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Kootenai National Forest Radio Users Guide Revised: 5/26/2015
Kootenai National Forest
2015 Radio User Guide
Introduction
This guide is designed to assist radio users in operating the Kootenai National Forest's (KNF) radio system. The system utilizes Kenwood and Bendix/King Mobile radios, and Bendix/King hand-held radios that have been programmed to the KNF’s frequencies. Users will be required to attend annual training to obtain an understanding of how the KNF's radio system works and how to properly use a radio to communicate. Radio users should read this guide and use it in the field as a reference.
Forest Radio System:
Within the KNF there are two radio networks comprised of a series of base stations and mountaintop repeaters. The networks are known as “North Zone” and “South Zone”. Radio base stations are located at all District Offices, the Supervisor’s Office, Kootenai Interagency Dispatch Center (KDC), Libby Helibase, and on Blue Mountain. They are used for direct communications to the field or to access mountaintop repeaters for additional coverage.
The “North Zone” is comprised of the three districts that touch the northern border (Rexford, Three Rivers, and Fortine Ranger Districts). The North Zone operates under the 171.3875 MHz frequency on all repeaters. The North Zone repeaters are labeled with a North designator. For example, Marston Repeater is called Marston North. The direct Administrative channel is called Kootenai North.
NOTE: In 2014, Rexford and Fortine RD’s are operating as a combined district, referred to as “North End” and in the process of being renamed Ksanka Ranger District. Existing base stations at Eureka RS and Murphy Lake RS will still be operating this year.
The “South Zone” is comprised of the two southern districts and the Montana DNRC (Canoe Gulch/ Libby Fire Cache, Cabinet Ranger District and the Libby Unit). The South Zone operates under the 171.2625 MHz frequency on all repeaters, except the DNRC which will use 151.2650 MHz. The South Zone repeaters are labeled with a South Designator. For example, Blue Repeater is called Blue South. The direct Administrative channel is called Kootenai South.
Base station locations are as follows:
Base Stations Base Station Call Signs
Blue Mountain for the Kootenai Interagency Kootenai Dispatch
Dispatch Center (KDC), and an additional base
radio at the Supervisor’s Office
Libby Helibase located at Libby Airport Libby Helibase
Murphy Lake Ranger Station Murphy Lake / Fortine
Eureka Ranger Station Rexford
Canoe Gulch Ranger Station Canoe Gulch / Libby District
Libby Fire Cache Libby Fire Cache
Troy Ranger Station Three Rivers / D4
Cabinet Ranger Station Cabinet
Base stations, mobile and handheld radios are programmed with the same channel plan. (see KNF Channel Plan). All radios (handhelds, mobiles, desk remotes and consoles) have an alpha/numeric display which shows the channel name.
Repeaters
Each of the following mountaintops have a “North Zone ” repeater and a “South Zone” repeater (except as noted). The number to the right of the repeater is the district at which the repeater is located.
Webb Mountain (D1)
Pinkham Mountain (D1/D3)
Mount Marston (D3)
King Mountain (D4) (North Zone only)
Mount Baldy (D4) (North Zone only)
Mount Henry (D4) (North Zone only)
Blue Mountain (D5)
Calx Mountain (D5)
Tony Peak (D5)
Allen Peak (D5/D7)
Cougar Peak (D7)
Berray Mountain (D7) (South Zone only)
Government Mountain (D7)
80 Peak (D7)
It is important to be aware of repeater locations so that the closest and most accessible site can be selected, even though the repeater may not be located on your district. Radios have limited range so their signals can easily be blocked by mountains. Therefore, a repeater may allow you to communicate in places where you would not be able to without using it.
Work and Tac Channels
Each district will have one work channel and two tac channels. Each channel will still have a unique tone for each district. See the KNF Channel Plan to reference the RX/TX frequency and Tone for each of these channels. These channels are designed for day to day field and fire work.
Radio Traffic Priorities:
At all times, the following priorities are in effect:
LIFE AND DEATH
AIRCRAFT
NEW FIRE REPORTS
ON-GOING FIRES
WEATHER REPORTS
ADMINISTRATIVE
Radio Protocol:
The 171.3875 MHz frequency is labeled with a North Zone designator. It is used by the North Zone as a Command frequency. All North Zone administrative traffic will use this frequency. In general, all North Zone traffic (administrative and fire) should be using the channels with a North Designation.
The 171.2625 MHz frequency is labeled with a South Zone designator. It is used by the South Zone as a Command frequency. All South Zone administrative traffic
will use this frequency. In general, all South Zone traffic (adminstrative and fire) should be using the channels with a South Designation.
