Understanding Radios for SAR
Learn how two-way radios work and how to best use them in a SAR response environment in this 1.5 hour course. Covers theory, correct procedures, and problem solving in fringe radio coverage areas.
Read This First
Intro to SAR radios
Is a "cheap" radio ok?
Care for the radio and battery
Basic Operation: On/Off, Volume, Channel, Push To Talk, Replacing the Battery and Installing the Antenna
Frequency
Modulation
Basic (Carrier) Squelch
Tone Squelch
Channel
Licenses and Legalities
Determining and improving communications range
Teammate relay to improve range
Repeaters and Simplex/Duplex Communications
Carrying & protecting your radio
Methods to improve radio range
Privacy & Professionalism
Prowords, codes & phonetics
How to call & answer on the radio; closed loop read back for critical communications
NIRSC Basic Wildland Fire Radio Training - Powerpoint
US Fire Admin - Voice Radio Guide
The ITU Phonetic Alphabet
How to get a ham radio license
NIFOG Ver 1.6.1 2016 (obsolete)
NIFOG Ver 2.0 (8/21)
Exam