6
Rev. (5-20)
Brevity
Efficient radio communications requires brief messages. Know in advance what will be transmitted. When
transmitting detailed instructions, write the message beforehand to ensure clarity and brevity.
As an aid to brevity, a code system has been developed which should be used to cover many common
communications. A copy of the various codes and their meaning follows in Section 2.
Each operator is required to keep the list of radio call numbers of all units readily available.
19.4 DEACTIVATION OF THE EMERGENCY BUTTON FOR 800 MHZ RADIOS
The 800 MHz emergency button has been deactivated on all Department of Transportation’s personalities and
profiles across the Commonwealth.
1.
Near the display screen on M-803 mobile radios and SP-103 desktop radios
2.
Near the press-to-talk button on the P7200 Series portable radios.
In some cases, a phantom emergency shall occur or a radio will not be deactivated. In these cases, each District
and County has up to three personnel authorized to call the Network Operations Center (NOC) in Harrisburg,
to have this emergency deactivated. Otherwise, you can notify the Radio Unit for this deactivation.
19.5 STANDARDIZE INSTALLATION PLACEMENT FOR 800 MHZ MOBILE
RADIOS IN DUMP TRUCKS
The Department of Transportation is standardizing the installation placement of 800 MHz dash and/or trunk
mount mobile radios in dump trucks. The standardization is a result of various installation locations that may
pose an inconvenience to the operator and/or create confusion to the service installers or repair person.
Moreover, the standardization should eliminate the water intrusion problems that have occurred across the
Commonwealth.
The trunk mount radios can be reconstructed to resemble the dash mount radios.
1.
The primary location for installation of the mobile radio shall be on the post that mounts the Spreader
Controls.
A. Installers and/or service technicians shall remove this access panel/door prior to attaching the
mobile radio.
B. Installers and/or service technicians shall ensure that the present wiring of the Spreader system
will not be nicked, cut, torn or damaged in any way.
C. They must also ensure that the Spreader system wires will not be damaged or worn due to
contact through vibration.
D. A reasonable amount of wiring for the 800 MHz radio shall be stored inside the cabinet to allow
the access panel/door to be removed to allow the technician/mechanic access to the Spreader
control electrical components and wires.
2.
The alternate location for installation of the mobile radio shall be on the dash of the dump truck.
A. Installers and/or service technicians shall ensure that the mobile radio is completely secured to
the metal structure underneath the protective padding.
Chapter 19: Radios PUB 23 - MAINTENANCE MANUAL
