Ch2 Communications Flashcards
Can you name the 8 radio tower sites in Calgary?
Bankers Hall Spy Hill Forest Lawn Trans Alta Fish Creek Airport South Calgary Hospital Coventry North
Radio systems can operate in what two modes?
Duplex and Simplex
How are direct signal transmissions primarily used?
Radio to radio
Fire Ground Communications
What is a Duplex channel used for?
Contacting dispatch through a radio tower.
What is the name of zone that is paired with a channel?
This is known as a Talk Group. When dispatch assigns an incident Zone B, Channel 3, fire crew communicate on talk group Bravo Three.
What is a Code 15?
To check in every 20 minutes
What is a Code 200?
A FF is under direct threat from an assailant
The straight line travel of radio signals between the transmitting radio and the receiving radio is know as…
Direct Communication
When portable radios are used in hazardous atmospheres, they must be…
intrinsically safe for the specific environment
How many zones does the CFD use? (radio)
6 zones. A, B, C, D, E, and F.
How many channels are on each zone that CFD uses?
16 channels
What transmissions are radio to radio and are sent on the same frequency, have “line of sight” and have a limited transmission range…
Simplex mode (conventional)
Radio communications are transmitted on one frequency and received on another are referred to as…
Duplex mode (trunking)
Portable radio accountability… CFD manual
Portable radios have a unique encoded 6-digit identifier, which is displayed on the main and top LED screens as well as the attached label on the front.
The CFD uses the Motorola APX 6000 XE that is a handheld portable radio used for communication on the fire ground and CFD business.
How long is the unit submersible in water for?
2 meters for 2 hours
The CFD uses the Motorola APX 6000 XE that is a handheld portable radio used for communication on the fire ground and CFD business.
The Xtreme Temperature RSM Cable will withstand what heat exposure?
The Xtreme Temperature RSM Cable will withstand heat exposure of 500 degrees F for up to 5 minutes.
The CFD uses the Motorola APX 6000 XE that has intelligent lighting. What are the colors of the lighting and their meanings?
Orange - This is for emergency alerts
Red - This is for critical alerts
The CFD uses the Motorola APX 6000 XE that has an EAB on the portable radio main body and the RSM (speaker mic). What is the color of this button?
The EAB is the orange button located on the top of the RSM and portable radio.
This also activates the LED light on the RSM which will flash “SOS” in Morse Code.
Additionally, the top and front LED screens will flash orange and the word “Emergency” displays.
The CFD uses the Motorola APX 6000 XE that when the EAB is activated has a hot mic feature. How long is that hot mic open for?
The hot mic is open for 10 seconds but the user should still depress the PTT to avoid being interrupted after 10 seconds expires.
PTT times out at 60 seconds.
Public alerting systems… p58
Modern 911 capabilities now include text messaging and application software apps for smartphones.
Radio communications… p63
It is a federal offense to send personal or other unauthorized messages over a designated fire department radio channel.
Fire ground channels… p66
Most fire departments have a channel assigned for dispatching only. When units arrive at the incident, a command channel is assigned to the IC while a second tactical channel is assigned for fire ground operations. The command channel and tactical channels may be expanded as the incident grows in complexity as other agencies are added to it.
Overcoming physical barriers with your radio… p67
To overcome physical barriers, you may need to turn your body 90 degrees, lift the portable radio higher, or raise the antenna straight up.
Radio procedures…
What are some of the radio communications best practices? p70
Know what you are going to say before you open the microphone.
Use a moderate rate of speaking focused on clear understanding.
Do not use pauses or verbal fillers.
Avoid excitement or shouting over the radio.
Do not use profane language or obscenities.
Hold the speaker mic 1-2 inches from the mouth or SCBA mic.
Repeat the message back to the sender to ensure that they received and understood it.
When communicating over the radio, emergency transmissions have priority over routine transmissions.
What must happen once an emergency has been reported? p63
The information must be transferred to responding units.
The use of plain English rather than agency specific codes in radio communications is referred to as what? p63
Clear text
What are remote areas or locations inside structures that cause the loss of cellular telephone service or radio signals? p67
Dead zones
What are four possible sources of interference? p67
Vehicle ignition
High voltage power lines
Cellular telephone towers or transmitters
Computers
What are two ways to overcome ambient noise? p68
Turn off apparatus audible warning devices
Move away from noise emitting equipment
Use your body or PPE to create a wind barrier
Move to a location that is quiet
What is the correct procedure for radio communication transmissions?
Press and hold PTT button and wait for 2-3 seconds then announce who you are looking to speak to then identify yourself.
“Dispatch, Engine 21”
There are three types of critical messages…
Mayday
Emergency Traffic
Urgent Message
Dispatch Registered Radio Database…
The Dispatch Registered Radio Database is an electronic spreadsheet linked with the dispatcher’s radio console and is the primary system used to identify a radio user.
The database info must be accurate at all times. For this reason, District Chiefs will manage all portable radio issues including replacements, missing radios, conflicting data, etc. Only District Chiefs have replacement portables and the authorization to contact Dispatch with portable radio updates or changes.
The CFD uses the Motorola APX 6000 XE that has a rechargeable battery. What is that battery?
The battery is a rechargeable 7.4 volt DC lithium ion battery with a rated capacity of 3100mAh.
Portable Radio Daily Inspection…
Ensure the radio is labeled properly with the apparatus seat position and 6 digit ID.
A constant red light on the RSM (remote speaker mic) indicates that there is a problem with the RSM connecting to the radio. Remove RSM and carefully wipe connections with a clean dry cloth. Reattach. If still not working, switch with other radios and RSMs to determine if it is a RSM or radio issue.
How can a firefighter overcome dead zones in a building that interfere with radio communications?
Move to an outside wall or a door way within the structure
