INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USE OF BLUEWATER RADIO
EXCERPTED FROM INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USE OF CN RADIO
CN 9190 E (4-75) 48.64.194
REVISED VERSION ISSUED
SECOND REVISION
20. 1.0 Operating Controls
20.1.1 Volume Control with On-Off Switch
Starting from the extreme counter-clockwise position, the first bit of a clockwise turn will switch on the radio. After this, the control should be further adjusted to the desired receive volume level. This control will not adjust the transmit volume level: that is pre-set.
20.1.2 Squelch Control
Adjust this control until constant noise appears, then turn it back to just beyond the point where the noise cuts out.
20.1.3 Channel Selector
If the radio has a channel selector, switch this selector to the desired channel. Channel 1 is used by Operating Department personnel, and Channel 2 is used by Souvenir and Food Service Department personnel. Operating Department personnel should keep their radios set to Channel 1, and Souvenir and Food Service personnel should keep their radios set to Channel 2 unless otherwise directed. Mechanical Department staff must monitor Channel 1. In the event that an extended discussion is required, Mechanical Department staff shall switch to Channel 2 then return to Channel 1 when their conversation is completed.
If the radio does not have a channel selector it will always be on Channel 1, which is used by Operating Department personnel.
20.1.4 Push-to-Talk Button
Depress this button only when making a transmission (i.e. when talking into the microphone). The radio cannot receive while this button is pushed.
20.2.0 Internal-Speaker/Microphone Mode
20.2.1 When the pocket radio is not equipped with an extension speaker/microphone, the built-in speaker will be in use serving as both the speaker and the microphone.
20.3.0 Extension Speaker/Microphone Mode
20.3.1 If the pocket radio is equipped with an extension microphone/speaker, only this extension speaker/microphone will function as both the speaker and the microphone. The built-in speaker is in this case not connected. Per recommendation from Motorola, try to avoid having the extension microphone cord cross or touch the radio antenna, because this can reduce the radio's range.
20.3.2 For microphone technique see Item 21.4. 0
20.4.0
20.4.1 The pocket radio is equipped with a rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium battery capable of operating for about eight continuous hours of normal service before recharging is required. Care should be taken not to use the battery longer than this because Ni-Cad batteries will become permanently damaged if they are completely discharged. A fully charged battery must be used at the beginning of each shift.
COMMON QUESTIONS OF
RADIO USERS
1.1.0 Q: How do I go about calling someone on the radio?
A: Switch the radio on (your radio should remain on and loud enough for you to hear message transmissions) and listen. If you hear someone on the channel, wait until it is clear, go ahead and call your party.
1.1.2 Q: What if I hear a rush of static noise coming out of the speaker?
A: This happens frequently on portable and automobile radios because the squelch control is accessible to the radio user and it is often maladjusted. To overcome this, turn the squelch control to a point where constant noise appears, then turn it back to just beyond the point where the noise disappears. This is the correct setting. Be careful not to turn the knob too far to the "quiet side" because then weak incoming signals will be cut off along with the noise.
1.1.3 Q: What is the correct calling procedure?
A: The main thing to do is to identify yourself and the party you are calling. The message itself should be short, precise, and business-like. Unnecessary wordiness only ties up the channel.
1.2.0 Q: Is there a proper way of holding the microphone while talking?
A: Yes -- hold the microphone about I to 2 inches from your mouth and hold it at an angle of 45 degrees so that you talk across it and not directly into it, because if your breath hits the diaphragm the sound easily becomes distorted. Speak slowly and clearly and do not shout.
When not to use the radio
Do not use your radio during passenger or mechanical stops, emergency situations or to interrupt orders being transmitted to the net or specified individuals unless you have relevant information to add to the situation.
Do not interrupt to request supplies, or to ask how long until the next stop, or make other information requests that can wait until the train is underway. It is important to stress that this can be a critical time when only operational messages should be broadcast. The printed schedule in the onboard passenger handout reflects the best information available. So, do NOT call on the radio asking for the "Estimated Time of Arrival" for a given location, even if a passenger makes such a request.
When to use the radio
Danger
To report any dangerous situation you observe that may cause harm or injury, that you cannot or should not respond to.
Medical Problems
Minor medical problems can be simply stated when contacting the onboard medical personnel. Medical problems of a more serious nature should not be detailed, beyond stating the situation as a medical emergency, unless the medical personnel ask you for more information. If you are at the scene of the emergency, be sure to report the car number, seat number, or which end of the car you may be at. Stay there aiding the medical personnel, maintaining calm and securing the area or until relieved. Our calls are probably being monitored by persons using scanners or being heard by those near one of the radios.
Supplies and
Information
To request supplies, information on mechanical situations, or other information that may be needed or useful for operations and passenger safety and comfort.
Keep conversations brief. Lengthy discussion ties up the channel. It is better to request a meeting with the person your are contacting at a agreed upon location. There is no excuse for obscene language, sarcasm, funny noises or just gossiping.
BLUEWATER RADIO PROCEDURES
1. Voice Procedures
A. Etiquette
1. Keep the volume control turned high enough to hear weak signals.
2. Before transmitting, listen on the frequency to be used to insure you will not interfere with another transmission.
3. Avoid excessive calling and unofficial transmissions. Call signs should be transmitted only once when communication conditions are favorable and twice when unfavorable.
a. When a station called does not answer a call sent three times at intervals of two minutes, the calling shall cease and shall not be renewed until after an interval of fifteen (15) minutes, or another person on the network is asked to contact the individual.
b. ID yourself first
when calling another person. For example: "This is
4. Every transmission should end with either OVER or OUT, except in the case where the sending operator wished to pause a moment before continuing transmission. The word WAIT may be used in this instance. If the sending operator intends to pause longer, use WAIT OUT.
5. When communicating
a problem try to brief. Because of scanners on board the train we do not want
to unduly upset passengers or make problems seem larger then necessary.
Example:
6. Do NOT stuff the radio into a pocket while on duty, especially while in a car vestibule or other noisy location. Doing so may prevent you from hearing an emergency transmission.
7. Crew members with access to cellular telephones are encouraged to bring them aboard the train. Depending on the availability of a signal, use of cellular telephones is preferred for discussions of a sensitive nature. Use of cellular phone is required for ANY discussions of a personal nature.
B. PROWORDS
1. It has been found that if certain rules are followed when operating a radio, less confusion results and the intended information is handled faster. In voice communication, certain words or phrases have been established to shorten on-the-air time and are called Procedures Words (PROWORDS). Some of the PROWORDS the Bluewater radio operator should know are:
a. CORRECT - You are correct, or what you have transmitted is correct.
b. CORRECTION - An error has been made in this transmission: The correct version is:
c. FIGURES -Numerals follow.
d. I SAY AGAIN - I am repeating a transmission or portion.
e. I SPELL - I shall spell the next word phonetically.
f. MESSAGE FOLLOWS - A message that requires copying is to follow.
g. OUT - This is the end of my transmission to you and no answer is required.
h. OVER - This is the end of my transmission to you and no answer is required.
i. ROGER - I have received your transmission satisfactorily.
j. SAY AGAIN - Repeat all of your last transmission or portion indicated.
k. THIS IS - This transmission is from the station whose designation follows.
Our radios are a means to transmit and receive information important to operations. All communications are meant to be done on a professional level. Radios are assigned to specific individuals by the mechanical and carhost supervisors. Persons assigned radios should not give their radios to other personnel unless authorized or instructed by their respective supervisor. These radios cost $400. Do not be careless with them.