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| Best Practice Guide
This guide describes the best practices for portable radio use on the VHF and
800MHz Trunked Radio System
Consideration |
Best Practices |
Daily Check |
- Ensure each position has a portable radio assigned to them
- Check for physical damage to the radio
- Change battery on radio once a month
- Check all knobs to ensure proper operation
- On VHF - check battery charge by depressing the PTT, if red
light on portable is solid the battery is fully charged
- On 800's - check battery gauge for level of charge on the battery
- On 800's - check signal strength indicator for reception
- If radio is dirty, clean with a damp cloth
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Operations |
- Face to face communication is always the preferred method
- Know Emergency Traffic procedures
- Know May Day procedures
- Hold radio 1" to 2" from face
- Speak clearly and slowly
- On 800's - Speaking loudly can distort the digital audio
- All radio traffic should be concise
- Each member must carry a radio into the hazard zone
- Use the order model for radio communication
- Know what you are going to say before you say it
- Call signs for members that are away from their crew
- On 800's - proper keying of PTT, 1-2 second delay until talk-permit-tone is heard
- Radios should be protected from prolonged exposure to water
- Protect portables from heat by using turnout coat pocket
- Use speaker mics when possible to minimize damage to radios
- Be professional
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Maintenance |
- Security of our radios is critical
- Report stolen radio to AHQ immediately
- Missing radios should be reported to AHQ if not found quickly
- Broken radios should be reported to the Radio Runner
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