The 163.1250 frequency is the “Work” channel and is separated by District (ex. D7 WORK). All Work channels have a tone that is specific to each district.
The 171.4750 frequency is the “Tac” channel and is separated by District (ex. D7 TAC). All Tac channels have a tone that is specific to each district.
The 167.1125 frequency is the secondary “Tac” channel. and is separated by District (ex. D4 TAC 2). All secondary Tac channels have a tone that is specific to each district. NOTE: for 2014, D7 has been given a new secondary tac frequency due to interference from Washington.
The “Red” channel is a statewide fire mutual aid frequency for communication between federal, state, and local agencies. Refer to the Channel Plan to see where the channel is located for each district.
Air to ground (AIR/GND) is the frequency used for communication between ground and aircraft resources, each zone will have a unique AIR/GND frequency assigned.
Due to the new 911 system, some local sheriff offices were required to change their station call sign from a number to a name. For example, Libby is now Sheriff Dispatch not 846. To eliminate any confusion with the 911 dispatch systems, some Forest Service offices altered their contact name to reflect these changes. Below is a list of the 911 dispatch centers and the Forest Service offices that correlate with them.
Old Number Call Sign New 911 Call Sign Base Station Call Names
846 Sheriff Dispatch Canoe Gulch / Libby Fire Cache
662 Eureka Dispatch Rexford
Murphy Lake / Fortine
423 Troy Dispatch Three Rivers / D4
Sanders County Cabinet
Administrative Traffic:
All Districts are required to handle their own administrative traffic using their Zone channels (North or South Zones). Each district is responsible for setting up their own procedures for handling these calls. Kootenai Dispatch can be used as a backup when someone is unable to reach their home unit. In the case of an emergency, please reference the section below labeled Radio Emergency Use Procedures.
Due to regulations and licensing restrictions, only the Forest Supervisor has legal authority to program radios. However, this function has been delegated to the ISO department (Todd Orr/Scott Skinner). In addition, one employee at each district has been designated to program radios and serve as a contact for radio questions, trouble shooting, and coordination, as follows:
D1/3 Cody White (RJ McDole – backup)
D4 Don Baney (Beau Macy – backup)
D5 Jason Sunell
D7 Brian Krick (Adam Carr – backup)
SO Lance Hamel
Note: All frequencies and tones are programmed into your radio. A user should not need to manually program them. If you have any radio concerns you should contact the appropriate person at your location or the ISO contact at the SO. For 2014, Todd Orr (283-7702) is covering D5 / D7 and Scott Skinner (283-7700) is covering D1/3, D4. Both are handling the SO/helibase.
Flight Following:
Radio communication on KNF frequencies for flight following between aircraft and Kootenai Dispatch can be done on either Kootenai North or South. Initial contact with incoming aircraft will usually be on Kootenai North as that is the “primary” frequency published in the Northern Rockies Frequency Guide. In general though, for sustained operations, whichever Zone the aircraft is flying over will determine the frequency being used to flight follow.
Flight following with DNRC aircraft will usually be done on the State frequency (151.2650).
After Hours Radio Protocol:
Each District located in Lincoln County has an agreement with the local Sheriff’s Office to monitor the Kootenai North radio frequency. If individuals are going to be out after-hours, the Sheriff’s Office may be notified. The individuals would then be responsible to check in with the Sheriff’s Office with any change in plans, or, when they have returned to the District Office. If the Sheriff”s Office does not receive a check-in, they would contact the District Duty Officer or supervisor of the individual. Each district has specific details within their District Safety Plan (Libby District will still need to use Kootenai North for contacting the local sheriff’s office).
After Action Reviews:
With the relative newness of the Zone concept and reorganization of Kootenai Dispatch, and annual changes to the KNF Channel Plan; communications should be a major component of all AAR’s. Any and all problems with communications should be discussed and documented during every AAR.
NOTE: For 2014, some fire crews will be utilizing new digital Bendix/King handheld radios. They will be programmed with the same Channel plans and used in the mixed mode to transmit/receive. Refer to the user manual for details regarding components and functions.
Radio Emergency Use Procedures:
Turn off Scan and Pri., turn to Hi power (on handheld radios). The 3 switches (on handheld radios) should be pushed toward the front of the radio (toward the keypad).
Turn the radio on and turn up the volume.
Check to make sure you are using the proper group. To select a group, press the # key (this will show the current group) then press the number of the desired group and wait for 5 seconds, or press enter.
Select a channel. Refer to a map and the Kootenai Channel Plan to determine what channel to use. Use the Channel Selector Knob to select the channel. There are 16 channels on your radio.
