A walkie talkie is a valuable tool to have in a variety of situations and professions. Whether you are hunting, hiking, camping, or working in construction or law enforcement, a walkie talkie can help you communicate effectively and even save lives in an emergency.
However, many people don't know there is a specific lingo for walkie talkies. Walkie talkies don't have the same audio quality as smartphones, so to over come this issue, walkie talkie ling o uses short expressions and number codes to represent common phrases, so the message is concise and clear.
This guide will help you learn some basic communication codes as well as tips for being a better walkie talkie user!
How People Started Using Codes on Walkie Talkies
The system of "ten codes" dates back to 1937. Police officers in Illinois devised a brevity and standardized system of walkie talkie codes for speedy and efficient communication due to the limited number of police radio channels. The credit for inventing the codes is usually given to Charles Hopper, communications director for the Illinois State Police.
Understanding Walkie Talkie Codes
Start by saying 10, followed by a specific number representing a common phrase. Some 10-codes very between different fields, but standard brevity codes include:
10-1: Transmission unreadable or receiving poorly
10-2: Signal good
10-3: Abort transmission
10-4: Message received, understood
10-5: Relay message to someone else
10-6: Busy, stand by
10-7: Out of service
10-8: In service
10-9: Repeat message
10-10: Transmission complete
10-20: What's your location?
10-32: I will give you a radio check
10-33: Emergency traffic
10-41: Please turn to channel...
10-44: I have a message for you
10-50: Break channel
10-60: What is the next message number?
10:62: Unable to copy, use phone
The 4 Basic Rules of Radio Communication
If you want to communicate correctly when using walkie talkies, you must understand the basic rules for radio communication. Essentially, walkie talkie transmissions should be short and to the point.
The 4 basic rules are:
Clarity: Speak in a clear way and slightly louder than normal Use a normal tone of voice and try to make every word clear,
Simplicity: Don't use complicated words or language that are difficult to understand. This is where 10-codes and terminology are beneficial.
Brevity: Even if you use codes, don't make the message longer than necessary.
Security: You shouldn't transit important or confidential information unless you know exactly who you are speaking with, as radio frequencies are shared between all two-way radio users.
How to Start and End a Transmission
After pushing the push-to-talk (PTT) button on the radio, wait 2-3 seconds to avoid cutting off the first part of the transmission. Then, use the following terminology at the beginning of a transmission:
Come in, Joe/John: Are you there Joe/John?
Go ahead: Transmit your message
Go for Joe: This acknowledges that Joe wants to contact you, and you are ready to listen
Kate calling Joe: Kate wants to talk to Joe
After relaying your message, ending a walkie talkie transmission is easy and simple. You can either use the word "over" or "out". Both expressions make it clear that the transmission is over.
Basic Lingo Expressions
You also need some basic vocabulary to shorten sentences while you are in communication. You can use these basic expressions:
Affirmative: Yes
Negative: No
Copy: Understood
Do you copy: Can you hear me?
Loud and clear: Your radio is working
Disregard: Ignore the previous transmission
Eyes on...: I can see what / who we are talking about
On it: I'm in the process of doing what you asked
Roger/Roger that: Message understood
Stand by: I'm busy at the moment, I'll call you ASAP
Avoid Miscommunication with Walkie Talkie Codes
Communicating effectively is crucial when using walkie talkies. Whether you are a camper hiking the backcountry, or a police officer directing traffic, miscommunication can have dire consequences. Understanding basic walkie talkie codes and lingo, and using high-quality products from Midland ensure your message is relayed crystal clear.
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