3M Peltor DECT-Com II: Wireless Duplex Communication System

1. 3M™ Peltor™ DECT-Com II Overview Briefing for:- Machine Controller Crane Controller RRV Operator

2. Contents • Why Duplex Communication • System Overview • Best Practice System Set-Up • Headset Options & Accessories • Hygiene & Maintenance • Basic Operations • Using DECT - Questions & Answers

3. 1. Why Duplex Communications?

4. 1. Why Duplex Communications? ORR see Duplex Comms as PPE Network Rail’s Plant Manual Issue 5 published 2 3 2013 NR/Plant/0200/Infrastructure Plant ManualMandatesuse of Duplex Communications System for all RRV operations. This states: “Where personnel are required to undertake activities involving on-track machines or on-track plant on or about Network Rail managed infrastructure, mobile voice communication systems shall be provided for the Machine Controller and Machine Operator. Any such system shall be a full digital duplex communication system and as a minimum provide instant simultaneous communications, voice clarity, durability, and enhanced weatherproofing of the equipment. The communication system shall meet applicable EMC and other environmental requirements of Network Rail standards and other applicable mandatory or statutory requirements as appropriate.”

5. 1. Why Duplex Communications? Approved equipment which meets these requirements is the 3M manufactured Peltor DECT Com and Peltor Dect-Com II. In addition, dBD Communications offers a bluetooth Athena system, which is product approved and available, though not approved for tandem lifts. The DECT products are mandated for Network Operations. Based on information provided by each company, Athena has a lower battery life than the DECT products.

6. 2. System Overview • 3M Peltor DECT-Com II (Digitally Enhanced CordlessTelephone) is a wireless duplex intercom system, operating on 1.8 GHz DECT-frequencies, • The products in the Peltor DECT-Com II family offer simple and efficient wireless duplex communication with up to 9 active users talking in full conference. • Due to low power output and high frequency, it is a short range communication system. The nominal working range is approximately 150 metres outdoors in line of sight from the base. The working range may be shorter due to actual environmental conditions.

7. 2. System Overview Main unit There are basically two main versions of the DECT-Com II main unit • - Portable (Green ring) • Base/Portable (Red ring) • There is also an Extension Base/Portable (for link to external communications devices) Black ring). This is rarely used.

8. 3. Best Practice System Set-Up A DECT-Com II system needs to be charged for 12 hours before use. The following steps then need to be followed: • Select the base unit from the kit. This is the unit with a BLACK or RED antenna band. • Place the base unit in the vehicle cradle and position it as high up in the RRV cab as possible, using a Velcro pad or other suction kit on the glass.(Do not lie on floor of cab). • Connect the in vehicle cradle to the 12/24V Plug (Cigar Lead) and insert into the 12/24v socket in the OTP. Check the blue light on the cradle is on.(If the bluelight is not on get a fitter to check the 12v24v auxiallary socket, and if this is servicable you will need to change the cradle).

9. Plug in the throat mic or headset Switch on the BASE UNIT (ONLY). Always switch on the base unit before the portables. To do this, press and hold the “M” button until the LED starts to flash. WAIT for approximately 20 seconds. The green LED will now flash more slowly. You will hear “Group One”. The base set is now on. Now switch on the portable units. These have a GREENantenna band. To do this, press and hold the “M” button. With Auto talk enabled, you will then hear POWER ON. The green LED will start to flash. After a few seconds you will hear BASE1 GROUP 1. The Handset is now coupled with the base and working. The system is now operational 3. Best Practice System Set-Up

10. If best practice has not been followed so that Auto talk has NOT been enabled in system set up: On All Units, to enable the microphone (to join the conference) double click the PTT1 button. The system is now operational 3. Best Practice System Set-Up

11. 3. Best Practice System Set-Up Experience has shown that Best Results are achieved when: Units go to site already paired and with pairing locked with base selection disabled. (Paired units to be marked for example KIT1 1A/1B, KIT2 2A/2B, KIT3 3A/3B etc). Units go to site with parameters pre-set (microphone type, VOX and Volume). Auto talk enabled, eliminating the need to double click PTT1 when unit returns to being in range having been out of range. Auto power off is increased to 10 hours (out of the box setting is 4 hours) . Microphone type selection enabled (enables switching between throat mic and headset), UNLESS ELETRET HEADS OR THROAT MICS are being used.

