In the past, using the phrase "break, break, break"--called a "triple
break"--was supposed to only occur in an emergency. This comes from net
operating procedures mainly. Otherwise, you would just say "break, break"
if you wanted to be recognized, but not for emergency purposes.
Nonetheless, a single "break" is often used to request recognition. The
term "break", spoken only once, is also intended to indicated a separation
between parts. For example, when passing a message, there will often be
heard the term "break" after the address of the person for whom the message
is intended, but prior to the actual text. The military similarly used the
word "break" as a separator between parts. Another example is that a net
control station might use the term "break" to clearly indicate the end of
one task or communication, and the beginning of another.
Net operating procedures are not all that familiar to most hams these days
as there are not very many nets left. There was a time when I was very
active in net operations, and there were lots of nets in which to
participate. Most were run under very strict procedures. The ones I hear
today are much less formal for the most part. Perhaps the MARS nets still
in operation are run more formally, but only a handful of others seem to
retain that kind of "net discipline". But net operations used to be
primarily for the purpose of passing "traffic", whereas now most of them are
just a regularly scheduled event where people show up, and perhaps take
their turn at a short, informal transmission.
So, I don't think the documented procedures have necessarily changed, but
the actual practice of these procedures has moderated substantially.
Dave W7AQK
----- Original Message -----
From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Jim Abercrombie" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Cc: <dx-chat@njdxa.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 11:09 AM
Subject: Re: [DX-CHAT] Radio Procedure-on phone
The line "Break, Break, Break" appears in "The New Technician Class FCC
License Preparation, Third Edition", which contained the July 1, 1990 326
Question Pool. Gorden West, WB6NOA is credited, and it was Developed and
Published by Master Publishing, Inc., and distributed by Radio Shack. I
quote from page 41:
"3AB-2-1-2 Why should users of a station in repeater operation pause
briefly between transmissions?
A. To check the SWR of the repeater
B. To reach for pencil and paper for third party traffic
C. To listen for any hams wanting to break in
D. To dial up the repeater's autopatch
ANSWER C: A repeater is like a party line----there may be others who may
wish to use the system. In an emergency, stations may break in saying
"Break, Break, Break". Give up the channel immediately. Always leave
enough time between picking up the conversation for other stations to
break in. It's a pause that may refresh someone else's day in an
emergency."
I don't necessarily agree with Gordo, but the first time I saw it in print
was in one of his manuals.
vy 73, Mike
Jim Abercrombie wrote:
Also, in what book does it say the term "break", referring to a VHF
repeater, mean "emergency"? All of that is perfect nonsense.
Jim
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