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 non-
emergent. 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
Slide 3
Class Overview Going Green The Green Templates minor changes
RED Net Reminder Mayday Refresher Communicating with MedSTAR Narrow
Banding Basics Radio exercises Quiz
Slide 4
Create a framework suitable for future configuration and
expansion between multi- county 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.
Slide 5
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.
Slide 6
The Framework
Slide 7
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
Slide 8
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.
Slide 9
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)
Slide 10
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.)
Slide 11
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.
Slide 12
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
Slide 13
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
Slide 14
What is it? Why are we changing to it? How does it impact my
use of the radio? NARROW-BANDING 101
Slide 15
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.
Slide 16
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.
Slide 17
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.
Slide 18
Narrow-banding What happens if we dont 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 narrow- banded
accordingly.
Slide 19
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 Narrow- banding will affect your particular system. The full
impact of narrow-banding on Benton & Franklin County will not
be known until it is done.
Slide 20
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. Impact of
Narrow-Banding on Radio Functionality
Slide 21
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.
Slide 22
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.
Slide 23
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.
Slide 24
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.
Slide 25
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.
Slide 26
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.
Slide 27
Narrow-Banding Impacts on Signal Penetration into Buildings
Many frequencies (specifically the geographicals) 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.
Slide 28
Narrow Banded Frequency Penetration 101 SECOMM / Franklin Disp.
Frequencies should be ok. Geographical & Command TAC
Frequencies will be best on scene. Frequencies will have
penetration issues.
Slide 29
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.)
Slide 30
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.
Slide 31
SECOMM / NORTH DISPATCH COMMAND 2 / SOUTH DISP. GEOGRAPHIC
FREQUENCIES TAC FREQUENCIES Frequency (CHANNEL) Intended
Function
Slide 32
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. With 12 agency users and counting
Slide 33
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.
Slide 34
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.
Slide 35
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
Slide 36
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
Slide 37
2 of 2 Geographic Frequencies Geographicals will be of
particular benefit on natural cover fires spanning large
areas..
Slide 38
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.
Slide 39
Frequency by Incident Tasking & Size of Operation SECOMM /
SOUTH Incident Commander TAC 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.
Slide 40
GEOGRAPHIC Frequency by Incident Tasking & Size of
Operation SECOMM / SOUTH Incident Commander Division A Division B
GEOGRAPHICAL TAC No one position should have more than 2 radios or
communicating on more than 2 frequencies. SAFETY OFFICER Monitors
the Geo (if used) & RED NET.
Slide 41
GEO. SECOMM / SOUTH Incident Commander Division D Division A
GEOGRAPHICAL TAC No one position should have more than 2 radios or
communicating on more than 2 frequencies. Staging Officer
Slide 42
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.
Slide 43
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.
Slide 44
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. EstablishedLoss StoppedVentilation
Complete Primary Search CompleteEntering OverhaulMayday! RIT
Established Secondary Search Complete Unit Entering Building &
# on Air Safety EstablishedCommand Dissolved Exiting the Building
Off Air
Slide 45
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.
Slide 46
A. SECOMM B. COMMAND 2 C. A TAC D. EAST IP E. HEAR F. COMMAND 3
G. BADGER
Slide 47
A. SECOMM B. COMMAND 2 C. A TAC D. EAST IP E. HEAR F. COMMAND 3
G. BADGER
Slide 48
A. MPD B. FCC. C. CIA. D. local fire chiefs. E. WADOH. F.
FBI.
Slide 49
A. MPD B. FCC. C. CIA. D. local fire chiefs. E. WADOH. F.
FBI.
Slide 50
A. communicating with MedSTAR. B. asking the crew whats for
dinner. C. telling interior crews to evacuate. D. a safety channel
on the fire scene. E. the Safety Officer on the scene.
Slide 51
A. communicating with MedSTAR. B. asking the crew whats for
dinner. C. telling interior crews to evacuate. D. a safety channel
on the fire scene. E. the Safety Officer on the scene.
Slide 52
A. Nothing, this is a waist of time. B. The radios will stop
working. C. A fine of $16,000 per day per frequency could be
imposed. D. The agencies license to use the frequencies could be
revoked.
Slide 53
A. Nothing, this is a waist of time. B. The radios will stop
working. C. A fine of $16,000 per day per frequency could be
imposed. D. The agencies license to use the frequencies could be
revoked.
Slide 54
A. SECOMM B. FRANKLIN COUNTY C. SOUTH DISPATCH D. COMMAND 2 E.
RED NET
Slide 55
A. SECOMM B. FRANKLIN COUNTY C. SOUTH DISPATCH D. COMMAND 2 E.
RED NET
Slide 56
A. Command 2 B. East IP C. West IP D. West Joe E. East Joe F.
Kahlotus
Slide 57
A. Command 2 B. East IP C. West IP D. West Joe E. East Joe F.
Kahlotus
Slide 58
A. Badger B. Rattlesnake C. West IP D. S. Prosser Butte E.
Basin City
Slide 59
A. Badger B. Rattlesnake C. West IP D. S. Prosser Butte
(Umatilla Rdg.) E. Basin City
Slide 60
A. URBAN B. BENTON C. FRANKLIN D. MED/HOSP E. HOME
Slide 61
A. URBAN B. BENTON C. FRANKLIN D. MED/HOSP E. HOME
Slide 62
A. Benton Zone B. Med Hospital C. Franklin Zone D. Urban Zone
A. Units on an MCI B. FCFD #3 C. PFD, RFD, KFD D. BCFD 1, 2, &
4
Slide 63
A. Benton Zone B. Med Hospital C. Franklin Zone D. Urban Zone
A. Units on an MCI B. FCFD #3 C. PFD, RFD, KFD D. BCFD 1, 2, &
4
Slide 64
A. Benton Zone B. Med Hospital C. Franklin Zone D. Urban Zone
A. Units on an MCI B. FCFD #3 C. PFD, RFD, KFD D. BCFD 1, 2, &
4
Slide 65
A. Benton Zone B. Med Hospital C. Franklin Zone D. Urban Zone
A. Units on an MCI B. FCFD #3 C. PFD, RFD, KFD D. BCFD 1, 2, &
4
Slide 66
A. Benton Zone B. Med Hospital C. Franklin Zone D. Urban Zone
A. Units on an MCI B. FCFD #3 C. PFD, RFD, KFD D. BCFD 1, 2, &
4
Slide 67
Tactical Frequency _______________ Operations Frequency
____________ Command Frequency _____________ Fill in the blank with
the best frequency, based on BCFD #1 Home Zone
Slide 68
Tactical Frequency ___B-TAC_______ Operations Frequency
____________ Command Frequency _____________ Fill in the blank with
the best frequency, based on BCFD #1 Home Zone
Slide 69
Tactical Frequency ___B-TAC_______ Operations Frequency __EAST
IP___ Command Frequency _____________ Fill in the blank with the
best frequency, based on BCFD #1 Home Zone
Slide 70
Tactical Frequency ___B-TAC_______ Operations Frequency __EAST
IP___ Command Frequency COMMAND 2 Fill in the blank with the best
frequency, based on BCFD #1 Home Zone
Slide 71
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO GO OVER THIS IMPORTANT TRAINING.
DONT FORGET TO LOG YOUR TRAINING.