basic radio 101 participant guide
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
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North Dakota Department of Emergency Services
Basic Radio 101 An Emergency Responder’s Guide to Effective Radio Communication
Participant Guide
Handbook
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Contents
Module 1 Basic Radio 101 ................................................................................... 3
Module 2 Radio Protocol Guidelines ................................................................ 12
Module 3 Basic Radio Troubleshooting ........................................................... 21
Radio Glossary.................................................................................................. 25
Photos and images in this presentation are used with permission from fema.gov, istockphoto.com and Motorola, Inc.
Southwest Region
Mike Dannenfelzer, Burleigh County, Gary Kostelecky, Stark County (retired May 2009)
Northwest Region
Barry Jager, Burke County Sheriff Aaron Myers, Minot Community Ambulance
Northeast Region Al Morkin, Grand Forks 911 (retired September 2009)
Brad Tweed, Sykeston Fire Department
Southeast Region Byron Sieber, Red River Regional Dispatch Center
Jill Breuer, Richland County Dispatch Center
Basic Radio 101 Committee Members
State Resources Ken Jarolimek, ND Department of Emergency Services
Tim Meyer, ND Dept. of Health, Emergency Medical Services Stuart Hammer, ND Dept. of Health, Emergency Medical Services
Becky Ault, ND Department of Emergency Services – Lead
Training Program Development Ben Hoffman, North Dakota State University Emergency Management Graduate Student
Becky Koch, NDSU Agriculture Communication Director
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Module 1 Introduction to Basic Radio
Getting to Know Your Radio and How to Use it Effectively
Basic Radio 101An Emergency Responder’s Guide
to Effective Radio Communication
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Communication is Important
• Communicate
effectively
• Protect community
• Save lives
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Purpose
Provide a common understanding of
basic two-way radio knowledge and
guidelines to enhance overall
communication for all North Dakota
emergency responders
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Overview of Training
Module 1: Introduction to Radio Basics
Module 2: Radio Protocol Guidelines
Module 3: Troubleshooting
Module 4: Local Perspective
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Introduction to
Radio BasicsGetting to Know Your Radio and
How to Use It Effectively
Module 1
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Radio Communication
Introduction to Radio Basics
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Walkie-talkies, Phones and Radios
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How It Works
• Radio console
• Base station
• Tower/repeater
• Mobile radio
• Portable radio
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What’s a PSAP?
Public
Safety
Answering
Point
Emergency
911
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Base Station
• Fixed radio station
• Receives and
transmits
– NOT simultaneously
http://cfpub.epa.gov
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Mobile Radio
• Mounted
• Used in motion or
stopped
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Portable Radio
• Battery powered
• Hand held
• Carried by
person
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Repeaters• Boost signal
• Receive and transmit
different frequencies
simultaneously
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Towers• Reduce interference
• Signal travels farther
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Anatomy of a Radio
Introduction to Radio Basics
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Power• Power “ON” and “OFF”
• Different styles
– Push button
– Control knob
• Turn off when
changing batteries
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Squelch• Eliminates noise on
analog radios
• “Open” for white noise
• “Close” to reduce noise
• Separate knob or ring
under volume knob
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• Wait 2 seconds
• Speak in normal voice
• Incoming messages
lost if PTT is activated
Push-to-Talk (PTT)
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Speaker & Mic• Speaker and mic
together
• Mic when PTT is
pressed
• Speaker when PTT is
not in use
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• Vertical for best
reception
• Not a handle
Antenna
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Batteries
• When storing:
– Turn off radio
– Remove or replace
with charged
batteries
• Have extra battery
pack
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Programming the Radio
Introduction to Radio Basics
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Analog vs. Digital Signals
Analog
• Signal unaltered
• Heard simultaneously
• Human voice is analog
Digital
• Not continuous
• Signal encoded
• Converted back to plain
audio
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Battle of the Bands
VHF
• Very High Frequency
• 150 MHz to 170 MHz
UHF
• Ultra-high Frequency
• 450 MHz to 470 MHz
• Respond to and recover from:
• ALL Hazards
• ALL Disasters
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• Push-button
• Dial control
• Automatic scanning
Channel ScanningChannel/Mode
Select Knob
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• One frequency at
a time
• Must be on same
channel
• Special-use
frequencies
Selecting Frequency
Channel/Mode
Select Knob POLDISP NW
Channel/Mode
Name
CALLPAGEMUTE
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Introduction to Radio Basics
Review
• General radio
communication
• Anatomy of a radio
• Programming the radio
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Module 2 Radio Protocol Guidelines
Legal, Effective and Appropriate Radio Communication
Radio Protocol GuidelinesLegal, Effective and Appropriate
Radio Communication
Module 2
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FCC Overview
• Monitors
• Reviews
• Licenses
• Fines
• Suspends
• Revokeswww.fcc.gov
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Frequency License• Licensee
responsibilities:
– Maintain station
control
– Function
– Operate properly
Wall of circuit boards connecting
dispatch consoles with base
stations throughout North Dakota
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RulesNot allowed:
• False calls
• Fraudulent distress signals
• Unnecessary or unidentified communications
• Obscene, indecent or profane language
• Improper call signals
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Monitoring Transmission
• Monitor for at least
2 seconds before
transmitting
• Avoid causing
harmful
interference
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Restrictions
• Minimum practical time of transmission
• No chatting
• Be concise when transmitting
Courtesy of RRR Dispatch
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Priorities
Priority calls:
• Life safety
• Property
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Common Errors
and Best Practices
Radio Protocol Guidelines
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Voice Quality
• Maintain consistent
pitch, volume and
delivery speed
• Use normal tone
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Rate of Speech
Whoa, slow down.
