and Assistant NCS
organizes and controls all activity, much like a traffic cop at a busy intersection. His
job is to keep traffic running smoothly, ensuring emergency vehicles have priority,
and getting traffic where it needs to go while minimizing collisions. He’s there to
keep traffic moving in an orderly manner.

Directed nets are the best format when there are a large number of member
stations.

Nets are either directed (formal) or undirected (informal or open).

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 AmRRON Nets are very similar, but with subtle differences.

AmRRON conducts Scheduled Nets (directed) and Persistent Presence Nets

(undirected, and continuously (persistently) ongoing).

While nets take place in both voice and digital modes, the persistent
presence net is intended to be HF and digital only, unless the situation calls
for continuous coverage on voice frequencies (for example, when supporting
groups or agencies who do not have digital capabilities, or in local VHF/UHF
and CH3 nets and in tactical environments).
AmRRON Scheduled Nets follow a predetermined schedule, whether
developed before an incident (such as this S.O.I.), or developed in response
to, or during, an incident, where special circumstances require developing a
modified schedule that deviates from this S.O.I.
AmRRON conducts scheduled nets in both operational (real-world or training
exercise) and practice situations.

NET TYPES:
- OPERATIONAL (Including Persistent Presence Nets)
- TRAINING & PRACTICE (Including Persistent Presence Nets)

4.1 OPERATIONAL NETS (Real-world or simulated Real-world)

Operational nets are conducted during activations under real-world emergency
conditions, or during scenario-based training exercises simulating real-world
emergency conditions. See the Operational Net Schedule in Section 1

When does an Operational Net happen? This is dependent on the

situation. If an event is foreseen (such as a hurricane or developing wildfires,
or a pre-planned exercise) we will monitor the situation and begin on a
controlled, pre-planned basis. AmRRON will adjust to the needs of the
situation. If an incident occurs instantaneously (cyber attack or major
earthquake), the operators in the affected area, on their own initiative, refer
to their S.O.I. and take to the airwaves, seeking nets. Others will be doing
the same. Those of us outside the affected area will be coordinating with
each other and will be on the air right away, starting nets and organizing the
rest of the network.

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 4.2 AmRRON Persistent Presence Nets

At pretty much any time of day someone, some where is on the air, whether
AmRRON is activated (Operational), or in training mode.

While the Scheduled S.O.I. Nets are considered ‘controlled’ nets (meaning they are
run by Net Control Station operators), the Persistent Presence Net is not controlled.
Operators may make contact and pass traffic as the situation requires.

The ‘Persistent Presence’ Digital Net was implemented for:

● Operators who have sufficient backup power and the time to continue
monitoring between the Scheduled S.O.I. Net cycles.

● Maintaining a lifeline for those who need to pass priority or emergency traffic
when there is not a scheduled net taking place.

● Allowing for stations to assess band conditions and determine propagation paths
to other stations, through beaconing (or sounding/heartbeating) and signal
reports.

● Creating an opportunity for stations to directly pass point to point traffic,

relieving the scheduled S.O.I. nets of congestion.

The following schedule has been developed as guidance reflecting our experience of
which bands perform best at various times of the day and night. Band conditions
can and do deviate sharply from our general expectations. These are very general
guidelines, so there is no adjustment for Daylight Savings Time.

The following Persistent Presence Net Schedule is also found in section 2.2

PERSISTENT PRESENCE DIGITAL NET

Band/Freq. ZULU Local Time

40M 7.110 Approx. 1 hr after sunrise to 20:00Z

20M 14.110 20:00 - 22:00
40M 7.110 22:00Z to approx. 1 hour after
sunset
80M 3.588 Approx. 1hr after sunset to approx.
1hr after sunrise.

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 4.3 SPECIAL NETS
At times there are such unique circumstances, that communications are
necessary requiring heavy modification or deviation from the AmRRON S.O.I..
Special Nets are developed on an ‘as needed’ basis to meet requirements of
the situation. For example:
- Emergency Shelter Coordination Nets, search and rescue, or community
events (races, parades, fairs, etc.)
- Joint operations with multiple agencies/entities each with their own
communications plans, requiring customized plans for interoperability.
- Circumstances which make the use of all or part of the AmRRON S.O.I.
unusable or impractical.

4.4 TRAINING NETS

Training Nets are designed to focus on developing or maintaining proficiency in very
specific individual tasks or a group of skills which would be used in a real-world
emergency situation. This helps to focus on the intended task or skill, or a
combination of related tasks or skills.

Practice vs. Training Exercises.

What’s the difference?

‘Practice’ is simply a chance to regularly use our equipment, ensure everything is in

working order, and get on the air, demonstrate proper radio procedures, and practice
passing traffic.

‘Training Exercises’ are when we take what we’ve practiced, and apply it as we
would in a real emergency, simulating a real-world activation.

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 “EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE”

During many of our scenario-based training exercises, some of the traffic may be very
plausible and realistic. This realism could cause alarm to others who may stumble upon
our nets without realizing we are following a training scenario to enhance the realism of
the experience.

Whether during voice or digital nets, any such traffic should always be preceded and
followed with training announcements.

The following are some examples we recommend:

"EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE...”

“This is only a training exercise”

“... In support of (name of exercise) AmRRON training exercise...”

4.5 PRACTICE NETS

Practice nets are normally regularly-scheduled voice or digital nets, which provide
opportunities for operators to ‘practice’ using their equipment, skills, software, etc.
It is a regular systems check to ensure all is working properly and that deficiencies
are identified so they can be remedied.
Practice nets normally include a check in at the very least. A Net Word of the Week
(NWOTW) is also generated during the National Nets, and then passed down
throughout the network to give stations something to pass along.
Especially during digital nets, we pass the weekly AmRRON Intelligence Brief (AIB).
This provides the opportunity each week (every Tuesday) to receive and pass on
(relay) a small abbreviated briefing containing real-world news, intelligence, or
emergency communications related traffic, and a chance to practice with AmRRON
custom forms using FLDIGI, FLMSG, and FLAMP.
Beginning January 2020, the ‘Vericode’ project was introduced, providing an
interesting and fun ‘scavenger hunt’ component to the regularly-scheduled
AmRRON Practice Nets, requiring the combining of information from the AIB Veri-
code and a separate ‘Supplemental Vericode’ to create a password which opens a
weekly encrypted message posted at AmRRON.com. Opening the message reveals
small snippets from a fictional series called the Partisan Operator Journal, with a
new ‘Journal Entry’ each week.

See Section 2 - Regularly-scheduled practice nets

or, refer to the AmRRON Net Schedule at www.AmRRON.com

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 4.6 National Net Activities
Besides normal net check ins, there are other activities that help
operators practice receiving and sending information, but also which
make the experience fun and interesting.

4.6a NET WORD OF THE WEEK: The“Net Word of the Week”(NWOTW),

originates from the 20m National Voice Net, then is passed along over the
Regional Nets, and is finally shared during the local nets.
NWOTW is normally a scripture or a single word, often accompanied by a two-
digit number.

4.6b AIB (AmRRON Intelligence Brief):

Transmitted from AmRRON National each Monday at:

14.110 usb at 2000z, and again;

7.110 usb at 2030z, normally in MFSK-32.

A very condensed, Real-world intelligence report highlighting one or

two recent developments as it relates to cyber or terrorism threats, security
issues, socio/political/economic threat indicators , and emergency
communications related news or announcements.

The AIB is intended to be passed along on the Persistent Presence Net by

coordinating with other stations on the net, and is also to be distributed by
Net Control Station operators during all scheduled practice nets.

4.6c VERICODE PROJECT

During National Net weeks, a ‘Vericode’ is included at the bottom of the

Weekly AIB. This numerical Vericode is the first half of the password
needed to decrypt the text on the Partisan Operator Journal page.

AIB Supplemental Vericode: Four-digit alpha portion of the

Vericode, which must be combined with the AIB Vericode to complete the
weekly password. Available ONLY during regularly-scheduled practice nets,
and by relay for one hour after the scheduled net has ended. May only be
passed over radio (no internet-based amateur radio service, such as
Winlink, Echolink, etc.

Go to: https://amrron.com/nets-regional-national/taprn-regional-net/aib/

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 4.7 Activation Alerts - (‘Alerts’)

Alerts are very short exercises with no prior announcement or advanced

warning. In most cases they would simulate an abrupt, instantaneous major
event and would normally result in an AmCON-1 readiness condition level.

Notification of Alerts will be via: Persistent Presence Net, the website, social
media, the AmRRON Team App, and the Z-Net (AmRRON Corps only).

Objective: Take to the airwaves and follow instructions.

4.8 T-REX and other Scenario-Based Exercises

AmRRON also conducts major regional and national scenario-based exercises, such
as the annual TEOTWAWKI Readiness Exercise (T-REX). T-REX is a nationwide (and
beyond) simulated grid down emergency preparedness exercise, normally held in
late July. In these exercises news, intelligence, reports, and updates related to the
ongoing simulated emergency are made available over the air by radio. The
exercise traffic is developed prior to the exercise and injected by volunteer
‘Initiating Stations’ at predetermined locations and times to add realism to the
progression of events.

Check www.AmRRON.com periodically for T-REX updates and announcements.

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 SECTION 5 Digital Mode Operations

Why Digital Modes?:

- More efficient, longer distances with less power/bandwidth

- Accurate transfer of forms, files, reports, etc.
- More Private compared to voice, requiring software and proficiency to decode
- Superior performance in weak signal or poor band conditions

DIGITAL MODE OPERATIONS: GENERAL GUIDANCE

This section is designed to instruct

operators who are already familiar and
have a working knowledge of digital
software as to which frequencies, modes,
and configurations to use, and other useful
information. It is NOT designed to teach
the new individual operator how to set up
or become familiar with digital
communications software.
Resources are listed here for the self-motivated new operator who wishes to learn
about, locate, set up, and practice with various digital modes prior to T-Rex or the
next real-world communications emergency.

● AmRRON Nets normally begin using FLDIGI program, in Contestia 4/250 mode

● NCS will commonly switch to MFSK-32 for sending reports and forms

● FLMSG is used for sending preformatted and filled out forms

● FLAMP has Forward Error Correction (FEC), and is used for sending files

● JS8Call weak signal mode and Commstat STATREP and messaging dashboard

Go to AmRRON.com, in Search box, type: ‘FLDIGI’ and/or ‘Digital’

Multiple resources, tutorials, and postings with embedded videos.

https://amrron.com/2017/03/23/fldigi-tutorials-videos/

https://amrron.com/?s=Digital

For JS8Call and Commstat download, setup, and operation, go to:

https://amrron.com/2023/03/26/js8call-and-commstatone-comprehensive/

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 5.1 Digital Mode Software Programs

Software Primary uses

Program
The Swiss Army Knife of digital communications.
*FLDIGI Download and use this program if nothing else. This is the most
commonly used digital mode program during AmRRON nets and should
be the first program you set up.
It is used for sending text back and forth, just like an online chat room,
as well as sending files, images, etc.
Capable of sending/receiving multiple modes and is a full featured suite,
known as the FLDIGI Suite (See FLMSG and FLAMP below).
All scheduled digital nets will begin with fldigi using Contestia 4/250
mode. The MFSK32 mode is the primary mode for sending files.
Net control will direct the net to switch modes when the time comes.
Used for sending preformatted forms which open up as html forms in
your internet browser.
FLMSG
Works with FLDIGI. Open FLDIGI first, then FLMSG.
Used for sending error-free files, including FLMSG forms, and larger files
can be sent using compression.
FLAMP
Works with FLDIGI. Open FLDIGI first, then FLAMP.
JS8 weak signal mode is the primary mode used during Persistent
Presence Nets. Ideal for low power or poor band conditions.
JS8Call
Used for: Beaconing (Heart-beating); determining path quality between
you and other stations; determining band conditions; sending short
messages to individuals and groups; can receive signals from multiple
stations simultaneously.
Commstat Developed by AmRRON, for AmRRON, for submitting formatted
STATREPs, and aggregating received STATREPs. Generates a color-
coded dashboard and map, generates reports, and more.
Also used for sending files and images, as well as direct text
FSQcall messaging to individual stations. Used for beaconing and
determining path quality between stations. Very robust texting.
vARIM Used VARA mode, primarily for file transfers between Coordinating
stations and Net Control Stations.

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 5.2 DIGITAL MODE OPERATIONS

5.2.1 FLDIGI Digital Modes:

*WATERFALL: 900 Hz

A. CONTESTIA 4-250 (PRIMARY OPERATING MODE FOR AmRRON NETS)

USED FOR: Scheduled nets and net check ins, general

communications use by NCSs for beginning HF digital nets, and for
operators to make contact and communicate with the rest of the
AmRRON Network.

B. MFSK-32 (and sometimes MFSK-64):

USED FOR: Sending forms, images, and files (such as when using
FLMSG or FLAMP). NCS may choose to switch to an MFSK mode
for general use during nets if band conditions favor it.

Pro tip:

*Alternate digital net frequency configuration. For stations experiencing loss

of data at 900 on the waterfall due to operating on the edge of the band pass,
adjusting the frequency (shown below) and operating at 1500 on the waterfall will
place the signal at the center of your band pass, and appear at 900 on the waterfall
for other stations. Technique suitable for FLDIGI nets. NOT for use on Persistent
Presence Net.

14109.4 @1500 on waterfall

7109.4 “ “ “ “

3587.4 @1500 on waterfall

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 5.2.1.1 FLDIGI Settings:

Config>Misc>NBEMS interface

NBEMS data file interface [check]

Open with flmsg [check]

Open in browser [check/uncheck – personal preference]

Config>Misc>Sweet Spot

Most AmRRON ops will advise unchecking the box labeled ‘Always start
new modems at these frequencies’

UNcheck

Saving your configurations by band and mode:

You’ll want your squelch settings, mode settings, etc. to remain the same
after you get them dialed in.

This is normally used for Rig Control, but even if you’re using an external
sound card, these settings will help you sort logs and ensure your
band/mode settings are loaded when changing frequencies and modes.

Check the following parameters before continuing:

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 1. Select the Op Mode (in this example, Contestia 4/250)

2. Select the frequency

Click on upper half of the number to increase. Click on lower half of the
number to decrease.

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 3. Point the mouse at 900 on the waterfall, and left click.

Your precise location on the waterfall is indicated below the waterfall. If

you’re not at the desired location, use the and buttons to adjust
to the desired setting.

4. Adjust your squelch to the optimum setting:

The vertical green squelch level indicator will

normally fluctuate (bounce) up and down, even
from atmospheric noise when a signal isn’t
present.

Using your mouse, while not receiving a signal,

grab the slider button and move it up just above
the noise level, until your SQL indicator
changes from Green to Yellow.

When receiving a signal at 900 on the waterfall, the squelch level indicator
will rise above the slider button and the SQL will turn Green. If you see a
signal on the waterfall and are not decoding text, check your squelch slider
button level to ensure you’re not squelching out the signal.

5. Now add the frequency, mode, and waterfall location to your saved
frequency list.

Click the ‘Book’ icon to Open the

List

Click the ‘+’ icon to add the freq, mode, and wf location.
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 6. Uncheck Rv (Reverse) and AFC

Do this for all of the SOI frequencies, and frequencies/modes.

7. Save configuration

After this, you can select the freq,

mode, waterfall location, and
squelch settings by selecting from
the List you’ve saved by double-clicking on the desired item.

Turn TxID OFF (uncheck/gray) during nets.

