Dirt Moving Any ideas on how to be reachable when operating your tractor?

[lungdoc]

I also wouldn't be too quick to dismiss an antenna booster - in our area it makes a massive difference - exactly similar to early days of cell when the 3 watt in-car phones would be way better in marginal areas than the 0.9 watt handheld units. Obviously won't work if ZERO nearby signal but in areas with patchy or very low signal it works like a charm.

 

[Gittyup]

I also wouldn't be too quick to dismiss an antenna booster - in our area it makes a massive difference - exactly similar to early days of cell when the 3 watt in-car phones would be way better in marginal areas than the 0.9 watt handheld units. Obviously won't work if ZERO nearby signal but in areas with patchy or very low signal it works like a charm.

This is a good simple option IF you can be sure that it will always work. That one time might cost him his job.

 

[lungdoc]

True - would need to check his actual area and it also depends on how much he moves around. If can get bars in the majority of his area then a Blackberry message or text should get through pretty reliably if he is moving. If he stays still in place with zero signal then it's different. BB messages are nice in that sender can see if they get through or not, and could have a backup plan i.e. call neighbour or ham guy or whatever to use if not getting through.

 

[BobRip]

This is a good simple option IF you can be sure that it will always work. That one time might cost him his job.

If the job is so fragile that he can loose it from something that is not his fault, then the job needs to change. It does not sound that his supervisor is so unreasonable that she would set that condition, even though she might say it in a moment of crisis. Another discussion is needed with the boss. Also look for another job, just in case. I know this can be very difficult in this day and time. I would get her to read this thread. Maybe she would understand better. Good luck.

 

[Soundguy]

On the ham issue you guys are forgetting that there should be no business transacting. While I wouldn't blink an eye to order a pizza on a club phone patch.. I would not even remotely think about taking a tech supt svc call... starts to step over that blurry line.

73's

de ke4rrd

 

[Soundguy]

If the job is so fragile that he can loose it from something that is not his fault, then the job needs to change. It does not sound that his supervisor is so unreasonable that she would set that condition, even though she might say it in a moment of crisis. Another discussion is needed with the boss. Also look for another job, just in case. I know this can be very difficult in this day and time. I would get her to read this thread. Maybe she would understand better. Good luck.

I think the issue has been adequately covered... a sat phone sounds like pretty much the easiest setup.. or the personal cell zone as a slightly different plan.. the sat phone would make him reachable over most of the earth.. the personal cell zone just makes him more reachable in that bad area he works in alot.

soundguy

 

[ultrarunner]

Update... I'm getting a new pager and will see how it goes... I've been carrying this one 12 years... till then no tractor work or anything that else that would prevent me from responding on short notice per the boss..

I confess, I'm not up on to date on the ramifications of being salaried, being required to fill out weekly 40 hour time cards and how that all ties in when required call is mandatory and work is anything but 40 hours... seems a shame after 19 years on the job. I do miss not having a few hours once a week to catch up on chores and get seat time when the conditions are perfect.

Thanks for all the suggestions and support.

By the way, the Feds dropped in randomly last week for several days for a Medicare Site Inspection and said it is the best hospital the team has ever inspected... at least the dedication shows.

 

[schmism]

ham radio works anywhere you have the mobile unit. (or HT)

as a hospital employee you may be able to get a commercial unit that works on the same frequency as the ambulance service (mercy channel) so there is always a person at the hospital that will man that side in order to "page" you on it. you only need to let them know that today is a day to reach me by it.

 

[aczlan]

If your new pager supports bluetooth, you could get one of these: ThinkGeek :: BluAlert Bluetooth Bracelet, it would probably be easier to notice (and harder to lose) than putting your phone/pager in the back of your hat.

Aaron Z

 

[rmully]

What about Nextel ..is that in your area?