communications manual january 4, 2011 post radio / … · 2016. 1. 4. · the motorola vrs 750...

COMMUNICATIONS MANUAL CHAPTER 12

January 4, 2011

POST RADIO / CROSS BAND REPEATER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ... ..1

2. DESCRIPTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF POST RADIO... ...1

3. VEHICLE CROSS BAND REPEATER ... ...2

4. CROSS BAND REPEATER VHF HANDIE-TALKIE... .4

5. USE OF THE POST RADIO... ...5

6. UTILIZATION OF UHF/VHF VEHICLE CROSS BAND REPEATER SYSTEM ... ..5

7. UTILIZATION OF VEHICLE UHF REPEATER RADIO WITHOUT ACTIVATION OFVEHICLE REPEATER SYSTEM ................................................................................8

8. UHF MOBILE RADIO IN DC/BC VEHICLES... ...10

9. UHF RADIO CONFIGURATION IN DC/BC VEHICLES... .11

10. COMMUNICATION ILLUSTRATION ... .12

ADDENDUM

1. ASSIGNMENT OF POST RADIOS & VEHICLE CROSS BAND REPEATERS

COMMUNICATIONS MANUALJanuary 4, 2011 CHAPTER 12

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The communications system developed to address FDNY field communications includeshandie-talkies, post radios, repeaters, VHF repeater handie-talkies and VHF mobile "apparatus" radios. Post Radio - The keystone of our high-rise communications solution and an integral

part of our communications system. The Motorola VRS 750 cross band repeater consists of two radios, a UHF radio and a

VHF radio that are linked together. A handheld VHF 5 watt handie-talkie that will be used in conjunction with the cross

band repeater. The VHF apparatus (mobile) radio used to communicate with the dispatcher. The UHF Mobile Radio installed in DC/BC cars is able to communicate on all 16 HT

channels, the 6 NYMAC I/O channels and on all EMS channels.

2. DESCRIPTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF POST RADIO

2.1 The Post Radio uses a Kenwood UHF Mobile TK8150 enclosed in a water resistant,vented Pelican case. It is equipped with an adjustable, removable, padded shoulder strapas well as a carrying handle and is secured in the Battalion vehicle.

2.2 Power output is 45 watts supplied by a rechargeable 12-volt, 18-amp hour sealed leadacid battery. The battery is charged through an AC plug transformer and/or a 12-voltcigarette type accessory plug. The battery provides sufficient wattage for 4 hours ofoperation when using the 20/20/60 formula (20% transmit, 20% receive, 60% standby)and for 7 hours when using the 10/10/80 formula (10% transmit, 10% receive,80% standby). Transmission wattage decreases as the battery drains.

2.3 The Post Radio shall be fully charged weekly (whether used or not) and after each use forat least 8 hours. Prolonged use may require up to 20 hours to fully charge.

2.4 The antenna is a matching non-ground plane UHF flexible rubber coated whip antenna.

2.5 A frequency selector switch allows for the use of 16 channels. The channel selection isdisplayed through an LCD screen.

Note: In case of emergency, the Incident Commander may switch the Post Radio to the tacticalchannel to broadcast their message. This should be done only for emergency transmissions. The Post Radio transmits at 45 watts. This higher power could cause interference over a wide area to units at another incident on the same tactical channel.

12-1


2.6 A Push-To-Talk (PTT) handset is attached to the side of the radio. An ON/OFF switchlocated on the top of the case activates the Post Radio. The handset must be used totransmit.

2.7 A speaker is built into the face of the radio.

2.8 The weight is 22 pounds.

2.9 Due to the radio frequency radiation hazard, members shall not be within 2 feet from atransmitting Post Radio. In addition, due to its high transmission wattage, the Post Radiomay cause interference with electrical equipment.

3. VEHICLE CROSS BAND REPEATER

3.1 The vehicle cross band repeater consists of two main components. The first is the crossband repeater. The second component is two linked radios (one high-wattage UHF and one low-wattage VHF). A VHF low-wattage signal is sent to the repeater on one frequency; it crosses bands and is transmitted out on a UHF high-wattage frequency. A UHF cross band repeater can be used as a UHF radio, and has the ability to transmit UHF to VHF and VHF to UHF but can never be used solely as a VHF radio. Transmissions from the vehicle are sent out at 40 watts UHF and at 5 watts VHF.

