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42 | LIFE IN SOLERA | FEBRUARY 2024 | How do I talk on the radio? So you took the time to purchase a pair of radios for use around the house or to entertain your grandchildren. Better yet, you have a pair of radios because you're aware our basic communications system (aka cellular telephone) will probably be down after an event like an earthquake. Whatever the reason may be, you have a pair of radios and you want to be able communicate. First of all, take a few agonizing moments to read the instruction manual that accompanied your radios. You will discover how to turn on the radio, adjust the volume, choose the right channel, and how to engage the transmit button or Push-To-Talk (PTT) button. Those few steps will get you going. The fun part about using your radios is passing verbal messages and having conversations; useful and meaningful exchanges of information. One thing to remember is that radios do not work like a cell phone. This means that when you talk on a phone, people can listen and talk at the same time. Of course, when talking and listening at the same time, the exchange of information may be convoluted. On radio, one person does the talking, while the other person or persons are listening. Pretty elementary, right? Unfortunately, too often radio operators will try to talk at the same time, which causes a screeching sound to those operators who are in listening mode. Avoid talking over each other by following a primal protocol: • Call for the other person to listen to you "Charlie to Henry." • Acknowledge the request "Henry to Charlie, go ahead." • Now that both operators understand the conversation cadence, "Hey Henry, I need some help at the front door. Over." That last word "Over" is an indication that the message has concluded and that the other operator can now talk "Okay, I will go up to the front door. Over and Out." • The phrase "Out" is notifying Charlie that Henry has ended the conversation and has allowed someone else the use of the channel. Easy Stuff. If wish to learn more about radios, please attend one of our workshops. Details can be found on our website: https://www.kc6src.net/ TRIVIA ANSWER FOR JANUARY 2024: Question: What were the first words heard over a telephone? Answer: Most of us, including myself, thought, "Hello, can you hear me?" was the correct answer. Nope. On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell reportedly made the first call to his assistant, Thomas Watson, saying, "Mr. Watson, come here. I want to see you." TRIVIA QUESTION THIS MONTH (Answered next month) What is the difference between AM radio and FM radio? Visit us at www.KC6SRC.net. is article was brought to you by Ray C. Gayton-Jacob (N6KZM) ray.n6kzm@gmail.com. e Solera Radio Club is part of the West Riverside County - Amateur Radio Emergency Radio Service (ARES) Division/Banning Pass District. RADIO CLUB