Transcript 2012 VHF Radio Template Changes

2012 VHF Radio Template
Changes
Phase 2 of 2 for 2012
Maximizing this Class
Narrow banding is more than just some changes to the radio
frequencies. It WILL fundamentally change how we use our
radios. Please take the time to work through the slides and
practice using the radios during the 4 specified exercises. The
exercises will give you a chance to practice using various radio
configurations in different situations, both emergent and nonemergent. There is also a quiz at the conclusion of the class,
intended to ensure everyone has gained the most important
information. As we all know, nothing can be more frustrating on
a call than a radio communication that cannot be understood.
Taking some time today, could reduce a lot of frustration later.
VHF CAG for
Benton – Franklin Counties
Class Overview
 “Going Green”
 The Green Templates minor changes
 RED Net Reminder
 Mayday Refresher
 Communicating with MedSTAR
 Narrow Banding Basics
 Radio exercises
 Quiz
Goals of the
Template
 Create a framework suitable for future
configuration and expansion between multicounty emergency service areas
 Create uniformity between agency radios, so
that any member of any agency can pick up a
radio and find the frequency needed.
 Narrow banded VHF in accordance with FCC
Regulations.
How did we get here?
 A committee of SECOMM users and radio
maintenance personnel from both Benton and
Franklin agencies worked for months creating
a radio template that met the needs of ALL
agencies, and met the major goals of the local
chiefs and SECOMM administrators.
The Framework
A quick review of “yellow” changes…
 Zones
 Previously referred to as Groups/Banks
 8 Zones designated by SECOMM Users Group
 Urban Zone
 Created for agencies working in center of Tri Cities where
numerous calls for auto/mutual-aide occur daily.
 See Radio Template for Details
 Home Zones
 Created for agencies outside of the Urban area, so
commonly used frequencies can be input.
 See Radio Template for Details
A quick review of “yellow” changes…
 Geographical Frequencies
 The necessity of using these frequencies has been identified
with the potential merge of Benton & Franklin County
agencies within the same communication system.
 TAC Frequencies (Simplex Frequencies)
 The use of TAC frequencies at the operational level of all
multi-company operations, is critical to maximizing
efficient communications.
 TAC frequencies are “loosely” assigned to the adjacent
geographical frequency.
RED NET
 Red net remains the
primary SAFETY channel
for SECOMM & Franklin
County users.
 Most agencies have
designated positions to
monitor this frequency.
 It remains the LAST in the
channel order of all zones
for ease of location for the
firefighter in a Mayday
Situation. (See Mayday
Refresher in 2 slides)
RED NET
RED NET SHOULD ALWAYS BE RESERVED FOR
EMERGENCY TRAFFIC ONLY.
IT SHALL NEVER BE USED FOR DAY TO DAY
TRAFFIC.
IT ALSO SHALL NOT BE USED BY MEDSTAR OR
AGENCIES ASSISTING WITH LANDING
AIRCRAFT.
(More about this later.)
“Mayday” Refresher
 When you or another
firefighter with you is:



