Two-way radios allow for communication between remote locations using radio signals. They are commonly used in tourism contexts to coordinate between vehicles, guides, and emergency services. Operators use call signs and standard radio protocols for clear and efficient communication, speaking slowly and using phonetic alphabet if needed to ensure messages are understood. Practice with the radios helps operators learn correct use.

1. Two Way Radios What are they? How do they work? Tourguiding.wordpress.com Hillary Jenkins, Otago Polytechnic 2008

2. are communication devices that can both transmit and receive information in remote locations Two way radios:

3. A simple two way radio Push- to- talk button Speaker On/Off button Channel selector Volume buttons

4. 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?

5. 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 :

6. 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.

7. 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

8. Two way radios operating on channel 1 Push-to talk buttons Channel 1

9. 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:

10. Wait Stand by Can't Unable Send Forward or Dispatch Get Obtain No Negative Yes Affirmative Poor Choice Preferred

11. 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

12. For example the place name Otago would look like this: Oscar O Tango T Alpha A Golf G Oscar O

13. 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.

14. Follow correct protocol to ensure good, clear communication

15. 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:

16. Practical Experience Outside we will split into small groups and practice communicating messages using two way radios See blog for activity