NCS (during nets) and stations sending traffic (when there’s not an active net)
will leave this ON (Green) to assist with changing receiving stations’ modes
to match the mode with which traffic is being sent.

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 SPOTTING: Turn OFF (uncheck) PSK Reporter spotting while operating on
AmRRON SOI frequencies.

Settings found at Config>Misc>Spotting

RsID settings: RsID automatically changes modes per the received TxID when
enabled. Do not transmit end tones, End of xmt ID, or video IDs as these are a
distraction to NCS and the net.

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 WHERE DID IT GO? When you receive a...
MESSAGE (a form in FLMSG): It’s in your nbems>ICS>messages folder. In
FLMSG, click on the ‘File’ tab in the upper left, then click ‘Folders’, then open
the ‘ICS’ folder, and then the ‘Messages’ folder. The same if you generate a
report using a form in FLMSG… it is saved in the messages folder.

FLAMP FILE: If you received a FLAMP file, it’s in your nbems>rx>[today’s

date folder]. In FLAMP, click the ‘File’ tab in the upper left, then click
‘Folders’, then open the ‘FLAMP’ folder, and select the ‘rx’ folder, and then
the folder labeled by the date the traffic was received. A folder is
automatically created and all the files you receive or send on that date are
automatically saved there.

IMAGE: If you received an image/picture in fldigi, it’s in your fldigi>images

folder. In FLDIGI, click on the ‘File’ tab in the upper left, then click ‘Folders’,
then ‘Fldigi config...’, and then the ‘images’ folder.

5.2.1.1a MACROS: Creating, Editing, and Using macro

buttons
The use of macro buttons makes for an efficient method for
transmitting commonly transmitted information, reducing the
amount of manually typing text, or conducting tasks.

Option 1: Download and import macros from the website, with full
instructions

New AmRRON Macro Set Released – 2022 V2

Option 2: Manually create/edit macros:

First, in fldigi, select the ‘View’ tab and select ‘View/Hide 48 Macros’. The
macro buttons should appear as follows:

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 Create a new macro to load for daily operations:

Select ‘File’ tab, and then ‘Macros’, and ‘Save’. You will be prompted to
save this set of macros as an .mdf file. Name the macro set as
DailyOps.mdf, and select ‘Save’.

Preparation. Create .txt (text) files, the contents of which will be transmitted
from inside a macro.

Select File>Folders>Fldigi Config…

Open the Macros folder

Create two .txt files, and label them NWOTW.txt (Net Word Of The Week) and
ABBR_STAT.txt (Abbreviated STATREP). Save them in the Macros folder.

Your macros folder should look something like this:

Now create a macro button for checking in to a digital net:

1. Label the button‘Check In’and click‘Apply’

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 2. Copy/paste or type the following text into the Macro Text field:

DE <MYCALL> <MYCALL> / <MYNAME> / <MYST> / <FILE:…

fldigi/macros/NWOTW.txt>

<RX>

3. Add the file path to your NWOTW.txt file. First, delete the sample text
file path:

<FILE:… fldigi/macros/NWOTW.txt>

Replace with the correct file path by placing your cursor where the
sample text file path was, and then scroll down the ‘Select Tag’ menu until
you find <FILE:>

Click on the <FILE:> and then the green left arrow at the top of your
macro editor. This will open up the fldigi folder. Navigate to your .txt file n
the ‘macro’ folder where you created
your .txt files.

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 Check to ensure the correct file path is in your net Check In macro field.
Mine looks like:

DE <MYCALL> <MYCALL> / <MYNAME> / <MYST> /

<FILE:/home/jjs/.fldigi/macros/macros-2/NWOTW.txt>

<RX>

Click ‘Apply’ and then close. Be sure to resave your macro using
File>Macros>Save It will ask if you want to overwrite the existing macro file
name. Click Yes (unless you’re creating an entirely new macro set. In that
case, rename it to whatever you want).

Double clicking the macro will load it into your fldigi transmit (blue) pane.
When the frequency is clear, transmit your check in by clicking on the T/R
button, or right click in the field and select ‘Transmit’. The contents of
your .txt file(s) will be transmitted.

If you set up your call sign, your name, and your state, and have added the
Net Word Of The Week to the text file (and saved), your check in on a
regularly-scheduled practice AmRRON net will look something like:

DE N0BDY N0BDY / JIM / TX / PSALM-93

If you have traffic to pass, you would list that by number of pieces of traffic,
and precedence:

DE N0BDY N0BDY / JIM / TX / PSALM-93 / 1-RR (one piece of

Routine –’RR’ – traffic)

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 5.2.1.2 FLMSG Settings:

Check ‘Sync modem to fldigi’. Ensure that all of the ID/RxID settings are off
(unchecked).

5.2.1.3 FLAMP Settings:

FLamp settings: Auto sync

flamp to fldigi mode selector
should be checked and Enable Tx
on Report should be unchecked.

Uncheck ‘Enable TX/RX

interval’. It is not necessary
unless you are sending over a
repeater with a timeout setting
at xx minutes/seconds. Then
breaking periodically may be
necessary to allow the repeater timeout timer to reset.

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 Below are additional programs and modes commonly used by AmRRON Operators:

5.2.2 FSQcall stand-alone program, or FSQ 4.5 (in FLDIGI):

https://amrron.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/FSQ-Training-101-1.pdf

WATERFALL: 1500 (by default)

A. Open a second instance of fldigi and select FSQ 4.5 mode, or;
Download and operate stand-alone FSQcall Program.

B. FSQ is excellent for exchanging quick chat messages between operators,

beaconing, and determining path quality between operators, and for
sending/receiving files. Excellent for station-to-station coordination.

C. In most cases, the signal dB report in FSQ (or FSQCall) will give you a
more accurate path quality for determining reliability between you and
other stations in other modes as well, such as Contestia, MFSK32,
gARIM/ARDOP, etc.. JS8Call (below) mode may not reflect the a
realistic path quality for FSQ and other modes.

Learn more at: http://fsqcall.org/

5.2.3 JS8Call

https://amrron.com/2019/12/04/white-paper-js8call-settings-for-amrron-ops/

Each operator should keep an abbreviated STATREP current, updated at least once a
day, and stored in their JS8Call Station Info and FSQ QTC fields, for other stations to
query your status, especially if you are unattended.

Be sure to precede the abbreviated STATREP with ‘STAT’ and the DTG indicating when
you last updated your STATREP.

https://amrron.com/2019/10/23/js8call-training-resources/

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 General JS8Call Guidance:

1. Set up your station information

in Settings>General>Station.

2. Adding and updating your

abbreviated STATREP to Station
Status field:

a) Maintaining an abbreviated
STATREP allows other
stations to query your
station to ascertain your
status (power, water,
communications, etc). It is
simply a snapshot of your
situation at your location.
Figure 1
b) Add your abbreviated STATREP

to the Station Status field by going to: File > Settings > General > Station

Optionally, you may wish to add your general location grid coordinates in the
Station Info field. This can be a lat/long with .XX (two digit after the decimal) to
provide similar accuracy as a six-digit Maidenhead Grid Locator (which is accurate
to within several miles).

3. Adding Callsign Group:

a) Sharing information between AmRRON members over the air. You can
create groups to which you can direct messages or make queries for
information, to and from that group only.

To be part of the AmRRON group, simply add @AMRRON to the

‘Callsign Groups (comma separated)’

b) Go to File > Settings > General > Station and add @AMRRON

You must include the ‘@’ symbol. (See Figure 1)

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 NOTE: In JS8Call Settings>Reporting Turn Reporting OFF

(unchecked) while operating on the AmRRON SOI frequencies.

4. Turn off Reporting by unchecking all boxes under ‘Network Services’

Uncheck the Spot button (upper right-hand corner of JS8Call). Will turn button from
Green to Gray.

5. Add AmRRON digital mode frequencies to JS8Call frequency page:

a) Go to File > Settings > Frequency

Hover over each band and ‘Right’ click (See Figure 3)

b) Select ‘Insert...’ from the drop down menu, and add:

14.110 (20m band)

7.110 (40m band)
3.588 (80m band)

Select ‘OK’ when

finished

Figure 3
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 NOTE: Your activity is logged in JS8Call by band, so even if you are not using rig
control, it is still helpful to switch the displayed frequency on the main JS8Call
window. This helps separate on-air activity by band in your logs, for later review
when you are trying to determine band path quality and activity between yourself
and other stations.
In your JS8Call program, see Log --> ALL.txt

6. Settings for waterfall location:

AmRRON JS8 operations should

only take place between 1900
and 2500 on the waterfall. This
is done to avoid interfering with
traffic using other modes at
1000 and 1500 on the waterfall.

You can set your preferred

waterfall location in JS8call by
editing the ‘Center’ field (see Figure 1
Figure 1)

To do this, type your desired offset (in Hz) value in the QSY field, under the Control
tab (lower right-hand corner of your JS8Call main screen. After that, if you bump
over to a different place on the waterfall, you simply click on the QSY button and it
will automatically place your waterfall position at the value you chose (between
1900 and 2500).

5. Tips and guidance for AmRRON operators using JS8Call

a) Be sure to turn HB+ACK and AUTO features OFF prior to scheduled nets.
b) It is advisable to simply to turn the TX off (gray) during nets, or if your
station will be unattended during a net.
c) Do NOT send manual queries (such as a SNR -- Signal Report -- query) to
the group (@AMRRON) during a net. This causes other stations to auto
respond resulting in missed net traffic.
d) Turn the SPOT feature off. It is the button toward the upper right-hand
corner of your main JS8Call window.
e) Some AmRRON stations add a slant and a letter after their call sign. This
indicates [call]/n a Net Control Station. They do this to help recognize each
other more easily on the air, as they are tasked with specific roles for
passing traffic across the network. If you are not an NCS station, do not
place a /letter after your call sign.
Exception: If you are mobile /m or portable /p this is perfectly acceptable.

Under most circumstances, you should set any automatic Heartbeat (beacon)
intervals at no more than once per hour.

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 6. Control Button Settings
Begin by right-clicking on this button in JS8Call

Set decoding speed to Normal

Set decoding sensitivity to 2x Passes

Other settings are based on personal preference and may vary from one
operator to the next.

5.2.4 Commstat

Commstat is an application
developed by by Whiskey-55
(AmRRON Corps) as a companion
application to JS8Call. Commstat
was developed to serve as a
“dashboard,” of sorts, for submitting
STATREPs, and displaying STATREP
map and content data in a visual
form. Since its inception, it has
evolved into a broad capability
application, allowing for aggregating
and exporting reports, conducting
JS8Call/Commstat nets, sending
bulletins, and much more.

Additional, more comprehensive

training materials will be produced to
help operators maximize the use of this powerful tool outside the scope of this SOI.
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 Only AFTER installing and setting up JS8Call, then you may install Commstat

The JS8Call & Commstat Comprehensive posting has helped AmRRON operators
with the download and setup of both programs.

https://amrron.com/2023/03/26/js8call-and-commstatone-comprehensive/

Add your callsign and grid

Add AMRRON group. There is

an option for a second group,
such as a regional group if you
have one.

The Directed.TXT file is where

Commstat pulls data for
populating your map and
dashboard.

To find the correct file path,

open up your JS8Call program.

Click on the Log tab, then Open Log Directory...

There’s your file path! Copy/paste it into

the file path field in Commstat Setup

The sample is from a Linux computer.

The file path format will appear
different on Windows systems.

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 5.2.4.1 Commstat - Best Practices

● Send a STATREP:

- Upon activating your station at the onset of a real-world disaster, or

other disruptive event.

- At the beginning of a communications exercise

- After changing bands (such as during the Persistent Presence Net

when changing from 40 meters to 20 meters, etc.)

- If conditions in your previously submitted STATREP changes (update)

- [optionally] if you receive information from another station using

another mode (if he doesn’t have Commstat), you can submit a
STATREP in Commstat on behalf of the other station, which adds to
the situational awareness of other Commstat users.

● Send a new STATREP only once per day if there are no changes
or updates to the conditions at that location. A best practice is to
‘Forward’ your STATREP. This populates your STATREP in others’
Commstat, but doesn’t add additional, duplicate STATREPs to those who
have already received your STATREP.

To ‘Forward’ your Commstat STATREP:

■ Menu > STATREP ACK (from the dropdown menu)

■ Find your STATREP in the list. Click on it. (you’ll see your call sign
appear in the ‘Selected callsign for ACK’ field

■ Click ‘Forward Selected StatRep’ button (bottom left)

To learn more about downloading and setting up Commstat:

JS8Call and Commstat

https://amrron.com/2023/03/26/js8call-and-commstatone-comprehensive/

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 5.3 DIGITAL MODE Information and resources
Experience shows that digital communications over radio (especially HF) are far
superior to voice for transmitting reports, forms, and other formatted information.
We use several digital modes.

THE SOFTWARE IS FREE, and the programs vary in complexity. The most common
digital modes and programs can be set up and used by beginners and novice
operators.

Digital Mode Resources: IF YOU ARE NEW (to digital mode communications)...

In the PDF version of this S.O.I., click the hyperlinks below to read the following
postings. These postings are helpful for learning how to download, set up, and
practice receiving digital communications, step by step.

For the printed version of this S.O.I., simply go to www.AmRRON.com and type the
title of the postings listed below into the search box on the website.

T itl
esofP ostingsatA m R R O N . com

● How to Receive Ham Radio Digital Communications

https://amrron.com/2014/01/16/how-to-receive-ham-radio-digital-communications/

● Digital Communications
https://amrron.com/communications-resources/digital-communications/

● Digital Communications - A Practical Exercise

https://amrron.com/2014/02/14/digital-communications-a-practical-exercise/

● So You Want To Practice Decoding Digital Modes

https://amrron.com/2014/02/22/so-you-want-to-practice-decoding-digital-modes/

● White Paper: AmRRON Intelligence Brief

https://amrron.com/2019/06/06/aib-amrron-intelligence-brief-white-paper-07-mar-2019/

NOTE: The AmRRON Intelligence Brief white paper is from 2019. The current
transmission days are each Monday.

If you have difficulty with any of the links, simply go to www.AmRRON.com

and type the title of the posting in the search box on the website.

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 5.4 WATERFALL LOCATION GUIDE
NOTE: The following applies when the operator is tuned to the frequencies as noted
in the red text boxes beneath Figure 5.1.

1. FLDIGI modes @ 900 on Waterfall, for modes such as Contestia 4/250, MFSK-
32 and MFSK-64, etc., including while sending via:

a) FLMSG. FLMSG is used for sending completed built-in or custom

forms, such as reports.

b) FLAMP. FLAMP is the FEC (Forward Error Correcting) application we

use for sending files such as .k2s or .txt files free of errors.

2. FSQcall defaults at 1500 on the waterfall. Used for beaconing (sounding) for
determining signal path quality and determining which stations are on the air. Is
also used for transfer of small files and images, as well as chatting using short
messages, and sending message alerts to individual radio operators.

3. JS8call @ approx. 1900 - 2500 on the waterfall. This can be done by going
into File->Settings->Networking & Autoreply tab, and selecting the box which reads
“Allow heartbeat transmissions outside of heartbeat sub-channel (500Hz- 1000Hz)”.

Figure 5.1

Operators should select a place between 1900 and 2500 on the WF. With JS8Call,
two operators can decode each other even if not at the exact same spot on the WF.

900 on WF: Contestia, MFSK, and other general use FLDIGI modes

1500 on WF: FSQ4.5 or FSQCall Sounding, text chat, and .txt file transfers

1900-2500 on WF: JS8Call - Heartbeating and weak signal messaging

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 Section 6 Reports and Forms
Reports should be sent to others in your local network, as well as to higher up NCSs
and/or SIGCENs, depending on the situation.

