Comms Flashcards
What are the three things you use to identify your service when communicating via radio?
TDN
Origin > Destination
Location
What is the format for a REC/TEC call?
“Emergency, Emergency, Emergency”
TDN, Origin > Destination & Location
Nature of emergency (including any lines obstructed or overhead isolation required)
Required response (Police or Fire)
State any hazards
What is the internal format for numbers starting with 9610 XXXX?
5 XXXX
What is the internal format for numbers starting with 9619 XXXX
1 XXXX
What do you do if the MURL blue lights activate?
Stop using normal brake application
Contact Area Controller via DTRS, Metro Mobile or Signal Post Telephone
What are the ways in which TC can identify your train and call you via the DTRS?
TDN
Motor Car Number
What is the highest priority call?
REC
Are non-Metro trains connected to the DTRS?
No
What are the primary and secondary communication devices for a driver?
Primary = DTRS fixed and portable
Secondary = Metro issued mobile phone
The portable and phone must be fully charged before starting your shift.
What do you do if your DTRS is inoperative?
Call TC and leave your Metro mobile phone number
What is the DTRS test phone number?
849 801
What are the two things a duty manager is for?
Injury/First aid
Lost/Stolen portable DTRS
What is the shortcut to contact the Train Controller? (Fixed & portable)
Fixed = T button
Portable = 1
What is the shortcut to contact the Area Controller? (fixed & portable)
Fixed = A button
Portable = 3
How do you initiate a REC call from the fixed and portable DTRS?
Fixed = Press the button on the top left with multiple trains on it for 0.5 seconds
Portable = Hold the red button on the top left and then press the PTT button
How long does it take for the screen and keypad to lock on the portable DTRS?
Screen locks after 60 seconds
Keypad locks after 90 seconds
How do you register a TDN on the fixed DTRS?
Press the TDN button, enter the TDN and then press tick.
How long does it take for a TDN to automatically deregister?
4 hours or upon power off
What number do you use to call 000 from the DTRS?
90 000
What do you do during a fully received REC?
- Stop using normal brake application
- Listen - Don’t speak unless adding additional information.
- Act on instructions from TC
- Remain stationary until instructed
What do you do if you only receive a partial transmission of a REC call? (just the beeps)
Remain stationary for 1 minute
If no immediate danger you can move the train at extreme caution to:
A platform
Signal at stop
Point of danger
Who do you discuss policies with?
Depot manager
Who do you discuss procedures with?
Principal Driver
What are the 6 reasons a driver needs to make a PA announcement?
Pre-departure from origin station between 2 minutes and 30 seconds from departure
Delays of 2 minutes or more (includes mid-section)
During disruptions (every 5 mins)
Planned closures or works
Altered stopping conditions
Auto announcements inoperative (junctions, terminus and express running required)
What is active listening?
Understanding the complete message being sent
Why do we use the phonetic alphabet?
No two words sound the same
Only two words have one syllable
How far apart are MURL telephones?
150m
How do you use a MURL telephone?
- Open the telephone case by pressing on the catch
- Press the button underneath the case (Not inside)
- Wait until Area Controller answers
How do you register a TDN on the portable DTRS?
Press the green shortcut button twice
How do you deregister a TDN on a portable DTRS?
Press the yellow shortcut 3 times
What are the types of emergency calls?
TEC
REC
000 Emergency (90 000)
Why should you plan your message?
Planning Prevents Poor Performance (PPPP)
What is communication protocol?
Never assume understanding, ensure read back is correct
Acknowledge transmission only when safe to do so
Ensure message is free of stress and frustration
What do you do if the message is unclear or incorrect?
Challenge to clarify or correct
What are the 5 barriers to effective communication?
Loud environment
Poor connection
Making assumptions
Ambiguous wording
Speaking to someone with a strong accent
What is the simplex radio system?
Radio communication that only flows in one direction at a time
i.e two people cannot speak at once
What key things should you remember when communicating over the DTRS?
