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FRS/GMRS Radio Mapping Guide: Difference between revisions
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== Introduction to Radio Mapping == | == Introduction to Radio Mapping == | ||
=== Scenario === | === Scenario and Objectives === | ||
''A disaster has struck the Portland metropolitan area. Routine communications methods (e.g. cell phones) are disabled, and NETs are self-deploying to their [[NET Staging Areas|Staging Areas/Incident Command Posts]]. After making some initial assessments, [[Incident Team Leaders]] begin deploying strike teams to render aid in the surrounding neighborhoods.'' | ''A disaster has struck the Portland metropolitan area. Routine communications methods (e.g. cell phones) are disabled, and NETs are self-deploying to their [[NET Staging Areas|Staging Areas/Incident Command Posts]]. After making some initial assessments, [[Incident Team Leaders]] begin deploying [[NET Strike Teams|strike teams]] to render aid in the surrounding neighborhoods.'' | ||
''After dispatching a strike team to travel a specific route, the Incident Team Leader discovers they cannot establish FRS/GMRS radio communications with them. Time passes and nothing is heard. Is the team in a radio dead zone? Have their radios failed? Is the team in trouble? Should the Incident Team Leader dispatch a runner to their last known location? Does the strike team need the assistance of a follow-up strike team? Where are they?'' | ''After dispatching a strike team to travel a specific route, the Incident Team Leader discovers they cannot establish FRS/GMRS radio communications with them. Time passes and nothing is heard. Is the team in a radio dead zone? Have their radios failed? Is the team in trouble? Should the Incident Team Leader dispatch a runner to their last known location? Does the strike team need the assistance of a follow-up strike team? Where are they?'' | ||
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''Meanwhile, the strike team discovers they can no longer communicate with the NET Incident Command Post. How can they reestablish communications? Should they double back to the last point of communication, risking wasted time and physical exertion? Should they continue forward and hope to reestablish communications at a future location? How long will that take? If the team is in serious trouble, should they detour from their route to call for help? If so, in which direction?'' | ''Meanwhile, the strike team discovers they can no longer communicate with the NET Incident Command Post. How can they reestablish communications? Should they double back to the last point of communication, risking wasted time and physical exertion? Should they continue forward and hope to reestablish communications at a future location? How long will that take? If the team is in serious trouble, should they detour from their route to call for help? If so, in which direction?'' | ||
'''The purpose of FRS/GMRS radio mapping is to provide | '''The general purpose of FRS/GMRS radio mapping is to provide solutions for addressing these types of questions in an already stressful situation.''' FRS/GMRS radios are helpful communications tools, but they have known limitations; particularly range and signal strength. | ||
There are two reasons for developing a radio propagation map. First, it is important to have a realistic idea of what the limits of your radios are. Every team needs to know where this kind of communication can be relied on and where other means of communication, such as runners, will be necessary. Second, you will discover that a relay station, strategically located according to the topography and obstacles in your specific area, can provide a way to link operators to one another. | |||
=== Method === | === Method === | ||