Transmit your message. If you are in an emergency situation, begin your transmission by stating that you have an emergency. For example, "Kootenai Dispatch, this is Jane Smith, I have an emergency." Broadcasting that you have an emergency lets other listeners know that you have priority and that everyone else should stay off the radio until you are done. Press and hold the Push-to-talk button. Hold the button in throughout the entire message. If your message is too long, the transmit signal will time out and cut you off. Therefore, if you have a long message, you may have to pause and release the PTT button and then press in again to continue.
NOTE: Even if you do not receive a response, transmit your entire message. Someone may be able to hear you, but you may not hear them.
Medical Emergency: If you are dealing with an injured person and are requesting medical help, do not give the name of the injured person over the radio. Reference the KNF Medical Evacuation Plan’s medical incident size up card for information to be relayed over the radio. If you don’t have one, contact Kootenai Dispatch and they will prompt you for the information needed.
Radio Etiquette
Use plain text at all times. Plain text means speak in complete English. Do not use codes or abbreviations.
Speak slowly and hold the radio an inch or so away from your lips. If you hold the microphone too close to your lips, your transmission might sound fuzzy and garbled.
Do not begin a transmission until you are sure there are no other conversations taking place.
To initiate a call, state the name of the person or location you are calling followed by your name. For example, "Kootenai Dispatch; Jane Smith" or "Kootenai Dispatch, this is Jane Smith."
Use the channel label instead of the channel number to tell the other party what frequency/repeater you are on. For example, “Kootenai Dispatch, this is Jane Smith on Kootenai South” or “Kootenai Dispatch, this is Jane Smith on Marston North Repeater”. Make sure that the answering party is completely finished talking before you respond. Wait until you hear the squelch tail (the hiss) at the end of the transmission.
When finished with communications be sure to sign off with your name, or location and “clear”. For example, “Smith clear” or “Helibase clear”.
Trouble Shooting for Radios:
1) Check the battery: Hold in the PTT Button and look at the Low Battery Indicator on top of your radio. If the light blinks on and off, or blinks just once and goes out, your battery is probably bad. The light should stay on the entire time you have the PTT Button pressed.
2) Check your position: Make sure you are standing still and holding the radio up right (perpendicular to the ground). This is important because moving the radio around or holding it at different angles will affect the antennae's power and ability to transmit or receive a message.
3) Check the repeater: Even though it looks like the repeater you have chosen is the closest, you may not have a direct line of site to the repeater. For instance, there could be a high mountain peak between you and the repeater. You may need to select a different repeater or move to a higher location.
4) Check the group and channel.
5) Is your radio scanning? If so, traffic on another channels that are being scanned may be blocking the transmission of the person you want to receive.
6) If it appears that your radio will not turn on, it could be because it is on a channel that is unprogrammed. It has been discovered that King radios will not turn on if the channel selector is set to an unprogrammed channel. Turn off the radio, change the channel and try again.
7) Check the Code Guard/Squelch setting if using a handheld radio. Make sure it is turned counter-clockwise all the way until it clicks. This activates the receive code guard funcion of your radio; channels that have receive tones will only receive transmissions on that frequency that contain the appropiate tone.
Components and functions of a Bendix/King Handheld Radio:
On-Off/Volume: Turn the On-Off/Volume Knob clockwise to power the radio. Continue turning the knob clockwise to increase the volume.
Squelch/CG: Turn the squelch knob counter-clockwise until it stops. This is the CG (Code Guard) position, and is where this knob should be set for your radio to functions as described in this guide.
Channel Selector: Turn the Channel Selector Knob to the desired channel (see the attached Kootenai National Forest Channel Plan).
Groups: Multiple groups is a feature of the radio that increases the number of programmable channels. There are 15 groups available and a maximum of 16 channels in each group which allows for a total of 240 channels.
To select a group perform the following steps:
1) Press the pound (#) key on the key board to display the current group on the LCD display.
2) Press the appropriate number for the desired group.
3) Press ENT for your selection to be accepted.
Groups 12-15 should be used when programming non-Kootenai and temporary frequencies. For instance, if on assignment in another region, a communications technician should program any necessary frequencies into groups 12-15.
It is important to check that the proper group is selected. Press the pound (#) key at any time to view the current group selected.
Channel Busy/Low Battery Indicator: This indicator will illuminate red when transmitting a message over the radio and when receiving a signal on the priority channel. The light should illuminate solid red when transmitting. If the light blinks once or twice and then goes out or if the light flickers, it means the battery could be low.
