PPRCN PIKES PEAK REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK 800 MHz Trunked Radio System User Training 1
Purpose: To ensure efficient and effective use of the Pikes Peak Regional Communications Network 800 MHz radio system, as well as statewide talkgroups and channels. 2
Training Outline Radio Network Talkgroup Descriptions / Use Radio Congestion Simplex Scanning Zone Navigation Emergency Button Activations General Radio Maintenance & Usage Radio Diagrams 3
The Pikes Peak Communications Network is overseen by a board of directors and a system manager. The radio system is funded by local government agencies and users on the network. 4
The PPRCN Radio System There are 13 towers supporting our system, technically defined as SITES: Calhan Northeast El Paso County Truckton Southeast El Paso County Mt. Pittsburg South, Hwy 115 Ski Summit - Above the Broadmoor Cedar Heights Rampart Range Rd Stanley Canyon West of the USAFA Black Forest - North County Line area Austin Bluffs Near UCCS Templeton Gap Near Powers & Stetson Hills Colorado Springs Airport Fountain Valley - Ray Nixon Power Plant area Badger Mountain West of Teller County Woodland Park Above Woodland Park 5
The following communications centers utilize the 800 MHz radio system: El Paso County City of Colorado Springs Eight CC s City of Fountain City of Manitou Springs City of Woodland Park Colorado Springs Utilities Three CC s El Paso / Teller E-911 6
There are two types of radios available to users: Mobiles: Mounted in vehicles Portables: Handhelds, also known as HT s. Each agency or group has configured their radios to meet their specific needs. Depending on the model of the radio, buttons and talkgroups on each mobile or portable radio are programmed differently to meet the needs of the individual agency or group. 7
Most radios are programmed to have easy access to three zones ; from the top of a portable (a toggle switch in most cases) or a button on the front of a mobile: A, B, and C. Most radios have access to 16 talkgroups in each zone. 8
As a result, it s rare that any two groups or agencies have the same talkgroups in the same place or the same button functionality on their radios. The C-Zone is the exception -- 9
C-Zone The C-Zone refers to the talk groups programmed into the radio s memory for the sole purpose of allowing all the different agencies to communicate with each other during any incident that requires two or more agencies that do not normally talk to each other in their day to day operations. Zone Switch 10
C-Zone Universally the same in all radios on the PPRCN system: C1 EPSO RED Primary Fire Dispatch C2 Command TG C3 Command TG C4 Command TG C5 Command TG C6 Command TG C7 Command TG C8 Command TG C9 Command TG C10 8CALL90 C11 8TAC91 C12 8TAC92 C13 8TAC93 C14 8TAC94 C15 Colo Springs Utilities Dispatch C16 CSFD Fire Primary Dispatch 11
C-Zone (Local) C1 RED, EPSO Primary Fire Dispatching C2 C9, Interagency TG s To be utilized when 2 or more local agencies or groups need to communicate. C15 Colo Springs Utilities Dispatch C16 CSFD Primary Dispatch 12
C-Zone (Local) (C2-C9) Users requesting a C-Zone talkgroup may include incident commanders, others as needed for response, or as needed for planned events. Assignments of C-Zone talkgroups are initiated through a request to a dispatch center: C2 C5 generally assigned by EPSO C6 C9 generally assigned by CSFD 13
C-Zone (Local) (C2-C9) The primary method for requesting a C-Zone talkgroup for a new event, or to determine which talkgroup is currently in use for an existing event, is to contact your own communications center or dispatchers at one of the following: *El Paso County Sheriff s Office (radio position C1) *Colorado Springs Fire Dispatch (radio position C16) 14
C-Zone (Local) (C2-C9) All users are able to join incident command or operations for any event utilizing a C-Zone talkgroup. Termination: Assigned agencies or groups will notify their communications center that the event has been completed. A subsequent intercom announcement to EPSO, CSFD and City Utilities will be made by the communications center to advise that the assigned talkgroup has been cleared. Interagency talkgroups C2-C9 are currently recorded at the El Paso County Sheriff s Office. Requests for audio copies can be made by contacting their communications center. 15
