Birder Radios

The IOU recommends that birders within the state wishing to communicate birding information with FRS/GMRS radios use channel 5 without a sub channel. Since this is a public channel it may be busy with non birders, in that event use channel 6 with no sub channel. Radio use rules should be observed; one of the most important rules is to monitor the channel for other users before keying for your transmission. Please restrict your transmissions to information relative to the subject of birds and locations.

Radio tips for trip leaders and birders:

Radio use in a caravan:

1. If you want to initiate a call, use the call button. That will send a signal like a phone ringer and alert others that a transmission will follow. The caller should then pause for a few seconds to give the other users a chance to gather their radio. The caller should then use some radio etiquette to conduct the conversation. The caller should identify who is calling and who the call is directed to. It could be worded "car one to all birders" or "car one to car four". That will eliminate all confusion when other users jump your business channel! Since car one has initiated the call and offered an identification, the other cars should respond that they are monitoring the call. They can do that by responding with the car ID such as "car two", then stand by for the transmission. The person that initiated the call will then know who is receiving his/her transmission and can send the information when all users are ready.

2. Establish a lead car and last car in the group. Have a car count and the last car should report to the leader when all cars have left the rest stops, etc. It works best if the trail car takes a position at stops where it can see the lead car leave.

3. The last car in the caravan should keep the lead car informed about it's position when making turns and when delayed. This is more important with long caravans and in traffic. The leader can then make adjustments to the speed and will know when everyone is on the correct road.

4. All radios are compatible and will work as designed on channels 1 through 7 without a sub channel. If you elect to use a different channel or use a sub channel, test all radios for compatibility.

5. Chatting is more acceptable during the drive, keeps the group involved. Leaders can relate there thoughts as to parking and other issues during the approach.

General tips for radio use:

1.When making a transmission press the transmission key and wait for a couple seconds before speaking. This gives the electronics a chance to load up for the transmission. If the radio is not ready, the first part of your transmission will be cut off.

2. If you raise your voice during the transmission the result will not be more volume. The radio will not be able to handle the load and the result will be that noise and distortion will be transmitted. The radio transmits at a preset level and is designed to transmit speech at a normal speaking level. The volume control on the transmitter radio has no effect on the transmission power. If you are holding the radio farther than a couple inches from your mouth the volume will be greatly reduced.

3. When you make the transmission, speak slowly. Your voice will be somewhat distorted and slow speech will help the person on the other end comprehend what is being said.

4. If you are on the fringe of reception try to bypass the auto squelch feature built into the radio by holding the appropriate key while trying to receive the transmission. This bypass will cause the radio to emit a rushing sound but you may be able to hear the voice within this sound. Your mind will help sort the sounds. The other thing that may help is the position of the radio, the radio signal only travels in a straight line so anything between the receiving radio and transmitting radio will have some effect on the signal strength.

5. If two radios are turned on and are in close proximity the second radio will squeal in protest when one of them is keyed to make a transmission.