Download - Two Way Radio OP 09
Two Way Radios
What are they?How do they work?
Tourguiding.wordpress.comHillary Jenkins, Otago Polytechnic 2008
are communication devices that can
both transmit and receive
information in remote locations
Two way radios:
A simple two way radio
Push- to- talk button
Speaker
On/Off button
Channel selector
Volume buttons
A: As a safety device for communications in
many different roles within the tourism industry
Q: What could two way radios be used for in a tourism context?
• Vehicle drivers communicating to a base station or between each other
• Guides communicating with each other in the field
• DOC huts and base stations to get weather forecasts or to report any incidents
• Boat or Aircraft operators between craft or craft to base
• Ski areas
• Communicating with emergency staff
• In hotels between reception, concierge and house keeping
Some examples:
How do you operate a two way radio system?
• Today's two-way radio equipment is nearly as
simple to use as a household telephone.
• Some mobile phones these days have a “push to
talk” function the same as a two way radio.
Operational procedure…
• Ensure your radios are turned on and on the same channel before
commencing communication
• When operating the radio, hold down the push-to-talk button BEFORE you
begin to talk
• Release the push-to-talk button to receive a reply
• You may use call signs which are an abbreviation that indicates who the
caller is, while allowing some anonymity. e.g. you maybe OP1 to OP2 or
Base to Guide
•
Two way radios operating on channel 1
Push-to talk
buttons
Channel 1
Messages should be kept short and to the point.
– Pronounce your words clearly and slowly
– Speak in a normal tone of voice, too loud = voice distortion
– Keep your mouth a reasonable distance from the speaker
– Break the message up with many intervals
– Use words that can be understood correctly the first time,
thereby avoiding repetition.
Some points for good operation:
Wait Stand by
Can't Unable
Send Forward or Dispatch
Get Obtain
No Negative
Yes Affirmative
Poor Choice Preferred
The Phonetic Alphabet
A Alpha N November
B Bravo O Oscar
C Charlie P Peter
D Delta Q Quebec
E Echo R Romeo
F Foxtrot S Sierra
G Golf T Tango
H Hotel U Uniform
I India V Victor
J Juliet W Whiskey
K Kilo Y Yankee
L Lima X X-ray
M Mike Z Zulu
For example the place name Otago would look like this:
Oscar O
Tango T
Alpha A
Golf G
Oscar O
What not to do…
Do not use slang
Do not swear
Do not use obscenities
Do not gossip
It is important that appropriate language be used at
all times.
Follow correct protocol to
ensure good,
clear communication
To call another unit: Say “Base to guide”
To acknowledge a call: Say “Base this is guide Go ahead.“
To end each transmission: Convey your message, then say “Over.“
To acknowledge message: Say “Copy” and confirm back message
To terminate a call: Say “Guide Clear.“
To acknowledge termination: Say “Base Clear."
Correct Call protocol is:
Practical Experience
Outside we will split into small groups and practice
communicating messages using two way radios
See blog for activity