Hotline Number: (530) 895-0000

NVADG Radio Users Guide

Basic information and guidelines for using the Bendix/King radios

The purpose of this guide is to instruct the user with the basic information necessary to properly operate NVADGs Bendix/King radios. It is not an instructional guide for advanced radio operations such as programming the radios, or a substitute for classroom radio operations instruction.

Using the radios: 
 
1. Check out the radio from the communications person.

2. Verify what channels/groups/frequencies will be used for this operation.

3. Verify what your Animal Rescue Group designator will be and who will be the primary communicator. Example: AR Unit 51�

NVADG has its own frequency 155.2725 and will use channel 16 for communications

DO NOT use any other frequency unless authorized to do so.

4. Turn the radio on (ON/VOL). If nothing appears in the LCD display, the batteries may be installed incorrectly or dead.  Listen to the noise (if it dies or drops in volume, the batteries may be low).

5. Turn the squelch up until the noise just stops.

6. Turn the channel knob (1-16) to the proper channel

7. The radio has a toggle switch labeled LO/HI to the left of the SCAN switch. Placing it in the HI position enables full transmit power, but uses up the batteries faster. When transmitting to nearby persons, try using the LO setting to conserve batteries.

8. Before leaving the Animal Staging Area, get a communications briefing and do a radio check with the Animal Evacuation Leader.

9. You will be instructed on a check-in time & procedure.

10. When you return from the field, report to the communications person and turn in the radio. Turn off the radio and turn in all batteries, antenna, chest harness, and any other items issued with the radio.

 Scanning and Priority settings:

Toggles: Pulling the toggles toward you (toward the front of the radio) in most cases is turning the function OFF�.  Pushing the toggles toward the radio is turning the function ON�.

Before selecting channels to be scanned and set as a priority, turn the PRI and SCAN toggle switches to the OFF position.

Select the channels to be scanned: You may wish to monitor several channels to listen for important information and updates. Turn the channel selector knob to the desired channel to scan and press the ENT key (SCN will appear in the LCD display). Repeat for each channel that you want to scan. You can scan as many channels as you wish, but only one channel can be set as a Priority. Push the SCAN toggle switch up to the on position to resume scanning. To remove a channel from the scan list, turn the SCAN and PRI toggle switches to the OFF position. Turn the channel selector knob to that channel and press the CLR key.

Priority scan enables the radio to scan and receive while monitoring for a message on the designated Priority Channel. You can only choose one channel to set for Priority. To select the Priority channel, turn the SCAN and PRI toggle switches to the OFF position. Turn the channel selector knob to the channel you choose for Priority and press the PRI key. Return the SCAN and PRI toggle switches to the ON position. Normally, channel 16 (NVADG) will be the designated Priority channel.

Changing Groups: Push the # key, then the number of the desired group, then press the ENT key. Example: #, 2, ENT. You're now in Group 2.

Transmitting on the radio:

Make sure that you are using the correct channel and frequency. Listen for 15-30 seconds to make sure transmission traffic is clear. If someone is using the frequency, wait for both parties to clear their traffic. Formulate your message before you begin transmitting. Compose a concise, easily understood message. Remember that other people will be monitoring your message.

Press the PTT (Push To Talk) switch. The transmit indicator will light. Hold the PTT for one second, then call the person or base station you wish to speak to and identify yourself. Example: If you are AR Unit 51 and want to contact the Animal Shelter Leader, you would say Animal Shelter  - AR UNIT 51�. Release the PTT.  Wait for them to respond. If you do not receive a response in 10-15 seconds, repeat the call. After your call is acknowledged (Animal Shelter�), press the PTT and speak your message in a normal voice with the radio in an upright position and the microphone 1-2 inches from your mouth. The antennae should be perpendicular to the ground and not shielded by your body.  Speak distinctly and clearly using clear text words and phrases. Do not shout or speak too fast. Long messages should be broken into segments. Stop at a logical point and say "break"�. Release the PTT, wait a few seconds, then continue the message. (AR Unit 51 continuing with report on conditions..") When the communication is complete, sign off with your designator ("AR Unit 51"�) and the word "CLEAR"�.  Keep all communications to the point and as brief as possible.  Do Not Tie Up The Airwaves.

If you do not get a response from your radio call or don't hear anything for a long time.

• Check your volume and squelch.
• Check to make sure that you are on the correct channel and frequency.
• Try moving around a little.  Go to a little higher ground.
• If your radio has a transmit light make sure it stays on while transmitting.
• Ask if anyone else can hear you.  They can relay a message.