Be confident to challenge unprofessional behaviour
Learn the phonetic alphabet and standard phrasing
Practice sending well structured messages
Don’t make assumptions
How do you decipher a TDN?
1st Digit = Line train is running on
2nd Digit = Direct or City Loop (Direct 0-5, City Loop 6-9)
Last two digits = Even Up, Odd Down
Can you depart without a TDN?
No
How do you operate a signal post telephone?
- Open the case door
- Raise the handset to ear
- Wait for Train Controller or Signaller to answer
How do you operate a Flinders Street Operation telephone?
- Open the cabinet with a 5P key turned 360 degrees
- Lift the handset
- Press the appropriate button (Flinders Street control room or Metrol)
How does the DTRS operate?
Via cellular communication, a low signal will cause the DTRS to roam for a better signal
What is the 2nd highest priority call on the DTRS?
TEC
What calls can override others?
Any call with a higher priority
Example: A TEC call would be cancelled if a REC was initiated in the area
Who is the DTRS a primary communication device between?
Train drivers
Train controllers
Area controllers
Signallers
What should you do if you receive an SMS on the DTRS?
Report it immediately to Train Control
What should you do if a call fails to connect?
Report it as per FMP (TMM) and use another method of communication
When should you operate the DTRS?
When safe to do so
When can you use your Metro issued phone?
Business requirements or emergencies
Secondary form of communication in emergencies or for fault finding
When system coverage is poor or DTRS fails
How long does it take for the fixed DTRS to answer automatically?
4 seconds
How long does it take for the portable DTRS to answer automatically?
2 seconds
What should you do if it is unsafe to respond to a call?
Ask the caller to stand by
What will the DTRS display when powering up?
Initialising
Powering Up/Testing
Testing
Test Complete
How long does the DTRS last for when overhead power is lost?
2 hours
Can you use the AK button?
No
What is the shortcut to contact the DAO? (Fixed and portable)
Fixed: Chair button
Portable: 4????
Who do you report a lost or stolen portable DTRS?
Immediately to Duty Manager
When must you take the portable DTRS?
Performing fault finding/rectification duties
Train prep
Dealing with a train emergency
Carrying out emergency actions to protect obstructed lines
Carrying out duties to rescue a failed train
How do you cancel call forwarding on the DTRS?
Select Menu
Press 4
Cancelling diversion should display
What happens if a train is not equipped with DTRS?
They will not receive REC calls and must be stopped by other means as per 1994 Book of Rules and Operating Procedures
How do you unlock the portable DTRS?
*(asterisk) and Okay button quickly
How do you speak on the DTRS?
Using the foot or fist PTT.
The DTRS will display speak if active and busy if someone else is talking.
What happens if a REC call is made and no communication is made from the initiator?
Train Control will attempt to make contact with the driver.
They may authorise another train to proceed with Extreme Caution to inspect the line.
How long till the DTRS will switch back to DTR from LTR?
10 seconds
How do you change a call to a TEC from a regular call to Train Control?
Cancel the original call by pressing X and then press the TEC button
What do you do if you make an accidental REC or TEC call?
State “REC/TEC made in error”
If REC Metrol will advise trains to resume normal running.
What is a group call used for?
Transmitting a CAN
General updates regarding operation of the network
Advising return to normal running following a REC
What do you do if your portable DTRS is faulty?
Report to Duty Manager
Can you answer the portable radio while in motion?
No, only when safe to do so.
How do you clear messages or error from the DTRS?
Press the X button to clear the message or error
Report faults as per FMP.
Report SMS to TC.
What is the process once you have received a REC call?
Stop using a normal brake application
Listen - do not speak unless adding additional information.
Act under instruction from Train Control
Who handles inquiries?
Station staff
Who do you discuss policies with?
Depot Manager
Who do you discuss procedures with?
Principal Drivers
When can you make PA announcements?
When safe to do so
How do you turn on the portable DTRS?
Hold the red “hang up” button
How do you prevent hearing damage when using the portable DTRS in amplified mode?
Hold it away from your ear
Turn down the volume