Switch A - Hi/Lo Transmit Power: This switch allows you to either use full transmit power (HI) or reduced transmit power (LO). Using LO power conserves energy and helps preserve the battery. LO power should be used when monitoring the radio in town or in close proximity of a base station. The radio is in HI power when the switch is pushed towards you and in LO power when the switch is pushed away from you.
Switch B - Scan: Bendix/King radios allow users to monitor frequencies from a preset scan list, including the currently selected channel. When a signal is detected, scanning stops and the message is received. The received channel label is shown on the LCD. Once the signal ends, the radio continues to monitor the channel for a preset amount of time before it resumes scanning. If you wish to respond to a message received on a scanned channel, you will have to change the currently selected channel. All transmissions in scan mode will occur on the channel selected (see Channel Selector Knob). The radio is in scan mode when the switch is pushed away from you. To turn off the scan function, push the switch towards you.
To determine what channels are being scanned, turn the scan switch off and turn the Channel Selector Knob to each channel. If the channel is on the scan list, "SCN" will appear on the top portion of the LCD. To add a channel to the scan list, select the channel with the Channel Selector Knob and then press ENT. To remove a channel from the scan list, press the CLR key. After a short beep, "SCN" should disappear. SCN solid indicates that channel is included in the scan list; SCN flashing indicates that the scanning function has been activated and all channels in the scan list are being scanned. When adding or deleting a channel from the scan list, both the Scan and Priority Switches should be turned off (pushed down toward the user). Only channels in the current group can be scanned.
Switch C - Priority: Priority scan allows a radio to monitor traffic on a priority channel. This function can operate with or without the scan function. The radio checks the priority channel every few seconds. When in priority mode, the transmissions on the priority channel will override all other transmissions, even though the priority channel may not be the currently selected channel. PR in the upper left corner of the display screen indicates that channel is set as the priority channel. SCN flashing indicates that the priority function has been activated (see Switch B above also) and the priority channel is being scanned and will override transmissions on other frequencies. When a transmission on the priority channel is received, the channel label will appear on the display screen along with “RX” above it.
To set a priority channel, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the Priority and Scan Switches (they should be pushed down towards you).
2. Move the Channel Selector Knob to the channel you want to set as the priority.
3. Press the PRI key on the key board.
4. Turn on the Priority Switch to activate priority mode.
Antenna: The size of the antenna affects the range capabilities of radio signals. For instance, longer antennas can transmit and receive signals from repeaters and base stations that are further away than radios with shorter antennas. To ensure that clear signals are being sent and received, stand still while communicating and hold the radio straight up and down so that it is perpendicular with the ground. If you are talking to aircraft, you should hold the radio in a horizontal position. It is important to take good care of antennas, as bent or broken antennas will not transmit or receive signals.
Push-To-Talk Button (PTT): Pressing this button activates the transmit mode (talk mode). Press in and hold this button throughout the entire transmission. For a complete message to be heard, press the button and wait for a second or two before beginning the message and continue to hold in the button for a few seconds after completing the message. This allows time for the signal to access or "key up" the repeaters if necessary.
Speaker: Radio signals are picked up and transmitted over the speaker. The On-Off/Vol switch allows users to adjust the volume of their radio.
LCD Display: The LCD display shows a variety of information. The upper right hand corner displays codes to let users know if the radio is set in priority mode (PR), and/or scan mode (SCAN). The main part of the display will show which channel is selected for transmitting and receiving messages. In addition, by pushing the pound (#) key, the current group selected will be displayed in the main part of the box.
Key Board: The key board provides a mechanism that allows users to change groups and set scan lists. To remove the cover, remove the battery pack and then slide the cover down. Remember to replace the battery pack after removing the cover.
Battery: As mentioned above, the Channel Busy Indicator will alert users to a low battery. To remove the battery, push up on the metal tab on the side of the case while twisting the battery pack approximately 30 degrees and separating it from the radio. Bendix/Kings have either a rechargeable battery pack or a clam shell which contains 9 AA batteries. If your clam shell is not Orange please contact the Radio manager at the district or call the SO.
Components and functions of Bendix/King Base Station and Mobile Radios:
Using a Bendix/King base station or mobile radio is similar to using a Bendix/King handheld radio. The functions that are controlled by the 5 buttons located below the display screen are active if a triangle is present in the screen above the button. Functions of the buttons are as follows:
MON The monoitor button will cause the radio to produce a constant noice when activated. This may be useful to find a comfortable volume level.
SCN The scan button provides the same function as the scan toggle on a handheld radio. Channels are entered or deleted from the scan bank as described above for handheld radios.
