Making PAs from the cab - 377/387s

[trackside7]

Posting this as I’m keen to know if there’s a better way to make PAs from the cab (non-driver).

The method on the 377/387 involves holding down the yellow ‘PA’ button and the push to talk button on the handset - at the same time. This seems rather silly, as the cab to cab button doesn’t need to be held down, but the PA button does.

Out of the cab, making announcements from the steward’s panel only requires the PA button to be pressed on the handset once, then push to talk accordingly.

1. Is there a better way to free up one hand when making announcements in the cab?

2. If there is a driver key present, does this omit the need to hold down the yellow ‘PA’ button?

 

[aleggatta]

1: no
2: correct

this is just the way the system is set up, in order to change it would probably require a mod to every CACU in the fleet, more than likely needing a change to the substantial design of the unit, and swapping a CACU is a bit of a faff with the need to programme the SACU to identify the CACU whenever it is changed. Whilst this could be done when the unit is on overhaul it is very unlikely to be done.

it’s also worth noting it’s a bit of a fail safe if anyone makes entry to a slave cab and tries to make any unauthorised announcements!

CACU: can audio communication unit I.e. the bit the handset hangs on
SACU: saloon audio communication unit (lives in the body end cupboard and interfaces with all associated PA equipment)

 

[trackside7]

1: no
2: correct

this is just the way the system is set up, in order to change it would probably require a mod to every CACU in the fleet, more than likely needing a change to the substantial design of the unit, and swapping a CACU is a bit of a faff with the need to programme the SACU to identify the CACU whenever it is changed. Whilst this could be done when the unit is on overhaul it is very unlikely to be done.

it’s also worth noting it’s a bit of a fail safe if anyone makes entry to a slave cab and tries to make any unauthorised announcements!

CACU: can audio communication unit I.e. the bit the handset hangs on
SACU: saloon audio communication unit (lives in the body end cupboard and interfaces with all associated PA equipment)

Ah that makes sense now. Thank you for your brilliant explanation. Very handy to know.

 

[the sniper]

1. Is there a better way to free up one hand when making announcements in the cab?

What are you intending to do with the other hand...?

 

[trackside7]

What are you doing/intending to do with the other hand...?

Refer to info on my phone; next train to, disruption advice etc.

 

[the sniper]

Refer to info on my phone; next train to, disruption advice etc.

Oh, that's sensible. Good idea.