Station Reports (all operators)

● STATREP
● SITREP
● SPOTREP
--------------------------------
Distributed Reports (higher echelon/top down)
● IES
● AIB
● SITREP
● EXSUM
● PSA (Public Service Announcements)
NOTE: Effective 25 October 2023, Version 5 forms were released, and are reflected
in this SOI V5.0. All previous versions are obsolete and their use discontinued.

STATREP | amrron_statrep_V5.00.html Significant changes

SPOTREP | amrron_spotrep_V5.00.html No changes other than V5.0 file name

SITREP | amrron_sitrep_V5.00.html Significant changes

Blank Form | amrron_blank_Form_V5.00.html Noticeable changes

You can find the new forms at: https://amrron.com/amrron-forms/

If you a new to AmRRON custom forms, or need a refresher on downloading and

installing, go to:

https://amrron.com/downloading-custom-forms/

ALL Version 5 forms contain a sample file naming protocol in the header. This will
aid the operator with structuring the file name after filling out a report, and increase
standardization across the network:

Sample file naming protocol: "CALL-ST-RR-YYMMDD-HHMMZ-REPORT"

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 6.1 Station Reports (all operators)

6.1.1 STATREP (Status Reports) - All stations should keep a STATREP updated,
and be prepared to fill out and submit all other reports when appropriate.

STATREP (Abbreviated and Full/non-abbreviated)

STATREPs should be sent at the onset of an event, and when there is a significant
change to their initial status/situation.

SITREP (Situation Report) A SITREP is simply a report of a situation as it relates to a

location, entity, or events. It explains what just happened, what is happening, or
the current state during an event. A SITREP is issued when there are more details
which need to be explained than what can reasonably be put in a STATREP (which is
simply a ‘snapshot’ of what is happening around the individual radio operator).

A SITREP is more suitable when there is more of a ‘story to tell’.

If there is a more complex situation or more details need to be added than what the
standard STATREP form allows for, then the same format can be used as a guide
and a SITREP may be created using the AmRRON Blank Form, or even a text (.txt)
document which can be sent over the air using FLAMP, gARIM, FSQ 4.5, PAT, ARIM,
or other file transferring mode or program. Experienced operators should choose
the method he thinks is the most suitable for the situation.

SPOTREP (also known as a SALUTE report).

This is the format for reporting enemy activity, modeled after the military reporting
system which uses the mnemonic SALUTE (Size, Activity, Location, Unit/Uniform,
Time, and Equipment). Disasters can create opportunities for criminal activity, and
in some cases criminal elements form into organized elements and adopt military
style tactics. The SPOTREP is a way to report hostile groups or individuals,
especially when they pose an organized and significant risk to a community.

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 6.2 Distributed Traffic

This section briefly covers methods for distributing news, information, and
intelligence from AmRRON National, regional SIGCENs, and Net Control Stations to
the radio operators throughout the network.

Distributed Traffic is our effort to take raw information and intelligence, process it
and organize it, and develop usable intelligence to help everyone stay informed of
what is happening inside of, around, and beyond, one’s immediate world (which can
become very small in a grid down situation).

● IES Initial Event Summary

● AIB AmRRON Intelligence Brief

● EXSUM Executive Summary

● PSA Public Service Announcement

● Other Situation dependent ‘other’ category

6.2.1 IES (Initial Event Summary)

An IES is a statement prepared by Net Control Stations, Signal Centers, and

AmRRON National, essentially stating “This is what we know...”

At the onset of a major event (especially if grid-down), radio operators will be

taking to the airwaves in search of information and answers to find out what
just happened.

NCSs, SIGCENs, and other seasoned AmRRON operators may not have any
more information than anyone else, but people will still be looking to each of
them as an “AmRRON Leader,” not only with answers, but with guidance to
tell them what to do next.

An Initial Event Summary (IES) will help maintain calm and give reassurance
that someone is there and aware, and efforts to gather and disseminate
information are already under way. These higher tier AmRRON operators will
be a reassuring presence that will instill confidence in others that the
network is alive and well and there for them. Net Control Stations (and
higher) should update their IESs as radio operators report in with their
STATREPs and SITREPs, and otherwise as additional information becomes
available.

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 6.2.2 AIB (AmRRON Intelligence Brief)

The AIB is a way to distribute a brief synopsis or an aggregate report of

intelligence or news which could affect you. These can be a simple bulleted
list of intelligence highlights, or a short description of updates, and in any
case they are designed to help you keep situational awareness during an
event when the situation is continually changing.

During non-operational times, the AIB is distributed each Monday from

AmRRON National, and may only be distributed by radio or courier.

Follow the link below to learn more about the AIB as it is used during non-
operational times.

NOTE: The AmRRON Intelligence Brief white paper is from 2019. The
current transmission days are each Monday.

https://amrron.com/2019/06/06/aib-amrron-intelligence-brief-white-paper-07-mar-2019/

6.2.3 EXSUM (Executive Summary)

The Executive Summary is a detailed, comprehensive report of events and

may be sent out daily or weekly, or as the situation requires. SIGCENs
(Regional and National) should be producing EXSUMs on a routine basis for
distribution to the network, or to served entities (leadership, local
government officials, community leaders, or others tasked with making
decisions related to logistics, emergency response, security issues, etc.).
The EXSUM is normally produced by the information/intelligence element of a
SIGCEN or organization, known as the ACE (Analysis and Control Element).
In the military this element is known as S2 or G2.

6.2.4 PSA (Public Service Announcement)

PSAs are short announcements and/or instructions to the public in an affected

disaster area. These announcements normally address a specific need or
hazard. PSAs give guidance related to the public’s safety and well being.
Examples may be updated evacuation routes, emergency shelter information,
medical services, or aid and relief services, etc.
6.2.5 Other
Occasionally traffic may need to be disseminated to a community at the
request of leaders within that community. It could be news reports,
announcements, requests for support, etc., which may not fall neatly into
other AmRRON-formatted distributed radio net traffic.

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 6.3 STATION TRAFFIC (Reports and Forms)
Traffic which EVERY operator should be familiar with developing and sending
- STATREP - 9 Line MEDEVAC Request
- SITREP - ICS Forms (most common)
- SPOTREP

6.3.1 STATREP
What is a Status Report?

It is a snapshot report -- a ‘pulse check’ -- to inform others of the conditions at a

specific location (either at the reporting station’s location, or on behalf of another
location). The STATREP helps everyone understand the size, scope, and effects of
a disruptive event.

The STATREP (status report) pertains to your location, as much as you are able to
directly observe or experience (or ascertain and confirm though others among your
local contacts).

This report (which is a modified version of the Army MARS County Status Report
format) covers the status of a number of important public services in the specified
area. It uses a standardized system to report status ensuring consistency in
reporting. Data used in the report can come from personal observation or from
personal observations collected by other MARS members, amateur radio operators
in ARES or RACES groups, or knowledgeable individuals.

This general guide has been modified to fit the customized AmRRON STATREP.
After corroboration among AmRRON Corps, the following changes have been made:

1. Addition of line numbers to facilitate line item Voice or Text reporting when the
custom html form cannot be used.

2. The addition of the Modified Mercalli Scale for reporting damage or effects felt
from earthquake or major explosion.

3. Radiological Reporting for operators with radiation detection equipment, when

applicable.

4. City/County/State. Often times a station operator may not know what grid
square he is in, especially if he has been forced to relocate, or is deployed to an
unfamiliar area. However, he almost always knows what city (and possibly county)
and state he is near/in.

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 WHEN, WHY, HOW, and HOW OFTEN?

1. Send a STATREP (when):

a) Operational:

i. When the AmRRON network is activated in response to an expected,

imminent, or ongoing event.

ii. Initiated by each operator at the onset of an unexpected disruptive

event.

b) On request: by Net Control, or other parties.

c) Persistent Presence Nets: Even when not operational, it is a good

practice for you and others to send a daily STATREP, and is strongly
encouraged. Forward after changing bands.

2. Why send a STATREP?

a) As a pulse check to let others know you are on the air, as well as the
conditions at your location (or the conditions at another location you may be
reporting on behalf of).

b) To alert others to trends, patterns, and conditions for his/her overall

situational awareness.

3. HOW to send a STATREP:

There are several ways. Here they are in order of preference:

a) Commstat (preferred and primary method) for those with Commstat.

i. STATREP Submit feature to send a new/updated report, or;

ii. *Forwarding feature, to transmit an existing STATREP

b) FLMSG custom AmRRON STATREP Version 5 form (alternative).

c) Plain text format (contingency method) for stations who do not have
Commstat or FLMSG custom AmRRON forms, or who are reporting over
voice, text, CW, or other methods.

4. HOW OFTEN?

a) At the onset of an event or activation.

b) When updating a STATREP due to changed conditions

c) When changing bands (Commstat forwarding feature is ideally suited), such

as during the Persistent Presence Net throughout the day.

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 *Commstat Forwarding: From the ‘Menu’ tab, select the ‘STATREP ACK’ from
the dropdown menu. Then click on the STATREP you wish to forward, and then click
the button labeled ‘Forward Selected StatRep’.

NOTE: The flmsg Custom AmRRON form and the Commstat form lines 6 through
18 are the same. Line 6 in the flmsg Custom form reads ‘Map Pin’, but is the same
as the ‘Status’ field in the Commstat form. The color (G-Y-R) in this field should
reflect the most degraded category condition in fields 7 through 17.

"When Everything Else Fails. Amateur Radio often times is

our last line of defense...When you need amateur radio, you
really need them."

T h e H on. W . C raigF ugate

Administrator, US Department of Homeland Security, FEMA

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 6.3.1a STATREP (Commstat)

Commstat STATREP

Instructions and descriptions of each field are contained below the

STATREP form in the Commstat application.

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 6.3.1b STATREP (FLMSG)

FLMSG AmRRON Custom Form

Instructions and descriptions of each field are contained below the

STATREP form when opened for editing in FLMSG.

For more information on downloading, installing, and using AmRRON Custom

html forms in FLMSG, go to: https://amrron.com/downloading-custom-forms/

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 6.3.1c Simple Text Version of STATREP

(Follows the same line/field formatting as Commstat V4 form)

Text version: If you do not have FLMSG, the AmRRON Custom forms, or if
you do not have Commstat but are able to send text over radio (for example,
in FLDIGI or Winlink email), a STATREP may be sent in plain text.

However, the abbreviated STATREP is much more suitable for such situations
as voice, CW, or texting modes in general (See Section 6.3.2d Abbreviated
Text STATREP).

1. a: To:
b. From:

2. Message Priority:

3. StatRep ID: Last 3 of your FCC and a sequential number. If it is your first
STATREP, then add a dash -1. If you send subsequent updates to your STATREP,
they would follow with -2, -3, and so on.

4. State: 2 digits

5. Grid: Maiden Head grid (4-6 digits)

6. Status: The overall general status of the location/party being reported. This
line should reflect the most degraded category of your STATREP.

G (Green) = Good. Y (Yellow) = Moderate. R (Red) = Hazardous

7. Commercial Power: Select “Green,” “Yellow,” , “Red” or “Unknown” to reflect

status electrical grid in the location/party you are reporting.

8. Public Water: Select “Green,” “Yellow,” , “Red” or “Unknown” to describe

status of public water utilities.

9. Medical: Select “Green,” “Yellow,” , “Red” or “Unknown” to describe

availability of medical support. Doctors, hospitals, clinics, etc.

10. Over Air [conventional] Comms: Select “Green,” “Yellow,” , “Red” or

“Unknown”to describe availability of public communications such as Cellphone,
TV and radio.

11. Travel Conditions: Select “Green,” “Yellow,” , “Red” or “Unknown” to describe

ability for road travel and transport of goods at reported location.

12. Internet: Select “Green,” “Yellow,” , “Red” or “Unknown” to describe

availability of internet service at reported location.
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 13. Fuel: Select “Green,” “Yellow,” , “Red” or “Unknown”to describe the availability
of fuel (gasoline, diesel, propane, etc) in the reported area..

14. Food Availability: Select “Green,” “Yellow,” , “Red” or “Unknown” to describe

the availability of food at the reported location.

15. Criminal Activity: Select “Green,” “Yellow,” , “Red” or “Unknown” to describe

the level of criminal activity in the reported location.

16. Civil: Select “Green,” “Yellow,” , “Red” or “Unknown” to describe the mindset
and actions of the general population at the reported location.

17. Political: Select “Green,” “Yellow,” , “Red” or “Unknown” to describe the

mindset and actions of politicians/bureaucracies/etc. at the reported location.

18. Brief Comments: This is not a SITREP. Lengthy narratives are not used in
STATREPs. Keep it as short as possible. Example: “Boil water order in effect”

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 6.3.1d Abbreviated Text STATREP:

This may be used when you do not have the Custom FLMSG form, or; if
you’re using JS8Call and do not have Commstat, or; if Net Control specifically
requests abbreviated plain text versions of STATREPs.

May also be used when you must keep your messages as short as possible to
conserve power, or for other reasons. It is ideal for use with JS8Call and plain
text using fldigi modes such as Contestia 4/250, MFSK, etc.

A) IF ALL CATEGORIES ARE ‘GREEN’ (Good to go and no disruptions or

issues), send call sign, state, 4-digit grid, and ‘G’ (green) indicating
overall status. It is assumed that all other categories are green.

For example, your if your call sign was W1XYZ, located in Indiana,
and all is good:

W1XYZ IN EM77 G

B) If you are reporting disruptions in some (but not all) categories,

indicate field numbers that are Y (yellow) or R (red). All categories not
listed are assumed to be ‘Green’ or Unknown.

W1XYZ IN EM77 Y 7R 10Y 12R

From the example above, you’ve listed your call sign, state (Indiana), your
four digit grid square, and your overall condition is Y (yellow), Commercial
Power (field 7) is red (complete disruption); Over-Air Comms (field 10) is
yellow -- Example: no cell but commercial radio working; and internet (field
12) is red (complete disruption).

In cases with partial disruptions, you may add a brief comment.

For example: “No Cell.”

Over digital/text modes:

W1XYZ IN EM77 Y 7R 10Y 12R NO CELL

Over Voice/Phone:

“This is Whiskey One X-ray, Yankee, Zulu. My abbreviated STATREP is as follows...”

“Indiana. Echo Mike Seven Seven. Yankee. Seven Romeo. One Zero Yankee. One Two
Romeo. No Cell. over.”

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 Section 6.3.2 SITREP

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 6.3.2-0 Modified Mercalli Scale (Earthquake or Explosion Effects
Reporting)

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 Section 6.3.3 SPOTREP (Spot Report/SALUTE Report)

SPOT REPORT
S -ize Who
A -ctivity What
L -ocation Where
U -nit When
T -ime
(SALUTE & 5 W’s) E -quipment
Why
How
(How many)

The Spot Report is a guide to assist with reporting hostile/enemy forces or threatening
activity that you have observed. Designed as a tool to aid soldiers in reporting
observed enemy activity in the military, this has been adapted to report criminal
activity, invading military forces, etc. This is a combination of two reporting formats
(SALUTE & 5W’s). Fill everything out as soon and as accurately as possible.

S Size (Platoon? Battalion? #Vehicles #Persons)

A Activity (Convoy, Checkpoint, Patrol, Cordon, Training, Interrogation,

Relocating/evacuating Citizens, Etc)

L Location (GPS/Grid Coord, address, road name/#, Direction, proximity to

landmarks, nearest town, etc.)

