COMMS Flashcards
What are the highest priority Calls?
REC calls (priority 0)
What are the second highest priority calls?
TEC calls
What are the steps for transmitting a REC or TEC call?
“Emergency emergency emergency”
TDN, origin/destination, location
Nature of emergency
Required response
ID any hazards
What do the 4 digits of a TDN represent?
First digit - destination/service type
Second digit - city loop or direct
Third and fourth digit - up or down
What does an odd numbered TDN mean?
Train is a down service
What does an even numbered TDN mean?
Train is an up service
How do you operate signal post telephones?
Unlock and open the case door
Raise the handset
Wait for controller/signaller to answer
What does the 5 in an internal phone number become for external calls?
9610
What does the first digit 1 in an internal phone number become in an external phone number?
9619
Where are the Flinders Street Operation Telephones?
At each end of every flinders street platform
What does the blue light mean for a platform telephone?
The phone should be answered by any on duty driver when possible
How do you use a Flinders Street Operation Telephone?
Unlock the cabinet with 5P key
Lift handset
Press appropriate button (metrol or Flinders st control room)
What is a MURL Telephone?
Melbourne Underground Rail Loop phone
Where are MURL phones located?
Every 150m in the MURL tunnels
What does a blue light flashing in the MURL mean?
Metrol needs to contact the driver
What are the steps after seeing a blue flashing light in the MURL?
Bring the train to a stand using normal braking
Contact signal control panel via DTRS or signal post phone
What is the primary communication form in the cab?
Fixed/portable DTRS
Are non metro trains connected to the DTRS?
No
What should be done if an SMS is received by the DTRS?
Report it to train control
What is the secondary form of communication in the cab?
Work mobile phone
What is the auto answer time for a fixed DTRS?
4 seconds
What is the auto answer time for a portable DTRS?
2 seconds
What is the number for testing of radios?
849 801
How do you make a REC call on the fixed & portable DTRS?
FIXED - Hold REC button for 0.5 seconds
PORTABLE - hold Top Red button for 2 seconds, press PTT to confirm
How do you make a TEC call on the radio?
FIXED - press the TEC button for 0.5 seconds
PORTABLE - press 9, then send
What is the shortcut input for the train controller on fixed and portable DTRS?
FIXED - “ T ”
PORTABLE - 1, then send
How do you register a TDN on the fixed DTRS?
TD button
Clear previous TD (if required)
Insert TDN
☑️ button
How do you register a TDN on the portable radio?
Green button twice
Enter TDN
“ OK “
How do you deregister a TDN on the fixed radio?
“TD” button
☑️ button
How do you deregister a TDN on the portable radio?
Yellow button 3 times
How can you call emergency services via the radio?
90,000
What must you do on receiving a REC call?
- Stop immediately using normal braking
- Listen to the REC transmission, do not speak unless directed
- Act on instructions given by train controller
4.remain stationary if instructed/you become aware of danger ahead
If no response is received after a REC call, what is the procedure?
After a minute, train may proceed to next station/signal at stop, then await further instructions
What is the LTR? What is it used for?
Local Train Radio
Used to communicate with non-MTM trains
When is a TEC call used?
When an emergency is only affecting your train
When is a REC call used?
When an emergency affects other trains or lines
What is a group call used for?
CAN notices
General updates on operations
Advising drivers to return to normal running after REC
What is a local call used for?
When a driver wishes to contact another train in their area
What should you do if your DTRS fails/becomes unavailable?
Contact Train Controller via work Mobile or other means when safe to do so
What should you do when your cab radio fails?
Report as fault via FMP (fault maintenance protocol)
Use portable radio as primary radio
What should you do if your portable radio fails?
Report fault to your duty manager
Provide work mobile if required
Obtain replacement portable ASAP
Do the fixed and portable DTRS perform tests after starting up?
Yes
Where is the TDN displayed on the DTRS?
Top right corner
When do you test your DTRS?
During cab preparations
During a fault
After fault has been fixed
How long does it take for a REC call to auto answer?
5 seconds
What are the bell codes for cab to cab communication?
1- attention
2- proceed
3- reverse
4- bring other competent worker to cab
Multiple- emergency
What is #3 a shortcut for on the portable DTRS?
Area Controller
What does ABC mean?
A - Accurate
B - Brief
C - Clear
How can you make sure your message is clear?
Think about how you speak.
Speak slower and louder, concentrate on what you are trying to say and speak clearly.
Use phonetic alphabet if necessary
What is active listening?
Making a conscious effort to hear not just the words but the overall message. Pay attention very carefully.
What does PPPP stand for and why is it important?
Planning Prevents Poor Performance
Helps keep your message accurate and brief.
What does ‘out’ mean?
My transmission is complete
What does ‘over’ mean?
I have finished speaking, I am waiting for a reply
What does ‘receiving’ mean?
I acknowledge your call, proceed with message.
What does ‘roger’ mean?
All your last statement is received and understood
What does ‘stand by’ mean?
Wait, I will be back soon
Why is the phonetic alphabet special?
No two words sound alike and only two words have one syllable.
How do you answer a MURL telephone?
Unlock box
Open and lift phone
Press the big red button underneath box
What should you never assume with communication?
Never assume the person has received the message clearly
How can you make sure your message was received correctly?
Have the receiver repeat the message back
What must you ensure your message is free from?
Stress or frustration
If at any time the message is incorrect/incomplete/unclear/ambiguous or not understood, what must be done?
Correct, clarify and/or challenge
What are 5 barriers to effective communication?
- Loud environment
- Poor connection
- Ambiguous wording
- Making assumptions
- Strong accent
Who is never the lead communicator?
The driver
