Operations at Fire Stations: Difference between revisions

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|[[Media:BEECN Radio Log Form.pdf|BEECN Radio Log]]
|[[Media:BEECN Radio Log Form.pdf|BEECN Radio Log]]
|2019.04.09
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|[https://volunteerpdx.net/images/a/a9/BEECN_Radio_Room_Log_Form.pdf BEECN Radio Room Log]
|2019.04.09
|2019.04.09
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#*UHF Radio Operator (no license necessary): Responsible for setup and operation of the UHF handheld radio and communicating with nearby BEECN sites.
#*UHF Radio Operator (no license necessary): Responsible for setup and operation of the UHF handheld radio and communicating with nearby BEECN sites.
#Volunteers next establish the written log of communications to and from their station using the BEECN Radio Log Form.
#Volunteers next establish the written log of communications to and from their station using the BEECN Radio Log Form.
#The ARO checks in with the Multnomah County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) Resource Net Controller on the Multnomah County Secondary Repeater MC-2, which is stored in memory channel 2 of VHF radio'''.''' Checking in with the Resource Net, the ARO gives his or her FCC call sign and waits for acknowledgement from the net control operator. Once recognized, the ARO may be asked to provide additional information such as:
#The ARO checks in with the Multnomah County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) '''Resource Net'''.
#*Name
##The Resource Net normally operates on the Multnomah County Repeater MC-2, which is stored in '''memory''' '''channel 2 on the BEECN VHF radios.''' Checking in with the Resource Net, the ARO gives his or her FCC call sign and waits for acknowledgement from the net control operator. Once recognized, the ARO may be asked to provide additional information such as:
#*Location
##*Name
#*Available equipment, including communications and transportation resources
##*Location  
#*Other information deemed necessary by the ARO or requested by net control
##*Other information requested by net control operator.
#If no contact is possible on the Multnomah County ARES Resource Net via the MC-2 repeater, AROs should attempt to make a simplex contact with the Resource Net using the output frequency of the MC-2 repeater: 147.280 MHz, which can be accomplished using MC-12 stored in memory channel 12.
##If no contact is possible on the Multnomah County ARES Resource Net via the MC-2 repeater, the repeater may not be operational.  AROs should attempt to make a '''simplex contact with the Resource Net''' using the output frequency of the MC-2 repeater: 147.280 MHz, which can be accomplished using MC-12 stored in '''memory channel 12'''.
#After checking in with the Resource Net Controller (or attempting to check in) the ARO should switch over to the BEECN simplex frequency: 144.410 MHz, which should be stored in memory channel 20.<ref>If changing to channel 20 causes PNTC13 to appear on the radio's display, the channel is programmed with the BEECN simplex frequency. If PNTC13 doesn't appear, the ARO can use the radio's VFO mode to select 144.410 MHz. On Icom transceivers VFO mode is accessed by pressing the [V/MHz] key to select VFO mode when the transceiver is not already in VFO mode. The [V/MHz] key is the right-most key below the display. Hint: If a small M is displayed to the right of the frequency, the transceiver is in Memory mode rather than VFO mode.
##See [[Operations at Fire Stations#OPERATIONS_SCRIPT_1:_Resource_Net_Control_to_Fire_Stations|Resource Net Script]] for more informaition.
#After checking in with the Resource Net Controller (or attempting to check in) the ARO should switch over to the '''BEECN Tactical Net''' on the BEECN simplex frequency: 144.410 MHz, which should be stored in '''memory''' '''channel 20'''. <ref>If changing to channel 20 causes PNTC13 to appear on the radio's display, the channel is programmed with the BEECN simplex frequency. If PNTC13 doesn't appear, the ARO can use the radio's VFO mode to select 144.410 MHz. On Icom transceivers VFO mode is accessed by pressing the [V/MHz] key to select VFO mode when the transceiver is not already in VFO mode. The [V/MHz] key is the right-most key below the display. Hint: If a small M is displayed to the right of the frequency, the transceiver is in Memory mode rather than VFO mode. </ref> See [[Operations at Fire Stations#OPERATIONS_SCRIPT_2:_Tactical_Net_Control_to_Fire_Stations|Tactical Net Script]] for more information.


Once the transceiver is in VFO mode, rotate the tuning knob on the right to select 144.410. If the initial frequency is a long way from 144.410, you can save time by briefly telling the transceiver to change frequency 1 MHz at a time by tapping the [V/MHz] key. The display should change to show fewer digits. After the first three digits show “144”, tap the [V/MHz] again to return to the normal VFO tuning mode.</ref> The ARO will use 144.410 MHz to check in with the BEECN Tactical Net Controller sited at the ECC and provide any requested information.
Once the transceiver is in VFO mode, rotate the tuning knob on the right to select 144.410. If the initial frequency is a long way from 144.410, you can save time by briefly telling the transceiver to change frequency 1 MHz at a time by tapping the [V/MHz] key. The display should change to show fewer digits. After the first three digits show “144”, tap the [V/MHz] again to return to the normal VFO tuning mode.</ref> The ARO will use the Tactical NET to check in with the the EOC Radio Rooma nd provide any requested information.
#Once the ARO has connected with the BEECN Tactical Net Controller, the fire station volunteer operating the UHF handheld radio should power up their radio and set it to the correct channel, and ask all BEECNs to check in.
#Once the ARO has connected with the BEECN Tactical Net Controller, the fire station volunteer operating the UHF handheld radio should power up their radio and set it to the correct channel, and ask all BEECNs to check in.
#The operator of the UHF handheld is responsible for regularly checking in with the BEECNs on their channel. This includes BEECNs on the channel not normally associated with the fire station (e.g. a BEECN whose operators cannot reach their Primary Relay and need assistance from their Backup Relay).
#The operator of the UHF handheld is responsible for regularly checking in with the BEECN sites on their channel. This includes BEECN sites on the channel not normally associated with the fire station (e.g. a BEECN whose operators cannot reach their Primary Relay and need assistance from their Backup Relay).


