National Communications System (NCS)
ESF #2 Training Conference
LAND MOBILE RADIO SYSTEMS
AND
HOW TO RESTORE THEM
Major Curtis Bowers
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office
[email protected] 504-392-1652
June 21, 2007
Class Topics
Types of Radio Systems
Simplex
Trunking
APCO Project 25
Frequencies
Getting a system back online
Radio gateway devices
Different Types of Radio Systems
Conventional Systems
Simplex Operation (Radio-to-Radio)
Repeater
Trunking Systems
Single Site
Multicast
Simulcast
Conventional
Digital
Conventional Systems
Simplex Operation
Transmissions are made over the same
frequency
Transmissions are from radio to
radio – no system infrastructure
needed
Conventional Systems
Carrier Squelch - open to interference
Private Line Code – keeps radio signals on same
frequency from keying into radio or opening the
carrier squelch
Interference audio is still present
Conventional Systems
What are the advantages of this type of system?
Cost – almost any radio will work, as long as
frequency is correct
Small number of users
Small coverage area
No infrastructure is needed
Conventional Repeater Systems
Repeaters boost transmission power for greater
range
Antennas are placed on towers for increase in
coverage area
400’
5 watts 100 watts 25 watts
Conventional Repeater Systems
Repeater systems improve portable and mobile
talk-out and talk-in coverage
A duplex system uses two frequencies. The radio
transmits audio into the repeater and repeater
sends out the audio at a higher wattage on a
different frequency
Antenna on a tower with a repeater gives a greater
range
Antenna on a tower with a pre-amp receive system
increases talk-in coverage
Trunking Systems
Trunking systems consist of several repeaters
controlled by computerized system
System manages users, talkgroups, and repeaters
Repeaters
Control Channel
Central Controller
Trunking Systems
Trunking systems can be a single site or consist of
multiple sites over large regions
Each repeater has its own frequency and one of
these repeaters is a control channel
Control channel manages information to and from
the user’s radios
With this information, channels (repeaters) are
assigned to users for radio traffic
Control channel is always communicating with
affiliated radios
Affiliated radios send talkgroup (TG) info to system
Trunking Systems
Voice Channel Request
PTT
Request
3
Control Channel
2 Central Controller
Trunking Systems
There can be numerous talkgroups and users on
this type of system
Capacity is determined by number of channels
(repeaters) the system has
There can be numerous sites (towers) used on
this type of system
Size of system is limited to the number of
frequencies the owner can obtain, the
manufacture of the system, the version of system
in service, and how much the owner can afford
Trunking Systems
Different types of multi-site systems:
• Multicast:
The multiple broadcast of identical audio
information on different frequencies from multiple,
geographically separated sites
• Simulcast:
The simultaneous broadcast of identical audio
information on the same frequency from multiple,
geographically separated sites
Trunking Systems
Multicast System Example
Site 1 Site 2
1 2 3 4 5
CC VC CC VC VC
Site 3
6 7 8
CC VC VC
Trunking Systems
Site 1 Site 2
1 2 3 4 5 6
CC VC VC CC VC VC
Site 3
Multicast cells 7 8
could be
combinations of CC VC
sites in what is
also called a
Simulcast
configuration
Trunking Systems
Simulcast System Example
Site 1 Site 2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
CC VC VC VC VC VCVC VC CC VC VC VC VC VCVC VC
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
CC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
Site 3
Trunking Systems
Simulcast “Seamless” Coverage
Site 1 Site 2
1 22 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 22 3 4 5 6 7 8
CC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC CC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
1 22 3 4 5 6 7 8
CC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
Site 3
Trunking Systems
Trunking systems with multiple sites have a weak
link in their operation; links must go back to the
master site
Links can be T-1 circuits or microwave links
Multicast sites that lose their links go into site
trunking and no longer communicate with other
sites
In a simulcast system, only the prime site will
continue to operate; all other remote simulcast
sites are off line until links are reestablished
A simulcast cell can also go into site trunking
Trunking Systems
Analog operation
Mix mode consisting of digital and analog
resources
APCO 25 systems digital only
Digital is not a secure communication system,
encryption is for secure communication
Analog vs. Digital
Benefits of Digital Technologies Improved Audio Quality
Good Digital
Audio
Quality Analog
Poor
Strong Signal Strength Weak
Frequency Issues
License for frequencies to be restored or used
Special Temporary Authorization (STA’s) obtained
Equipment must match frequency range of system
Service equipment, software, and hardware needed to
tune equipment to frequencies to be restored
Types of equipment needing tuning for frequencies:
Combiners, duplexers, repeaters, tower top amp's, and
radios
Restoring a Communication System
Survey what is left that still works or that can be
put back in service
What type of system will be initially put in service
At tower sites you will need antennas, antenna
mounts, antenna cable, cable connectors, tower
climbing crew, and site master testing equipment
Restoring a Communication System
Determine how this equipment can be transported
to the site
If this is a remote site how will it be connected
(linked) back to other sites: microwave, phone
circuits, or broadband satellite
Locate or identify a vendor or service shop that
can perform many of these task for you
Restoring a Communication System
Installing a new communication system
What does the supported agency need
What type of technology will be used
What is best for the agency being supported, not
what the vendors want to sell
Radio Gateways
How will this device help
Will it even work with the system or systems being
connected
Get permission before connecting systems
together
Set the rules for how this gateway channel or
talkgroup will be used
Radio Gateways
When a problem arises with this connection, a
contact person must be available 24 hrs a day
Not always the best way to connect groups of
users together
Questions
Any questions welcome
Contact Information
Major Curtis Bowers
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office
8344 Hwy 23
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
504-392-1652 office
504-812-9305 cell
[email protected]www.ppso.net
