Radio Etiquette

[Arbee]

I didn't check to see if there was already a thread, or if this has been an issue at other games, but this was an issue at both Operation: 24 events.  Yes, I was on Bravo this weekend, but I'd like to make it clear that I'm not pointing fingers, since it also happened while I was XOing for Alpha at the first game.  This is more of a PSA than anything.

On your radio, there is a little button, usually marked with a musical note, which plays an irritating little noise when you press it.  This plays over the channel, so everyone tuned to it can hear that noise.  And it interferes with communications, irritates people, and is generally something that shouldn't be put on a radio in the first place (meaning that I don't know what it's actually for, and thus it is in my opinion, useless, haha).

In the best case, there are a couple people who are accidentally pressing this button, or sitting on their radio in a way that causes it to play.  If you're kneeling or crawling around, please pay attention to the location and positioning of your radio, so that you're not accidentally pressing buttons.  This can lead to unintentionally disrupting communications, which are becoming a more and more vital part of gameplay as we move away from shooting matches and into complex operations.

In the worst case, there are people who know perfectly well how annoying it is and are playing it intentionally on a channel to disrupt communications, reveal positions, and to annoy and/or demoralize the enemy.  This is, as far as I'm concerned, blatant, unadulterated cheating, since players aren't supposed to be listening in on enemy chatter in the first place.  If there is something that we can do to crack down on people who are using their radios this way, that would be great--however, I realize that it's probably next to impossible, so I'm not going to press it too much.  I just want to make people aware that it's not appreciated, and that it's also pretty lousy sportsmanship in a game of honor like Airsoft.

Two more things:

This was also happening at some points with the talk button--if you're holding it down, or activating it accidentally, it's just as good at keeping people from using the radio channels.  Also, don't use Vox.  Seriously.  Just don't.  It's better for everyone involved if you don't.

Thanks, and keep in mind that only losers eavesdrop in Airsoft!

[VoidSuicide]

I know, I seen a lot of people getting ticked off about the call button being used all the time. Mine have a convenient little lock button, so as far as i know when lock I can only use the call and volume buttons.

[IronChef]

ELINT

[Dominum]

Arbee is 100% right, +1.

Also, TURN OFF ROGER BEEPS! Cycle the mode to Rog, and turn it to off. It's that simple.

[D.Smitty]

I can deal with roger beeps, it's the dang VOX.  

I couldn't get objectives out to anybody several times at OP24 simply because I just heard somebody breathing over the radio.  It didn't really stop until night fell.  At which point I had too few players to even worry about it

I KNOW that the person in question heard me, because I announced a change from one channel to another, and the breathing followed us. 

[Diesel]

Well that is good to know Smitty. I thought my radio was messing up and I was the problem, but when you said to change channels I cut mine off til I got my other one from Dom. Now I know it wasn`t mine.

[GARRETT]

This was a major problem with Alpha as well. If you don't know how to work your coms, please go to someone who does. The same problem accured at FG constantly.

[Diesel]

Ok, I have read and I have listened on the radio's at games. There are proper ways to use a radio, and it makes the game flow better and more fun. I will not go to another game without one.
First off, each team needs a RTO. That person is responsible for listening to command channel only. He then verbally relays the info to the squad/fire team leader.
Second, learn proper radio etiquette. Don't just start talking like you back on the block. Keep it short and simple.
Thirdly, read over the following. I found this on a website and it is very useful. Learning this will make communication between command and other teams very simple.

(Radio Telephone Operator)

By REMF (Used with permission)

· Decide and agree to a primary and secondary frequency. Make sure none of the radios end up on a sub channel (unless everyone is)

· Always conduct a commo check before departure with all elements. Use this as an opportunity to use good RTO procedures and to be sure all units know their call sign and yours and that they are identifying themselves and who they are calling with each transmission.

· Controller should have communications with both teams and conduct a commo check prior to commencing games.

· Maintaining Control of the scenario should not require radio communications (Have a back up set of signals for game control. (Whistles or auto horns, Cell phones?)

· Obviously only one person can talk at a time

· Begin your transmission by identifying who you are calling followed by who you are. “Panther three, this is Panther six, over.â€

[D.Smitty]

If I am ever a faction CO again, I will bring a printout of this information and have a short radio brief before a game.  This stuff streamlines things considerably.

Having set statements for when you cannot speak into the radio is a VERY good idea in airsoft.

+1