800 MHz Radio Operation for the Non-User

1. 800 MHz Radio Operation for the Non-User Office of District & School Security Brevard Public Schools Office of District & School Security

2. 800 MHz Radio Operation for the Non-UserTopics to be Discussed • The BCSO (sheriff) Radio System • Glossary of Terms • Why Digital Communications? • User Interface / Radio Components • Transmitting! • RF Cautions • Summation Office of District & School Security

3. Radio System History • Countywide communications is a computerized private radio network (historically) funded by the Sheriff of Brevard County. • The system was originally begun to improve and coordinate the multiple communications systems used by the various law enforcement and emergency response agencies in Brevard County. • Today, this system includes almost 4000 users throughout the jurisdiction, including the Brevard County Schools.

4. Glossary of Terms • CC Scan – radio unable to locate tower – possibly on the wrong tower, possibly a bad geographic location in relation to the tower, or the radio may have a hardware problem. • LOGIN – the radio system is computerized so turning the radio on or changing systems or talk groups automatically “logs you on” or identifies you to the system, which in turn permits you to receive traffic and to talk when you depress the PTT button. • Push to Talk (PTT) – allows transmissions after a 2 second pause to acquire the proper tone. Releasing the PTT allows the radio to return to the receive mode. • User Profile – how the radio is programmed, or the listing of the actual groups/systems available to the radio. • Talk Groups – selected group of users for audio traffic, 800 MHz users uses a different technology than conventional radios and creates talk groups for users. • Trunked Mode - trunked communications allot multiple users to all available channels/frequencies. Conventional radio communications limits user access to their assigned channel grouping (channel 1 to repeater 1, channel 2 to repeater 2, etc.), whereas trunking allows full implementation of all available channel frequencies at any given moment. • Technical term web site http://www.macom.com/Tech%20Apps/technical_glossary_index.htm

5. 800 MHz Radio OperationDigital Transmission • Digital mode allows the radio to transmit and receive digitized voice signals. • Each EDACS system operates on a different group of 800 / 900 MHz frequencies where many agencies share groups of channels. • A typical system has 2 or more geographically spread out tower systems. • Where these systems are used, most county, local government and emergency services will be found using this system. • Digital signals provide improved weak signal performance and cannot be easily monitored with a standard receiver. • Groups and channels programmed for digital operation transmit only digital signals. • Individual phone and emergency calls are transmitted clear if the digital mode is disabled or inoperative.

6. User Interface • The Power ON/OFF-Volume knob is used to apply power to the radio and adjust the receiver’s volume. Rotating the control clockwise from the OFF position applies power to the radio. A single alert tone (if enabled through programming) indicates the radio is operational. • The System/Group/Channel knob is used to select systems or group/channels (depending on programming). This is a 16-position rotary knob. • The Emergency/Home button automatically selects the pre-programmed “Home” Group/System by pressing and holding for a programmed duration. ALWAYS TEST IN CONJUNCTION WITH YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ENTITY BEFORE USING! • The LED changes color to indicate radio status and is visible from both the front and top of the radio. The two colors of the LED are, Green – receiving, Red – transmitting. • Antenna must be attached for radio to work, never hold onto the antenna when using radio.

7. User Interface • The Option button activates one of a number of programmable software options selected during PC programming. Programmable options include high/low power settings, keypad lock, LCD contrast, and keypad back lighting. • The PTT button must be pressed before voice transmission begins. In trunked mode, the radio’s ID is transmitted upon depression of the PTT button. • In trunked mode: Pressing the Clear/Monitor button exits the current operation (clearing all displays associated with it) and returns the radio to the selected talk group. This button is also used to terminate individual and telephone interconnect calls. In conventional mode: Pressing the Clear/Monitor button will unsquelch the receiver and allow channel monitoring prior to transmission

8. User Interface • The keys on the P5150 Scan model radio keypad have special functions and are labeled with symbols or word abbreviations representing its primary function. • UP/DOWN Buttons (^) • Primary Function: Allows the user to select system, groups, or channels, depending on personality programming. The buttons act as STEP UP or STEP DOWN. Pressing one of these buttons displays the next or previous stored system, group, or channel. • Secondary Function: Changes the selection for an item within a list. • OPT - Activates one of a number of programmable software options. • A/D - Adds/Deletes selected groups or channels from the Scan list of the currently selected system. • SCN - Turns the Scan operation ON and OFF. • M Button - • Primary Function: Accesses the pre-stored menu. Menus include high/low power setting, keypad lock, LCD contrast, and keypad backlighting. • Secondary Function: Activates a selected item within a list. After a menu list is accessed, scroll through the list using the STEP keys and then activate specific items with the M key. This is similar to an “Enter” key.

9. 800 MHz Radio Operation Transmitting • Think “like a cell phone” – both are very similar with the same basic technology used for both of them. • Power ONthe radio by rotating the POWER ON-OFF/VOLUME knob clockwise. A short alert signal indicates the radio is ready to use. • Adjust the POWER ON-OFF/VOLUME knob to the desired volume level. • Select the desired system and group. The display indicates the current system and group names. • The radio is now ready to transmit and receive calls. Office of District & School Security

10. RF EXPOSURE GUIDELINES • To ensure that exposure to RF electromagnetic energy is within the FCC allowable limits for occupational use, always adhere to the following guidelines: • DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna attached, as this may damage the radio and may also cause the FCC RF exposure limits to be exceeded. • DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time (“50% duty cycle”). Transmitting more than 50% of the time can cause FCC RF exposure compliance requirements to be exceeded. The radio will transmit by pressing the “PTT” (Push-To-Talk) button. • ALWAYS transmit using low power when possible (refer to manual). In addition to conserving battery charge, low power can reduce RF exposure. • ALWAYS use authorized accessories (antennas, batteries, belt clips, speaker/mics, etc). Use of unauthorized accessories may cause the FCC Occupational/Controlled Exposure RF compliance requirements to be exceeded. • ALWAYS keep the device and its antenna at least 2 cm (0.8 inches) from the body and at least 5 cm (2 inches) from the face when transmitting to ensure FCC RF exposure compliance requirements are not exceeded.

11. 800 MHz Radio Operation for the Non-User - Summation • This presentation hopefully gave you a brief guide to: • The history of our local radio system • A glossary of communications terms • An overview of why we use digital communications for emergencies • User Interface information for the various radio components (knobs and buttons) • Transmitting guidelines and tips • RF Cautions for safe use of this equipment Office of District & School Security

12. Where to Get More Information • Other training sessions that will be scheduled at future dates • ODSS Office, 633-1000, x233 • Lisa Morgan, BCSO (637-3811) • Communications International • Rockledge, (321) 636-9885

13. 800 MHz Radio Operation for the Non-User Thank You!