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| C-130 |
The Initial Call
Establishing contact is usually the hardest part of making a MARS phone patch. Once a good connection
to the MARS Station has been made, everything else is easy.
There are several things to keep in mind when calling MARS Radio:
- Call on the Primary Frequency* first. All MARS stations monitor the primary
frequency both day and night. The Secondary Frequency* is mainly utilized at night. (US Time).
- Give your approximate location. (If not classified) Often times the MARS station can
improve reception if the operator knows which way to aim the antenna. At times, having the antenna pointed
correctly can make the difference between "Loud and Clear" and "Weak, Barely Readable".
- Call multiple times. To avoid confusion, the only station that will answer
you on the first call is the "Net Control" station. If "Net Control" does not hear you, other stations will respond
after your second radio call. This is why you should always call several times.
EXAMPLE RADIO CALL:
"MARS RADIO, REACH 123, NORTH ATLANTIC, OVER"
If after calling several times you do not get any response, you may wish to try the secondary frequency,
or try again in 30 minutes when propagation may be different due to the time of day, and/or your location.
*MARS Frequencies are not published on this web site as per MARS regulations. Frequencies may be obtained
by email from John McGee, AFN4PP at: afn2ac@juno.com. Please make the subject "MARS FREQUENCY REQUEST".
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