comm 13 JD Flashcards
Simplex channels transmit and receive (point-to-point) on the same frequency. The simplex HT channels are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13 and 16.
-Duplex channels transmit on one frequency but receive a signal back on a different frequency; therefore communications on these channels is only possible when used in conjunction with a duplex UHF repeater system. The duplex HT channels are 11, 12, 14, and 15.
Note: Channel 9 is a digital channel for future use
.
-In order to enhance FDNY communications in some facilities, auxiliary radio communications systems (ARCS) have or are being installed. ARCS consist of a transmitter, receiver, antennae, and cabling. They can be “Programmed” to our HT frequencies or have their own “Proprietary” frequencies requiring in-house radios to be provided for members. When transmissions are hindered by building/infrastructure elements such as steel, concrete, and great distances ARCS will provide an additional communications link (and quite possibly the only communications link initially) between members operating at the scene and the Incident Command Post.
Note: Duplex radio repeater systems don’t support multiple transmissions. A transmission close to the antennae/cable may override a transmission given at the same time at a distance. Additionally, multiple transmissions given at the same time may cancel out all transmissions. Failure of the repeater system, for any reason, will also negate all communications on the repeater channel.
- Duplex UHF Repeater (FDNY Programmed) CH 11,12,14,15
- Duplex UHF and Duplex VHF Repeaters (Proprietary) (in house)
-Base Station Leaky Cable Simplex UHF or VHF Radio System - a base radio connected to a cable that runs through a building/infrastructure. It is a simplex radio that can either operate on FDNY UHF HT channels 1 through 8 (FDNY Programmed) or it may utilize in-house radios (Proprietary). Transmissions made from the base station will be carried by the cable to all areas of the building or infrastructure. The Chrysler Building is an example of a FDNY Programmed base station leaky cable system.
Note: Transmissions captured by the cable are received by the base station radio but are not re-transmitted. Therefore, important messages that are needed to be heard by all members should be re-transmitted at the base station radio by the member monitoring transmissions.
*TEST
If the FDNY vehicle cross band repeater fails to operate or is not available, the Incident Commander should attempt Post Radio to Post Radio communications. If unsuccessful, then utilize any of the following:
A. Direct a member to a Battalion vehicle in order to contact the Fire Sector/Branch on the 40 watt FDNY mobile UHF radio to relay messages.
B. Designate a member with a Post radio to take a position outside the building to relay messages.
C. If all Post radio options fail to provide a viable communications link, then utilize the ARCS as follows to establish a Command Channel:
1. If building is equipped with a duplex UHF radio repeater system, designate a member to contact all established Posts (Fire Sector/Branch, SAE Group, Forward SA) to set a HT to Channels 11 or 12 and use the building duplex UHF radio repeater system as the Command Channel or
2. Use the in-house proprietary radio channel as the Command Channel.
Notes:
• If Post to Post radio communication is viable, the ARCS should still be established as a backup.
• Refer to Firefighting Procedures, High Rise Office Buildings for additional communications alternatives.
1- cross band repeater 2-post to post 3- 40 watt mobil uhf 4- post radio outside 5-arcs
Subways Equipped With Duplex UHF Radio Repeater System
(FDNY Programmed) - NYC Transit
Once operations are underway and conditions dictate, the Incident Commander (IC) can have the repeater system tested to see if it is functioning. Once confirmed it’s functioning, the IC may attempt to use the repeater system as a Command Channel. The IC may direct the appropriate officers to switch to Channel 14 (Primary Subway Repeater Channel) on their HTs.
Notes:
• All FDNY members, other than those designated to switch to the repeater channel, will remain on HT Channel 1.
• The NYC Transit duplex radio repeater system is always ON.
- 1st Arriving Battalion Chief
1. The Chief will take the Post radio (set to Channel 2) to the Incident Command Post.
2. The Chief will ensure a communications link (HT relay, in-house radio channel, Channel 11/12) is established with the 1st Arriving Ladder Officer.
