BAE Systems L2FCGX-LF First InterComm VCA100 model L2FCGX-LF User Manual User guide
BAE Systems First InterComm VCA100 model L2FCGX-LF User guide
Contents
- 1. User guide
- 2. Installation guide
User guide
PRELIMINARY A29798 RML
November 2007
PRELIMINARY
First InterComm™ System
User Guide
www.Firstintercomm.com
© 2007 by BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. All rights
reserved.
Table of Contents
First InterComm
™
System User Guide
Page ii A29798
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List of Illustrations....................................................................................................... iii
List of Tables................................................................................................................ iii
Document Change History .......................................................................................... iii
Warnings and Precautions.......................................................................................... iv
Welcome to First InterComm™ Networking ................................................................ 1
First InterComm™ System Overview ........................................................................... 1
The First InterComm™ System in Action .................................................................... 2
Operating the First InterComm™ System.................................................................... 4
Start-Up ..................................................................................................................... 4
Vehicle Location......................................................................................................... 4
Signal Relay (Hopping) .............................................................................................. 5
Troubleshooting............................................................................................................ 7
First InterComm™ System Component Descriptions................................................. 7
The VCA100 Unit....................................................................................................... 7
Mobile Radio Antennas.............................................................................................. 9
Wi-Fi Antenna ............................................................................................................ 9
BAE Support Information ............................................................................................. 9
Companion Documentation ......................................................................................... 9
Appendix A - VCA100 Specifications ........................................................................ 10
Appendix B - Acronyms and Abbreviations.............................................................. 11
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™
System User Guide
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List of Illustrations
1 The FICS in Action ............................................................................................... 2
2 The Incident Area Network (IAN) Expands or Contracts as Needed .................... 3
3 The FICS Enhanced by the Optional ICTCS ........................................................ 4
4 Area Geometry or Physical Features Can Affect Talk Range............................... 5
5 First InterComm Allows Communication between Vehicles without LOS ............. 6
6 First InterComm™ Range is Extended by “Hopping” ............................................ 6
7 VCA100 Front Panel Connectors ......................................................................... 9
List of Tables
1 VCA100 Troubleshooting Procedures .................................................................. 7
Document Change History
DOCUMENT NO.: A29798
TITLE: First InterComm™ System User Guide
DATE REV. PAGES AFFECTED REMARKS
Nov 2007 --- --- Initial Publication
First InterComm
™
System User Guide
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Warnings and Precautions
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Compliance - This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate, radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. Further, proper installation does not guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular situation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and affected receiver.
• Connect equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Radio Frequency Notice – The First InterComm™ System generates and uses RF energy. Changes or
modifications to the equipment may cause harmful interference unless the modifications are expressly
approved in the installation or maintenance manuals. The authority to operate the equipment could be
lost, if an unauthorized change or modification is made.
Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility
Nearly every electronic device is susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) if inadequately
designed, shielded, or otherwise configured for electromagnetic compatibility. It may be necessary to
conduct compatibility testing to determine if any electronic equipment used in or around vehicles is
sensitive to external RF energy or if any procedures need be applied to eliminate or mitigate the potential
for interaction between the First InterComm™ System and other equipment or devices.
• Facilities – To avoid EMI or compatibility conflicts, turn off the First InterComm™ System near any
facility where posted notices instruct you to do so; e.g., hospitals or health care facilities.
• Vehicles – To avoid possible interaction between the First InterComm™ System and vehicle
electronic control modules (e.g., ABS, engine, or transmission controls), the First InterComm System
should be installed only by a professional installer.
• Pacemakers – Maintain a minimum separation of 12 inches between First InterComm™ System
components (the VCA100 and associated antennas) and any pacemaker to avoid potential
interference with pacemaker function.
RF Exposure Compliance
Pursuant to FCC rules for the Maximum Permissible Exposure (RF) The antenna(s) specified in this
manual MUST be installed so as to provide a separation distance of at least 18 inches (45 cm) from all
persons.
In addition, the unit may not be used to transmit for more than 50% of the time (average duty cycle over a
30 minute period).
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™
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General Precautions
• Professional Installation – The VCA100 unit and its antennas must be installed by a qualified,
professional installer.
o Users must not change the antenna types or their location as you risk voiding the
conditions of your FCC license and/or the conditions to which the product has been
certified (consult your installer in these cases).