3.2 Activation of the Repeater Notify the Dispatcher of the intent to activate the repeater. Depress the Power button located at upper left side of repeater radio. Depress the Yellow VRS button located to the right of the power button. Check digital readout that will display "Self Chk". The repeater shall normally be set to the primary command channel, Channel 2.

Note: Afterwards, digital readout will alternate between "VRS Both" and the Channel to which repeater is set (i.e., "Channel 2")

Digital readout will display the channel to which repeater is set. Above the digital readout will be a small triangle indicating that repeater is on.

H.T 2

12-2


Remove VHF handie-talkie from charger. Check to see that the HT is set to Channel 2. Turn VHF handie-talkie on and depress push to talk button. Give a quick "test test."

The red light on repeater should illuminate. This indicates signal from VHF HT is going through the repeater.

At the conclusion of operations, the Battalion Chief must turn off both the yellow VRS button and Power button.

Power Button Mode Switch: Changes Channels

Volume Control Yellow VRS Button

Power Pushbutton - turns the unit on/off. VRS (Vehicle Repeater System) Pushbutton - engages/disengages the repeater. Mode Switch: Used to change channels. Handheld Microphone: White mic on side of console.

12-3


4. CROSS BAND REPEATER VHF HANDIE-TALKIE

A yellow knob and a longer antenna identify the cross band repeater VHF handie-talkie.

It is only programmed from channels 1-8.

Radio transmits at 5 watts.

The orange emergency button is disabled on the VHF H.T.

Radio is charged in vehicle charger.

4.1 Whenever the Battalion Vehicle Cross Band repeater is activated, only the BattalionChief whose vehicle repeater was activated shall take the VHF Handie-Talkie to the Incident Command Post.

4.2 The VHF Handie-Talkie must be set on the same Channel as the vehicle repeater.Initially, this will be channel 2, the command channel.

4.3 Transmissions from the Lobby will be given through the VHF HT. Any transmissionsthat go through the vehicle repeater will reach Officers or Chiefs operating on the command channel of the Post Radio.

4.4 A unique feature of the VHF Handie-Talkie is the ability to transmit through the vehiclerepeater on several channels.

4.5 If the Incident Command Post needs to reach a unit in the fire area in an emergency, theycan still do so by using the VHF HT and going through the vehicle repeater on the tactical channel. This should only be done for emergency transmissions. Transmissions from the vehicle repeater transmit at 40 watts. This high power could cause interference over a wide area to units operating at another incident on the same tactical channel.

4.6 Automatic Steering of Signal

4.6.1 The Incident Commander can switch channels on the VHF HT in order to transmit on different channels, if necessary. The Battalion vehicle repeater will recognize the signal from the VHF HT and then transmit on UHF on the same channel. For example, if the Incident Command Post needs to reach a unit operating on the secondary tactical channel (channel 3), they can switch the VHF HT to channel 3 and give a transmission. The vehicle repeater will then send the signal out on UHF channel 3 to the upper floors where members operating on the secondary tactical will receive it. The vehicle repeater will remain on the new channel until it is steered to another channel.

12-4


Note: Units on a tactical channel may not be able reach the lobby because of the strength of the HT signal. If the IC contacts a unit operating on a tactical channel directly, but the unit’s reply is not received by the IC due to the strength of the HT signal, they should have their message to the IC relayed through the Sector/Branch/Group under which they are operating.

5. USE OF THE POST RADIO

5.1 One of the primary uses of the Post Radio will be during High-Rise Operations. The PostRadio can be used in conjunction with a Battalion vehicle repeater. The key aspect of the Post Radio use is the establishment of a Command Channel at 45 watts. Additionally, the IC may utilize the Post Radio anytime its use would enhance communications at an incident.Note: Upon arrival, it is the responsibility of the Deputy Chief to ensure that a Post Radio is in position at the Incident Command Post (ICP) at every “all hands” or greater alarm. At this location, the Post Radio will be available for immediate use when necessary.