12. 3. Best Practice System Set-Up Experience has shown that Best Results are received when: Base unit cradle is fitted above the metal chassis of the RRV cab, improving range. This can be done with Velcro pads to stick the cradle to glass Extension cables are readily available to make sure there are no pull issues for the MO’s headset Units go to site fully charged. Portables have approximately 40 hours life between changes. NOTE : the BASE STATION cradle is NOT a charger, & must NOT be used for HANDSETs.

13. 4. Headset – some options & accessories Throat mics Ultra Lightweight Non-Attenuating Headset Medium Attenuating Headset High Attenuating Headset Level Dependent Headset Helmet Mounted

14. 4. Headset – recommended option Throat Microphones Throat mics provide hygiene, noise reduction and the wearing of protective glasses advantages. As the microphones are tight against the user’s neck, only their voice is heard and outside noise is virtually eliminated. As there is no boom mic’, the hygiene issue with the boom mic’ is eliminated.The invisi tube earpieces should be personal issue. For Network Rail, throat mics are available through i-procurement and i-stores

15. 4. Headset – other options & accessories 3M™ Peltor™ Headsets Available as a non-attenuation, medium , high attenuation and level dependant headset Ultra lightweight non- attenuating headset MT701H03 The same J11 connector connects any of these headsets to the Dect Com II Portables/Base or Base Extension units.

16. 5. Headset hygiene & maintenance Microphone Tape - used to wrap around the boom mic. Removed after each wearer to prevent the spread of germs. Hygiene Kits – replacement cushions and liners for earmuff type headsets. These should be replaced at least every 6 months. Cool Pads – self adhesive pads which stick to the earmuff cushions to aid absorption of perspiration. Periodically wipe all headsets & all microphone types with an anti bacterial wipe as used for cleaning a telephone. Throat Mics - the invisi tube earpieces should be personal issue.

17. 6. Basic Operations Main unit 3 push-buttons on the top MODE(M) - +

18. 6. Basic Operations Main unit Pressing the Mode button turns the unit on. Where functions have not been locked out, it also scrolls through the menu and a ghost voice describes these options: • VOLUME • VOX –Voice Activated microphone. • MICROPHONE

19. 6. Basic Operations Main unit VOLUME Audio output level Steps 1 (min) – 5 (max) VOLUME BOOST The audio levels can be increased by +6 dB for “Ear-plug mode” . To activate press the “+” button and hold for 10 seconds. To deactivate press the “-” button and hold for 10 seconds.

20. 6. Basic Operations Main unit VOX This changes the level at which sound activates the transmit throughout the system. In a noisy environment, this may need to be increased to a higher number. Use + and – to change the setting. The level selected will be heard through the headset. The options “OFF” and “OPEN” should not be selected.

21. 6. Basic Operations Main unit MICROPHONE • Adaption to different microphone types: • Dynamic • Electret • Carbon • Low impedance • For throat mics and sidewinder headsets the Electret setting is required. For most other headsets Dynamic setting is required.

22. 6. Basic Operations Main unit General antenna Units can be differentiated by a coloured plastic ring Black – Base/Portable with external input. Red – Base Portable without external input. Green - Portable Antenna attachment connector makes it possible to use different aerials such as an external omnidirectional vehicle antenna

23. 6. Basic Operations Main unit There are three PTT buttons on DECT units. Most units supplied to site should be paired and have Auto talk enabled, so the PTT buttons will be locked out If Auto talk is NOT enabled, the PTT buttons are used for choosing TALK or LISTEN mode • A single press to listen • A double press to speak and listen. PTT1 button is used for the Standard DECT conference, (Group 1)

24. 6. Basic Operations Main unit Where units have not been sent out in paired sets: All Call (emergency call) By pressing + and – buttons simultaneously, it is possible to send a short message, in simplex mode, to all DECT-Com II units, if their base units are synchronised and in range of each other.

25. 6. Basic Operations Main unit External equipment; radios, telephones etc. can be connected to suitable Base units Communication on the external extensions is then selected by pressing PTT2 or PTT3 depending on programming. This is rarely used.