LOST
TRAPPED or
In TROUBLE
 Call a “MAYDAY”
 Use the LUNAR acronym
to identify your current
situation.
1. Call the Mayday on
your current frequency.
If no response…
2. Turn the channel
selector all the way to
the right. Call the
Mayday again. If no
response….
3. Turn the channel
selector all the way to
the left. Call the Mayday
again.
295 MedSTAR
 Channel 295 MedSTAR is the companies own
assigned frequency with Air – to – Ground capability.
 This is the frequency that should be used by agencies
communicating with MedSTAR during LZ operations.
 Eg. “MedSTAR, this is Medic2-11 on 2-9-5”
Radio Functions
 There are no changes to the
functional abilities or buttons
of the radios.
 Scan feature select at “auto
resume”
 Home channel feature
 Home channel at power
“On”
 Position of RED NET
 Mic Gain Minimum
 Push-2-talk beep
 GPS Feature activated
for radios with feature
 Keypad “Lock” to avoid
changes while
firefighting
 Minimum volume
configured at 2.
 RED Net Hard Scanned
on all radios
NARROW-BANDING 101
What is it?
Why are we changing to it?
How does it impact my use of the radio?
Narrow-banding
 What is it?
 Narrow-banding is an effort to ensure more
efficient use of the VHF and UHF spectrum by
requiring all VHF and UHF Public Safety and
Industrial/Business land mobile radio (LMR)
systems to migrate to at least 12.5 kHz
efficiency technology by January 1, 2013.
The FCC is enforcing this requirement.
Narrow-banding
 What is the purpose of Narrowbanding?
 Currently, the majority of UHF and VHF LMR licensees
operate using 25 kHz efficiency technology. However, the
UHF and VHF frequency bands are congested with limited
spectrum available for system expansion or implementation
of new systems. The migration to 12.5 kHz efficiency
technology will require licensees to operate more efficiently,
either on narrower channel bandwidths or increased voice
paths on existing channels. This will allow creation of
additional channels within the same spectrum, thereby
supporting more users.
Narrow-banding
 Are paging-only channels exempt from
Narrowbanding?
 Yes, however, there are only 14 paging-only channels.
 Note that Med Channels 163.250, 150.775 and
150.790 MHz are not exempt, as these channels are
shared with Federal Government users who must
Narrowband as part of the Federal Government
Narrowbanding effort.
Narrow-banding
 What happens if we don’t narrow-band our
frequencies?
 The FCC is monitoring all licensed users and will initiate
fines up to $16,000 per Frequency per Day after
January 1, 2013 if required frequencies are not narrowbanded accordingly.
Narrow-banding
 Will I lose coverage area when I Narrowband?
 It has been estimated that Narrowband compliance
can result in a 3 dB loss in signal strength. However,
this rule of thumb is based upon a "plain vanilla"
Narrow-banding scenario where a 25 kHz analog
system converts to a 12.5 kHz analog system.
Consult with a manufacturer and/or consulting
engineer for a better estimate of how Narrowbanding will affect your particular system.
 The full impact of narrow-banding on Benton &
Franklin County will not be known until it is done.
Impact of Narrow-Banding on
Radio Functionality
There is a clear and definite impact
of using narrow banded
frequencies. It will be vital that all
users follow specific radio etiquette
in order to maintain good
communication.
Narrow-Banding Impacts on…
Overall Communications
 Generally speaking you
should not notice a big
difference. However, people
who tend to talk quietly or
do not project their voice
will be more difficult to
understand.
 Everyone is encouraged to
project, not yell, into the
radio.
General Radio Communications



The biggest impact of
narrow banding on the
radio user, is the need to
speak directly into the
microphone.
The sensitivity of the radios,
and the resulting
transmission will require
microphones to be much
closer to the user.
Talk into, not at the radio.
EXERCISE #1
 The impact of narrow banding on daily radio use.
 Materials Needed:
2 VHF Radios with narrow banded frequencies
 2 or more participants


Standing outside (not inside), have a radio positioned on each
side of a building. Use either geographical or TAC frequencies.
Perform 10 counts, (1, 2, 3, 4, … ) starting with the radio at arms
length. Slowly bring the radio in towards your mouth, until the
radio or mic is approximately 2 inches from your mouth.
 Have each participant practice talking on the radio. Notice the
difference in volume and communication clarity.
 Find the distance that provides the best communication.

Narrow-Banding Impacts on…
Use of Directional
Microphones
 Lanyard mics, boom mics,
table-top mics, and even
portables will require the
user to speak directly into
the microphone for best
signal transmission.
Using Directional Microphones

Even with SCBA Voice
Boxes, the sensitivity of
the radio & the
transmission, will be more
likely to pick up
background noise, rather
than intended voice
transmissions unless you
speak directly into the
mic.
EXERCISE #2
 The impact of narrow banding on emergency radio use.

Materials Needed:
2 VHF Radios with narrow banded frequencies
 SCBA Mask &/or Voice Amplifier
 2 or more participants


Standing outside (not inside), have a radio positioned on each side of
a building. Use either Geographical or TAC frequencies.
Perform 10 counts, (1, 2, 3, 4, … ) starting with the radio or boom mic
with it positioned where you normally would.
 Find the position that provides the best signal to the receiving radio.
 Have each participant practice talking on the radio. Notice the
difference in volume and communication clarity.
 Find the distance and direction that provides the best communication.
 Try using a radio in the radio pouch, without a lanyard mic.

Narrow-Banding Impacts on…
Signal Penetration into Buildings
 Many frequencies (specifically the geographical’s)
may NOT penetrate into buildings consistently.
 Dense construction materials such as wood, steel,
concrete, etc. will reduce signal strength.
 Consider the cumulative effect of the number of
floors and depth into a building working against
the strength of the frequency.
Narrow Banded Frequency Penetration 101
TAC Frequencies will be best on scene.
Building Penetration
 Narrow-banded signals DO NOT penetrate into
buildings as consistently as before.
 Because of this, personnel inside the building should
either be on SECOMM or SOUTH DISP or be on a
TAC Frequency.
 If you believe you will be out of radio frequency
range…


Post someone outside who can make contact with you via a
TAC frequency, or
Notify the Communication Center, and request they notify you
via phone if unable to contact via normal radio
communications. (Obviously – not during emergency ops.)
EXERCISE #3
 The impact of narrow banding on building
penetration.