6. UTILIZATION OF UHF/VHF VEHICLE CROSS BAND REPEATER SYSTEM

Note: Only one operation utilizing a vehicle repeater shall be allowed citywide. The activation of a second repeater could deactivate the first repeater. If a second operation requires activation of the vehicle repeater, the dispatcher will inform the Incident Commander of the second operation that there is already a vehicle repeater in use. The second operation shall use "Post radio to Post radio" to effect communications. This second operation would have to operate on a different command channel so as not to interfere with the initial repeater operation.Additional options are Post Radio to vehicle UHF Mobile Repeater Radio without activating the repeater, or Post Radio to UHF Mobile Radio in DC/BC vehicles equipped without cross band repeater system.

6.1 FIRST ARRIVING BATTALION

6.1.1 The first arriving Battalion to a High-Rise incident that necessitates vehicle repeater activation shall notify the dispatcher that they are activating the vehicle cross band repeater. All Battalion vehicles shall have the vehicle repeater set initially to channel 2, the primary command channel. For optimal triangulation of the signal, the Battalion vehicle should be parked across the street from the operation.

12-5 Rev. 12/06/11


6.1.2 If the dispatcher informs the Battalion that a repeater operation is already in use,then the Battalion shall use "Post Radio to Post Radio" or consider "Utilization of UHF side of the Vehicle Repeater Radio without Activation of the Vehicle Cross band side of the Repeater."

6.1.3 The Chief will activate the repeater by depressing the power on button and theVRS button then remove the VHF handie-talkie from the charger. Next, turn on both the VHF repeater handie-talkie and the post radio.

6.1.4 Upon leaving the battalion vehicle, a check to ensure the link between the vehiclerepeater and the Post radio will be made. The Battalion shall give a short test transmission through the VHF vehicle repeater handie-talkie. A quick "test-test" will suffice. When the test transmission is received through the Post radio, a return test will be given from the Post radio. When the transmission from the VHF handie-talkie is complete, the VHF handie-talkie will emit a short double tone. This indicates that the transmission is going through the repeater.

6.1.5 All Battalions shall bring their Post radio into the lobby. The Battalion thatactivates their vehicle repeater is the only battalion to bring the VHF vehicle repeater handie-talkie into the lobby.

6.1.6 The first arriving Battalion shall bring the Post radio and the VHF vehiclerepeater handie-talkie into the lobby of the fire building. The Post radio shall be set to the Primary Command Channel, Channel 2. The VHF vehicle repeater handie-talkie shall also be set on Channel 2.

6.1.7 The first arriving Battalion Chief shall report to the Fire Command Station andconfer with the Fire Department member staffing the Incident Command Post and the building Fire Safety Director (FSD).

6.2 SECOND ARRIVING ENGINE OFFICER

6.2.1 The second arriving engine officer provides the communications link between the lobby and the fire area pending the establishment of the Fire Sector/Branch on a floor below the fire.

6.2.2 The first arriving Battalion chief shall give the Post radio to the second engine officer.

6.2.3 The second engine officer will then take the Post radio and report with his/her company to their normal location, in the vicinity of the standpipe outlet from which the first handline is being stretched.

6.2.4 Upon arrival on the floor below the fire, the second engine officer shall establish contact with the Incident Command Post (ICP) on the command channel via the Post radio. The officer will verify that the Post radio is in place and give his/her location to the IC.

12-6


6.2.5 The second engine officer will then use their handie-talkie radio on the tactical channel to announce to units in the fire area that a communications link with the ICP has been established. Communications will be relayed through the second engine officer. In addition to his/her normal duties, the second engine officer must maintain the communications link with the lobby until the Fire Sector Supervisor/Branch Director arrives on the floor below the fire.

6.3 SECOND ARRIVING BATTALION CHIEF

6.3.1 The second arriving Battalion Chief will report to the lobby with the Post radioset on the primary command channel (Channel 2).