U Unit (Domestic/Foreign, Police, Military, branch, guard/reserve, Unit Designation, civ

supt, volunteer, etc.)

T Time & Duration (Time/Date Group: YYYYMMDD-HHMM (L-local or Z-zulu)

E Equipment Weapons, equip, supplies, vehicles, armor, etc.

AFP-100 REV 20141114

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 Who are you (Code name)? Did you witness this yourself? Who did? Is this
person credible/reliable?
Who Who did you speak with? Who told you this? Did you get his/her contact
information?
What happened? What did you see? What did you hear? What did they say to
What you? What was the end result? (CREATE A TIMELINE, in Chronological
Sequence)
Same as ‘L’ (Location) in the SALUTE report. Where did this happen/is this
Where located? What direction? Location of first and last observation?
When Same as ‘T’ (Time) in the SALUTE report. Time/Date and duration.
Explanation given for activity (yours & theirs), if any. Why were you there and
Why why did you have access to this event/information? (Passerby, Observed,
participated, solicited, coerced, detained, etc.)

How/ How do you know? How did they treat you? How did you react? How were
How they carrying out this activity?
Many How many people, trucks, tents, crates, trailers, antennas, backpacks, etc.

DOCUMENTATION: Photos, Sketches, Maps, Copies of Documents, Videos,

Audio Interviews or Interview Transcripts/Notes. Each piece of
documentation should be accompanied by a description with basic
5W’s/How (or SALUTE) information. Who provided the documentation?
<INCLUDE AND/OR ATTACH DOCUMENTATION>

NARRATIVE:

If it won’t all fit here, create and use additional pages. When possible, we prefer to
receive reports signed with a PGP signature (See Section 10.5 ‘Authentication’).
AFP-100 REV 20141114
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 6.3.4 9 Line MEDEVAC Request

Line 1. Location of the pickup site

Line 2. Radio Frequency, call sign, and suffix
Line 3. Number of patience by precedence
A. Urgent
B. Urgent Surgical
C. Priority
D. Routine
E. Convenience
Line 4. Special equipment required:
A. None
B. Hoist
C. Extraction equipment
D. Ventilator
Line 5. A. Litter
B. Ambulatory
Line 6. *Security at pickup site
N – No enemy troops in area
P – Possible enemy troops in area (approach w/ caution)
E – Enemy troops in area (approach w/ caution)
X – Enemy troops in area (armed escort required)
* In peacetime - number and types of wounds, injuries, and illnesses

Line 7. Method of marking pickup site:

A. Panels
B. Pyrotechnic signal
C. Smoke signal
D. None

Line 8. Patient nationality and status:

A - US Military
B - US Civilian
C - Non-US Military
D - Non-US Civilian
E - EPW

Line 9. NBC Contamination

N - Nuclear
B - Biological
C - Chemical
* In peacetime - terrain description of pick-up site

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 6.3.5 ICS FORMS
The FEMA Incident Command System (ICS), which falls under the National
Incident Management System (NIMS), uses several preformatted forms.
ICS forms are not intended to be used for normal AmRRON communications,
between AmRRON operators. ICS forms are intended to be used by AmRRON
radio operators who are working with others who do use them. For example,
when sending messages to ARES radio operators supporting their local
county EOC during an activation.

AmRRON has worked with local, county, and state emergency radio
operators in previous real-world disasters. It is very possible that in future
disasters or events, interoperability will be necessary between radio
operators from different groups/agencies/entities.

After consulting with AmRRON operators who work with state and/or county
Emergency Operations Centers, three forms have been identified as the most
useful for AmRRON operators to be familiar with, and prepared to use.

These are:
● ICS Form 213, General Message
● ICS Form 213RR, Resource Request Message
● ICS Form 214, Activity Log

ICS 213 is the most commonly used form used in the Incident Command
System, and is included in this SOI (see next page).

ICS 213 and ICS 214 are included in your FLMSG list of forms under
Forms>ICS.

As of the date of this SOI, ICS 213RR is not in FLMSG, but it (and all ICS forms)
can be downloaded in PDF format at:

https://training.fema.gov/icsresource/icsforms.aspx

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 6.4.3.1 ICS 213

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 6.4 FORMS
Established forms. These are forms that can and should be used by all operators
when they have information to pass about details during a disaster. Located under
the Forms tab at AmRRON.com, and in the AmRRON S.O.I.

Document ID# Name

6.4.1 AFP-75 Communications Log
6.4.2 AFP-76 Net Control Station Log
AFP-78 COMINT Intercept Worksheet

Go to AmRRON.com for the Monitoring Intercept Form (AFP-77)

Access the Forms Directory online at: http://www.amrron.com/amrron-forms/

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 6.4.1 Communications Log
Date: Call Sign/Station ID: Page____ of _____
Time Period - From: To:
Location:

Time Call Sign Freq./ Mode Message/Notes

Chan.

AFP-75 Rev 201412010001 Print Multiple Copies

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6.4.2 Net Control Station (NCS) Log

NCS Call Sign:______________

Date(Zulu): Band: Mode: Freq:
NWOTW (Net Word Of The Week):
NCS Location: Net Time (Local): Net Time (Zulu) :

Call City or Check In

Time Sign Name State County Dir Rel Relayed by
(optional)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

AFP-76 Rev 201412010001 Print Multiple Copies

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 SECTION 7:
AmRRON TTPs and OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE
(Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures)
● File Naming (A logical procedure for managing traffic files)
● Message Precedence (Prioritizing Traffic)
● Message Handling Instructions
● AmRRON Tier Structure (Understanding the Duties and Roles)
● Conduct Before and During Nets
● Net Ops - Minimizing Interference
● QSY (changing frequency) Procedures
● On-Line Net Check Ins
● Conducting Nets:
■ CH3 Net Scripts
■ 2M Net Script
◆ Amateur Radio to CH3 Communications

Th e radio operatorwith aguerril l

agroupcame inforh issh are ofdifficul tiestoo. F irstofal l,
h e usual l
yarriv ed ath isdestinationbyparach ute. O ftenh isequipmentwasdamaged inth e
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itand avoid capture. Sometimesh e nev ergotonth e airatal l
, and h e and h isteammateswoul d
be th e subjectofmel anch ol
yspecul ationonth e partofh iscomradesath eadquartersuntilsome
word trickl ed backasto wh ath ad h appened to th em. Th e radio manwasexpected to do h is
sh are ofth e figh tingwh enth e situationdemanded it; and injured orsick, h e wassupposed to
keepath isradio asl ongash e wasstrongenough to operate it.

CIA Library - Agent Radio Operation During World War II

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 7.1 File Naming Protocol
When digitally saving files, the following file-naming convention will be used for all
traffic generated by AmRRON station operators. This aids in quick visual
identification of key aspects of the traffic, and provides a standardized, organized
format for storing, searching, and retrieving files in folders.

F il
e namingconventionwil
lbe formatted asfol
lows( usingfictitioussampl
e cal
lsign‘W 1 X Y Z ’ ) :

CALL-ST-RR-YYMMDD-HHMMZ-TrafficType-##.k2s

U singth e above image asaguide, th e fil

e namingformatmay be entered manual
ly.

O R … ( h igh l
y recom m ended) youcanconfigure F L M SG to auto- generate th e firstportionof
th e fil
e formatuponsaving, aftersome minoredits.

F L M SG SET U P :

ectP ersonalfrom th e C onfigdropdownmenu

Sel

1 . O penF L M SG , and sel

ectth e ‘C onfig’ tab

2 . Inth e C al
lfiel
d enteryourcal lsign( optional
ly,
youmay putth e l astth ree – suffix– ofyourcal l
sign.

W 1 X Y Z orX Y Z

3 . N ext, add aseparating‘dash ’ ( - ) and th enth e

two- letterabbreviationforyourST A T E.

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 ectth e Date/ T im e tab, and sel
4 . Sel ectth e
formatsh owninth e image to th e righ t.

5 . Inth e F il
estab, sel
ectth e ‘C al
lsign’
box, and ensure th e Date- time issetto
‘U T C time, Z ’

Serial# : Itisal so recommended to select( C H EC K ) th e Serial# box. A lth ough th isaddsa

sequentialnumberatth e end ofth e file name, makingth e fil e name sligh tl
yl onger, itis
extremel y usefulwh endirectingoth erstoward aspecificmessage. T h issequentialnumberis
generated by F L M SG each time yougenerate and save asubsequentF L M SG form ( inth e
exampl e below, ‘- 4 3 ’ )

6 . T h enExitoutofth e C onfigwindow.

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 NAMING THE FILE BEFORE SAVING A NEW REPORT

EX A M P L E:

B el ow isademonstrationofnamingaSIT R EP fil
e usingth e A mR R O N C ustom SIT R EP form in
F L M SG .

W h enyousel
ect‘Save as’ from th e ‘F il
e’ tabdropdownmenu, yourfil
e name wil
lappearas:

e: W 1 XYZ-VA-20230928-164513Z-43.k2s
Sam pl

R eady for m inor edits! M ake th e fol

lowingch angespriorto savingth e fil
e.

1. Insertth e precedence l
evelafterth e state ( inth isexampl
e, let’ suse ‘R outine’
precedence)
2. R emove secondsfrom th e Z ulutime ( th e l asttwo numbers)
3. R emove th e ‘2 0 ’ from th e beginningofth e year( we al
lknow we’ re inth e 2 0 0 0 ’ s)

N ow yourfil
e name sh oul
d appearinth e fol
lowingformat:

W1XYZ-VA-RR-230928-1645Z-SIT-43.k2s

- or -

XYZ-VA-RR-230928-1645Z-SIT-43.k2s

4. C l
ick ‘Save’

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 esoffil
Exam pl e namingmigh tread as:

W1XYZ-VA-RR-230928-1645Z-SIT.k2s (SITUATION REPORT)

W1XYZ-VA-RR-230928-1645Z-STAT.k2s (STATUS REPORT)

W1XYZ-VA-RR-230928-1645Z-SPOT.k2s (SPOT Report)

Blank forms can be used for a wide variety of message traffic, such as Welfare traffic, AmRRON
Intelligence Briefs, Initial Event Summaries, etc.

W1XYZ-VA-RR-230928-1645Z-WEL.k2s (Welfare Traffic)

W1XYZ-VA-RR-230928-1645Z-IES.k2s (Initial Event Summary)

Traffic may be generated at one of the SIGCENs (Signals Centers), which can have multiple
radio operators handling traffic on behalf of the SIGCEN. A SIGCEN radio operator may insert
‘NATL’ or ‘EAST’ in place of the FCC call sign to indicate the National SIGCEN or the Eastern
SIGCEN in the file name, as is shown in the EXSUM file name. Examples below:

NATL-RR-230928-1645Z-EXSUM.k2s (Executive Summary from National SIGCEN)

EAST-RR-230928-1645Z-EXSUM.k2s (Executive Summary from Eastern SIGCEN)

NATL-RR-230928-1645Z-AIB.k2s (AmRRON Intelligence Brief)

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 7.2 Message Precedence
The following guidance is adapted from NATO and the CCEB message precedence
guidelines. The precedence level determines the handling time, and is determined
by the type of message/traffic being handled.

Precedence Maximum In-Station Handling Time

ROUTINE (R) By beginning of next business day
PRIORITY (P) Not to exceed 3 hours
IMMEDIATE (O) Not to exceed 30 minutes
FLASH (Z) Not to exceed 10 minutes
Precedence of traffic remains valid and active until expiration date/time
listed in the traffic, or until it is certain that the traffic has reached the
intended destination party.

Relevancy and competing precedence traffic:

Traffic relevant to a region or area marked with the same precedence

level as traffic from another region or area, (or otherwise not directly
relevant), will be handled first, regardless of order received.

ROUTINE (R): Handled as soon as traffic flow allows, but no later than the
beginning of the next duty day.

Non-Emergency information, Health/Welfare, Administrative, etc.

Used for all types of message traffic justifying transmission by rapid

means, but not of sufficient urgency to require higher precedence.
ROUTINE precedence messages are delivered in the order received and
after all messages of higher precedence. Examples include any
message that requires the documentation of its transmission or
delivery; messages concerning normal operations, programs, or
projects; and periodic or consolidated reports.

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 PRIORITY (P): In-station handling time not to exceed 3 hours

Non-Emergency but very important and/or time sensitive.

Reserved for all traffic requiring expeditious action by the addressee or

for conducting operations in progress when ROUTINE precedence will
not suffice. PRIORITY precedence messages are processed, transmitted,
and delivered in the order received and ahead of all messages of
ROUTINE precedence. Examples include requests for supplies or
equipment during the conduct of an operation, time-critical items
requiring quick response, and [non-ordinary or unique] situation
reports. They are to be handled as quickly as possible, with in-station
handling time not to exceed 3 hours.

IMMEDIATE (O): In station handling time not to exceed 30 minutes

(you say “emergency traffic” when talking to non AmRRON hams)

Danger of loss of life or limb is occurring or is Imminent.

Requires immediate delivery. Examples include reports of widespread

civil disturbance, reports or warning of grave natural disaster, and
requests for or directions concerning search and rescue operations.
IMMEDIATE messages are processed, transmitted, and delivered in the
order received and ahead of all messages of lower precedence. They
are to be handled as quickly as possible, with in-station handling time
not to exceed 30 minutes. Messages of lower precedence should be
interrupted on all circuits involved until the handling of the IMMEDIATE
message is completed. The use of the letter "O" comes from the
original name for this level, "operational immediate".

FLASH (Z): In station handling time not to exceed 10 minutes

Extreme national security or other tactical or strategic threat.

Reserved for initial enemy contact messages or operational combat
messages of extreme urgency. Brevity is mandatory. FLASH messages
are to be handled as fast as humanly possible, ahead of all other
messages, with in-station handling time not to exceed 10 minutes.
Messages of lower precedence are interrupted on all circuits involved
until the handling of the FLASH message is completed.

Must be handled without any delay.

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 7.3 Message Handling Instructions (HX):

Handling instructions (HX) are less used but quite useful in handling
messages. They serve to convey any special instructions to handling
and delivering operators. This "prosign," when used, is inserted in the
message preamble between the precedence and the station of origin.
Its use is optional with the originating stations, but once inserted is
mandatory with all relaying stations.

The following definitions apply:

HXA --(Followed by number) Collect landline delivery authorized

by addressee within X miles. (If no number, authorization is unlimited.)

HXB --(Followed by number) Cancel message if not delivered

within X hours of filing time; service originating station.

HXC --Report date and time of delivery (TOD) to originating

station.

HXD --Report to originating station the identity of station from

which received, plus date and time. Report identity of station to which
relayed, plus date and time, or if delivered report date, time and
method of delivery.

HXE --Delivering station get reply from addressee, originate

message back.

HXF --(Followed by number.) Hold delivery until...(specific date).

HXG --Delivery by mail or landline toll call not required. If toll or

other expense involved, cancel message and service originating
station.

Example: NR 207 R HXA50 W4MLE 12...(etc.).

If more than one HX prosign is used, they can be combined if no

numbers are to be inserted, otherwise the HX should be repeated thus:
NR 207 R HXAC

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 7.4 AmRRON Tier Structure
Statement of Purpose: To outline the general structure,
including roles and duties, of AmRRON operations during
training and real-world disaster communications events.

During an event, whether real or training, the following is an

explanation of AmRRON radio procedures which includes all
levels of experience.

