LiTZ

One of the great features of Amateur Radio is it gives amateur radio operators the ability to provide mutual assistance to one another. This aid can come in the form of providing direct assistance and / or passing emergency communications to authorities. There are two common procedures or protocols currently in place for mutual assistance on VHF & UHF FM frequencies. The Wilderness Protocol defines frequencies and times to send and monitor for emergency and priority communications. The LiTZ Protocol defines a method of sending a tone to notify others of emergency or priority communications. It is important for all amateur radio operators to be familiar with both protocols in order to summons or provide help to others when needed. The protocols are more effective when more people use them.
Note - Emergency communications can be transmitted on any frequency at any time. The Wilderness Protocol and LiTZ Protocol are in place to aid communications when no response is received.

Using LiTZ Protocol

LiTZ is a simple method to indicate to others on an amateur VHF / UHF FM radio frequency that you have an immediate need to communicate with someone, anyone, regarding a priority situation or condition.

LiTZ stands for LONG TONE ZERO (i-added to make it easier to pronounce). The LiTZ signal consists of transmitting DTMF (Touch-Tone) ZERO for at least 3 seconds. After sending the LiTZ signal the operator announces by voice the kind of assistance that is needed.

Example: (5-seconds-DTMF-zero) "This is KA7BCD. I'm on Interstate 5 between mile posts 154 and 155. There's a 3 car auto accident in the southbound lane. Traffic has been completely blocked. Paramedics are needed for victims. Please respond if you can contact authorities for help. This is KA7BCD.

If your situation does not involve safety of life or property, try giving a general voice call before using LiTZ. Use LiTZ only when your voice calls go unanswered or the people who respond can't help you.

When you see the notation "LiTZ" for a repeater in repeater directories and/or lists, that means that it's highly likely that someone will receive and respond to LiTZ signals transmitted on the input frequency of the repeater. Please note, however, that if a CTCSS tone is needed to access that repeater you should transmit that CTCSS tone along with your LiTZ signal.

The type and nature of calls that justify the use of LiTZ may vary from repeater to repeater, just as other
uses vary. Here are some general guidelines that may be suitable for most repeaters and simplex calling channels.

Amateur Radio LiTZ Overview
Event / Situation	Waking Hours 7:00am - 10:00pm (0700 - 2200)	Sleeping Hours 10:00pm - 7:00am (2200 - 0700)
Calling CQ	No	No
Calling a Friend	No	No
Weekly Test of LiTZ	Yes	No
Club Message	Yes	No
Need Driving Directions	Yes	No
Car Break Down	Yes	Yes
Safety of Life or Property	Yes	Yes

Transmitting LiTZ Protocol

Yaesu VX-R7

1. Power On Radio.
2. Adjust Radio To Desired Frequency.
3. Hold down PTT (Push To Talk) Button.
4. Press Zero (0) Key For Five (5) Second.
5. Continue Holding PTT Button and Call For Assistance.

Kenwood TH-F6A

1. Power On Radio.
2. Adjust Radio To Desired Frequency.
3. Hold down PTT (Push To Talk) Button.
4. Press Zero (0) Key For Five (5) Second.
5. Continue Holding PTT Button and Call For Assistance.

Yaesu FT-817ND

The Yaesu FT-817ND does not appear to support the ability to transmit DTMF Tones.

Please use http://k4jwm.com/litz when linking to this page.

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