6.3.2 The second arriving Battalion Chief shall confer with the Incident Commander inthe lobby, receive an update on operations, ascertain the location of the second engine officer, leave the Post radio at the ICP and proceed to the location of the second engine officer.

6.3.3 Upon arrival at the second engine officer's location, the second Battalion Chiefshall get a briefing on operations from the engine officer, then take the Post radio from the engine officer and establish the Fire Sector/Branch in a favorable location.

6.3.4 The second Battalion Chief will then make an announcement over the primarytactical channel of the handie-talkie radio that the Fire Sector/Branch is established and give the location, i.e., "Battalion 9 to all units, Battalion 9 is the Fire Sector Supervisor/Branch Director, the Fire Sector/Branch is located on the 38th floor near the C stairway". Communications shall now be relayed through the Fire Sector/Branch.

6.3.5 The Fire Sector Supervisor/Branch Director will then contact the ICP via the Postradio on the primary command channel and announce the establishment and location of the Fire Sector/Branch.

6.3.6 Units operating in the fire area shall then direct their communications to the FireSector/Branch. The Fire Sector Supervisor/Branch Director will monitor units operating in the fire area on the primary tactical channel via the handie-talkie (Channel 1).

6.3.7 The Battalion firefighter monitors the command channel of the Post radio(Channel 2).

NOTES: If the first arriving Battalion is not equipped with a repeater, then the next Battalion arriving

with a repeater shall be notified through the dispatcher to activate their vehicle repeater and bring the VHF handie-talkie to the Incident Commander.

All battalions shall report into the lobby with their Post radios. Additional Post radios will be assigned by the Incident Commander.

If a Battalion is sent to a Sector/Branch/Group without a Post radio, the Chief and the aide shall have their HTs set as per Firefighting Procedures, High Rise Office Buildings, Appendix 1, until a post radio arrives at their location.

12-7


If the first arriving Battalion is delayed into the box and the second engine has already ascended to the upper floors, then the following shall take place: The Battalion shall give the Post radio to the Fire Department member operating the firemen's service elevator. Upon arrival 2 floors below the fire floor, the elevator operator will contact the second engine officer. The second arriving engine officer shall then ensure that the Post radio is obtained from the member operating the elevators.

If a Battalion is assigned as an Attack Chief, they can leave their Post radio at the Fire Sector/Branch. This Post radio would be set to the tactical channel (the Fire SectorSupervisor/Branch Director’s Post Radio is set on command). Because of its antenna, the Post radio is better equipped to receive transmissions than a handie-talkie.

7. UTILIZATION OF VEHICLE UHF REPEATER RADIO WITHOUTACTIVATION OF VEHICLE REPEATER SYSTEM

The UHF side of the vehicle repeater radio may be used without activation of the repeater. This can be used to assist High-Rise or other communications by allowing Chief Officers the use of secondary command channels.

Only one vehicle cross band repeater activation shall be allowed citywide. The activation of a second repeater could deactivate the first repeater. However, more than one UHF vehicle repeater radio can be activated. This can be done without causing interference to simultaneous operations.

Each operation using a UHF vehicle repeater radio must have radios set to different command channels.

7.1 The following is an example of how more than one repeater radio can be used at the sametime:a) At the first operation where a vehicle cross band repeater is activated, the vehicle

cross band repeater is set to channel 2. The Post radios at this operation are also set to channel 2. Channel 2 is the primary command channel.

b) If there is a second operation where that Incident Commander wanted to activate a vehicle cross band repeater, the dispatcher would inform the Battalion that there is already an operation where a repeater is in use.

c) The Chief at the second operation would then inform the dispatcher that they will be using a secondary command channel at this incident. The dispatcher will notify incoming Chiefs of the designation of the secondary command channel.

d) Turn on the vehicle repeater radio. Do not depress the yellow VRS button. The cross band repeater will not be engaged. The VHF vehicle repeater handie-talkie is not used at this operation. It stays in the charger in the Battalion vehicle for the duration of the operation. The Chief would then switch his Battalion vehicle repeater radio to the selected secondary command channel.

