Chapter 8 — OFFICE EQUIPMENT 



and the forecaster, who otherwise may have 

 to continually repeat the same weather informa- 

 tion. 



Operation 



The basic steps to follow when using the 

 Code-A-Phone are given below: 



1. Ensure the machine is ON, remove phone 

 from cradle. 



2. Push the recording cycle switch. 



3. Push the recording button. 



4. Record the data. 



5. Using the recheck switch, check the re- 

 cording. 



6. Set the machine to the automatic position 

 and return the phone to its cradle. 



Procedures may vary with each model of the 

 Code-A-Phone. Refer to the operator's manual 

 for your particular model. 



Maintenance 



They can all be eliminated by (1) practicing 

 oral reading; (2) listening to professionals' speech 

 habits; (3) taping and listening to your own 

 voice and working to correct deficiencies. 



Always be polite but professional. Open a 

 phone conversation with a phrase that identifies 

 your office and you. If a caller fails to identify 

 himself, ask him tactfully for his name. 



If the caller must wait while you collect the 

 information he wants or wait for the forecaster 

 to come to the telephone, inform him of the 

 delay and the reason for it. When the person 

 being called is not available, ask if you may 

 help or if there is a message. You may be 

 able to help and the caller will not have to call 

 the second time. 



CONVENIENCE-TYPE EQUIPMENT 



One of the most important pieces of office 

 equipment is the typewriter. Many makes and 

 models are available for use. It is beyond the 

 scope of this manual to cover all makes and 

 models, though we will discuss them in gen- 

 eral. 



The Aerographer's Mate's maintenance re- TYPEWRITERS 



sponsibility is limited to keeping the exterior 

 clean. All interior maintenance is the responsi- 

 bility of the local area phone company. 



TELEPHONES 



The telephone is a rapid type of communica- 

 tion that has saved many hours. In many cases 

 the caller does not have to come to the weather 

 office to get questions answered or to get a 

 weather briefing. 



There are a few easy-to-acquire habits which 

 make use of the telephone more pleasant and 

 more effective. If you are not already observing 

 them, it will be well worth your while to de- 

 velop them. To avoid misunderstandings while 

 using the phone, speak clearly and distinctly. 

 Avoid gestures, the person at the other end 

 cannot see you. Listed below are some of the 

 most common voice deficiencies. 



1. Lack of emphasis 



2. Poor volume 



3. Weak enunciation 



4. Errors in pronunciation 



5. Poor pitch 



Currently there are two types in use, the 

 manual and the electric. The typewriter in your 

 office may be heavy and rugged looking, but 

 in fact, it is a very delicate instrument. Treat 

 it like one and give it daily care. A typewriter 

 in first-class condition is easier to operate and 

 turns out a better looking product. Observe 

 the routine procedures listed for best results 

 from your typewriter. 



Care of Typewriters 



1. Keep your typewriter covered when not 

 in use. Always cover it or close it into the 

 desk at the end of the day. 



2. Keep it clean by wiping the outside with 

 a soft dry cloth and dusting the inside with 

 a long-handled brush. 



3. Clean the type daily with a stiff brush, 

 and it seldom will be necessary to use chemicals. 



4. Take care in erasing to move the car- 

 riage to one side so that erasure crumb6 will 

 not fall onto the mechanism. 



5. Disengage the paper feed rolls from the 

 platen (large rubber roller) whenever you are 

 not using the machine. On most typewriters 



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