Are there communications simulators?

[mycrofft]

OK, we (CERT) have radios, some of us even have licenses (only one has a radio, not all), but we need a means to practice radio ops. The is not only for the ones using the radios, but ICS EOC XYZ. Basic techniques for noting, responding, logging and organizing commo. I would prefer something like the Mt St Helens script that was on the internet a long time ago (inputs with timing for their introduction) and lots of exercises but these folks are vollies and the paid FD cannot afford to let us use the facility or their folks that much.
Anyone know of resources, especially software? Any tips or pointers?

 

[firecoins]

Fischer price makes it.

 

[mycrofft]

PS If it is of any help

We only have ICOM F11/S:
http://www.icomamerica.com/en/downloads/default.aspx?Category=69
and some sort of base station we have not been trained on yet.

 

[mycrofft]

Thanks 'coins

thanks so very much.:glare:

 

[NomadicMedic]

I don't quite understand what you need. Radios to practice with? If so, a GMRS/FRS/MURS radio would work fine.

A script to follow? If so, here's a basic amateur radio emergency net script:

The script below will be used to open and close amateur radio nets. A standard script ensures the net will be run in a similar format each time it operates, regardless of who is acting as Net Control Station (NCS).

OPENING:

This is [call], net control for the [your group] Emergency Net. This is a directed emergency net for liaison stations from all [local area] regions. Unless you have emergency traffic, please transmit only when requested by the NCS

Any stations with emergency traffic, please call now.

Any stations with priority traffic please call now.

All other stations with or without traffic, please call now.

CLOSING:

I would like to thank all stations that checked in. This is [call] securing the [your group] Emergency Net at [date and time] returning the [repeater or frequency] to regular amateur radio use.

It sounds like you'll have to have a class on basic radio operating protocol.

 

[mycrofft]

Got radios, had classes

We need to train people what to report, what to record in the EOC, how to filter the "fog of war" like duplicate reports and incomplete reports, how to record and organize information, how EOC can manage responders with handhelds.
We have lots of radios and have had the "Push that, don't touch that" talk. Some of the radios even reliably work.

 

[gkygrl]

Ham Radio

Actually, being involved with Ham Radio (I am and my call is W2NU) is a great way to get a handle on radio comms, annunciation, phonetic alphabet and protocol. I've listened to local scanner activity and sometimes radio communications are either mumbled, too fast or what not. Radio is a good thing to practice.

Becoming a Ham Radio operator is easy and once licensed, provides a great way to practice communications on Nets (the Emergency Net script quoted above is a good example but not all nets are emergency nets). Ham differs from CB because of the licensing involved and the rules and regs. More in line with EMS comms.