12-8


Channels 4-8 are for Secondary Command and for Tertiary Tactical use, at the discretion of the Incident Commander. These channels (HT-4 thru HT-8) are left nameless to allow for a more flexible assignment. Channels 4 thru 8 shall be used in designated Boroughs, as shown below:

BOROUGH RECOMMENDED SECONDARY RECOMMENDEDCOMMAND CHANNEL TERTIARY CHANNEL

Queens 4 5Brooklyn 5 8Manhattan 6 8Bronx 7 6Staten Island 8 4

e) The Chief will switch his/her Post radio to the secondary command channel and proceed to the lobby with the Post radio (set on secondary command channel).

f) The Battalion firefighter remains in the Battalion vehicle. The Battalion firefighter can speak to the Chief on the command channel by using the white mic that is part of the vehicle repeater radio. This white mic is found on the side of the console.

g) The first arriving Battalion Chief shall give the Post radio to the second arriving Engine following the Post radio deployment procedure.

h) When in place, the second arriving Engine officer can communicate to the Battalion vehicle on the secondary command channel. A link has now been established on a command channel between the upper floors and the ICP via the firefighter in the Battalion Vehicle.

i) The Battalion firefighter can then relay messages via handie-talkie to the chief in the lobby.

j) The aide is able to communicate with the second Engine by using the repeater radio.

k) The second arriving Battalion Chief shall leave their Post radio with the Incident Commander (set on the secondary command channel). At this point, the first arriving Battalion firefighter shall report to the lobby.

12-9


l) The second Battalion Chief then proceeds to the upper floors, obtains the Post radio from the second Engine Officer and establishes the Fire Sector/Branch.

m) Communications from the Fire Sector/Branch to the lobby can now be conducted point to point on the secondary command channel of the Post radios.

n) When additional Battalions arrive on the scene, they shall report to the lobby with their Post radios set to the secondary command channel.

o) Additional Sectors/Branches/Groups will also operate on the secondary command channel unless otherwise directed.

8. UHF MOBILE RADIO IN DC/BC VEHICLES

8.1 All Divisions and Battalion vehicles are equipped with a 40 watt UHF mobile radio thatcan be used for EMERGENCY TRANSMISSIONS. Maximum wattage will be achieved with the vehicle engine running.

8.2 The UHF radio can be used: When the Post Radio fails. When a second Post Radio is unavailable (Battalion firefighter can maintain

communications link with the Fire Sector/Branch on the Command Channel until a 2nd

Post Radio arrives).

8.3 The following channels are programmed into the radio and are able to transmit (TX) at 40watts and receive (RX): All 16 HT channels All 6 NYMAC I/O channels All EMS channels PD TAC "G" and PD TAC "U" channels

8.4 To operate the UHF radio, the Chief Officer should: Select the required channel on the radio. Talk into the white microphone attached on the side of the radio. Broadcast your message at 40 watts.

8.5 Members should be aware that use of this radio is strictly for emergency transmissionsonly. Casual use of this radio will cause operations distant from the scene to be hampered by the stronger signal (40 watts compared to the HTs 2-5 watts of power).

8.6 The HOME button:When this button is selected, it will bring the user automatically to HT 1 designated as the HOME channel.

12-10


8.7 UHF Radio Configuration in DC/BC Vehicles

HT 1-16 (Tx40w & Rx)EMS DISP (Tx10w & Rx40w)

Ch # Ch. Name1 HT - TAC1 (HOME CH)2 HT - CMD13 HT - TAC2

NYMAC I/O (Tx40w & Rx)EMS TELEM (Tx40W & Rx)

XMT FREQTx 40 watts/RxTx 40 watts/RxTx 40 watts/Rx

NYPD (Rx Only Except TAC G & U Tx40w))

