Sound Powered Phones TB31

INTRODUCTION

  • Sound Powered Telephones (SPT):

    • Definition: Provide hard wired voice communication without needing an external power source.

    • Functionality: Contain electro-mechanical transducers that convert voice into electrical energy, transmitted over a two-wire line and converted back into voice at the receiving end.

    • Analogy: More sophisticated mechanical version of two tin cans connected by a string.

    • Distance Capability: Can transmit clear voice communications over distances up to five miles.

  • Usage in FDNY:

    • Used primarily in New York City Transit (NYCT) stations and under-river tunnels, alongside hard-wired systems.

    • Serve as a stand-alone system in tunnels, high-rise buildings, or anywhere deemed beneficial by the Incident Commander.

  • Environmental Resistance:

    • Not affected by temperature or humidity.

    • Operate effectively despite surrounding concrete or steel structures.

    • Present no shock hazard to users.

  • Units Issued Sound Powered Telephones:

    • All Battalions

    • High-Rise Units 1 and 2 (E-3, E-39)

    • Field Communications Unit

    • Communications Units (E-7, E-35, E-46, E-246, E-263, E-279, E-303, E-332)

EQUIPMENT

  • Components of Sound Powered Telephone Equipment:

    • Waterproof SPT box (Photo 1)

    • Wire reels

  • Contents of the Waterproof SPT Box:

    • 2 Headsets

    • 2 1620 Keys (for accessing SPT connectors in the NYCT system)

    • 2 Amplifiers

    • "Y" Connector

    • 2 Jumper cords

    • T-handle subway key

    • Screwdriver (for changing amplifier battery)

    • 4 Glow sticks

    • Laminated instruction sheet

Headsets

  • Composition:

    • Consist of a microphone and two ear cups connected by a strap which allows use with helmets.

    • Features a male connector for integration with the SPT system.

    • Benefits: Provide less interference and background noise than handsets and support hands-free operation for multitasking (e.g., recording messages, holding a flashlight).

Handsets

  • Description:

    • Resemble standard telephone handsets, featuring a male connector (Photo 3).

Wire Reel

  • Description and Functionality:

    • Consists of a 400-foot wire wound in a plastic case with a 3-foot fixed wire.

    • Both ends have female connectors.

    • Connection: The headset connects to the fixed wire, and proper storage requires looping the wire to prevent entanglement (Photo 4).

Connectors

  • Electrical Connections:

    • Male Connectors: Protruding plastic edge shields two pins with a locking collar (Photo 5).

    • Female connectors: Have a 2-pin receptacle and exterior threads (Photo 6).

    • Proper alignment and technique are required for connection.

    • After connecting, the male connector's locking collar must be threaded onto the female connector and tightened.

Jumper Cord

  • Definition:

    • A short wire with two male connectors used to connect two female connectors (Photo 7).

Y Connector

  • Description and Usage:

    • Short section used to split the SPT system for additional communication points (Photo 8).

    • Configuration: Contains one male and two female connections.

    • Applications include communicating across two separate subway station areas or tunnels, or to add a headset/handset inline (Photo 9).

Amplifiers

  • Functionality:

    • Enhance volume of verbal transmissions but are optional.

    • Each amplifier has:

    • An 8” long female cord connecting to the headset.

    • A 42” long male cord connecting to the SPT system (Photo 10).

  • Controls:

    • Talk Level Knob: Controls volume, recommended at maximum while in use.

    • PTA (Push to Amplify) Button: Must be pressed when transmitting; must be released after transmission to hear replies.

  • Physical Feature:

    • Clip for attaching to handie-talkie strap.

USING SOUND POWERED TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT

  • Setup Procedures:

    • Identify start and end communication points, deploy wire reels accordingly.

    • Secure wire from the reel to the starting point.

    • Pull wire while moving if it does not play out easily.

    • If distance exceeds one reel, connect using jumper cords.

  • Connection at End Point:

    • Attach listening devices and amplifiers to both ends of the wire.

  • Monitoring Responsibilities:

    • Assign dedicated members to maintain the SPT communications link, each paired with someone monitoring handheld communications.

  • Operational Differences:

    • Sound powered phones lack ringing or buzzing sounds; users must actively listen.

    • Clear communication: Speak loudly and clearly while indicating the end of messages using “K”.

    • In standby mode, cover the mouthpiece to minimize background noise.

SOUND POWERED TELEPHONES IN NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT FACILITIES

General Information

  • SPT Systems Types:

    • Street to Station: Covers a specific station and the street.

    • Street to Tunnel: Connects an under-river tunnel and locations at both tunnel exits.

  • Interconnectivity:

    • Generally, no links exist between distinct SPT systems (e.g., under-river tunnels to nearby station systems).

  • Preferred Usage:

    • Headsets preferred throughout the NYCT due to high noise levels.

  • Connector Security:

    • All SPT connectors are in locked metal boxes near standpipe Fire Department Connections, requiring a 1620 key for access.

Street to Station SPT Systems

  • Street Level:

    • SPT connectors found near standpipe FD Connections with signage indicating their function (Photo 11).

    • Locations: Can be further from subway entrances than expected, often hundreds of feet away.

  • Platform or Mezzanine Level:

    • SPTs located in red metal boxes within stainless steel standpipe cabinets (Photo 12).

    • Identified by signs showing a white hose on a red background. Combination standpipe/SPT boxes may be found on columns or walls (Photo 13).

Street to Tunnel Systems

  • Communications Capability:

    • Allows communication within specific tubes but not across different tunnels.

  • Connector Locations:

    • Typically at street level Fire Department connections near emergency exits; within tubes, connectors found roughly 200 feet apart, marked by the Transit Authority.

  • Installation Information:

    • Installed in 13 of 14 under-river tunnels.

    • Exception: Joralemon Street Tunnel between Bowling Green Station and Borough Hall Station.

  • Unique Tunnel Characteristics:

    • Familiarity with specific tunnel features is crucial for members in response areas, with addendum resources available for reference.

MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING

  • Routine Maintenance:

    • 9-volt battery in the amplifier must be changed semi-annually.

  • Battery Replacement Procedure:

    • Loosen locking collar to disconnect amplifier wire.

    • Unscrew and slide off the cover, remove items securing the battery, and ensure proper connection of the new battery before reassembly.

  • Troubleshooting:

    • If amplification issues occur, check for battery connection issues. If unresolved, contact Research and Development for technical assistance or equipment replacement.

BY ORDER OF THE FIRE COMMISSIONER AND CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT FDNY T.B. TOOLS 31 July 15, 2010 Sound Powered Telephones