3. The Chief will monitor or designate the Battalion Firefighter or another member to monitor the duplex UHF radio repeater channel (Channel 11 and 12) or the in-house radio channel when in use.
4. The Chief may designate the duplex UHF repeater channel or the in-house radio channel as the Command Channel.
5. The Post radio can be used to establish a Command Channel on Channel 2.
2nd Arriving Battalion Chief
- The Chief will report to the Command Post with Post radio set to Channel 2.
- This Chief Officer will confer with the Incident Commander.
- If assigned as a Fire Sector Supervisor he/she will take the Post radio and if appropriate, an in-house radio.
- The Battalion Firefighter will accompany the Chief and monitor Channel 1- Primary Tactical for emergency CORE relay messages.
*TEST** all good points
GENERAL NOTIFICATIONS
4.1 IC must notify the Dispatcher for relay to responding units any time an auxiliary communications system is activated.
4.2 IC must notify the FAST Truck when additional communication channels are used. The FAST Truck will need to obtain an additional HT for each channel in use. (Examples: primary tactical channel, primary command channel, secondary tactical channel, etc.).
4.3 IC must notify the Dispatcher/FDOC to request a Building / Facility Representative report to the Command Post if one is not on the scene.
4.4 IC should insure from the Dispatcher the response of a Field Communication Satellite Unit to work in conjunction with the Field Communications Unit, if possible, when an auxiliary communications system is utilized.
4.5 IC must conduct a Roll Call on the Command Channel of all Chiefs at the scene of an incident to insure they are operating on the correct communications channel, once a Command Channel is established.
*TEST**
5. PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW IF AUXILIARY RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS FAIL
5.1 FDNY personnel should be alert to the signs of ARCS failure. Indications may include unusual periods of radio silence or continued inability to make radio contact on the ARCS Channel(s). If an ARCS system is not operational, the Incident Commander (IC) should attempt to contact members through utilization of the HT on Channel 1 (Primary Tactical).
Note: Operating units may encounter dead spots in Duplex radio repeater coverage. Prior to abandoning the use of an ARCS channel, Chief and Company Officers shall instruct units to return to a location where previous communications were successful. If communications at this location are now successful on the ARCS Channel, report the dead spot to the IC and continue to operate on the ARCS Channel. If unsuccessful, use the HT on Channel 1 to report the repeater failure to the Incident Commander.
5.2 Post radios and UHF mobile radios in Deputy Chief and Battalion Chief’s vehicles are equipped with a Reverse Channel frequency feature. This attribute flips duplex radio repeater frequencies allowing these radios to transmit emergency messages on the receive frequency and get emergency messages on the transmit frequency of the duplex radio repeater Channel. The signal strength of the Post radio (45 watts) and the UHF mobile radio (40 watts) may be able to penetrate through structural obstructions to reach members located at a distance from the Command Post. Due to the limited wattage of our HTs, however, members at a distance from the Command Post trying to acknowledge the emergency transmission may not be able to be heard.
*TEST** cont..
Example:
An emergency message utilizing the Post radio or UHF mobile radio on a Reverse
Channel may be – “Division 1 to all units, the duplex radio repeater system has failed. All members hearing this message should switch their handie talkies to Channel 1.”
Note: If the Building duplex UHF radio repeater system fails, consider utilizing the Reverse Channels of Post radio or FDNY mobile UHF radio to transmit an emergency message (AUC 207, Addendum 16, section 5).
On the post radio and the UHF mobile radio:
Channel 17 is the Reverse Channel for (Building Radio Repeater) Channel 11 Channel 18 is the Reverse Channel for (Building Radio Repeater) Channel 12 Channel 19 is the Reverse Channel for (Subway Radio Repeater) Channel 14 Channel 20 is the Reverse Channel for (Subway Radio Repeater) Channel 15
5.3 The Incident Commander should continue to monitor the ARCS channel in case system service is restored and/or a member, who was unable to hear the emergency transmission to switch from the ARCS channel, tries to make contact. The IC should conduct a Roll Call of units on the scene in a timely manner to insure all members have switched from the ARCS channel back to
Channel 1.