C-Zone (Local) (C2-C9) Military communications centers utilize a 400 MHz system, but have the ability to patch to select C-Zone Talkgroups for effective communications: Fort Carson Peterson Schriever Air Force Academy Cheyenne Mountain 16
C Zone NATIONWIDE TACTICAL CHANNELS (Talking to another agency outside of the county) C10 - C14 8CALL90 Hailing Channel. All agencies that utilize an 800 MHz system have the ability to hear your transmission. If contact is needed with a specific agency, hail them with their name; Jefferson County SO, South Metro Fire, Denver PD, etc. 17
C Zone NATIONWIDE TACTICAL CHANNELS (Talking to another agency outside of the county) C10 - C14 If an emergency exists and the agency in the area is unknown, hail with identifying information, location and problem: Attn any agency, this is El Paso County Transport 14 at MM232 I-25 southbound, I need medical assistance for a prisoner. The requester would then be asked to switch to an appropriate 8TAC TG to complete the request. 18
C-Zone (Nationwide) 8TAC C11: 8TAC91 Primarily used only as simplex in the PPRCN system. C12: 8TAC92 Repeated in El Paso County C13: 8TAC93 Repeated in El Paso County C14: 8TAC94 Primarily used only as simplex in the PPRCN system. 19
A-Zone (Switch) (To be completed by individual group or agency) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 20
B-Zone (Switch) (To be completed by individual group or agency) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 21
C-Zone (Switch) 1. EPSO RED Primary Fire Dispatch 2. C2 3. C3 4. C4 5. C5 6. C6 7. C7 8. C8 9. C9 10. 8CALL90 11. 8TAC91 12. 8TAC92 13. 8TAC93 14. 8TAC94 15. Colorado Springs Utilities Dispatch 16. CSFD Fire Primary Dispatch 22
D-Zone (Switch) (To be completed by individual group or agency) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 23
E-Zone (Switch) (To be completed by individual group or agency) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 24
MAC Talkgroups (Statewide) M.A.C. = Mutual Aid Channels MAC talkgroups are used to communicate among agencies or groups from outside of El Paso County, and across the state. Use of MAC talkgroups is governed by rules contained within the standard operating procedures of the CCNC, which is the user group that sets standards for operations within the Statewide DTRS. Advanced planned use of these talkgroups may be coordinated through the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) or the Governor s Office of Information Technology (GOIT), but CCNC member usage of MAC talkgroups, which includes usage by PPRCN members and participants, does not require prior coordination. MAC 9 is monitored by CSP and EPSO. Listen to the MAC designated for your type of incident, announce your usage of the chosen MAC, and then use it for your incident. Regional coordination through your dispatch center may be useful so others know the MAC talkgroup you are using. MAC talkgroups are generally located by accessing the appropriate zone within the soft key functionality on the front of the radios. 25
MAC Talkgroups (Statewide) Division and use of the MAC Talkgroups is broken down into 5 state regions: MAC 1-4 MAC 5-8 MAC 9-12 MAC 13-16 MAC 17-20 MAC 21 Central Colorado (Denver Metro Area) Northeast Colorado Southeast Colorado (El Paso County) Southwest Colorado Northwest Colorado Statewide Hailing Talk Group 26
MAC Talkgroups (El Paso County) Suggested usage for Southeast Colorado and El Paso County: MAC 9 MAC 10 MAC 11 MAC 12 Hailing Fire Law EMS 27
MAC 28
The PPRCN Radio System A user s radio becomes affiliated with the system at a repeater site whenever his radio determines that both the signal is satisfactory and the user-selected talkgroup is authorized to be carried via that site. If a user s radio is within range of a site with substantially better coverage than the currently affiliated site can provide, and where the selected talkgroup is allowed, the radio will automatically switch sites without user intervention. 29
The PPRCN Radio System The user radio will remain affiliated at the last best site until such time as another site can provide a significantly better signal. Site switching will occur only after several seconds of voice inactivity on either a selected or a scanned talkgroup. The radio can tune to either control channels to measure signal quality provided by adjacent sites, or else tune to voice traffic, but cannot perform both simultaneously. Therefore, adding too many talkgroups to a scan list may hinder switching to sites providing better coverage. 30
