Radio Etiquette

[vargthewanderer]

Everywhere I go I keep hearing people refer to "Radio Etiquette." I'm trying to get a GMRS radio license, and while I know there is no written test, I don't want start trying to communicate and end up a rude, pain-in-the-rear for everyone else. I could get an FRS and just talk I guess, but for my needs and area I need something with more range than they typically offer.

Does anyone know what proper etiquette and terms are used on GMRS frequencies? How often am I supposed to give my call sign? I know our shops call each other and pilots call the shops like this:

Control: "Airframes, Control"

Us: "Go Control"

or
Airplane: "Lancer six, Maintenance"

Us: "Go ahead Lancer six"

Is this how regular radio calls are made, or is this something created by my unit (or the military)? I know broadcasting on some US radio bands are illegal here in Japan (GMRS is one.) I don't plan on getting a radio until return to the states, but this means I couldn't listen in to get a feel, either. Any suggestions?

-Varg

[Swede]

Like others on this board I'm an amateur radio operator. *The fact that you are concerned about being polite and skillful on the air places you far ahead of many people I converse with daily. *Thank you.

The best advice I can give you is to listen. *Listen before you transmit, ask if the frequency is in use, and remember to speak to others as you would wish to be spoken to.

I don't have a lot of experience with GMRS. *There's bound to be some good information online. *That's important, because while you're being a considerate listener you don't want to copy others bad habits.

Almost any beginners guide to amateur radio will provide you with the information you need to be a good GMRS operator.

This is a good place to start:

www.arrl.org

or better still,

www.gmrs.org

Best wishes!

Swede
N1OD

[wy0mn]

Ditto.
What Swede said.
:)

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Varg. While GMRS is cool, I hereby nominate you as a candidate for HAM. I'm headed there myself and wy0mn and others have been a great resource of info. Dig around in this Comm topic and feel free to jump in.

If GMRS or FRS or CB is all that you feel you need, more 'power' to ya and best wishes! I'll be willing to bet, though... the bug is gonna bite ya! :)

Will Swede second my motion?

[Swede]

Absolutely!

[vargthewanderer]

I'm honored! I'm really looking forward to returning to the US, so I can at least start listening, and when we get enough free time I'll start going over this topic and learning. HAM has always sounded interesting, but really complex.