Materials Needed:
2 VHF Radios with narrow banded frequencies
 2 or more participants


Position a radio on the inside & another on the outside.
(Ideally – use a concrete or metal constructed building.)
Using a TAC Frequency
 Perform a 10 count from the inside radio to the radio outside, and
then visa versa.
 Using a Geographic Frequency
 Perform a 10 count from the inside radio to the radio outside, and
then visa versa.


Note the differences in signal strength and clarity.
SECOMM / NORTH DISPATCH
COMMAND 2 / SOUTH DISP.
GEOGRAPHIC FREQUENCIES
TAC FREQUENCIES
Frequency (CHANNEL) Intended Function
With 12 agency users and counting…
It is critical that all members of all agencies
practice radio discipline in order to free up
radio air time for other necessary traffic.
Radio discipline starts by ensuring you are
transmitting on the correct frequency for the task
at hand.
Go en route on your assigned channel.
SECOMM & North Dispatch

The primary function of these frequencies are for:
 Dispatching
units
 Communicating with units on single resource responses or
typical EMS type responses.
 The dispatcher shall advise units when to move to a
COMMAND or Geographical Frequency.
 Scene Commanders may also move units to a COMMAND,
Geographical, or TAC frequency if scene communications
dictate.
1 of 2
COMMAND 2 & SOUTH Dispatch

The frequencies designated for Command level functions
(at this time) are:
Command 2
 South Dispatch


This frequency should be used by all units to:
Advise dispatch “Enroute” to a scene (If not using an MDT)
 Advise dispatch of “Arrived” status (If not using an MDT)
 Advise dispatch of “Available” status (If not using an MDT)


Beyond simple status notifications, units should be directed
by Command Staff to move to a Geographical &/or TAC
frequency for on-scene radio traffic.
2 of 2
COMMAND 2 & SOUTH Dispatch

Command Staff should use these frequencies for:
 Communication
with SECOMM or Franklin County Dispatch
 Communication with other resources not assigned to the
incident or who have not yet arrived at the incident
 Communication with other command staff not assigned to
the incident
 i.e.:
“Canyon Command” communicating with Chief 171
1 of 2
Geographic Frequencies



Geographical frequencies are designated by ESZ
(Emergency Service Zone) that is best covered by the
specific Geographical frequency.
These frequencies should be used by Command,
Divisions, and Groups on the incident to accomplish
communications at that level and/or with units working
outside.
For Example:
 “Division
A” – “Canyon Command” on East IP
 “Ventilation Group” – “Division B” on Badger
 “Command” – “Staging Officer” on West IP
2 of 2
Geographic Frequencies

Geographicals will be of particular benefit on natural
cover fires spanning large areas..
TAC Frequencies




TAC Frequencies are specifically for task oriented
functions on any incident.
They should be relied upon solely for operations inside
of a building.
Additionally TAC frequencies are for communicating
with other resources in/and around the structure.
Division supervisors or Command (on smaller incidents)
should be using TAC frequencies to communicate with
units on the operational level.
Incident
Commander
No one position should have more
than 2 radios or communicating on
more than 2 frequencies. As the size
and complexity of the incident
increases, so shall the number &
types of frequencies.
TAC
SECOMM / SOUTH
Frequency by Incident
Tasking & Size of
Operation
SAFETY
OFFICER
SECOMM / SOUTH
Incident
Commander
Monitors
the Geo (if
used) &
RED NET.
GEOGRAPHICAL
Division B
No one position should have more
than 2 radios or communicating on
more than 2 frequencies.
Frequency by Incident Tasking & Size of Operation
Division A
SECOMM / SOUTH
GEO.
Incident
Commander
Staging Officer
GEOGRAPHICAL
Division A
No one position should have more
than 2 radios or communicating on
more than 2 frequencies.
Division D
EXERCISE #4 (Slide 1 of 3)
 Putting all frequencies into practice.
 Materials Needed:
4 + VHF Radios with narrow banded frequencies
 4 + participants


Identify the positions to be role-played:
Dispatcher (Will be on Command Freq. or South Dispatch)
 Incident Commander (Command Freq. and Geographical)
 Division Supervisor (Can have 2 or more in this role) – (Will be on
Geographical and Tac Frequency)
 Tactical Groups (Can have 2 or more in this role) 


Position the participants around the building.
You will be role playing a scenario from the point of going
enroute.
EXERCISE #4 (Slide 2 of 3)
 Have the “Dispatcher” dispatch the appropriate units
to a Residential Structure fire on a command
frequency. (Advise your comm center that you are running a drill &
the frequencies you will be using.)
 All units will go “enroute” on either Command 2 or
South Dispatch, as appropriate for your agency.
 After the first unit arrives on scene, make
appropriate changes to TAC frequencies for interior
operations.
 As the scenario increases in size and complexity, add
the geographic frequencies.
EXERCISE #4 (Slide 3 of 3)
 Have interior crews, and division supervisors
conduct numerous exchanges of information on
assigned frequencies.