The PPRCN Radio System When an Out of Range message is displayed on the LCD, and is accompanied by a long tone, the radio is not affiliating with any site. A significant change of location should provide communication capabilities. An individual user can improve communications simply by not obstructing their handheld antenna with their body or a solid surface. 31
The PPRCN Radio System Be sure to hold the portable straight up and down, holding it sideways will lessen the antenna range of the portable. A stronger signal may be obtained by simply repositioning the portable radio and it s antenna to face another direction. Take two steps in any direction and try again to transmit. 32
The PPRCN Radio System If wearing the portable, try to pick it up to your mouth, and try again to transmit. If in a building, get to a window and try again. If a user is unable to communicate on a portable, utilizing a mobile (vehicle radio) might allow communications in that same area since a mobile has greater wattage. 33
Busy Signals and Congestion: Although the system has undergone upgrades implementing technologies designed to minimize busies, busies can still occur when an inordinate amount of radio traffic overloads the sites. This occurs primarily during large incidents that involve multiple agencies and multiple users requiring too many talkgroups at any instant. 34
Busy Signals and Congestion: If a busy tone is heard, all trunked talkgroups are in use. Release the transmit button and wait for three, quick, call-back tones. When a call back is received, your radio will automatically key up for three seconds so that you can key up and begin talking. 35
Busy Signals and Congestion: If a continuous low-pitched tone is heard, the radio is out of the system's range. The red XMIT (transmit) indicator may flash several times as the radio tries to access the system. Release the transmit button and try again when the vehicle is driven within range of the system. 36
Busy Signals and Congestion: Try to steer communications as much as possible away from repeated talkgroups. For instance, if users are working an event in relatively close proximity to each other, use a local simplex mode setting on the radios. It will allow good communications for that area, and local users will not experience nor contribute to system busy conditions while using their radio in simplex mode. 37
Busy Signals and Congestion: Assign incident operations to as few talkgroups as possible. An example would be to utilize the common C-Zone talkgroups, as every user has access to them. 38
Busy Signals and Congestion: Only under the most unusual circumstances should a user ask their communication centers to patch talkgroups, as this can also stress the system unnecessarily (400 MHz patched to 800 MHz is an exception). 39
Busy Signals and Congestion: Don t place the talkgroup selector of your radio on a busy talkgroup that is in use distant from your location, while your radio is affiliated to a rural site with a limited number of frequency pairs like Calhan, Truckton, Mt. Pittsburg, or Woodland Park. Due to limited radio site resources, monitoring in this fashion could be responsible for causing a busy condition in the distant area and in your operational area at the same time. If not associated with a large incident, please do not monitor that talkgroup. 40
Busy Signals and Congestion: Scanning the distant talkgroup is permitted, as long as the scanning radio does not have the distant talkgroup selected as the primary talkgroup. Users should also understand that scanning does not always result in the user receiving all transmissions taking place on a scanned talkgroup. 41
CONCENTRIC SWITCH In most portable radios, the concentric switch serves two purposes: A-TalkAround/Direct(Conv) Scan (Trunking) B-Unprogrammed SIMPLEX MODE and SCANNING 42
Simplex A radio is referred to as being in the simplex mode because signals are passing from radio to radio, and not through the radio repeaters that are located at tower sites. Simplex is recommended when users are not able to communicate effectively on a normal repeated talkgroup, ie; in a large cement or metal building, or surrounded by hills and valleys. The users have a range of about ½ mile. Users outside of that radius, e.g., communications centers, will not be able to receive, monitor or communicate with those units. 43