Headquarters,251,furryfelinefoundfearfulforfleesinfirtree…
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Pronunciation
Problem Solution
• Mispronounced
– Words
– Names
• Speech
– Drawled
– Lazy
• Phonetically spell
word or name
• Maintain consistent
voice quality in all
situations
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Voice Clipping
Remember the 2-Second Rule!
• Depress PTT button
2 Seconds beforespeaking
• Release PTT button
2 Seconds afterspeaking
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Letting Feelings Talk• Avoid:
– Anger
– Frustration
– Boredom
• Be thoughtful
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Thinking Out Loud• Think before you
speak
• Be clear and concise
• Insert pauses or
breaks for longer
transmissions
• Use “stand by” to
collect thoughts
• Keep it simple!
I, uh, think he went, um, that way.
Wow, the sun is bright.
Wow, the sun is bright.
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Personal Pleasantries
Thanks for all the help!
Really, don’t mention it.
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Crowded or Noisy Areas
• Raise voice
• Whisper
• Turn away from noise
• Use conversational tone
• Use normal voice
• Face noise
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Method of Calling
4810, Dispatch. 4810.
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Method of Calling
4810, copy.
40010 East Carpenter Road theft report. Meet with Clark Kent regarding wallet theft. 4-0-0-1-0 East Carpenter Road.
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Acknowledging
Transmission
4810, copy.4810, ambulance enroute.
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Pre-alerting
• Prioritize
• Prepare to receive
– Information
– Be On the Lookouts
(BOLOs)
– Telephone numbers
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Pre-alert Categories
• Inquiries – Need to ask
a question or run
information
• Information – Sharing
information to be
written down
• Details – Follow up with
details to incident call
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Emergency! Now What?Responders inform the
PSAP when they:
1.Receive their page
2.Are en route to the scene
3.Arrive at the scene
4.Leave the scene
5.Are back at base
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Addresses & Locations
• Whole address
– First, say normally
– Second, break
down numbers
• Common names
– Universally known
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Addresses & Locations
• Whole address
– First, “4320 3rd
St. E.”
– Second, “4-3-2-0
Third Street East”
• Common names
– Discovery Middle
School
Example
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Code Usage
?8120, 10-30 using 10-codes. 10-62.
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Code Usage8120. We’ve got an illegal use of 10-codes. Reply to message.
8120, copy.
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Dispatch Traffic• Confirm receipt of
correct information
• Reinforce
information for
dispatcher
• Prevent other units
from calling before
dispatch is ready
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Module 3 Basic Radio Troubleshooting
Diagnosing and Correcting Problems with Two-way Radios
Basic Radio
TroubleshootingDiagnosing and Correcting Problems
with Two-way Radios
Module 3
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Purpose
Provide general troubleshooting tips
first responders can use to maintain
functional two-way radios
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TroubleshootingPortable
• Power
• Transmission
• Audio Quality
• Limited Talk Range
• Message Not Received
• Battery Problems
Mobile
• Power
• Transmission
• Audio Quality
• Limited Talk Range
• Message Not Received
• Blank Display
XTL 2500ZONE SCAN PHON CALL PAGE
XTL 2500ZONE SCAN PHON CALL PAGE
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Power -- Portable
Portable
• Does the unit beep,
display data or both?
• Is the battery properly
– charged?
– connected?
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Battery Problems• Avoid extreme temperatures
• Clean battery or charger contacts
• Check charging pin on transformer
• Recharge or replace
Portable
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Power -- Mobile
Problem
• Blank or dark display
• No sound
Solution
• Ensure unit is on
• If possible, check
connection
Mobile
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Transmission• PTT button not
pressed correctly
• Verify channel,
frequency and code
settings
• Verify transmission
indicator
Transmission Indicator Light
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Audio Quality• Volume at midrange level
• Proper mic handling– Hold mic 2 inches to side of
mouth, like cell phone, not under nose
• Press PTT 2 seconds before and after speaking
• Be aware of obstructions– Buildings, heavy foliage, etc.
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Limited Talk Range
• Steel and/or concrete
structures/buildings,
heavy foliage,
vehicles in the way
Solution
• Clear line of vision
Cause
?
