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