Simplex Only select frequencies or selector switch positions are capable of simplex mode in El Paso County. Such simplex channels are always in the simplex mode, and the channel names are shown with a suffix D to symbolize direct radio to radio (simplex) mode: 8CALL90D 8TAC91D 8TAC92D 8TAC93D 8TAC94D ALWAYS SIMPLEX: SMPX 1 SMPX 2 SMPX 3 SMPX 4 SMPX 5 STACD Air Medical Transport 44
Simplex When a portable radio needs to be switched over to the simplex mode: 1. Select the desired talkgroup. 2. Turn the concentric switch on the top to the Ø symbol. 3. The LCD will then display a ---> symbol above the talkgroup name. 45
Simplex Remember that not all talkgroups can be changed to a simplex mode. When changing the concentric switch to Ø and the ---> symbol does not appear, then the radio is selected on a talkgroup that cannot be put in simplex mode. 46
SCANNING Scanning is a radio feature that allows the listener to be alerted to, and receive radio transmissions from more than one talkgroup. If there is activity on a talkgroup that has been programmed to scan, your radio will automatically switch to that talkgroup. 47
SCANNING To scan talkgroups on (most) portables: 1. Select on the primary talkgroup. 2. Turn the concentric switch on the top to the Ø symbol. 3. The LCD will then display Z symbol above the talkgroup name. 48
SCANNING For most portable radios: To select talk groups to SCAN: The concentric switch can be in either mode, O or Ø. 1.Select the button under PROG. A flashing box above the talkgroup name will indicate that the radio is in the programming mode. 2. Select the button under SCAN. 49
SCANNING 3. The options are SEL to select a talkgroup to scan or DEL to delete a currently scanned talkgroup. The Z symbol above the talkgroup name will indicate that it is programmed to scan. 50
SCANNING While selecting or deleting talkgroups to scan, the left and right arrow buttons will step the radio through the zones; A, B, C, D, E, etc. To select a specific talkgroup within a zone, turn the 16 position talkgroup selector button to the desired talkgroup. 51
SCANNING When selections are complete, press the HOME button below the LCD to save the programming. 52
SCANNING To simply view which talkgroups are currently programmed for the radio to scan, ensure the concentric switch is selected on the non-scan position, O. Press the button below VIEW. Arrow back and forth to see all scanned talkgroups. 53
Zone Navigation Procedure The same soft keys under the LCD will allow the user to access zones other than A, B or C. 1. Press the button below ZONE, the zone letter currently on the LCD will start blinking. 2. Use the right or left arrow to navigate to the desired zone. The zone on the LCD will change with each button push. 54
Zone Navigation Procedure 3. Once the desired zone is reached, press the HOME button to lock in that zone. 4. Use the 1-16 knob to access talkgroups in the selected zone. 5. To leave that selected zone, repeat this procedure or move the A,B,C toggle to return to one of those zones. 55
EMERGENCY BUTTON All PPRCN radios are programmed with an active Emergency Alert button. Each user agency or group is responsible for providing their respective communications center with contact names, phone numbers and radio aliases. PWR Emergency Mode Scan Sel Page Emer Emergency Mic Vol DIM HOME EMERGNCY XMIT BUSY Call 56
EMERGENCY BUTTON This alert signal is sent to the pre-selected communications center for the radio in question. The radio s alias/ radio I.D. is displayed in the communications center. The communications center hears a loud beeping alarm until the dispatcher manually silences it. The center also receives a visual alarm (red flashing icon) on the emergency button talkgroup. 57
EMERGENCY BUTTON The Emergency Alert button, located on the top of the portable radios, and on the control face of mobile radios, is programmed to transmit an emergency notification and an identifier for that radio. The Emergency Alert button is to be activated only in the event of a life threatening emergency. 58
EMERGENCY BUTTON Upon activation, the user s radio automatically switches to the designated emergency button talk group. Dependent upon individual radio programming, the user may not hear any alert sounds. In this case, the only indication to the user will be that the radio s LCD will flash between talk groups or display EA for emergency activation. 59
