Welcome to the Radio re-certification for 2020

Motivation

Our radios are our lifeline to the "outside" world while performing our duties. Whether operating in an IDLH or in the back room of a residence at 0300hrs with your partner, your portable radio provides you access to additional resources and/or help should a situation become untenable or dangerous. Knowledge of the features and capabilities of your portable radio is key to ensuring your safety.

The objective of this refresher training is to provide you with a review of the Motorola APX 6000/7000XE radios. After a review of the material contained herein, personnel are expected to take and pass an exam to an accuracy of at least 80%. Any information found herein is subject to testing on the exam.

Parts/Features

Personnel should review the presentation below on the parts and features of both the Motorola APX 6000XE and 7000XE portable radios.

Batteries

All batteries in use in the field must have a green dot marked on the bottom, which indicates they are intrinsically safe. Batteries must be charged at 30%. Personnel should review the presentation below on the use and charging of batteries for our portable radios.

Display & Keypad Navigation

Personnel should review the presentation below, which covers the radio display and navigation through different features using the keypad. This information is key for enabling fast navigation between zones/talkgroups with the push of a button, and getting you back to "home" should you get lost in the radio functions.

Secure Encrypted Communications

A secure encrypted talk group or radio channel is one that can't be monitored by the media or public by way of a scanner; personnel should still be aware of their surroundings before communicating sensitive information. Personnel should review the presentation below on secure and encrypted communications.

Vehicle Repeater System

When personnel experience in-structure radio coverage issues on the fireground or during other multi-unit responses, a vehicle repeater system (VRS) is available to assist. Personnel should review the following presentation on the VRS.

Dealing with Difficulties

Site Trunking

The MCFRS 800 MHz radio system uses 11 tower sites that are all connected (networked) together, giving county-wide radio coverage to all users that are on the radio system. In the event these 11 sites become disconnected from ECC, the radio system will enter "Site Trunking” mode, which will appear on the display of the radio. The impact of Site Trunking to field personnel is minimal-to-none, but personnel should be aware that there are impacts to ECC operations which may temporarily hamper their efficiency.

Failsoft

In the event there are major computer problems with the radio system, but the whole system doesn’t go down, it will go into "Failsoft" mode. You’ll know we’re in Failsoft mode if you see the word Failsoft on the radio screen. While in Failsoft mode, there are only a handful of channels, so people can easily "talk over" one another; unless one has something vitally important to say, they should keep quiet. All calls are still dispatched on 7 Alpha and operate on 7 Bravo, Charlie, etc. In short, treat Failsoft like condition red. Personnel may review a fleetmap showing Failsoft channels here.

APX 7000 Users that Lose 800MHz Coverage

In the event you are operating on 7 Alpha or 7 Bravo with an APX 7000 radio (officer) and your 800 MHz communications fail, you should switch to V7 Alpha or V7 Bravo and make that dispatcher aware you're operating on VHF. APX-6000 users (crew) should maintain crew integrity and get with their unit officer immediately!! Remember that 7 Oscar will still be working.

Radio Relays (and Metro)

While great efforts have recently been made to boost radio coverage in the Metro system, there are still issues with adequate coverage in many areas. Radio relays may help personnel bridge the gap when the conventional radio system comes up short. Personnel should read FCGO 12-06 found here, along with the accompanying presentation, to refresh on building radio relays.

Strap vs. Coat

Personnel should review the following presentation which discusses the pros and cons of wearing the portable radio in the velcro pocket of the turnout coat versus on a strap placed under the turnout coat. In either case, protection of the radio, accessibility, and safety are critical points to consider.

Tech Ops Section

Personnel should review the following presentation which provides valuable information on the capabilities of the Tech Ops Section to assist with radio issues and planning during emergencies and other events.

Note

The use of zone 78 on the portable radio may be coordinated by the Battalion Chief for the purposes he/she deems necessary. With the exception of 78 Alpha/Bravo, transmissions made on zone 78 DO NOT go to the PSCC-only users operating on the specific talkgroup. THIS INCLUDES EB ACTIVATIONS.

New 8000/8500 Radios

Personnel should review the following presentation covering the new 8000 series portable radios and 8500 series mobile radios. These radios are currently being phased in by the Tech Ops section. Please direct any questions to the Tech Ops section.