Over & Out: Your Guide To Radio Etiquette

Using a two-way radio isn’t complicated. However, there are rules ensuring that all communication between users is efficient and effective. 

Informally, these rules are known as ‘radio etiquette’. Understanding and employing radio etiquette is almost as vital to radio usage as charging the batteries. Without exaggeration, good radio etiquette can save lives. It is therefore an essential practice, whether you use radios professionally or not. 

In this guide, we will take you through the basics of radio etiquette. Read on to learn everything you need to know to use your radio as clearly and effectively as possible.

Step One: The Basics 

Before anything else is considered, your radio needs to be in good working order. 

Although not technically related to radio etiquette, it is of paramount importance to keep your radio’s battery charged at all times. 

On this note, it is also a good idea to keep a spare battery (also fully charged) with you, just in case the main battery runs out. As a general rule applying to most, if not all, consumer technology, only about half the manufacturer’s battery life estimate is guaranteed. Everything else is a bonus. Keep this in mind when charging and using your devices. 

Before use, you should also double-check that your two-way radio is tuned to the correct frequency. Often, users neglect to check this before use (or at regular intervals during periods of radio silence). It is possible for dials to be knocked or tampered with in various ways. Messages cannot be transmitted or received between devices on different frequencies, so special care should be taken to ensure that all tunings on all devices are correct. 

You should also be fully trained in emergency procedures. If you have any doubts at all in this area, you should speak to your supervisor (or a more experienced user) immediately. 

It is important to ensure that you are going to be within range (meaning that your distance from other users will not exceed the device’s capability). This should be checked before purchase, as well as before use. 

Aside from this, operating a two-way radio is very easy indeed. Simply push and hold the ‘PTT’ (Push To Talk) button to speak, and release it when you’ve finished speaking. 

Once your two-way is switched on, charged up, and tuned to the right frequency. You’re ready to begin broadcasting.

Step Two: Develop Good Habits

A large part of efficient two-way radio communication is the cultivation of good habits that ensure that your messages are clear and easy to understand. These good habits make up the bulk of what is known as ‘radio etiquette’. 

We will now list a few of these practices, as well as explaining why they are so beneficial.

You should always leave a short pause (roughly the time it takes to draw a breath) before speaking. This allows the message to come through clearly, and avoids the first part of the message being cut off. 

You should also identify yourself, as well as the person with whom you wish to speak (possibly with pre-assigned ‘call signs’) before relaying your message.

It is also good working practice to think about what you are going to say before pressing the button. This will ensure that your message is clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Always keep your messages as brief as possible. Clarity is the goal, not over-explanation or waffle. You can be as talkative as you like face-to-face or socially, but on the radio, you should keep things ‘short and sweet’, especially since others may need to speak. Keep it professional at all times. 

Be patient with other users. They may be busy, or experiencing technical issues. Allow them time to respond. 

Don’t interrupt. Wait for the other user to say ‘over’ before attempting to reply. You should only ever interrupt in cases of emergency. 

Don’t discuss sensitive or private information over a two-way radio network. Be security conscious at all times. 

Finally, don’t respond to messages that are not intended for you. 

Step Three: Know The Lingo

To make radio messages as easily decipherable as possible, a system of easy-to-understand words and phrases has come into being over the last 90 years or so. These terms form a sort of ‘universal language’ for radio users, which is known as ‘radio lingo’. It is considered good radio etiquette to understand and use radio lingo. 

Some radio lingo (such as ‘over and out’, or ‘10-4’) is widely understood. Other terms are not as well known. The following are useful radio phrases you will probably hear/use, and will therefore need to understand. 

‘Go ahead’ - I’m free to respond, please relay your message. 

‘Roger/copy’ - Message received and understood. 

‘Do you copy?’ - Do you understand me? Have you received my message?

‘Loud and clear’ - I can hear you. Your radio is functioning correctly. 

‘Stand by’ - The message has been received and understood. However, information or action requested cannot be given or performed right now. I’m working on it. 

‘On it’ - I’m doing it now. 

‘Eyes on/eyes on it’ - I can see the person/thing you are describing. 

‘Affirmative/Negative’ - Generally used in place of ‘yes’ or ‘no’, as they are easier to understand over the radio. 

‘Say again’ - Please repeat the previous message.

‘Disregard’ - Please ignore the previous message. 

‘Over’ - Message ends. Awaiting response. 

‘Over & Out’ - End of conversation. No reply needed. 

10 Codes

Developed by American police officers in the 1930s, 10-codes are an even greater form of verbal abbreviation. Each phrase begins with the number 10, accompanied by another number. ’10-4’, for example, is the 10 code meaning ‘message understood’. 

10 codes are not as widely-used outside of America, but you may still encounter them. A handy guide to the most common 10 code meanings can be found HERE. 

Phonetic Alphabet 

To avoid confusion, radio users employ what is known as the ‘phonetic alphabet’ when spelling words or relaying letter-based data (such as car number plates or other license information). 

When using a two-way radio, it can help to be familiar with the phonetic alphabet. A useful guide can be found HERE.

Conclusion

If you’re using two-way radios professionally, you should be formally trained in their use. However, a refresher course is never a bad thing. 

If you are using two-ways in an amateur setting (such as on a cruise ship, or camping trip), we recommend training yourself and other users to as high a standard as possible. 

As stated above, good radio etiquette can (and does) save lives - and not just in military engagements or security-based activities. Two-way radios can send S.O.S signals (usually broadcast on all channels), and allow for instantaneous communication between parties during an emergency. Proper radio etiquette facilitates quick solutions to developing situations, while bad radio etiquette can hamper and obstruct them. 

Two-way radio communication is instant and highly efficient. Two-way radios allow users to avoid call costs, line rental, and loss or lack of phone signal. They also feature few limits on group numbers, and safety features as-standard (in most cases). Two-way radios are tougher and more durable than most mobile phones, with higher IP (waterproof) ratings, and a significantly longer lifespan. 

Proper radio etiquette allows you to use two-radios to their full potential for fun, profit, or anywhere in between. 

Over and out.