Tier 1 - Non-licensed CH3

The non licensed radio operator is referred to as a Tier 1 – CH3 operator using
MURS, CB, and/or FRS on channel 3.

Duties: You are the very localized operator with a vital role in
supplying the street level information to be passed up the chain for the
leadership.

You should try to cultivate and maintain an active relationship with

other tier 1 and 2 operators, as they will relay important info to you as
well. Learning how to use a scanner and a shortwave radio with SSB
capabilities will further keep you in the know.

Tier 2 – Licensed Amateur Radio Technician

Local VHF/UHF operator with CH3 capabilities as well. A scanner and

shortwave radio are a huge plus here. Communicates with tier 1 and 2 and 3
operators.

Duties: Realize the importance of your role as “boots on the ground”

collecting and exchanging information on a local level is crucial to our
mission.

Cultivate and maintain relationships with tier 1 and 3 operators.

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 Tier 3 – HF Operator

Must be able to send information in brief but concise format between

themselves, NCS’s and back to the Technician. HF/VHF/UHF required.
Communicates with tier 2 and 4 operators.

Duties: Act as a liaison between the tier 2 and 4 operators

Exchange information between tier 2 operators keeping them in the

loop.

Pass important message traffic to a NCS using the band and mode
described in the SOI.

Whenever possible use digital modes with the AmRRON Custom forms
for message traffic. Also read and understand the white paper
explaining “file naming”

If you have NCS experience then step up to the plate when needed.
And remember our goal is to pass critical message traffic, please be
mindful of others that may need your help with passing traffic. Also
please closely follow the directions of a NCS.

NOTE: Tiers 4, 5, and 6 are volunteer AmRRON Corps operators who have
previously coordinated with AmRRON National to fill the positions of NCS, Backbone,
and SIGCEN using the designation N, B and S after their call sign.

Tier 4 – NCS

HF operator with experience in being a Net Control Station. Must be able to

administer order in the midst of chaos. Digital radio experience is a must in
FLDIGI, FLMSG, and FLAMP. Communicates with tier 3, 5 and 6 operators.
You have big shoes to fill here!

Duties: Must take charge and direct the flow of traffic using whatever
mode is the fastest and most accurate.

Ensures that traffic is passed to other (liaison stations) tier 4, 5 and 6

operators based upon priority and need.

Also needs to keep the tier 3 operators informed of the next window of
operation and process EXSUMS as they are issued. It is not your job to
reassemble message traffic into K2s forms. You have enough to do
already.

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 Tier 5 – Traffic Support and Coordination Stations

HF Operators which operate on a persistent basis and maintain a strong

signal presence. Proficient in all digital modes in use by AmRRON, Tier 5
stations assist with moving message traffic to other regions, or to
destinations within the same region.

Duties: Support NCSs by ensuring that wide distribution traffic is

available to NCSs for their nets. Accept message traffic from NCSs
during nets, or traffic from any station which needs to be relayed to a
Tier 6 (SIGCEN) station. Also, if available, may assist with relaying
traffic from Tier 3 or 4 station operators if no other station is available
when there is not a scheduled net taking place. Assist in relaying
directed message traffic intended for a specific destination.

● Authenticates traffic to ensure official traffic being passed is genuine

● Has an acute understanding of the bands and modes best suited for
the situation, and a working knowledge of the “Gray Line.”

● Can repackage message traffic into FLMSG/FLAMP files if needed.

● Awareness of message traffic from Tier 3, 4, 5, and 6 operators.

Tier 6 – SIGCEN (Signals Center)

There are two permanent SIGCENS:

● SIGCEN National (West)

● SIGCEN Eastern. (East)

Additional SIGCENs may be staffed as needed in support of specific operations, or

as other unique conditions may require.

The Signals Center consists of multiple operators (three or more) operating together,
either at a single location or virtually in close proximity, in support of AmRRON
operations. The SIGCEN operators receive message traffic and reports and
distribute official AmRRON traffic. Additionally, SIGCENs may provide
communications support to a command and control staff in unique disaster or civil
defense situations.

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 SIGCEN Duties: Have a system and the equipment to maintain awareness of all
critical information.

Able to receive, analyze, and prioritize the information and produce aggregated,
summarized reports for distribution.

Higher Echelons: Support served agencies or civic, community, or emergency

response leadership, to help them coordinate logistics and planning and make
critical decisions, and:

Lower Echelons: Distribution of information to Net Control Station (NCS) operators

and the general audience of the network, consisting of compiled Initial Event
Summaries, Executive Summaries, SITREPs, and Public Information Announcements,
to keep all participants in the network informed.

Maintains a persistent on-air presence, especially during a crisis or emergency.

Work closely with tier 4, 5, and 6 operators, maintaining net schedules and ensuring
coverage of scheduled nets.

Sample of interaction across tiers

Tier 1 operators are sharing messages with each other and

one of them passes a message to a Tier 2 operator.

The Tier 2 operator makes a contact with a local Tier 3 HF

operator, and shares that very same message.

The Tier 3 HF operator then repackages the information into a

digital message format and uses the SOI to share that
message with others in a larger geographic region, if relevant,
or possibly even nationally by coordination with a NCS.

The Tier 4 NCS ensures that the message is sent to its

required destination by soliciting help from Tier 5 stations, or
any other station able to relay.

The Tier 5 Traffic Support/Coordination station is a persistent

presence radio station that is in place to ensure a nationwide
network and act as a repository for digital message traffic and
reports.

Once the message gets to a Tier 6 SIGCEN it is then

prioritized and compared with other messages and reports to
determine its relation to ongoing events and trends. Tier 6
SIGCEN will then develop reports (such as an EXSUM) to
distribute widely across the network.
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 7.5 Conduct Before and During Nets

1. What is expected of EVERY radio operator during operational nets:

a) STEP 1. Fill out an initial STATREP and an Abbreviated STATREP and keep
them updated.

b) Refer to the net schedule and participate in all the nets you are able to

c) Follow ALL INSTRUCTIONS of NCS during the nets. Scheduled nets are
DIRECTED NETS. If NCS asks for assistance or relays be ready to assist.

d) Unless you have emergency/Immediate traffic, do not check in to a net until

NCS asks for check-ins. During voice nets, when NCS asks for check-ins, you
check in with your call sign, phonetically, and wait for him to acknowledge
you.

e) If you do not have traffic, then be silent and listen. If you want to conduct a
radio check, be sure that others with traffic have finished with their business.

f) One of the very first things NCSs will do is ask for stations to report their
initial STATREPS. You should always have this and any other traffic ready to
go PRIOR to a net. If there is a high volume of traffic, NCS may ask for
abbreviated STATREPS, and may request them in a different digital mode,
such as JS8Call or FSQ4.5.

g) Have all of your traffic prepared before the net.

h) Monitor the airwaves and learn the cause, size, scope, and effects of the
event, to stay informed and inform others.

i) Conduct local voice nets where you have established them, and if you can
conduct local (VHF/UHF) digital nets, that’s a huge bonus.

j) Don’t forget to monitor CH3 (CB, FRS, and MURS if possible) and pass on
announcements and news in your area.

k) During training exercises, ALWAYS announce the traffic as such at the

beginning and the end of your traffic, especially if it could cause alarm to
others monitoring who may be unaware of the training exercise:

“Exercise, Exercise, Exercise... The following SITREP is part of the [name of

exercise] emergency communications exercise...”

“This is only a training exercise, this is [callsign], out.”

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 7.6 Minimize Interference:
Guidance to minimize interference of net traffic being transmitted

“Every time I’m right in the middle of getting the AIB (or other traffic)
from the net, someone transmits in the blind trying to check in, and
obliterates half the incoming message, and they do it repeatedly!”

Intent of this guidance. Develop orderly net disciplines so traffic being sent is not
disrupted. This guidance is intended to resolve the following conditions:

A. Net Control often not establishing and/or maintaining working relationship

with an Assistant Net Control Station (ANCS), leading to;

B. Stations who are unable to hear NCS repeatedly transmitting “CQ CQ

AmRRON”, or repeatedly checking in, interfering with net traffic.

C. Frustrated station operators who are in the process of receiving traffic,

missing traffic due to stations transmitting in the blind, on top of net traffic.

D. NCSs unable to confirm receipt of traffic from distant station operators.

Recommended Procedures for net participants during controlled nets:

1. Follow all instructions of NCS and ANCS, precisely.

2. If you do not have Priority or higher traffic for the net,

do not transmit until:

a. You specifically hear/see from NCS or ANCS, clearly calling for

check-ins or traffic. If you’re not clearly instructed to transmit, you
don’t transmit, unless:

b. You are well into the established net schedule time and have heard
nothing, then suddenly see stations checking in, or apparently
communicating with NCS/ANCS, THEN:
- Put out your call sign, followed by “Need Relay” to request to be
relayed ONE TIME, and wait to be acknowledged, or;
- Transmit your call sign, followed by “[Precedence] Traffic” ONE TIME,
if you have traffic to pass, and wait to be acknowledged.
3. If you see/hear a station transmitting on top of NCS/ANCS, make a note of his
call sign so you can relay him in at the appropriate time. It is apparent he
cannot copy NCS or ANCS and will need to be relayed.

4. If you see/hear a station repeat his transmission on top of NCS/ANCS, do not

delay, tell the station:
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 a) “<call> de <yourcall>, Net is underway. Stand by.” That station has
already disrupted the net twice, so your message to him will hopefully stop
further interference.

b) If station interferes a third time, “<call> de <yourcall>, You are interfering

with the net. I will relay you in. Cease transmitting.”

c) Although you would likely also be disrupting traffic at that moment, all the
other operators will appreciate it nonetheless. Then ask NCS or ANCS to re-
transmit last traffic.

d) When receiving traffic, do not ask for fills or re-transmission until NCS asks
for it. Often NCS’s station will momentarily BK or ‘BT’ (Break Transmission),
and then resume. That break is not your chance to ask for the rest of the
message or request block fills, unless you have Emergency traffic.

5. If after the net you were not able to check in or receive traffic, no one
volunteered to relay you in, and it is evident you were not heard, THEN feel
free to call ‘CQ CQ AmRRON’, and request traffic. You will very likely be
heard by someone and may still get traffic relayed to you after the net has
officially closed.

6. SET AN ALARM. Set a recurring alarm to remind you to turn off beacons,
sounders, heartbeats, etc so your station doesn’t transmit during the AIB
transmission or during scheduled nets.

7. Do NOT manually transmit queries to groups (such as @amrron) on

JS8Call during scheduled nets or transmission times (such as the AIB
transmission). This includes SNRs (signal report requests), querying for
group messages, etc.

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 7.7 QSY Procedures

QSY GUIDANCE:
It may be necessary for a net to QSY (change frequencies or bands) due to
numerous factors, such as; interference on the primary frequency; degraded band
conditions for that particular band at that particular time; or for other reasons. This
is the NCS’s prerogative.

Non-Coordinated, for the individual radio operator who cannot find the net:

Net moved, but in the same band: If you do not hear any activity at the
scheduled net time/frequency, go up 3kHz, and then again 3kHz. Then 3kHz
below the scheduled frequency, and then down another 3kHz until you find
the net taking place.

Net moved to a different band: If you do not hear the net after doing a
+/- 3kHz search, then switch to a different band -- If on 80m, switch to 40m,
etc.

If still unable to locate net: Return to primary SOI frequency and monitor.
The NCS or ANCS may simply be delayed or prevented from operations due
to technical difficulties, equipment failures, security issues, or other factors.
Band conditions may also be a factor, such as extreme solar activity. You
may have a good path to one or two other stations, so stand by and be
patient. Those with NCS experience are encouraged to cover the net in place
of the scheduled NCS, if conditions permit.

Directed and Coordinated by NCS

Within the same band – NCS announces QSY is necessary, and ANCS
acknowledges. ANCS volunteers (or assigned) to find a clear frequency.

Go UP 3 to 6 kHz first. If nothing available or clear, then go DOWN 3 to 5

kHz from the original net frequency.

ANCS returns and reports, announcing the new frequency.

NCS acknowledges and announces QSY to xxx.

ANCS Acknowledges the NCS and relays the announcement. OTHERS

announce acknowledgment and then “QSY to xx.xx frequency (for the benefit
of others on the net).

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 QSY Procedures (cont...)

To a different band – Same as above, except ANCS goes to the alternate

band to check landing freq.

IF NO ANCS – NCS asks for a volunteer to scout a clear frequency, or the

other band.

If no volunteer – NCS announces intent to QSY. Tells all stations to stand

by as he scouts other frequencies, or alt band. “WAIT. OUT.”

NCS returns and announces, and other stations ACKNOWLEDGE QSY,

repeating the message and frequency.

If a QSY is necessary, the ANCS (or volunteer station) will stay behind for
approximately five minutes to direct late comers to the QSY freq/band, and
then join the net.

Malicious Interference:
If it is evident that the interference is intentional and malicious, the NCS and ANCS
should QSY the net. Depending on the circumstances, the NCS will determine
whether to QSY to a different place on the waterfall, or a separate frequency
outside of the current waterfall, or to an entirely different band.

The initial announcement should be done using Contestia 4/250, as it is highly

robust and one of the most likely modes to be received by other stations, even
through most QRM.

If malicious actors jamming/interfering: Use proprietary commands to alert others

of QSY (when to use, compared to open announcement).

To alert the net to a QSY, the NCS will transmit *“Open Filters” in Contestia 4/250.
The ANCS will immediately relay the same command, “Open Filters.”

Upon seeing “OPEN FILTERS” all stations go up 500Hz (or up 500 on the waterfall,
from 900 to 1400 on the wf. This allows NCS/ANCS to give commands uninterrupted.

If the interference prevents stations from seeing the “Open Filters” command, they
should see the signal up 500Hz and adjust to it. Operators should open their filters
if they see deliberate interference taking place precisely where the net is being
conducted. They should anticipate a QSY will be taking place.

*This Open Filters command tells stations running narrow filters to open
them up so they can see the message to follow at a different place on the
waterfall, and on JS8Call. Stations not running filters do not need to take any
action, other than to watch the waterfall and JS8Call for further instructions.
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 Within the same band:

NCS/ANCS Command

NCS: “Open Filters”

ANCS: “Open Filters”

This QSY announcement may be repeated on JS8Call (per NCS

judgment).

● Less likely that malicious station would be monitoring both fldigi and
JS8Call

● Highest probability of message being received by the largest number

of operators

NCS/ANCS Commands:

Minutes = first number of the new frequency’s kHz

Checkins = second set of numbers of the new frequency’s kHz

Days = Minutes (how many minutes until net resumes on new freq)

“Net is closed. 1 minute. 15 checkins.” ( = One Fifteen = .115)

“Net is closed. 5 minutes. 92 checkins.” ( = Five Ninety-two” = .592)

Sample command to QSY to 3.592 in 10 minutes:

“Net is closed in Five minutes. Ninety-two checkins. Next net ten days.”

Change bands:

“Net is closed. Forty Checkins” 2Xs

Operator Action: Change to 40m band, SOI frequency

“Net is closed. Eighty Checkins“ 2Xs

Operator Action: Change to 80m band, SOI frequency

Resume operations on new frequency at 900 waterfall unless directed

otherwise.

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 7.8 On-Line Check-in: Practice or Training Nets

1. Check in directly with Net Control

2. If you cannot check in directly, ask another station to relay you.
3. If you cannot check in at all, but you could hear other stations talking
during the net, you can still check in via the website.
Let us know you were there!
Click on the green‘Net Checkin’ button on the website, or...

