Radio Operation Guidelines:Control Name and Function • Volume/on/off - controls transmit and receive volume/on/off • Squelch adjusts sensitivity and filters noise • Transmit key- momentary switch to transmit • Private line (PL) - eliminates transmissions form radios not coded like Alpine's • Channel selector - selects channel (frequency) 1 or 2 Turning on the Radio • Operation Description • Turn PL on - switch the PL switch ON. For our purposes, you should not have to turn PL off. • Switch to Channel 1 - Make sure Channel switch is at "1". Some of the NSP radios do not have channel 2. • Turn on radio - Turn volume control clockwise about 1/2 turn. • Adjust as appropriate for conditions when listening to other radio traffic. • Adjust squelch? - No adjustment is needed. The squelch control is not functional when PL is on. Before you leave the patrol room... • Make sure that you have the correct harness and that the radio is secure. • Protect your radio with a plastic bag in wet weather. • Do you have a radio call number card in your pocket or attached to your harness? • Check radio operation • Is it receiving transmissions from other radios? • Do other radios receive when you press the transmit key briefly? • Does your radio have channel 2? Not all radios have channel 2 ...you should know before you leave the patrol room. • Channel 2 on NSP radios is different than channel 2 frequency on the Pro radios. Use it for National business such as training activities. • Know your radio number and the numbers of other Nationals and pros on your hill. Operation Procedures and Tips • Make sure you fully depress the transmit key when transmitting. This is often difficult with gloves on or through a parka. • Radio transmission is going though a repeater and there is a delay. Be sure and wait for a moment before speaking so your first word isn't cut off. • Talk "across" not "into" the radio. Your voice will be much clearer. • Be brief but clear. State exactly what you want. Take time to think about what you are going to say before you press the transmit key. • Don't interrupt other transmissions in progress or when a response to a transmission is expected. • Address who you are calling first, by radio number (plus name is OK) then identify yourself by number only. "6, Jeff....(pause) 123" You are calling Alpine radio number 6 (Jeff)...you are Alpine radio number 123. "Mountain Dispatch...(pause) 121" You are calling whoever is on Mountain Dispatch...you are Alpine radio number 121. • Call Standby Stations, e.g. "Lakeview Standby"...(pause) 132", rather than try to guess who's there. Turn your radio down (not off) when close to other radios to reduce feedback. • Don't forget to reset the volume when leaving a Standby Station. Be aware ... if your radio is silent for more than a few minutes you my have forgotten to turn the volume back up. • If you are not getting response from a transmission, your radio may be out of range, discharged, or transmitting but not receiving. When this occurs: • Check the volume ... is your radio on channel 1? • Allow 30 seconds for a response between attempts. • Try a maximum of 3 times • Relay your message through Mountain Dispatch after 3 unsuccessful attempts. • Still no luck ... phone your hill boss and Mountain Dispatch to report your radio is out of service. • Report to your hill boss and Mountain Dispatch if you or your radio go out of service for any length of time. Phone if necessary. Mountain Dispatch should announce "Attention all radios ... Alpine 1xx is 10-7". • Listen and learn. Make a conscious effort to listen to radio traffic while at a standby station or riding with other patrollers. Pay attention to procedure and 10-code convention used by the Pros. Sign on |