The use of portable radios ("walkie-talkies") at meets can save a great deal of time and aid in making the meet go quickly and smoothly. Knowing how to use the radio will ensure that the expected benefits are received. This set of instructions is intended to help you become familiar with the radio and how it is used at the meet.
* Read these instructions first, before you use the radio.
* Don't be afraid of the radio. Think of it as a tool to get the meet over sooner and solve problems.
* If you are using a radio:
KEEP IT ON !
KEEP THE VOLUME UP SO YOU CAN HEAR IT !
KEEP IT NEAR ENOUGH SO YOU CAN HEAR IT !
- There are five controls on most of the portable radios used:
- The "on/off" switch
- The volume switch
- The channel select switch
- The squelch control
- The "push-to-talk" switch
On some radios, the switches/controls may be combined such as the "on/off" and volume controls. Check your radio.
THE "ON/OFF" SWITCH: This switch is self explanatory. You need only to place it in the "ON" position and leave it there during the entire meet. Don't worry, the batteries will last.
THE VOLUME CONTROL: This is the most misused switch of all ! You must set it AND LEAVE IT SO YOU CAN HEAR SOMEONE CALLING YOU. Don't turn it down so you can't hear it. If you have a radio, it is assumed that you need to talk to others and they to you. Nothing is more frustrating than to repeatedly try to contact someone who has the radio turned down (or off). You might as well not have one !
THE SQUELCH CONTROL: This control usually gives everyone the most problem. Its purpose is to reduce the amount of background noise and static. It actually provides an increasing amount of resistance to all signals as it is turned up so that only the stronger ones are heard. This is a two edged sword. If turned up too high, it will cut out unwanted noise but it may also cut out the messages to you. Try different settings at the beginning of the meet and leave it where you know you can hear receptions for you. If in doubt, turn it all the way off (to the left).
CHANNEL SELECT SWITCH: Check with the Meet Director or Referee for the channel to be on before the meet ( if your radio has more than one channel) AND LEAVE IT THERE !
"PUSH-TO-TALK" SWITCH: This button (more like a bar on some radios) is usually located on the side of the radio. It is simple to use: Push to talk - and - release to listen. Remember, it only will do one thing at a time and be sure to press the button BEFORE you start talking.
- The suggested minimum number of radios at the meet is three, I suggest they be given to the Meet Director, Announcer and Stager first. If additional radios are available, assign them in the following order:
RefereeFinish Line
Starter
Remote field events (to Announcer)
Closer field events
Relay zone judges (during relays only)
Radios can be assigned as needed except for the first 3 or 4 listed. They can be traded around, for example, so that one radio could be assigned to the high jump but used by a zone judge during the relays. The Meet Director can share his radio with the Finish Line or Starter when necessary.
Contacting some other official at the meet only has a few simple guidelines:
1. Before beginning, listen for a second for a clear channel.
2. Hold the radio 4 to 6 inches in front of you. It is not necessary to hold it like a phone.
3. Push the "Talk" button BEFORE you begin to talk and wait at least one full second before speaking.
4. Say "Jim, this is Bob" if you know the name of the person you contacting. If you don't know, say "Announcer, this is the Stager". You must make some type of statement about who you want to speak to since several persons may have a radio.
5. Wait a full second after you have made your call to the other official and release the "Push-to-Talk" switch. Waiting a "one-count" before releasing the switch will keep your words from being cut off.
6. If you don't get an answer right away, wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again. They may be busy.
7. When they do answer, just give them your message in plain English as if you were talking face to face. Some don't understand "CB lingo".
8. Speak as clearly and distinctly as you can. Speak in a normal volume, you don't have to yell.
9. When finished, keep the "Talk" button depressed for the same "one-count" so that your last words are not lost.
- When you first get your radio and, at any time there is a problem, use the following checklist. It will clear up most of the problems you will have:
___ "On/Off" switch is "ON".
___ Volume switch is turned up so you can hear.
___ Squelch control is either all the way off (to the left) or is set where you KNOW you can hear transmissions.
___ Channel switch is set to the proper channel.
___ Antenna is fully extended and pointed up. Some radios will not work if the antenna is not pointed up.
___ You are pushing the "Push-to-Talk" button when transmitting only.
___ The batteries are supplying enough power. Some radios have "Battery Test" buttons that cause an LED light to come on if the batteries are good. Others may have a meter.
___ You are not behind a solid building or hill or something else which could block transmissions.
If you have tried all of these points without success, don't understand or are unsure, CONTACT THE MEET DIRECTOR.