Check in at: https://amrron.com/net-check-in-form/

(only if you could not check in over radio)

7.9 Net Scripts

(What to say while starting/running a local CH3 net)

KEEP IT SIMPLE! …JUST GET THE MESSAGE OUT!

EXAMPLES
- Turn to desired channel, and listen for 15 to 30 seconds. Don’t hear
anything?
- Make sure the frequency is clear and not already in use.
- Key the mic: “This is AmRRON <your call sign>, is this channel (or
frequency) in use?”

7.9.1 Super Simple CH3 Contact:

“AmRRON <call sign>, this is AmRRON <your call sign>, are there any
AmRRON operators on the air? Any AmRRON Operators wishing to
make contact, over”

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 7.9.2 CH3 Portion of 2m Ham Nets -- what to say
At the 15-minute mark during local nets, NCS should announce a break in the
net for all participants to reach out on Channel 3 of their non-licensed radios.
What to say? It’s easy!

“Attention, Attention ___________ (CB, FRS, MURS, etc.) Channel 3, this

is ___________________ (AmRRON call sign), conducting an emergency
communications practice net. This practice net takes place every
___________ at _____________ (should be :15 after the 2m net start).

“We’re currently conducting a local AmRRON 2m ham radio practice

net, and this is the portion of the net we take a few minutes to reach
out on the unlicensed bands to give non-hams in our community a
chance to practice using their radios, to make contact, and get the net
word of the week, which is being passed over regional and local nets
taking place across the country.

“The Net Word of the Week this week is __________________. I say again,
__________________. I spell (spell out the NWOTW phonetically).

“Is there anyone on this channel wishing to practice checking in? Call
now. Over.”

(Acknowledge each check-in and thank them for practicing.)

Let participants know you’ll be returning to the ongoing 2m ham radio

net to report the number of CH3 check-ins in your area. Before you
sign off, remind them that this net takes place at ___:15 every
_______________ and encourage them to mark their calendars and you
hope to see them then.

Return to the ongoing local 2m net and be prepared to report your CH3
contacts -- the number of contacts, and which band (CB, FRS, MURS,
other?)

As you gain experience, feel free to make adjustments to your script. You
can combine portions of other CH3 net scripts to fit your needs and situation.

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 7.9.3 CH3 ‘Quick Net’ Script:

Preamble:
“This is AmRRON <your call sign>, initiating the local _______
(CB/FRS/MURS) AmRRON emergency communications (*practice) net
on Channel 3. Is there anyone wishing to check in to the AmRRON
CH3 Net?”

- Wait 10 – 15 seconds for a response. If you hear a response, offer to check

them in to the net. Write down their call sign/code name so you can relay it
to a local 2m net control station, or maintain it for your own records if you are
not in contact with a 2m net.

If no response is heard:

Repeat the preamble (optional). Then:

“Nothing heard on my end. If you can hear me, but I’m unable to
hear you, this is __________________ (your AmRRON call sign), with the
local AmRRON CH3 Net on ______ (CB, FRS, MURS) channel three.
This is an emergency communications (*practice) Net. I have the
following message to pass.

The message is as follows, _______________________________ “(If this is a practice

net, relay the NWOTW – Net Word Of The Week). Otherwise, pass the information,
and then repeat it.

Close your net. “This is AmRRON <your call sign>. I have no further traffic
and will now close the net. AmRRON <your call sign>, OUT.”

*During non-emergency nets on the CH3 radios, always announce that this
as an emergency PRACTICE net.

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 7.9.4 Channel 3 Nets (FULL SCRIPT)
This is intended to provide general guidance and a basic script to aid in the use of
the Channel 3 project, within the AmRRON communications program.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good evening (morning/afternoon), this is _______________________ <your call

sign> with AmRRON, the American Redoubt Radio Operators Network, and
the CH3 project, conducting a (practice) communications net on __________
(CB/FRS/MURS) Channel 3.
Is there anyone wishing to check in to the AmRRON CH3 Net?”

<Pause and wait for approximately 10 –15 seconds>

- Take check-ins and give them the NWOTW (Net Word Of The Week) and/or
message traffic.
- If you hear no other stations coming back to you, then continue:

“Nothing heard. If anyone can hear me, but I am unable to hear you,
the Net Word Of The Week is ___________________ (repeat NWOTW and
then spell it phonetically).
Once again, this is ________________________ with the American Redoubt
Radio Operators Network conducting a practice net for emergency or
disaster preparedness purposes on ________________ (CB, FRS, MURS)
Channel 3.
Any stations wishing to check in, please come now.”

<Pause 10 –15 Seconds. Respond and take check-ins if there are any>

A) “This concludes this AmRRON CH3 emergency communications net.

This is __________, OUT.”

-Or-

B) This concludes this AmRRON CH3 emergency communications net. I

will be standing by for the next _____ minutes in case there are any
late-comers. This is _____________, OUT.

NOTE: This is a guideline for conducting PRACTICE CH3 nets. Modify it for
use in your area in a real-world emergency communications situation.

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 7.9.5 VHF/UHF (2m/70cm) Simplex Net Script

Note for Net Control: Refer to NCS Checklist

Five minutes prior to the net announce the following:

This is _______________ (phonetic call sign). The AmRRON ______________ (2m,

70cm, ch3) net will begin in 5 minutes. We would appreciate a clear
frequency at that time. ________________ (Phonetic call sign), Standing by.

Start ON TIME!

QST, QST, QST AmRRON,

This is _____________ (Call sign), __________________ (repeated phonetically).

My name is ________ in ______________ (location), Net Control for the
________________________ (see note 1) AmRRON net. AmRRON stands for the
American Redoubt Radio Operators Network. The purpose of this net is to
practice emergency communications and act as relays for the CH3 project.
You can learn more about AmRRON and the CH3 project by going to
www.AmRRON.com.
This is a directed net, so please stand by. This is Net Control Operator,
_________________ (call sign).

-Break-

This net meets on ___________________ of each month at __________ hrs.,

(local/Zulu) time, on this frequency of ___________MHz. (Make note of SSB,
Offsets, or PL tones, if applicable)

In each AmRRON practice net we provide a different net word of the week.
This helps us understand the effectiveness and the reach of these nets. In a
real-world emergency situation, instead of a net word of the week, it might
be some other public announcement or even life-saving information. This
helps us practice passing a specific piece of information across the network.

The Net Word Of The Week for this week is __________ - ____ , I say again, the
Net Word Of The Week is (phonetically) ___________-_____.

At this time I will take check-ins. Please report with your call sign, name,
general location, and confirm the Net Word Of The Week and the
authentication number. This is _______________, net control, check-ins come
now.
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 After all check-ins, ask if there is any traffic or announcements from any
station. Also, if you have any traffic or announcements, do that at this
time.

You may also announce that the net is open for any QSOs, but clear calls
by 15-min mark.

///// At the 15 minute mark /////

For guidance on reaching out on CH3, refer participating stations to

Section 7.8.2 CH3 Net Contact Guidance

This is ________________________, Net Control for the AmRRON Net. At this

time, all stations act as relays and make contacts on Channel 3 on FRS,
MURS, or CB, depending on your capabilities. Remember that some stations
may be monitoring and may not be able to respond or you may not be able
to copy them, so be sure to announce the Net Word Of The Week and the
Authentication Number. After you take CH3 Check-ins, report them to Net
Control, with the contact’s AmRRON Call Sign, general location, and the
band on which the contact was made.

This is __________________, At this time, are there any late stations wishing to
check in? Come now.

-Break-

If anyone can copy this net but you are NOT able to check in, you can click
the green ‘Net Checkin’ button on the website.

The Net Word Of The Week is _________________-_____. This is

_________________, Net Control, standing by.

///// 20 Minute mark /////

This is ________________________, Net Control for the AmRRON Net; Are there
any (other) CH3 Check-ins from any relay stations, or any other traffic,
before we close the net? Come now.

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 This is ________________________, Net Control for the AmRRON Net. I would
like to thank everyone for participating in the _________________________
AmRRON Net. If you’re new and would like to know more, don’t forget you
can always visit us at www.AmRRON.com.

We now return this repeater/frequency ______________MHz to normal use. 73,

everyone, and God bless. This is ____________________, net control, signing off.

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 SECTION 8 Radio Operations
OVERVIEW
This section covers some of the fundamentals of communications that are
relevant to AmRRON/TAPRN/CH3 operations. It is designed to bring the
beginner or novice communicator up to a basic level of understanding. This
will be helpful in determining capabilities and limitations, and to help identify
shortcomings and set goals for the communications operator or team.

8.1 Making a Radio Call

Experienced operators are very familiar with radio procedures. This section is for
the new communicator, especially as it pertains to AmRRON protocol. (Extremely
useful on CH3 frequencies)

Step 1. Check the SOI to make sure you are on the correct frequency at the
correct time
Step 2. Ensure your radio volume is turned up loud enough to hear other stations
(operators)
Step 3. Key the mic at least a half second before speaking, and wait a half second
before un-keying.
Hold the mic approximately 3 – 4 inches away from your mouth, and
slightly to the side, and speak PAST the mic, not directly in to it. This is
especially important on UHF/VHF radios.
Step 4. Making the call:
A) If you know the other station’s code name/call sign:
Always use the other station’s ID, and then your own
“AmRRON <other station’s call sign> this is AmRRON <your call
sign>, over”
… then wait 10 to 15 seconds … then say again…
Repeat this process a couple of times. If nothing is heard, then clear
your call:
“This is <your call sign>, nothing heard. Out” (or simply state your
call sign/code name)
B) If you are not a member of AmRRON, you can simply assign yourself a call
sign based on the initials of your name, phonetically: (If your name is John
Smith) “AmRRON, <other station’s call sign> this is AmRRON, “Juliet
Sierra, over”

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 C) If you are trying to make contact with ANY AmRRON Operator who will
respond:
Unknown party is referred to as “X-Ray”
“AmRRON X-Ray, this is AmRRON Juliet Sierra, over.”

If the responding party is actually an AmRRON member he/she should respond with
his AmRRON call sign/code name, replacing “AmRRON X-Ray” (unknown party) with
his own.

8.2 Communications Crash Course

Here, we’re specifically talking about radio communications. There are two
primary modes of communications – Voice and Digital. Voice is often referred
to in radio-speak as ‘Phone.’ Just so you’re not confused if you see that in
your research elsewhere. Voice is just that. You key the mic and talk. Your
voice goes out over the airwaves and is received by another radio. Simple.
The other mode is Digital. For simplification, we’ll include CW (Morse Code)
in the Digital category. Digital communications sounds like a modem,
making a screeching, warbling sound to the ear. That’s actually data being
passed – Much like talking vs. texting on your cell phone.

VOICE:
PROS: Instant communications, allowing for quick feedback allowing
for brief exchange of information in a short amount of time.
CONS: Uses much more bandwidth, requiring more power to transmit
and cannot travel as far as a digital message. Not secure. The bad guys
instantly know the information you just transmitted.

DIGITAL:
PROS: Narrow bandwidth, requiring much less transmitting power to
send a message farther than voice. Can often be received when voice
cannot due to distance, atmospheric conditions, etc. More secure than voice.
Bad guys need equipment, software, and skillsets to decode your traffic.
CONS: Slower and more cumbersome than voice. Requires additional
equipment (small laptop), software, and skillsets to operate. Requires
additional power and logistics to operate. Bad guys with the necessary
equipment and skills can receive your transmissions from farther distances.

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 More on Digital: There are several
Digital modes referenced in this SOI.
They can be selected from the
dropdown menu in your fldigi software
as the screenshots (right) show.

Important Notes:
- Make sure to set the proper audio
settings [configure] then
- [sound card] then [port audio] to match your computer Audio
- USB Soundcard, such as Signalink, provides best performance, but an
audio patch cable from radio’s headphone ‘out’ jack to computer works
well for simply receiving.

You do NOT need to be licensed to receive digital communications!

There are three Radio Waves we will be using for AmRRON:

HF (High Frequency)
3 – 30 MHz

VHF (Very High Frequency)

30 – 300 MHz

UHF (Ultra High Frequency)

300 – 3000 MHz (3 GHz)

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 Single Side Band (SSB)

There are two sides to the bandwidth of a signal:

USB (Upper Side Band)
LSB (Lower Side Band)

Using both sides of the band at once is called AM

(Amplitude Modulation)

SSB is used for transmitting both Voice and Digital,

mostly used in HF bands.
SSB allows your signal to ride along one side of the band,
requiring less power to push your signal farther. It
narrows (squeezes) the information traveling through the airwaves to one
side of the band, and this is why you can talk to someone in New Zealand
from central Montana on a 20m frequency. SSB is especially useful with
weak signals or poor band conditions, but can be used any time and is what
Ham operators almost always transmit on when using the HF bands.

As a minimum you must have a shortwave radio with Single Side Band
capabilities to be able to receive these transmitted signals.

8.3 Communications Gear (an Overview)

There are three basic types of radios:

1. Transceivers: Two-way communications – Transmit and Receive
- Ham Radios (aka. Ham ‘Rigs’), FRS, MURS, CB, cell phones, etc.
2. Transmitters: One way – OUT. Transmit only
- Dakota Alert, FM broadcast transmitters, motion sensors, personal
emergency beacon
3. Receivers: One way – IN. Receive only.
- Scanners, AM/FM radios, Shortwave radios, pagers, weather station
receivers, etc.

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 Additional Equipment: (don’t forget the antenna cable adapter for your handheld
radio!)
A) Antenna. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ANTENNA! Invest in this area by purchasing or
building, and:
- Mount outdoors and as high as possible for best performance
- Shortwave antennas should be as long as possible (up to 250’) strung outside
in horizontal loop, whenever possible/practical.
- Use Ferrite Chokes at antenna cable connection points when possible,
especially when using digital communications. This helps eliminate RF (radio
frequency) interference from electronics.
- Ground the antenna when possible/practical or applicable
B) Antenna Tuner: Enables the use of one long antenna for operating on multiple
bands. Used primarily for HF Transceivers.
C) Soundcard/Soundcard Interface: Such as Signalink brand soundcard. This is
necessary for your radio to work together with your computer when
sending/receiving digital communications.
D) Power Supply: Enables you to power 12v-13.8v DC equipment (such as Ham
radios) with 110v AC power source, such as a wall outlet (grid-up) or generator.
E) Inverter: Supplies 110v AC from 12v DC Deep Cycle RV (or auto)
battery/battery bank.
F) Computer: Such as small laptop, netbook, or Raspberry Pi. Necessary for
operating digital communications software, such as fldigi.

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 SECTION 9 Radio Communications References and
Resources

● Phonetic Alphabet (NATO/ITU)

● Signal Reports (RST system)
● General Overview of Various Radio Capabilities
● Zulu Time Conversion Chart
● Prowords
● Other Nets of Interest

Dipole Wire Antenna Formula

The most widely used formula to calculate the approximate overall length of
wire required for a dipole is:

468 / frequency (MHz) = length of wire in feet.

9.1 NATO/ITU Phonetic Alphabet

A ALFA J JULIET S SIERRA

B BRAVO K KILO T TANGO
C CHARLIE L LIMA U UNIFORM
D DELTA M MIKE V VICTOR
E ECHO N NOVEMBER W WHISKEY
F FOXTROT O OSCAR X X-RAY
G GOLF P PAPA Y YANKEE
H HOTEL Q QUEBEC Z ZULU
I INDIA R ROMEO

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 9.2 Signal Report (R-S-T System)

“Can I get an RST report please?” or “...a signal report please?”

