Voice Communications Switching System

(VCSS)

ATMS Conversion Training Module 4

Hands-on Practice

Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

Frequency Coupling
From the results of the frequency coupling test, the first
syllable of R/T transmissions will be cut occasionally and
cannot be heard when under heavy R/T workload
situation
This phenomenon occurred because appropriate delay
time is required by the system to avoid endless hunting
among coupled frequency channels
This phenomenon is technically inevitable
(PaRT Manual Edition 2.0 Part 8 Chapter 1 paragraph 3.9)
Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

Frequency Coupling
When two aircraft are transmitting at the same time on
different frequencies, VCSS does NOT provide any
audio and visual alert.
Controllers will NOT be aware that another aircraft is
transmitting at the same time.
Colleagues are reminded of possible cross
transmissions between two aircraft when frequencies
are coupled.
(PaRT Manual Edition 2.0 Part 8 Chapter 1 paragraph 3.9)
Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

Audio Path Setting Foot Switch

According to the system design, when using the foot switch
to Press-to-Talk (PTT), all the audio signal collected from
the four plug-in sockets in the Headset Control Unit (HCU)
and the fixed handset are transmitted to the air when foot
switch is pressed.
In order to allocate the R/T transmissions of the working
controller when using the foot switch, the Foot Switch is
now reconfigured to Controller 1 and Controller 2
sockets in the HCU only.
(PaRT Manual Edition 2.0 Part 8 Chapter 1 paragraph 5.6.1)
Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

Audio Path Setting Foot Switch

Working controllers (including students) are required to
plug the headset into the Controller 1 or Controller
2 socket for Foot Switch and headset PTT
Controllers can only use Headset PTT to transmit when
headset is plugged in Instructor 1 and Instructor
2
(PaRT Manual Edition 2.0 Part 8 Chapter 1 paragraph 5.6.1)

Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

Audio Path Setting Foot Switch

When a third party requires to plug into the working
position (but not the working controller), the headset
shall be plugged into the Instructor 1 or Instructor 2
socket.
During OJT, instructors are required to plug the headset
into the Instructor 1 or Instructor 2 socket to execute
the priority override function.
(PaRT Manual Edition 2.0 Part 8 Chapter 1 paragraph 5.6.1)
Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

Audio Path Setting Intercom

According to the system design, when an intercom call is
connected between two working positions, all the audio collected
from the four plug-in sockets in the HCU and the fixed handset
will be put through to the receiving end

For example, during OJT, instructor and controller will put through
to the receiving party on the intercom at the same time if both are
speaking near the mouthpiece
OJTIs and the third person are to be mindful to avoid
inadvertently talking over the mouthpiece of the headset

(PaRT Manual Edition 2.0 Part 8 Chapter 1 paragraph 5.6.2)

Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

Audio Path Setting Intercom

When handing over and taking over watch, please pay
attention to the position of the microphone so as to prevent
any unintentional breakthrough into the intercom
transmissions.

Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

Use of Split Function

When HCU is in split mode:
- Instructor 1 and Controller 1 are for ground-ground
communications
- Instructor 2 and Controller 2 are for air-air
communications

Split function can be used under busy traffic situation.

Supervisors shall be informed before using this function
(PaRT Manual Edition 2.0 Part 8 paragraph 5.4)
Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

Long Ringing Tone

When there is an incoming call, the ringing

tone will continue until the call is answered

Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

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Divert Calls to Other Working Position

Incoming calls (i.e. intercom, IASC and

telephone calls) can be diverted from one or
more working positions to another designated
working position.
(PaRT Manual Edition 2.0 Part 8 Chapter 1 paragraph 4.7)

Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

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Use of Headset or Fixed Handset

Having consulted SSQOs, the use of headset
and fixed handset can follow current practice
to suit stream operation
Fixed handset can be used a backup to
malfunction of HCU and headset.

Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

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Technique to Unplug Headset

There is an adjustable ring at the front part of
the headset plug
Pull the ring a bit and then pull the plug gently
to unplug the headset from the HCU

Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

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Failure of Console and Hardware of AT3

Move to a spare console
Role of the working position can be fetched from the spare
console
For example, if you have been working TRW before
moving to the spare console. Simply switch to Role page
at the spare console and then press TRW to fetch the role
Alternatively the role at the spare console can be assigned
by the Supervisor
(PaRT Manual Edition 2.0 Part 8 Chapter 1 paragraph 10.2)
Voice Communication Switching System (VCSS)

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