EMERGENCY BUTTON The dispatcher receiving an emergency alert is to verbally acknowledge the alert signal over the designated EB talkgroup. The verbiage is specific to the SOP s of the individual communications centers. 60
EMERGENCY BUTTON If the user of the activated radio does not respond to their communications center on the emergency button talkgroup, the activation will be processed according to their center s SOP. 61
EMERGENCY BUTTON Users shall not de-activate their emergency button until they have acknowledged with their communications center. De-activation occurs when the emergency button is pushed again until a solid tone is heard. 62
EMERGENCY BUTTON It is the responsibility of individual agencies or groups to know which personnel are assigned to a specific radio for emergency button activations. (Trainer - fill in here with details about the SoP that covers your users Emergency Button activations.) 63
General Radio Maintenance & Usage After pushing the transmit button, you can start talking when three quick tones (chirping sound) are heard and/or the red transmit indicator lights steadily. Push to Talk PTT Hold the mic about 2 inches from your mouth when speaking. 64
General Radio Maintenance & Usage DO NOT leave your portable radio on in the charger. When connecting or disconnecting any accessories always have radio turned to OFF position. *Note* Do not touch any metal connectors with your fingers, the oil from your skin could affect it if repeatedly touched. 65
Battery - General Radio Maintenance & Usage Batteries should be fully charged (10-12) hours before the first use. Again, do not touch the battery connectors in your charger with your fingers. The oils from your skin may cause damage if repeatedly touched. 66
Battery - General Radio Maintenance & Usage Try to use the battery on a daily basis for at least eight hours to avoid a short memory. When finished, turn the radio off and charge. The battery should last between 8-12 hours (eight if a frequent transmitter, 12 if more of a listener, or in between if a little of both). 67
Battery - General Radio Maintenance & Usage To install the battery: 1. Turn off the radio and hold it with the back of the radio facing upward. 2. Align the three slots at the top of the battery with the three tabs on the back of the radio. 3. Rotate the battery down to the radio and squeeze together until the battery clicks into place. 68
Battery - General Radio Maintenance & Usage To remove the battery: 1. Turn off the radio and hold it with the bottom of the radio facing upward. 2. Press down on the battery release button on the bottom of the radio. 3. Rotate the battery away from the radio and remove. 69
Antenna - General Radio Maintenance & Usage The antenna is color coded showing the specific frequency band of your portable radio, (e.g., 800 MHz). Do not attempt to use an antenna from a different radio with your radio. Even if it seems like the threads match up, you might severely damage the radio s antenna connector. When changing an antenna, do not use tools. The antenna should be tightened firmly with only your fingers. 70
Speaker Mic - General Radio Maintenance & Usage If using a speaker mic, always put the connector seal in a safe place. The connector seal will need to be put back on the radio if the speaker mic is removed. Generally for portable radios, when keying the radio using the push to talk button on a speaker mic you must speak into the speaker mic. If you use the push to talk button on the side of the radio, you must speak into the mic on the front of the radio. 71
Speaker Mic - General Radio Maintenance & Usage To install a speaker mic: Once the connector seal is removed, insert the u shaped lip into the hole below the connectors. Line up the prongs with the connectors carefully and gently. Once in place, hold the clasp open and push the mic to be flush with the radio. Top Hooked End Bottom Hooked End Bottom Slot Let go of the clasp and it should hold the speaker mic onto the radio. Tighten the screw to hold the speaker 72 mic onto the radio for daily use. Top Slot
Speaker Mic - General Radio Maintenance & Usage To remove the speaker mic: Loosen the screw Open the clasp at the top of the radio on the speaker mic The speaker mic should come away from the radio. Make sure that the connector seal is put back in place if the speaker mic is removed. 73
