Hello All,
I'm fairly new to the world of CAP Communications and have some basic questions. I've been doing my research and have come up with some answers to my questions, but just wanted to verify.
So one of my main questions is when each CAP Channel would be used. Here is what I have discovered based on research and just wanted to verify it: (Please feel free to correct me wherever seen fit. I want to better myself in Communications in any way possible.) (Could you also describe some situations each would be used)
CC1 - ?
CC2 - ?
AIR 1 - Air to Air
AIR 2 - Air to Air
GUARD 1 - ?
TAC 1 - Misc use
Repeater Usage - Simply when Simplex channels are not applicable for use due to non line-of-sight conditions.
Also, from the CAPP214 Tech Rating Checklist, could someone flat out describe each tasks and how it is properly done?: (How an OTJ Supervisor would want it done)
Demonstrate radiotelephone procedures, message format, distress and emergency communications, and communications safety.
Demonstrate knowledge of radio station types, call signs, functional designators, and authorization procedures.
In a thread I was reading from a while ago, someone had proposed a "Communications Flipbook". If anyone has anything like that or a quick reference guide / refresher of any sort, that would be a huge help in my communications journey.
CC1 - Command and Control 1 - Usually used for ICP staff or activity staff
CC2 - Command and Control 2 - Ditto
AIR 1 - Air-Air OR Air-Ground
AIR 2 - Air-Air OR Air-Ground
GUARD 1, aka CAPGUARD - Calling channel. Should be monitored when in scan mode
TAC 1 - Ground-Ground. Usually among ground teams when ISRs not working
All of these are simplex. A large base or activity may use both CC1 & CC2.
Thanks for the information! So when you said GUARD 1 is a calling channel. What exactly does that mean?
It's used to make contact with a station, then both move to another channel for the conversation, unless it's a short one such as a location or status check.
Say if you are on a SAREx or actual mission and your ground team has to check in, etc. That would be done normally on CC1 calling mission base correct?
Quote from: GarageMan15 on May 23, 2016, 12:27:00 AM
Say if you are on a SAREx or actual mission and your ground team has to check in, etc. That would be done normally on CC1 calling mission base correct?
It would be whatever the CUL decides. We use CC1 a lot around here, plus ground and airborne repeaters.
Ok cool. So that all covers my first section of questions!
If anyone is in the Communications Specialty track and would like to help me out with my Tech Rating tasks, please feel free to pm me so we can talk more.
On the note of the flipbook, I've searched for ones out there, but have not come across any that are significant.
Have you checked the Communications Library on the NTC website? Log onto eservices and click the "Communications" link at the bottom of the page. There is a lot of good information there, including your Wing Comm Plan which is where you should start looking first. There are also other presentations and PDFs available such as the TXWG Communications Equipment Guide.
As to the simplex channels, the designators are simply recommended uses for those channels, they are not set in stone (aside from CAPGUARD) and the CUL can repurpose them as needed.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me!
A good example of when CAPGuard is used is, one time we were on a commex and we a CAP aircraft flew over us to take pictures most CAP aircraft monitor CAPGuard. We called them and asked them to move to Air 1 since we then could talk. A calling channel is only for calling you call and when you make contact you leave the channel. Where I am based (Gowen Field Idaho) most of the buildings are in the way of using our repeater so we have to use simplex 90% of the time for on base comms. Please feel free to message me as I was in your position not to long ago (about a year) and now I am a MRO and my squadron cadet comms officer. Hope that made some sense,
Sincerely,
C/SrA Ravlin