OPS-4 Workstation

OPS-4 is the information and display position.

Desktop Workstation:

The OPS-4 workstation is for acquiring and controlling display of information for consumption of the other operators and occupants of the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Center (ARECC). OPS-4 also monitors and communicates with amateur radio field units. It consists of two desktop computers mounted below the desk with one display monitor. It will be upgraded with three additional monitors. Also included are software programs, mapping programs, and video feeds that are shareable so that they can be displayed on other display monitors in the ARECC.

By accessing an agency's WebEOC event database, via an assigned user name and password, WebEOC screens can be displayed on the desktop display monitors and data can be entered via keyboard and mouse. In addition, the same information can be transferred to the overhead large screen monitors (see below on overheads) so that everyone in the room can be aware of the current situation.

Timely stamped information refreshed by the WebEOC system that is displayed at the EMA, hospital, health department, state agency, and other agencies is also available in the ARECC.

Overhead Large Screen Monitors:

An upgrade will include four overhead large screen display monitors that will be wall mounted for situation viewing within the room.

The benefit for four large screen display monitors is illustrated by the following emergency examples:

• • A situation exists where Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Health Departments and local hospitals in Ohio are already using WebEOC for operations. ARECC operators have been requested to become involved in a Mass Casualty situation supporting all three agencies. Although WebEOC information can be displayed on individual workstation display monitors, it is more beneficial to use an overhead large screen display monitor instead of tying up 4 desktop monitors each displaying the same WebEOC screen. ARECC operators can provide more effective assistance by using desktop display monitors to efficiently control ARECC field operators instead of viewing redundant WebEOC information. Since upgrade to four overhead large screen display monitors are planned, OPS-1, OPS-2, OPS-3 and OPS-4 operators, and others in the ARECC will effectively have four additional monitors of information to aid operations without sacrificing a desktop display monitor for common information. The common display information is placed on the overhead monitors as controlled by OPS-4.

  • During a severe storm emergency situation, the ARECC may be involved with more than one of the surrounding counties. Status of each county can be displayed on the ARECC overhead monitors. ARECC operators can be aware on status in each county by viewing the overhead monitors without removing critical data from each operator station's desktop monitors. ARECC operators can efficiently track communicators as well as conditions in the county and surrounding communities.

There are numerous other examples where the four overhead large screen display monitors will greatly benefit ARECC performance. The overhead monitors and electronic media are modern tools which replace stacks of paper maps, overlays, grease pencils, and white boards that were previously used to record status. Teleconferencing is another option possible with this setup. Live conferencing can be available from inside the ARECC.

Using The OPS-4 Dual Computers:

The OPS-4 computer "A" is used, for example, to access WebEOC at the local EMA office and Health Department.

• The operator for computer "A" can display the EMA WebEOC on the left desktop mounted monitor once logged in. The operator selects the appropriate screens then drags that screen onto one of four overhead large screen monitors.

• Next, the operator logs into the Health Department's WebEOC on the right hand desktop monitor. The operator selects the appropriate screens then drags that screen onto one of the overhead large screen monitors.

• Both desktop monitors are available for looking up or accessing other information, as well as communicating with the EOCs on the WebEOC message page, while the overhead large screen monitors automatically update WebEOC status with each new entry.

The OPS-4 "B" computer operator can configure one desktop display monitor to accept data from the automatic packet reporting system (APRS) radio.

• The street level mapping program can display and track operators and deployed equipment.

• Street level mapping can be updated to include plume models, damage assessment information, flood prediction models, road closures, re-routing around those closures, and traffic problems. That map can be viewed by any of the operators in the room by accessing the map that can be displayed on one of the three monitors in front of them that allows updating, zooming in & out, etc.

• The second desktop display monitor is for displaying the live feed from the National Weather Service NEXRAD radar, an amateur radio television camera (ATV) transmission from the event site, or be used to display any other information that would be useful to the people in the room or in the field including webcams, traffic cams, city cams, satellite images and the local news and weather broadcast.

APRS street level mapping will also be capable of being displayed on any of the overhead large screen display monitors as well as on any of the desktop monitors.

The Radio System:

OPS-4 will be using an all mode 100 watt mobile for 6 through 160 including 144 & 440.

It has access to the 800 MHz ITAC frequencies for communications to local, state and government agencies on an as needed basis.