=== Step 3: Commence exchanging radio traffic ===
=== Step 3: Commence exchanging radio traffic ===
Regular radio traffic and monitoring commences. The BEECN Net Controller will contact each fire station periodically for status reports.
Regular radio traffic and monitoring commences. The BEECN Net Controller will contact each fire station periodically for status reports.
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== Exchanging Radio Traffic: Fire Stations ==
== Exchanging Radio Traffic: Fire Stations ==
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VHF radio operators should use the most current radio prowords. A table is available at: [[Prowords for Traffic Handling]] (which is a more detailed table than BEECN handheld radio operators are expected to use).
VHF radio operators should use the most current radio prowords. A table is available at: [[Prowords for Traffic Handling]] (which is a more detailed table than BEECN handheld radio operators are expected to use).


=== Channel Assignments ===
=== VHF Channel Assignments ===
For channel assignments, please go to:<br/>
The two primary channels used by BEECN amateur radio operators at fire stations are Channel 2 for the Resource NET and Channel 20 for the BEECN Tactical Net.   
[[Media:MCARES 2023 Frequency Template for BEECN VHF Radios.pdf|'''Channel Assignments Used in BEECN VHF Radios''']]
 
* The primary purpose of the '''Resource NET''' is to coordinate amateur radio resources throughout Multnomah County.  As such, it should be a valuable resource for amateur radio operators at fire stations, when it is active.
 
* The primary resource for direct communication between radio communications between fire stations and the Portland Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is a '''BEECN Tactical Net''' operated on Channel 20 on the BEECN VHF Amateur Radios found in the Orange go kits at the stations.  Channel 20 uses the simplex frequency 144.410 Megahertz, which is also known as PBEM NET-Tac 13 and BEECN Simplex.  This channel does not rely on repeaters being available.
* For more information the Resource Net and the Tactical Net see [[Operations at Fire Stations#Amateur_Radio_Script_for_Fire_Station_ARO_to_the_Resource_Net_and_the_Tactical_Net|Amateur Radio Scripts]].
* For more information on the channels available on BEECN VHF radios see [[Media:MCARES 2023 Frequency Template for BEECN VHF Radios.pdf|'''Channel Assignments Used in BEECN VHF Radios''']].


=== Radio Traffic Reporting Priorities ===
=== Radio Traffic Reporting Priorities ===
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=== Amateur Radio Script for Fire Station ARO to Net Control ===
=== Amateur Radio Script for Fire Station ARO to the Resource Net and the Tactical Net ===


==== OPERATIONS SCRIPT 1: Resource Net Control to Fire Stations ====
==== OPERATIONS SCRIPT 1: Resource Net Control to Fire Stations ====
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This is [CALLSIGN], signing the net clear at [TIME] local. This repeater is now returned to general amateur use.
This is [CALLSIGN], signing the net clear at [TIME] local. This repeater is now returned to general amateur use.
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== BEECN Demobilization at Fire Stations ==
== BEECN Demobilization at Fire Stations ==


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# Re-pack all equipment inside the orange Pelican case. If any equipment is missing, volunteers should indicate that at the end of the log along with any explanation as to why the equipment is missing. Volunteers may then leave the log inside the orange Pelican case, for PBEM to pick up later.
# Re-pack all equipment inside the orange Pelican case. If any equipment is missing, volunteers should indicate that at the end of the log along with any explanation as to why the equipment is missing. Volunteers may then leave the log inside the orange Pelican case, for PBEM to pick up later.
# Volunteers should next return the Go-Kit to its storage area at the fire station and let PF&R staff at the station know that BEECN activities have ceased.
# Volunteers should next return the Go-Kit to its storage area at the fire station and let PF&R staff at the station know that BEECN activities have ceased.
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== Orange Go-Kits ==
== Orange Go-Kits ==
[[File:Orange Go Kit.jpg|thumb|''An Orange Go-Kit.''|430x430px]]
[[File:Orange Go Kit.jpg|thumb|''An Orange Go-Kit.''|430x430px]]
{{#ev:youtube|hKDSe1Igz14|430|right|'''''Video: How to set up an Orange Go-Kit'''''|frame}}
{{#ev:youtube|hKDSe1Igz14|430|right|'''''Video: How to set up an Orange Go-Kit'''''|frame}}
Every fire station in Portland is equipped with a VHF amateur radio called an "Orange Go-Kit" and an external antenna. This is the radio that an ARO at a fire station uses to communicate with Portland's EOC.
Each Portland Fire & Rescue fire station has an "orange go-kit:" a 55-watt Icom IC-2100H radio and a roof-mounted antenna. This is the radio that an ARO at a fire station uses to communicate with Portland's EOC.
 
NET volunteers are permitted to use this equipment if they have a valid FCC amateur radio license. <mark>The kit CANNOT leave the fire station, and so cannot be checked out.</mark> However, a volunteer can visit a fire station and use the radio there.  


Each kit includes a notebook with setup and operations instructions; therefore, set up information is not covered here. A video covering kit setup is also available in this article.
Each kit includes a notebook with setup and operations instructions; therefore, set up information is not covered here. A video covering kit setup is also available in this article.
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== APPENDIX: Fire Station BEECN Channel Guide ==
== APPENDIX: Fire Station BEECN UHF Channel Guide ==
The following table indicates which BEECNs each fire station will communicate with and the UHF channel to use:
The following table indicates which BEECNs each fire station will communicate with and the UHF channel to use:


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