Consider using this radio traffic as an opportunity to practice
the various benchmarks & other important transmissions for a
structure fire:
I.C.P. Established
Loss Stopped
Ventilation Complete
Primary Search Complete
Entering Overhaul
“Mayday!”
RIT Established
Secondary Search
Complete
Unit Entering Building &
# on Air
Safety Established
Command Dissolved
Exiting the Building Off
Air
Take this quiz with the other people in your group. Once you
have decided on the correct answer, click the mouse ONCE to
show the correct answer.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
SECOMM
COMMAND 2
A TAC
EAST IP
HEAR
COMMAND 3
BADGER
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
SECOMM
COMMAND 2
A TAC
EAST IP
HEAR
COMMAND 3
BADGER
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
MPD
FCC.
CIA.
local fire chiefs.
WADOH.
FBI.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
MPD
FCC.
CIA.
local fire chiefs.
WADOH.
FBI.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
communicating with MedSTAR.
asking the crew what’s for dinner.
telling interior crews to evacuate.
a safety channel on the fire scene.
the Safety Officer on the scene.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
communicating with MedSTAR.
asking the crew what’s for dinner.
telling interior crews to evacuate.
a safety channel on the fire scene.
the Safety Officer on the scene.
Nothing, this is a waist of time.
The radios will stop working.
A fine of $16,000 per day per
frequency could be imposed.
D. The agencies license to use the
frequencies could be revoked.
A.
B.
C.
Nothing, this is a waist of time.
The radios will stop working.
A fine of $16,000 per day per
frequency could be imposed.
D. The agencies license to use the
frequencies could be revoked.
A.
B.
C.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
SECOMM
FRANKLIN COUNTY
SOUTH DISPATCH
COMMAND 2
RED NET
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
SECOMM
FRANKLIN COUNTY
SOUTH DISPATCH
COMMAND 2
RED NET
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Command 2
East IP
West IP
West Joe
East Joe
Kahlotus
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Command 2
East IP
West IP
West Joe
East Joe
Kahlotus
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Badger
Rattlesnake
West IP
S. Prosser Butte
Basin City
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Badger
Rattlesnake
West IP
S. Prosser Butte (Umatilla Rdg.)
Basin City
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
URBAN
BENTON
FRANKLIN
MED/HOSP
HOME
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
URBAN
BENTON
FRANKLIN
MED/HOSP
HOME
A.
Benton Zone
A.
Units on an MCI
B.
Med Hospital
B.
FCFD #3
C.
Franklin Zone
C.
PFD, RFD, KFD
D.
Urban Zone
D.
BCFD 1, 2, & 4
A.
Benton Zone
A.
Units on an MCI
B.
Med Hospital
B.
FCFD #3
C.
Franklin Zone
C.
PFD, RFD, KFD
D.
Urban Zone
D.
BCFD 1, 2, & 4
A.
Benton Zone
A.
Units on an MCI
B.
Med Hospital
B.
FCFD #3
C.
Franklin Zone
C.
PFD, RFD, KFD
D.
Urban Zone
D.
BCFD 1, 2, & 4
A.
Benton Zone
A.
Units on an MCI
B.
Med Hospital
B.
FCFD #3
C.
Franklin Zone
C.
PFD, RFD, KFD
D.
Urban Zone
D.
BCFD 1, 2, & 4
A.
Benton Zone
A.
Units on an MCI
B.
Med Hospital
B.
FCFD #3
C.
Franklin Zone
C.
PFD, RFD, KFD
D.
Urban Zone
D.
BCFD 1, 2, & 4
Fill in the blank with the best frequency, based on BCFD #1 Home Zone
Tactical Frequency _______________
Operations Frequency ____________
Command Frequency _____________
Fill in the blank with the best frequency, based on BCFD #1 Home Zone
Tactical Frequency ___B-TAC_______
Operations Frequency ____________
Command Frequency _____________
Fill in the blank with the best frequency, based on BCFD #1 Home Zone
Tactical Frequency ___B-TAC_______
Operations Frequency __EAST IP___
Command Frequency _____________
Fill in the blank with the best frequency, based on BCFD #1 Home Zone
Tactical Frequency ___B-TAC_______
Operations Frequency __EAST IP___
Command Frequency COMMAND 2
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO GO OVER THIS IMPORTANT
TRAINING. DON’T FORGET TO LOG YOUR TRAINING .