READABILITY

1—Unreadable TONE (normally used only during CW)

2—Barely readable, occasional words

distinguishable.
1—Sixty Hz ac or less, very rough and
3—Readable with considerable difficulty.
broad.
4—Readable with practically no difficulty.
2—Very rough ac, very harsh and broad.
5—Perfectly readable.
3—Rough ac tone, rectified but not filtered.
SIGNAL STRENGTH
4—Rough note, some trace of filtering.
1—Faint signals, barely perceptible.
5—Filtered rectified ac but strongly ripple-
2—Very weak signals. Modulated.

3—Weak signals. 6—Filtered tone, definite trace of ripple

modulation.
4—Fair signals.
7—Near pure tone, trace of ripple
5—Fairly good signals. modulation.
6—Good signals. 8—Near perfect tone, slight trace of
modulation.
7—Moderately strong signals.
9—Perfect tone, no trace of ripple or
8—Strong signals. modulation of any kind.
9—Extremely strong signals.

Examples:

Perfect signal, perfect copy:

“Roger, I copy you five by nine.”

Fair signal, fair copy:

“Roger, I copy you three by four”

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 9.3 General Overview of Radio Compatibility

Radio and Band Performance Compatibility

Scanner (800MHz)
Shortwave Rcvr.

Shortwave Rcvr.

Dual-Band Ham
Police/Fire/EMS

Baofeng –type
Can Communicate With

AM Broadcast
FM Broadcast
Transmitter

Transmitter
70cm Ham

Dual-Band
(No SSB)

2m Ham

HF Ham
My Device

w/SSB
MURS
FRS

CB
FRS X T T X R
MURS X T T X
CB X T *T
Shortwave Receiver R R
(No SSB)
Shortwave Receiver *R R R
w/ SSB
Scanner (800MHz) R R R R R R R
Police/Fire/EMS
2m Ham T X X X
70cm Ham T X X X
Dual Band Ham T X X X X
Baofeng-type Dual-Band X X T X X X X R
HF Ham on SSB R T X R
FM Broadcast Transmitter T T
AM Broadcast Transmitter T T
T – Transmit (OUT) Only R – Receive (IN) Only X – Transmit and Receive
*SSB Shortwave Radio required for listening to CB Radios transmitting on SSB
NOTE: Range of frequencies a scanner can receive varies by model. Check your
manufacturer’s specs.
This chart is a general guideline and is not conclusive. There are many variables and
modifications that can affect a radio’s capabilities.

“You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull
his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do
you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way:
you send your signals here, they receive them there. The only
difference is that there is no cat.”
– Albert Einstein

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 Section 9.4
ZULU Time Conversion Chart
Most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on the
second Sunday in March and reverts to standard time on the first Sunday in
November. In the U.S., each time zone switches at a different time.

To make the conversion to your local time, see the chart below. Find your local time in the first column.
If you are on Eastern Daylight Saving Time (EDT), you would use the second column to find your Zulu
Time/UTC. For instance, if it's 11 a.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time in Washington, D.C., it's 1500 hours
in Zulu time/UTC.

LOCAL EDT EST CDT CST MDT MST PDT PST

Mar- Nov- Mar- Nov- Mar- Nov- Mar- Nov-
Nov Mar Nov Mar Nov Mar Nov Mar
Midnight 0400 0500 0500 0600 0600 0700 0700 0800
1 a.m. 0500 0600 0600 0700 0700 0800 0800 0900
2 a.m. 0600 0700 0700 0800 0800 0900 0900 1000
3 a.m. 0700 0800 0800 0900 0900 1000 1000 1100
4 a.m. 0800 0900 0900 1000 1000 1100 1100 1200
5 a.m. 0900 1000 1000 1100 1100 1200 1200 1300
6 a.m. 1000 1100 1100 1200 1200 1300 1300 1400
7 a.m. 1100 1200 1200 1300 1300 1400 1400 1500
8 a.m. 1200 1300 1300 1400 1400 1500 1500 1600
9 a.m. 1300 1400 1400 1500 1500 1600 1600 1700
10 a.m. 1400 1500 1500 1600 1600 1700 1700 1800
11 a.m. 1500 1600 1600 1700 1700 1800 1800 1900
NOON 1600 1700 1700 1800 1800 1900 1900 2000
1 p.m. 1700 1800 1800 1900 1900 2000 2000 2100
2 p.m. 1800 1900 1900 2000 2000 2100 2100 2200
3 p.m. 1900 2000 2000 2100 2100 2200 2200 2300
4 p.m. 2000 2100 2100 2200 2200 2300 2300 2400
5 p.m. 2100 2200 2200 2300 2300 2400 2400 0100
6 p.m. 2200 2300 2300 2400 2400 0100 0100 0200
7 p.m. 2300 2400 2400 0100 0100 0200 0200 0300
8 p.m. 2400 0100 0100 0200 0200 0300 0300 0400
9 p.m. 0100 0200 0200 0300 0300 0400 0400 0500
10 p.m. 0200 0300 0300 0400 0400 0500 0500 0600
11 p.m. 0300 0400 0400 0500 0500 0600 0600 0700
LOCAL EDT EST CDT CST MDT MST PDT PST

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 9.5 PROWORDS
Word or Phrase Meaning

ALL AFTER I refer to the portion of the message that follows...

ALL BEFORE I refer to the portion of the message that precedes....

BREAK I hereby indicate the separation of the text from other portions
of the message. Or:

I have completed the text of the message, signature follows, etc.

(When break-in is permitted, receiving operator may interrupt
the transmitting operator to request re transmission of a portion
of a message. This proword is the interruption sign.)

CORRECTION An error has been made in this transmission (or message

indicated). Transmission will continue with the last word
correctly transmitted.

FIGURE(S) Numerals or numbers follow.

FROM The originator of this message is indicated by the address

designation immediately following.

I READ BACK The following is my response to your instructions to read back.

I SAY AGAIN I am repeating transmission (or portion) indicated.

I SPELL I shall spell the next word phonetically.

MESSAGE FOLLOWS A message which requires recording is about to follow.

(Transmitted immediately after the call.) Word or Phrase
Meaning Radio Operator’s Handbook ______________________

OUT This is the end of my transmission to you.

No response is necessary or expected.

OVER This is the end of my transmission to you.

A response is necessary and expected. Go ahead and transmit.

READ BACK Repeat this entire transmission back to me exactly as received.

RELAY TO Transmit this message to all addressees or to the address

designations immediately following.

ROGER I have received your last transmission satisfactorily.

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 ROUTINE Precedence ROUTINE.

SAY AGAIN Repeat all of your last transmission. Followed by identification data
means: Say again (portion indicated).” (“Repeat” is not used because
it is the signal for naval gunfire and artillery to fire.)

THIS IS This transmission is from the station whose designation immediately

follows.

TIME That which immediately follows is the time or date-time group of the
message.

TO The addressees whose designations immediately follow are to take

action on this message.

WAIT I must pause for a few seconds.

WAIT OUT I must pause longer than a few seconds.

WILCO I have received your message, understand it, and will comply. (To be
used only by the addressee. Since the meaning of ROGER is included
in that of WILCO, the two prowords are never used together.)

WORD AFTER I refer to the word that follows. WORD BEFORE I refer to the
word that precedes. WORDS TWICE Communication is difficult.
Transmit(ting) each phrase (or each code group) twice. This proword
may be used as an order, request, or as information.

WRONG Your last transmission was incorrect. The correct version is.

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 9.6 Other Frequencies & Nets of interest
Some of these resources are not necessarily patriot oriented, are great resources
for training, information, and situational awareness.

Hurricane Watch Net 14.325 Voice (when activated) https://hwn.org/

Maritime Mobile Net 14.300MHz – (Voice) Also is the IARU Region 2 Emergency
Communications Frequency for ships and weather forecasts
(Monitored 24/7/365)

Montana Traffic Net. http://montanatrafficnet.com/

NoonTime Net http://www.noontimenet.org/
7268.5 kHz. and 3970 kHz (Voice)
ORCA NET (Oregon and California Digital Net)
http://orcadigitalnet.com/reports/

NBEMS Training & Practice using FLDIGI/FLMSG/FLAMP

3.581 USB (1500 on Waterfall) using MFSK-32 mode
Tuesdays:
0300Z (1900 Pacific) Early Check-ins
0330Z (1930 Pacific) Net Begins

SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network)

https://qso.com/satern/
14.265 National Voice
7.265 Regional Voice

FEMA Region X Monthly Interoperability NET

60m Channels (ARES/RACES)
Channel 1: 5330.5 kHz
Channel 2: 5346.5 kHz 3rd Wednesday 1730-1900 Zulu
Channel 3: 5357.0 kHz 1730Z CH1 Open net, delay check-ins
Channel 4: 5371.5 kHz 1735Z CH2 BPSK31 NCS sends 1st digital message
Channel 5: 5403.5 kHz 1740Z CH2 MT63-2KL NCS repeats 1st message
1745Z CH1 NCS calls for check-ins
1815Z CH2 BPSK31 NCS sends 2nd msg
1825Z CH2 MT63-2KL NCS repeats 2nd Message
1827Z CH1 NCS calls for reports
1850Z CH1 NCS closes the net

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 Voice of America (VOA) RADIOGRAM

VOA Radiogram is now Shortwave Radiogram. Please visit swradiogram.net

Shortwave Radiogram continues VOA Radiogram's tradition testing new modes and
is an interesting source for Digital Ops wishing to practice more with FLDIGI &
FLAMP.

Shortwave Radiogram Transmission Schedule (AM) -- all times are UTC/Zulu

Sunday 1430-1500 UTC Friday 0530-0600 UTC

9955 kHz via WRMI 7780 kHz via WRMI
Florida
Florida
Saturday 0230-0300 UTC
Monday 0800-0830 UTC
9265 kHz via WINB
5850 kHz via WRMI
Pennsylvania
Florida
Saturday 2300-2330 UTC
Wednesday 1330-1400 UTC 7570 kHz via WRMI
15770 kHz via WRMI Florida

Florida

Wilderness Protocol (from ARRL)

The Wilderness protocol (see page 101, August 1995 QST) calls for hams in the
wilderness to announce their presence on, and to monitor, the national calling
frequencies for five minutes beginning at the top of the hour, every three hours
from 7 AM to 7 PM while in the back country. A ham in a remote location may be
able to relay emergency information through another wilderness ham who has
better access to a repeater.
National calling frequencies:
52.525 MHz
146.52 “
223.50 “
446.00 “
1294.50 MHz.
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 9.7 Frequency Tables

9.7.1 FRS (Family Radio Service)

Some brands may deviate from this standard. Check the frequencies
listed by the manufacturer of your brand.

Frequency Maximum
Channel Notes
(MHz) power
1 462.5625 2 watts Shared with GMRS
2 462.5875 “ “ “ “
3 462.6125 “ “ “ “
4 462.6375 “ “ “ “
5 462.6625 “ “ “ “
6 462.6875 “ “ “ “
7 462.7125 2 watts “ “
8 467.5625 0.5 watts “ “
9 467.5875 “ “ “ “
10 467.6125 “ “ “ “
11 467.6375 “ “ “ “
12 467.6625 “ “ “ “
13 467.6875 “ “ “ “
14 467.7125 0.5 watts Shared with GMRS

Some clubs such as REACT International, Inc. and the National SOS Radio
Network have recommended FRS Channel 1 as a national emergency/calling
channel. Monitor CH1 for information.

More FRS information can be found at:

https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/FRS/GMRS_combined_channel_chart

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 9.7.2 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) License Required
This band is not used for AmRRON, but due to the popularity among some prepper
groups, it is added for reference.

For use with simplex operation. Frequencies shared with FRS

For use with GMRS repeaters (+ offset) 5 MHz

Motorola Ch.
Name Frequency
Config.
"5625" or "FRS 1" 462.5625 MHz Ch. 1
"5875" or "FRS 2" 462.5875 Ch. 2
"6125" or "FRS 3" 462.6125 Ch. 3
"6375" or "FRS 4" 462.6375 Ch. 4
"6625" or "FRS 5" 462.6625 Ch. 5
"6875" or "FRS 6" 462.6875 Ch. 6
"7125" or "FRS 7" 462.7125 Ch. 7

Lower Upper
frequency frequency Motorola
Name
(repeater (repeater Ch. Config
output) input)
"550" 462.550 MHz 467.550 MHz Ch. 15
"575" 462.575 467.575 Ch. 16
"600" 462.600 467.600 Ch. 17
"625" 462.625 467.625 Ch. 18
"650" 462.650 467.650 Ch. 19
"675" 462.675 467.675 Ch. 20
"700" 462.700 467.700 Ch. 21
"725" 462.725 467.725 Ch. 22

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 9.7.3 MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service)

Channel
Channel Frequency
Name
1 151.820 MHz --
2 151.880 MHz --
3 151.940 MHz --
4 154.570 MHz Blue Dot
5 154.600 MHz Green Dot

9.7.4 CB (Citizens Band)

Channel Freq Channel Freq Channel Freq Channel Freq

1 26.965 11 27.085 21 27.215 31 27.315
2 26.975 12 27.105 22 27.225 32 27.325
3 26.985 13 27.115 23 27.255 33 27.335
4 27.005 14 27.125 24 27.235 34 27.345
5 27.015 15 27.135 25 27.245 35 27.355
6 27.025 16 27.155 26 27.265 *36 27.365
7 27.035 17 27.165 27 27.275 37 27.375
8 27.055 18 27.175 28 27.285 38 27.385
9 27.065 19 27.185 29 27.295 39 27.395
10 27.075 20 27.205 30 27.305 40 27.405
*CH 36 (LSB) is the AmRRON SSB hailing frequency

9.7.5 NOAA Weather Alert (National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration)
At least one of these frequencies is active in nearly every part of the
country.

162.400 162.425 162.450 162.475

162.500 162.525 162.550

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 9.7.6 National Calling/Hailing Frequencies
FRS Ch. 1 (CERT and other national disaster response programs)
MURS N/A
CB Ch. 19 ‘Trucker’s Channel’
Ch. 9 (for emergency) – Rarely ever monitored anymore
2m 146.520 MHz (National Simplex Freq)
Marine VHF - Ch. 16

9.7.7 UTC Time Server Frequencies

The following frequencies are excellent for receiving UTC Time (Zulu Time).
In a grid-down communications situation, time accuracy for nets, transmitting,
and/or receiving important information will be critical.
FrequencyStation Location
2.5000 Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
3.3300 Ottawa, Canada
2.5000 Kekaha, Hawaii, USA
5.0000 Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
5.0000 Kekaha, Hawaii, USA
7.850 Ottawa, Canada
10.0000 WWV Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
10.0000 Kekaha, Hawaii, USA Continuous
14.6700 Ottawa, Canada
15.0000 Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
15.0000 Kekaha, Hawaii, USA
20.0000 Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

RED indicates stations that are typically the clearest and strongest
signals in the U.S.