50 MED 9 Tx 40 watts/Rx51 MED 10 Tx 40 watts/Rx52 PD SOD No TX53 PDSOD-SI No TX

4 HT - 4 Tx 40 watts/Rx 54 TAC - G Tx 40 watts/Rx5 HT - 5 Tx 40 watts/Rx 55 PD ZN 01 No TX6 HT - 6 Tx 40 watts/Rx 56 PD ZN 02 No TX7 HT - 7 Tx 40 watts/Rx 57 PD ZN 03 No TX8 HT - 8 Tx 40 watts/Rx 58 PD ZN 04 No TX9 HT - 9 Dig Tx 40 watts/Rx 59 PD ZN 05 No TX

10 HT EMS/FR Tx 40 watts/Rx 60 PD ZN 06 No TX11 BLDG RP Tx 40 watts/Rx 61 PD ZN 07 No TX12 MOB RP Tx 40 watts/Rx 62 PD ZN 08 No TX13 TAC - U Tx 40 watts/Rx 63 PD ZN 09 No TX14 HT14 SBW1 Tx 40 watts/Rx 64 PD ZN 10 No TX15 HT15 SBW2 Tx 40 watts/Rx 65 PD ZN 11 No TX16 HT16 EMRG Tx 40 watts/Rx17 TA Bldg Rp Tx 40 watts/Rx18 TA Mob Rp Tx 40 watts/Rx19 TA SBW 1 Tx 40 watts/Rx20 TA SBW 2 Tx 40 watts/Rx21 NYMAC 1 Tx 40 watts/Rx22 NYMAC 2 Tx 40 watts/Rx23 NYMAC 3 Tx 40 watts/Rx24 NYMAC 4 Tx 40 watts/Rx25 NYMAC 5 Tx 40 watts/Rx26 NYMAC 6 Tx 40 watts/Rx27 CWSI I/O Tx 40 watts/Rx28 SI-S I/O Tx 40 watts/Rx29 EMS CW1 Tx 10 watts/Rx30 EMS CW2 Tx 10 watts/Rx31 BRONX SO Tx 10 watts/Rx32 BRONX NO Tx 10 watts/Rx33 BKLN NOR Tx 10 watts/Rx34 BKLN CEN Tx 10 watts/Rx35 BKLN SO Tx 10 watts/Rx36 RICHMOND Tx 10 watts/Rx37 QUEENS W Tx 10 watts/Rx38 QUEENS E Tx 10 watts/Rx39 MANH NO Tx 10 watts/Rx40 MAN CEN Tx 10 watts/Rx

66 PD ZN 12 No TX67 PD ZN 13 No TX68 PD ZN 14 No TX69 PD ZN 15 No TX70 PD ZN 16 No TX71 PD ZN 17 No TX72 PD ZN 18 No TX73 PD ZN 19 No TX74 PD ZN 20 No TX75 PD ZN 21 No TX76 PD ZN 22 No TX77 PD ZN 23 No TX78 PD ZN 24 No TX79 PD ZN 25 No TX80 PD ZN 26 No TX81 PD ZN 27 No TX82 PD ZN 28 No TX83 PD ZN 29 No TX84 PD ZN 30 No TX85 PD ZN 31 No TX86 PD ZN 32 No TX87 PD ZN 33W No TX88 PD ZN 33E No TX89 PD ZN 34 No TX90 PD ZN 35N No TX91 PD ZN 35S No TX

41 MAN SO Tx 10 watts/Rx 92 PD TRAFFIC No TX42 MED 1 Tx 40 watts/Rx 93 TRAFF SI No TX43 MED 2 Tx 40 watts/Rx 94 PDCW-1 No TX44 MED 3 Tx 40 watts/Rx 95 PDCW1-SI No TX45 MED 4 Tx 40 watts/Rx 96 PDCW2 No TX46 MED 5 Tx 40 watts/Rx 97 PDCW2-SI No TX47 MED 6 Tx 40 watts/Rx 98 PD CW-3 No TX48 MED 7 Tx 40 watts/Rx 99 PD CW3-SI No TX49 MED 8 Tx 40 watts/Rx

12-11

9. COMMUNICATION ILLUSTRATION

12-12

communications manual january 4, 2011 post radio / … · 2016. 1. 4. · the motorola vrs 750...

Documents