PRI The priority button provides the same function as the priority toggle on a handheld radio. The priority channel is entered using the same method as described above for handheld radios.
GRP The group button is used to change groups. This is done by pushing the group button and turning the channel knob to the desired group.
SQL This button is used to adjust the squelch. This adjustment should be unneccessary. If you feel the squelch needs adjusted on your radio, contact your District Radio Coordinator.
Components and functions of Kenwood TK-790 Mobile Radios:
Functions of the buttons are as follows:
Group Selection The up/down arrows used to change groups. The group selected is indicated by the number in the left side of the display screen.
SCN The scan button activates the scan function of those channels that have been entered into the scan bank as described below for the D/A button. The scanning function is activated when the display screen reads “SCAN”.
D/A This button is used to delete or add channels into the scan bank for that group. A downward pointing arrow on the right side of the display screen indicates a channel is included in the scan list.
DIM This button is used to adjust the brightness of the display screen.
Components and functions of Vega C-2002 Base Station Remote Consoles:
Vega C-2002 remote consoles are linked to a nearby Bendix/King base station (GBH model) and used to transmit/receive via the base station from an alternate location.
Volume – Adjust using the up/down arrows.
Transmit – To transmit, push the red transmit button on the console or pick up the handset and depress the button on the handle.
Channels - Push SEL F1-F8 for channels 1-8; push SEL ALT F1-F8 for channels 9-16.
Groups – Groups cannot be changed at the console.
Radio User Glossary
Analog Radio: A radio which encodes the audio in a smooth, continuous fashion for transmission.
APCO Project 25 (P25): An industry standard for digital radio equipment.
Band: Sometimes called a frequency band - is a specific range of frequencies in the radio frequency spectrum, which is divided among ranges. Two commonly used bands are ultra high frequencies (UHF) and very high frequencies (VHF). Each band has a defined upper and lower frequency limit (see below).
Bandwidth: Bandwidth can have several meanings, for this manual bandwidth refers to the amount of radio spectrum that is assigned to a radio channel (see Wideband and Narrowband).
Base Station: A stationary radio (generally in offices) that generally produces 30-50 watts.
Code Guard: A copyrighted Bendix/King term for tone.
Command: A label used for a frequency whose function is for administrative/management purposes.
Digital Radio: A radio which digitizes the audio before transmission.
Forest Dispatching: The situation when all resources are dispatched by KDC and all administrative traffic will be using their designated Zone Frequencies
Handheld Radio: A small convenient radio (generally carried on person) that produces 2-5 watts.
KDC: Kootenai Interagency Dispatch Center, located in the KNF Supervisor’s Office, Libby, MT.
Mobile Radio: A radio mounted in a vehicle that produces 30-50 watts.
Narrowband: A radio channel that is assigned 12.5 KHz of spectrum.
Net: Refers to a radio network. A radio network is a group of base stations and repeaters that are capable of operating together.
Priority: A feature available on radio transceivers that prioritizes a channel during scanning operation. It will allow the priority channel to be heard if simultaneous transmissions are being received.
Radio Protocols: Proper edict and procedures for radio use.
Remote/Console/Tone Remote/Base Station Remote Console: A device used to remotely operate a base station radio. Often these devices look similar to telephones.
Repeater: A radio which receives a radio signal on one frequency and retransmits on another. Often used to extend the range of a radio system.
Scanning: A feature available on radio transceivers that allows a user to monitor multiple radio channels at the same time.
Simplex/Direct: A radio channel in which the transmit and receive frequency are the same.
Single tone/Toned on one side: A radio channel that has a programmed tone on either the transmit or receive frequency.
Tactical/Work: A frequency whose function is for communication to complete assignments, other than administrative/command purposes.
Tone: A sub-audible signal that is used with a transmit or receive frequency.
Toned both sides: A radio channel that has both a transmit and receive tone.
UHF: Ultra High Frequency. Radio frequencies from 300 MHz to 3000 MHz
VHF: Very High Frequency. Radio frequencies from 30 MHz to 300 MHz
Wideband: A radio channel that is assigned 25 KHz of spectrum.
Group 1 North End D1 / D3
Group 2 State / DNRC
Group 3 Air Ops North Zone
Group 4 Three Rivers RD / D4
Group 5 Libby RD / D5
Group 6 Air Ops South Zone
Group 7 Cabinet RD / D7
Group 8 Idaho Panhandle
Group 9 Lolo National Forest
Group 10 Flathead
Group 11 North End Emergency Group
Group 12 D4 Emergency Group
Group 13 D5 Emergency Group
Group 14 D7 Emergency Group