A while ago I discussed the audio quality coming from stations that uses the ZS Hub and ZS Link Network. The above title says it all "Your audio quality represents your ZS Amateur Radio Station."
I recently came across an article from the East Coast Reflector and from this article one can see how serious they are about good audio quality on the East Coast Reflector. For those who might not know the East Coast Reflector is a linked/bridged network of repeaters, nodes, and technologies that provide amateur radio operators with a convergence of platforms where users of various systems such as AllStar, IRLP, D-Star, DMR, Yaesu System Fusion, EchoLink, Hamshack Hotline, and Hams Over IP can seamlessly communicate across the USA and around the world.
So serious are they about good audio that they describe audio as "The Sound of Success"
Herewith a few pointers from the East Coast Reflector to good audio quality:
Check Your Audio: Use the ECR’s streaming audio on the website to
hear how you sound. It’s a handy tool to make sure you’re not
blasting everyone’s eardrums or speaking so softly that they need to
strain to hear you. (In South Africa you can use Echolink EchoTest)
Adjust Properly: If someone says your audio is too loud or too quiet,
make the correct adjustments on your equipment. Don’t just back
away from the mic or shout into it—adjust the settings as needed.
(mic gain)
RF Power vs. Audio: Remember, turning up your RF power won’t fix
poor audio. Low power has nothing to do with low audio. If your
audio is low at 1 watt, it’ll be low at 100 watts too. The same goes for
noisy signals—raise the power if needed, but also fix any audio
issues.
Phonetics: Use Them Wisely
Phonetics can be useful, but don’t overdo it. If your audio is crystal clear, you
don’t need to spell out every letter of your call sign. Save the phonetics for
when they’re genuinely needed.
Imagine this: Someone came into our Zoom room and spelled out their call
sign phonetically when a simple “WB2JPQ” would have sufficed. Keep it
simple when possible!
ID'ing: Know the Rules
On July 19th, we also chatted about ID'ing. The FCC says you must ID
yourself at least every 10 minutes. Don’t stress about the other person’s call
sign. Relax and have a conversation.
Open Discussions & Future Fun:
On July 26th, we had an open chat about getting more people to talk on the
air. We got some fantastic ideas, and we’ll be working on implementing them.
So stay tuned for more interactive fun!
CTCSS: The Secret to Clear Signals
On August 2nd, we talked about Continuous Tone Coded Squelch Systems
(CTCSS). This is like a private handshake for your radio—it helps filter out
unwanted noise and ensures your repeater or node only hears the signals it’s
supposed to. If you’re not already using CTCSS or Digital Coded Squelch
(DCS), it’s time to get with the program!
Thanks to East Coast Reflector for the above pointers.
Now another aspect that I would once again like to bring to the attention of our readers and users also forthcoming from the East Coast Reflector is: "Etiquette" better known as "Manners" when using a Network System.
➽ Key up and wait 2+ seconds before you
start talking. Repeaters have delays.
➽ Leave a minimum of 6 second breaks
between transmissions. Without breaks the
system thinks you’re all one person and you’ll
time it out.
➽ Keep transmissions to less than 2 minutes
to prevent system time out.
➽ You only need to ID every 10 minutes.
➽ No CB terms. 10-4, good buddy, home 20,
roger.
➽ Use the word “break” or “break break”
only in emergencies.
➽ Phonetics are discouraged except when
when there’s difficulty understanding or
when on HF.
➽ Everyone hears the same audio.
➽ Break into a QSO only if you have
something to add, not a radio check.
➽ Use the echo reflectors to test your signal
rather than frequent radio checks. This is
only for node owners.
➽ No politics or religion conversation.
➽ Limit QSOs to 15 minutes.
➽ Maintain a public email on QRZ
➽ Fix poor audio.
Finally: A big thank you to the East Coast Reflector for this very useful information. I hear some say but this is South Africa, we do things otherwise here. NO this is not the correct attitude. If you do not abide by the rules you will be left in the cold or even worse be banned from a system which should never be the case. Remember good etiquette and audio quality represents your ZS Amateur Radio Station and I am of the opinion that no one wants to be associated with a bad amateur radio station!