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 9.8 Software (Free & Downloadable)

CHIRP (radio programming software for Windows and MAC)

http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Download

FLDIGI Download Page for fldigi/flarq, flamp, flmsg

Note: This is the software that will allow you to decode digital modes such as
PSK31, MT-63, Olivia, CW – Morse code, and MANY more!
sourceforge.net/projects/fldigi/files

JS8Call and Commstat

https://amrron.com/2023/03/26/js8call-and-commstatone-comprehensive/

9.9 Additional Internet Resources

Manually program your Baofeng Radio using the keypad

(IMPORTANT!) Print it!
https://www.vhfclub.org/pdf/Baofeng_UV-5R_AD7FO_AE7RJ_KE7RAP_2014.pdf

ARRL Amateur Band Plan

http://www.arrl.org/graphical-frequency-allocations
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band%20Chart/Hambands_color.pdf

Considerate Radio Operator’s Guide

http://www.arrl.org/files/file/conop.pdf

Other Online Resources

Radio Reference dot com (perfect for scanners and ham receivers alike!)
This site is an excellent source for ham repeaters, police/fire, local/state
government, business, and other bands.
http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/

Locate antennas in your AO (Cell phone, Businesses, Emergency

Services, Amateur Radio, etc.)
http://www.antennasearch.com/

Shortwave Radio Listener Resources

https://radiofidelity.com/how-to-listen-to-shortwave-radio-using-shortwave-radios/

https://swling.com/blog/

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 SECTION 10 INTELLIGENCE and SECURITY

10.1 COMINT (Communications Intelligence)

Intercept Worksheet

Part-1 (from sparks31 28Apr2014)

1. Date:

2. Time:

3. Freq:

4. Mode:

5. PL/DPL/NAC:

6. Signal Strength:

7. Bearing:

8. Agency/dept.:

9. Local, state, federal:

10.Who initiated transmission:

11.Initiating call sign:

12.Who responded? (police, fire, EMS, etc.):

13.Responding call sign:

14.Summary of transmission:

15.Action taken:

16.Who notified:

17.Monitoring operator:

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 AFP-78 Rev 201412010001

10.2 AmRRON COMINT Intercept/Collection Objectives

Using Transceivers, scanners, receivers, the internet, and any other OSINT, IMINT,
HUMINT resources, the AmRRON SIGINT team will collect all communications and
information related to the SET, to determine:

1. What is the scenario (incident or disaster) that is developing?

2. What are the affected areas? (Size and scope)

3. Who are the communications support personnel?

4. What is their organizational structure?

5. Where are they located? How are their teams/stations configured? What is their
site physical security?

6. What organizations/persons are they supporting? Locations?

7. What is the organizational structure of the entity being supported?

8. Is this a multi-agency effort?

9. Who has jurisdiction over the operations?

10. What is the role/tasking of each contributing organization?

11. Which person/group is responsible for tactical/operational decisions?

12. What means/modes of communications are they using?

13. How are they disseminating information? (Radio - voice/digital/email, phone,

email, social media, courier, other)

14. How are they receiving information? (Public hot lines, citizen reports, news
media)

15. What communications are they monitoring?

16. What is the intent of the jurisdictional organization?

17. What are their immediate future actions/plans?

18. Which communications did they use or mention that was not included in the
pre-mission intelligence?

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 AFP-78 Rev 201412010001

10.3 Source and Information Reliability Matrix

From Army FM2-22.3 Appendix B

Reliable and accurate information is critical for making good decisions.

Unfortunately, that’s often not what is passed during emergencies when emotions
are running high, as are stress levels. For a multitude of reasons a person will give
inaccurate and unreliable information. It’s important to rate sources, whether from
an individual person, or from an organization. Keep this updated and over time you
will be able to learn what information is most likely to be trusted and passed on,
and most important, RELIED upon. The following Source and Reliability Chart will
help you in this.

SOURCE RELIABILITY
Reliability ratings range from “Reliable” (A) to “Unreliable” (E) as shown in
the table below. In every instance the rating is based on previous reporting
from that source. If there has been no previous reporting from that source. If
there has been no previous reporting, the source must be rated as “F”.

[NOTE: F does not mean the source cannot be trusted, but rather that there is
no reporting history to make a determination one way or the other].

A Reliable No Doubt of authenticity, trustworthiness, or

competency; has a history of complete reliability
B Usually Reliable Minor doubt about authenticity; trustworthiness,
or competency; has a history of valid information
most of the time
C Fairly Reliable Doubt of authenticity, trustworthiness, or
competency
D Not Usually Significant Doubt of authenticity.
Reliable Trustworthiness, or competency; but has provided
valid information in the past
E Unreliable Lacking authenticity, trustworthiness, or
competency; history of invalid information
F Cannot be Judged No Basis for evaluating the reliability of this source

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 “History repeatedly has demonstrated that numerically inferior forces,
armed with less capable technologies, can win when leaders are armed
with accurate intelligence they believe they can act upon. Such
intelligence can be a force multiplier.”
Gregory Elder, ‘Winning with Intelligence’
Intelligence in War: It Can Be Decisive

INFORMATION CONTENT
The highest degree of confidence in reported information is given
to that which has been confirmed by outside sources, “1”. The table
below shows evaluation of information content. The degree of
confidence decreases if the information is not confirmed, and/or does
not seem to make sense. The lowest evaluated rating of “5” means
that the information is considered to be false.
[NOTE: A rating of “6” does not necessarily mean false information,
but is generally used to indicate that no determination can be made
since the information is completely new.]

1 Confirmed Confirmed by other independent sources; logical in

itself; Consistent with other information on the subject
2 Probably True Not confirmed; logical in itself; consistent with other
information on the subject
3 Possibly True Not confirmed; reasonably logical in itself; agrees
with some other information on the subject
4 Doubtfully True Not confirmed; possible but not logical; no other
information on the subject
5 Improbable Not confirmed; not logical in itself; contradicted by
other information on the subject
6 Cannot be No Basis exists for evaluating the validity of the
Judged information

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 Intelligence networks gathered military/strategic information
such as Coastal Fortifications, Army deployments and their
strength. The various Resistance movements in France sent
regular intelligence reports to the British to be recognized. By
1944, the British headquarter was receiving thousands of
telegrams and enemy plans. Many radio operators died after
they were located by Germans.

10.4 PIRs (Priority Intelligence Requirements)

PIR Defined: The most important thing(s) a leader/commander/command

staff has determined it needs to know for making informed decisions.

1. PIRs are determined by leadership and then issued to the

information/communications network.
2. PIRs serve as a guide or directive for personnel to help determine what
information needs to be reported, and which is most important.

PIRs are extremely helpful for radio operators in the field. At times during an
emergency things can become chaotic and confusing. Priority Intelligence
Requirements help bring attention to certain important pieces of information.
Without it, key information may be overlooked or otherwise go unreported.

Leadership/commanders will need to develop courses of action related to

security, logistics, command and control, and tactical or strategic responses
to various threats. The information they need will be issued as Priority
Intelligence Requirements.

When PIR-related traffic is being reported up the chain, it should always be

treated as Priority traffic.

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 SECURITY:

10.5 Authenticating (Friend or Foe?)

It is important to note that there is no way you can truly authenticate friend/foe
using a widely-distributed, nationwide authentication method. This is designed to
heavily increase the odds that you are making contact with another party who is
involved in AmRRON. Authenticating someone over the radio does not mean he/she
is necessarily a “good” guy. It means that he has a very high probability of being
an AmRRON Operator. The AmRRON/TAPRN typically draws conservative, patriotic,
preparedness-minded people to its membership, but you do not know what is truly
in a man’s heart and what his intentions are, especially if you’ve never met him
before.

You should always develop a separate, internal authentication protocol for your
family, friends, or retreat group. This should also include a ‘Distress Word’ or
other method to let others know you are in grave danger, or are under duress.

There are three layers of authentication in the AmRRON/TAPRN standardized

communications plan.
1. The ‘AmRRON’ prefix
2. The ‘AmRRON X-Ray’ call sign
3. The Ten-Letter Daily Word (MASHEDROCK)

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 10.5.1 The AmRRON Prefix When you hear “AmRRON,” you’re probably talking
to a patriot/prepper. That’s a good sign. But maintain vigilance.
Think Security!

10.5.2 The ‘AmRRON X-Ray’ call

- Ham operators use the term “CQ CQ CQ” to mean “calling any station”
- For unlicensed CH3 users, use “AmRRON X-Ray” to call for any (no
particular) station, just like licensed hams would call “CQ CQ...”
- Protocol for responding to someone calling for “AmRRON X-Ray” is to
respond with your call sign (AmRRON Code Name), or the initials of your
name, phonetically.

If you are trying to make contact with ANY AmRRON Operator who will respond:
Unknown party is referred to as “X-Ray”
“AmRRON X-Ray, this is AmRRON Juliet Sierra, over.”

If the responding party is actually an AmRRON member he/she should respond with
his AmRRON call sign/code name, replacing “AmRRON X-Ray” (unknown party) with
his own, actual call sign/code name.

- NEVER respond with “This is AmRRON X-Ray.”

There are NO AmRRON call signs beginning with “X-Ray”.

SECURITY ALERT! If a station responds with “…this is AmRRON X-Ray,

what’s up?”
This should raise a red flag! Ask him to verify his call sign. If he
responds again with “…this is AmRRON X-Ray” he is being deceptive and
should be avoided.

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 10.5.3 Ten-Letter Authentication (word)

Remember: MASHEDROCK

‘Ten-Letter’ Word Authentication

M A S H E D R O C K
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

The authentication word is a ten-letter word, with no duplicate letters. Each

letter has a corresponding number as its value. In this particular word, M=1
H=4 C=9

HOW TO USE IT

If the station you are in contact with is responding appropriately to your

challenge, he is either an AmRRON Operator, or a really sophisticated bad
guy. There are many ways this can be used to authenticate that someone
has the same SOI as you (which is what this does).

1. Example: What is the sum of Alpha Hotel (2+4)? Answer: Delta

2. Expedient method example: What is the fourth letter of the

[authentication] word?
Answer: Hotel

Develop your own authentication for your family, group, or team.

SECURITY ALERT!
NEVER say the whole ten-letter word over the air.

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 10.5.4 PGP Authentication and Kleopatra

The most secure way to authenticate digital mode traffic over the radio is by
digitally signing files. This requires having the senders’ key BEFORE you need it,
such as now while the grid is up.

The Elliptical Curve (ECC) key for traffic being sent by AmRRON National can be
downloaded from the website, and you will find a white paper with downloadable
PDF.

For training and reinforcement, all official digital mode traffic originating from
AmRRON National is digitally signed using the AmRRON_Actual pgp key,
downloadable for you to import into your Kleopatra program, at:
https://amrron.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AmRRON_Actual_ECC_PUBLIC.asc

It is advisable to create pgp keys and exchange public keys between radio
operators who frequently work with each other on the air. It may be the only way
you can be absolutely certain that the traffic you received is actually from who they
claim to be.

This requires FEC (Forward Error Correction) digital modes to be used, such as
FLAMP, FLARQ, Vara, Ardop, Winlink, Pactor, etc.

WHEN TO USE:
● Regularly for training in order to maintain proficiency
● All official traffic generated from a SIGCEN, when practical and able
● Any “sensational” traffic. In emergencies, some message traffic can seem
difficult to believe, or have an extreme powerful psychological effect on
those receiving the traffic. Malicious actors may try to cause confusion, fear,
or disorder in a civil defense situation. For example, “...these three towns
are burned to the ground, no survivors...” or “...our government has
announced a full surrender to the invading Maoistani government...” or an
order to “...permanently cease all radio operations beginning at midnight...”
● Any time it is practical to do so. Use common sense.
For example, it’s not necessary or practical to use pgp key
authentication to simply announce your station will be offline for a
couple of hours while you do some antenna repairs -- routine and
mundane messages.

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 10.5.5 Using Checksum Hash Authentication

While the grid is up, AmRRON National traffic (such as the AIB) is “hashed” using a
checksum utility, and the SHA1 hash is posted on the sidebar of the website.
The white paper covering this, with step-by-step guide for setup is at:
https://amrron.com/2019/03/13/white-paper-hashing-files-with-checksum-utilities-
tamper-detection/

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 SECTION 11 Glossary of Terms
AIB AmRRON Intelligence Brief
AM Amplitude Modulation
AmCON AmRRON Condition (Emergency communications readiness level)
AmRRON American Redoubt Radio Operators Network
ARES Amateur Radio Emergency Service
ARRL Amateur Radio Relay League
CB Citizens Band
CH3 Channel 3 Project – Mutual agreement to standardize the use of channel 3 on
FRS, MURS, and CB
COMINT Communications Intelligence (Information gathered from monitoring any
communications)
CW Continuous Wave (Morse Code is sent over radio using CW)
Digital A mode used for sending text messages and other data over radio waves,
similar to fax machines
DTG Date Time Group – Typically uses the following format:
YYYYMMDD-HHMMZ (Z = Zulu Time)
Freq. Abbreviated term for ‘Frequency’
Frequency The cycles of radio waves per second. Typically measured in millions (Mega)
or thousands (kilo). Each cycle is referred to as a ‘Hertz’.
FRS Family Radio Service – No license required
GMRS General Mobile Radio Service – License required
GMT Greenwich (England) Mean Time – Also referred to as ‘UTC’ or ‘Zulu’ time
Hertz A single, complete cycle of a radio wave
HF High Frequency (also referred to as ‘shortwave’) (3-30 MHz)
IES Initial Event Summary
kHz kilo Hertz – radio frequency cycles measured in thousands per second
LSB Lower Side Band – The lower portion (side) of the band
MHz Mega Hertz – radio frequency cycles measured in millions per second
Mode The means of transmitting (specifically voice, digital, or CW)
MURS Multi Use Radio Service – Uses five frequencies from the business VHF band
requiring no license
NCS Net Control Station – primary station responsible for facilitating a radio net
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – weather and hazards alert
system
OPSEC Operational Security – The act of keeping your activities/information
confidential and private
OSINT Open Source Intelligence – News, press releases, internet, public records, etc.
SIGINT Signals Intelligence – the gathering of information related to tones, codes,
direction finding, etc.
SITREP Situation Report
SPOTREP Aka ‘SPOT’ report. A format for reporting observed enemy (or other threat)
activity
STATREP Status Report - Short report of status of station or individual’s location
SSB Single Side Band (when only one side of the bandwidth is used (USB or LSB)
TAPRN The American Preparedness Radio Network
UHF Ultra High Frequency (300-3000 MHz)
USB Upper Side Band – The upper portion (side) of the band
UTC Universal Time Clock – Also referred to as ‘Zulu’ time or ‘GMT’ (Time and Date
in Greenwich)
VHF Very High Frequency (30-300 MHz)
Zulu Same as UTC or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

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 NOTES

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 NOTES

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 This Station Net Schedule

LOCAL ZULU FREQUENCY MODE DESCRIPTION NOTES

TIME TIME

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 AmRRON Frequency/Mode Quick Reference:

Band Frequency Mode

20m 14.338 usb Voice
20m 14.110 usb Contestia 4/250 (check-in)
MFSK32 (traffic)
40m 7.238 lsb Voice
40m 7.110 usb Contestia 4/250 (check-in)
MFSK32 (traffic)
80m 3.818 lsb Voice
80m 3.588 usb Contestia 4/250 (check-in)
MFSK32 (traffic)
2m 146.420 fm Voice (simplex)
2m 144.500 fm MFSK32 (check-in)
MFSK32 (traffic)

National Practice Nets: 1st and 3rd Week of month

(Net cycle begins on the 1st Tuesday of each month)

TUESDAY
National:
20m 2000hrs Zulu Voice
20m 2030hrs Zulu Digital

Rolling Regional DIGITAL:

80m (winter) 20:00 (8pm) Local
40m (summer) 20:00 (8pm) Local

THURSDAY
Rolling Regional VOICE:
80m (winter) 20:00 (8pm) Local
40m (summer) 20:00 (8pm) Local

Winter/Summer schedules change when DST changes

For other regional and local nets, see net schedule at

www.AmRRON.com

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www.amrron.com