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• Change location on
body
• Secure antenna;
make snug & vertical
Limited Talk Range
SolutionCause
• Too close to body
• Antenna
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Message Not Received
Problem
• Wrong frequency or
channel
• Batteries
• Obstructions
• Incorrect mode
Solution
• Confirm frequency or
channel is correct
• Recharge or replace
• Change location
• Verify scan setting
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Conclusion
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Radio Glossary
Analog Radio – Radio in which voice signals are sent over the air in an unaltered form and are heard the same time they are communicated (Human voice is an analog signal.)
Antenna – Any structure or device used to collect or radiate radio waves
Bank – Same as zone
Base Station – A fixed radio station that receives or transmits on particular frequencies but not simultaneously
Car to Car – Same as direct
Channel – Radio frequency utilized for transmitting or receiving (or both) radio signals
Conventional Radio System – A nontrunked radio system. Everyone with access to a channel hears all audio transmitted over that channel. User determines availability by listening for an open channel before transmitting. (Similar to a telephone party line)
Digital Radio – A radio in which audio and signaling information are encoded from natural format to form a digital data stream. Digital radios that receive the digital data stream convert information back to intelligible voice and signaling.
Direct – To communicate with another radio without using a repeater. To receive and transmit on the same frequency.
Encryption – A radio technology that converts plain, intelligible audio into an unintelligible signal. Radios with encryption technology have the ability to receive the unintelligible signal and convert it to plain audio.
FCC – Federal Communications Commission
Federal Communications Commission – The federal government agency that regulates use of the radio spectrum
Gateway – A device that electronically connects two or more fundamentally different communications networks. This temporary connection allows interoperability between different communications networks.
GHZ – Abbreviation for Gigahertz
Gigahertz – A unit of frequency denoting 1 billion hertz
Group – Same as Zone
Hertz – A unit of frequency in cycles per second. A hertz is one cycle per second.
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HZ – Abbreviation for Hertz Mic- Abbreviation for microphone
KHZ – Abbreviation for Kilohertz
Kilohertz – A unit of frequency denoting 1000 hertz
Megahertz – A unit of frequency denoting 1 million hertz
MHZ – Abbreviation for Megahertz
Mic – Abbreviation for microphone
Microphone – Audio transducer that converts audio into electronic signals for transmission
Mobile – A two-way radio unit mounted in a car, boat, plane, etc. and used while in motion or at various stops
Monitor – Listen to a radio channel to ensure frequency is free of radio traffic before transmitting
Narrowbanding – An FCC order that requires all radio users operating in the VHF and UHF bands to migrate from a wide-channel/frequency to a narrow-channel/frequency. Wide-channel operation will not be allowed after January 1, 2013.
P25 – Abbreviation of Project 25
Pager – A receive-only communications device that alerts the user when receiving a voice or text message
Point-to-Point – Transmissions made from one fixed location to another fixed location (between PSAPs)
Portable – A battery-powered, hand-held two-way radio unit that is carried on the person
Project 25 – A joint government/industry standards-setting effort to develop the next generation of public safety radios, both voice and data
PSAP – Public Safety Answering Point. The location where dispatchers answer 911 calls (for example, State Radio or any of the 21 N.D. dispatch centers).
PTT – Abbreviation for Push to Talk
Push-to-Talk Switch – The switch on a microphone (mobile or lapel mic) or a portable that, when pressed, causes radio to transmit
Repeater – A radio station that receives on a certain frequency and simultaneously transmits on another frequency
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Simplex – Same as Direct
Squelch – A radio control that eliminates noise from the speaker
Subscriber Radio – Mobile or portable radios
Talk Around – Same as Direct
Tower – A vertical communications structure. Communications antennas are installed at or near the top of the structure to negate the impact of surrounding geography.
Transmit Indicator – Typically a light or icon on the radio that indicates radio is in transmit mode
Trunking Radio System – An electronically controlled, shared radio system that integrates multiple communications channels into a single radio system. By design, a trunking system with a relatively small number of channels can effectively handle a relatively large number of users.
UHF Band – Abbreviation for Ultra-high Frequency Band. For first responder radio purposes, the frequency/radio channels range from 450 MHZ to 470 MHZ (excluding federal agencies).
VHF Band – Abbreviation for Very High Frequency Band. For first responder radio purposes, the frequency/radio channels range from 150 MHZ to 170 MHZ. (Almost all first responder radios and radio systems within North Dakota are in the VHF frequency band.)
Volume Control – An adjustable control on a subscriber radio that increases or decreases to receive audio level. Typically either a rotary or push-button control.
Zone – A grouping of radio channels defined within subscriber radio. Typically utilized when radio is
programmed with a large number of radio channels (greater than 16 channels).
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OCTOBER 2009
For more training information please contact:
North Dakota Department of Emergency Services
Office: 701.328.8100 Toll Free: 800.773.3259
Fax: 701.328.8181
Fraine Barracks Lane – Building 35 P.O. Box 5511
Bismarck, ND 58506-5511