Connectors - General Radio Maintenance & Usage Be careful if the connectors are exposed, they could easily be bumped and dented, which may result in damage where an accessory may not function properly. 74
Belt Clip - General Radio Maintenance & Usage To install the belt clip: Slide Assembly Remove battery before installing or removing the belt clip. Hold the battery with the back of the battery facing you. Hold the belt clip with the top facing upward, and align the clip with the slots on the battery back. Slots Belt Clip Battery 75
Belt Clip - General Radio Maintenance & Usage To remove the belt clip: Pull away the metal tab at the top of the battery clip from the battery and slide the clip upward until it comes away from the radio. Continue to slide the clip off the battery. 76
XTS 2500 MODEL I 1. Antenna 2. Emergency Button 3. LED 4. Speaker 5. Universal Connector 6. Talk Group Selection Knob 7. 3-Position Concentric Switch 8. On / Off Volume Control Knob 9. Microphone 10. Top Side Select Button (programmable) 11. Push to Talk Button 12. Side Button 1 (programmable) 13. Side Button 2 (programmable) 14. Battery 77
XTS 2500 MODEL 1.5 1. Antenna 2. Top Button (programmable) 3. LED transmit / receive indicator 4. Speaker 5. Universal Connector 6. 16 Position Talk Group Selector 7. 3 position switch (A, B, C) 8. On / Off Knob 9. Microphone 10. Top Side Button (programmable) 11. Push to Talk Transmit Button 12. Side Button 1 (programmable) 13. Side Button 2 (programmable) 14. Battery 15. Display 78
XTS 2500 Model II 1. Antenna 2. Emergency Button 3. LED transmit / receive indicator 4. Speaker 5. Universal Connector 6. LED Display 7. Menu select buttons 8. App button 9. 16 position talkgroup selector 10. 3 position switch (A, B, C) 11. On / Off knob 12. Microphone 13. Top button (programmable) 14. Push to talk (transmit) button 15. Side button (programmable) 16. Side button (programmable) 17. Home button 18. 4 way navigation button 19. Battery 79
XTS 2500 Model III 1. Antenna 2. Top Button (programmable) 3. LED transmit / receive indicator 4. Speaker 5. Universal Connector 6. LED Display 7. Menu Select Buttons 8. App Button 9. Keypad 10. 16 Position TG Selector Knob 11. A B C Selector Switch 12. On / Off / Volume Knob 13. Microphone 14. Top Side Button (programmable) 15. Push to Talk Transmit Button 16. Top Side Button 1 (programmable) 17. Top Side Button 2 (programmable) 18. Home Button 19. 4 Way Navigation Button 20. Battery 80
XTS 3000 MODEL II 1. Antenna 2. Talk Group Selection Knob 3. LED 4. On/Off & Volume Knob 5. Microphone 6. Universal Connector 7. Push to Talk 8. Battery 9. Speaker 10. LCD Display 11. Soft Keys Bottom 2 lines of LCD 12. Soft Key Selection Buttons 13. Arrow Keys 14. Home Key A. 2-Position Concentric Switch B. Emergency Button C. 3-Position A/B/C Switch D. Top Side Select Button (programmable) E. Side Button 1 (programmable) F. Side Button 2 (programmable) 81
3000 Model III A-TalkAround/Direct(Conv) Scan (Trunking) B-Unprogrammed Rotary Select Knob Power On/Off Volume Control Display Light Volume Set Tone Monitor (conv) Call Response (Trunking) Emergency 3-Position Zone Switch Zone A Zone B Zone C Push-To-Talk (PTT) Button 82
XTS 5000 MODEL II 1 Antenna 2 On/Off/Volume Control Knob 3 LED 4 Microphone 5 Push-to-Talk 6 Menu Select Buttons 7 4-Way Navigation Button 8 Home Button 9 Battery 10 App Button 11 Display 12 Speaker 13 Universal Connector 14 Side Button (programmable) 15 Side Button (programmable) 16 Top Button (programmable) 17 3-Position A/B/C Switch 18 Emergency Button 19 2-Position Concentric Switch 20 Talk Group Selection Knob 83
APX 7000 Radio 1 Power/Volume 2 Two Position Concentric Position A Scan or Simplex Position B No Scan No Simplex 3 Three Position Toggle 4 Rotary Control: Talk Group Selector 5 Emergency Button 6 Side Top Button: Talk Around / Direct Light / Flip 7 Side Middle Button: Volume Set 8 Side Bottom: Call Response 9 Data Button (programmable) 84
Astro XTL 5000 with 05 85
ASTRO XTL 5000 05 HEAD 86
Astro 5000 W7 W9 87
Spectra W5 Power On Off / Mode Down/ Up Scan Select Page Emergency PWR Mode Scan Sel Page Emer Vol XMIT DIM BUSY Call Mic HOME Volume Home Display Intensity Call 88
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90
91
XTL 1500 92
EF JOHNSON 93