26. 6. Basic Operations Out of Range • If the portable unit is close to the actual maximum working range from the base unit, a voice message “SIGNAL LOW“ is given in the connected headset. • When the portable unit is out of range from the base unit, a voice messages “SIGNAL LOW, OUT OF RANGE, OUT OF RANGE” is given in the connected headset. After 20 seconds, the Portable will try to find another base and a voice message “SEARCHING” is given. • When the portable unit is returned within range again, or another base is found, a voice message “BASE (number)” is given in the connected headset. • If Automatic Talk Mode function is programmed, a portable unit, after being out of range, always returns to TALK MODE as soon as it is in range again.

27. 7. Using DECT – Q&ADetails are also on Safety Central Effective Range Question: Reception is sometimes poor – can I resolve this? Answer: The range on DECT II is up to 150metres. To get best reception, the base unit cradle must be fitted above the metal chassis of the cab to improve range. This can be done using Velcro pads or other suction mechanisms to stick the cradle to the glass of the cab. Extension cables are readily available making sure the cradle can be located as high as possible in the cab with no pull issues for the Machine Operator’s headset.

28. 7. Using DECT - Q&A Coloured bands positioned below the antenna Question: Is there any significant of the different coloured bands used? Answer: YES. Black=Base/Portable with external connections (DC2815); Red=Base/Portable (DC2812); Green=Portable (DC2811). Only black or red should be used in the RRV cradle

29. 7. Using DECT - Q&A Battery Life Question: What’s battery life in operation? Answer: The portable units have approximately 40 hours life between charges. The base unit should be put in the base unit power supply pod (DC2068) which is plugged in to the 12/24v auxiliary socket in the OTP or directly wired in to OTP. Question: Can I charge the HANDSET green band in the base station cradle? Answer: No! It is a common misconception that handsets can be used in the base station cradle, particularly to increase battery life. This will not preserve battery life and MUST NOT be done. Vehicle power supply pod (DC2068) is NOT a charger.

30. 7. Using DECT - Q&A Question: Can I use the handset charging pod (DC2064) in OTP. Answer: NO. If this is tried the unit will no longer function. Question: If I charge the base station and handset for an hour or so, will this be sufficient to see me through my shift. Answer: NO! Units should be charged for 12 hours before use. The biggest problem with battery life is that the 12/24v auxiliary socket is faulty, the 12/24v auxiliary socket is not used to plug the cradle into, or the equipment is not fully charged before use. The bases will only last 5 hours maximum. If jobs are 52 hours or longer,exchanging handsets every 24 hours eliminates battery issues on the long shift. This means ordering additional handsets,with the kit labelled e.g. KIT 1(1A,1B,1C) where handset A/B are used for the first 24 hours and then handset C/B are used for the remainder of the shift.

31. 7. Using DECT - Q&A Headset fitting Question: How can I make my ultra light weight headset comforable? Answer: A clip on RRV TV on Network Rail’s Safety Central web site that shows how to fit these. The headsets fit many but not everyone, which can result in the microphone not sitting in front of the mouth leading to machine operators and machine controllers having to lower the VOX setting down significantly. This increases ambient noise captured. Throat mics’ offer a solution to this, eradicating ambient noise intrusion, and are suitable for most people. Throat mics’provide hygiene, noise reduction and the wearing of protective glasses advantages. As the microphones are tight against the user’s neck, only their voice is heard. Outside noise is virtually eliminated. As there is no boom mic’, hygiene issue with this is eliminated.

32. 7. Using DECT - Q&A Locking out system functions Question: Can VOX control be locked out in system set up? Answer: If an Electret sidewinder headset or throat mic set is used, there is no requirement to adjust the VOX levels, as these are preset, and anyone talking on either device will activate the VOX. This simplifies system use, and substantially reduces risk of operator error. If a noise cancelling headset is used VOX control MUST NOT be locked out. These use microphones that allow the VOX level to be set at a low level to eliminate ambient noise. The microphone has to receive audio both sides of the microphone to activate it, and this can only be done when the microphone is set very close to the operator’s mouth.

33. 7. Using DECT - Q&A PPT buttons Question: Do the PTT buttons service any purpose? Answer: With auto talk enabled this isn’t needed. If not enabled, on the hand set for conference, press PTT1 twice to couple with the base Unit. PTT2 is not programmed so has no functionality. PTT3 is only used for back-to-back radio capability when Motorola GP340 is connected. The need for this is very rare.