• DC Power – Ensure that power into the First InterComm™ System does not exceed 24VDC.
• Explosive Environments – Ensure the First InterComm™ System is turned off before entering a
blasting area, or in areas posted “TURN OFF TWO-WAY RADIO”. Sparks in a potentially explosive
atmosphere can cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or death.
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First InterComm
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System User Guide
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Welcome to First InterComm™ Networking
The First InterComm™ System (FICS) allows first responders from different agencies at
an emergency incident to readily communicate with one another, even though their
radios operate on different frequencies; i.e., VHF, UHF or 800 MHz systems, both digital
and analog. The FICS can accommodate any new communication technologies,
including the 700-MHz bandwidth.
Only one vehicle from each on-scene department is required to have an installed FICS
unit to enable linking dissimilar radio networks. There is no requirement for special
equipment, stand-alone towers, or other costly infrastructure.
An optional capability of the FICS is the Incident Commander Talkgroup Control™
Software (ICTCS) that allows the Incident Commander (IC), using a standard laptop
computer with Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) capability, to monitor system status and to
control communications. The ICTCS significantly enhances the system, but is not
required for voice interoperability; the latter is provided by the VCA100 and associated
antennas alone.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated the FICS a “Qualified
Anti-Terrorism Technology” under the SAFETY Act. The FICS Supports the National
Incident Management System (NIMS), and is included in the Memorial Institute for the
Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT) “Responder Knowledge Base” and the InterAgency
Board's (IAB) “Standardized Equipment List” (SEL).
Finally, it is important to note that using the FICS does not require changes to your
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Rather, it provides day-to-day voice
interoperability at an incident scene, and offers improved coordination of on-site first
responder personnel.
This User Guide contains a description of the FICS, and information on how to activate
the system and maximize its effectiveness.
First InterComm™ System Overview
The FICS consists of a Vehicle Communications Assembly (VCA100), a Land Mobile
Radio (LMR) antenna, and a Wi-Fi antenna. The system uses standard 12 VDC vehicle
power and has these features:
• No setup time required; voice interoperability is automatically available within one
minute of arriving on scene;
• Responders use their existing familiar radios. Multiple radios are not required;
• Responders require no special training;
• System span is scalable from routine to large incidents with no change in SOP;
• Compliance with commercial standards for radio communications and mesh
networks;
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• Connectivity with civil and military communications Systems; and
• Digital technology which supports radio upgrades.
The optional Incident Commander Talkgroup Control Software (ICTCS gives the
Incident Commander the option to monitor VCA100 status and control communications
using a standard laptop computer with Wi-Fi capability.
NOTE
THE ICTCS ADDS SIGNIFICANT CAPABILITY TO THE SYSTEM, BUT IS
NOT REQUIRED FOR VOICE INTEROPERABILITY WHICH IS PROVIDED BY
THE VCA100S AND ASSOCIATED ANTENNAS.
The First InterComm™ System in Action
Turning on two or more VCA100 units establishes an ad hoc wireless mesh Incident
Area Network (IAN). In Figure 1, the Group A first responder, whose radio operates at
453.95 MHz, is talking to a Group B first responder whose radio operates at 154.57
MHz. The process that makes this happen is as follows: When a Group A portable or
mobile radio is keyed up, its voice transmission is translated into digital Voice-over-
Internet Protocol (VoIP) packets that are placed onto the IAN. Every VCA100 unit
registered in the network (in Figure 1, Group B) receives these digital packets, which
are then translated back into voice transmissions compatible with each frequency
associated with the receiving VCA100.
First InterComm™
VCA100
First Responders Group A Radio Net
453.95 MHz
First InterComm™
VCA100
Incident Area Net
First Responders Group B Radio Net
154.57 MHz
First InterComm™
VCA100
First Responders Group A Radio Net
453.95 MHz
First Responders Group A Radio Net
453.95 MHz
First InterComm™
VCA100
Incident Area Net
First Responders Group B Radio Net
154.57 MHz
Figure 1. The FICS in Action
As other first responder departments arrive on scene and turn on their VCA100s, the
units automatically connect to one another. When local first responders are joined by
other agencies (e.g., Public Health, Disaster Recovery, Federal Agencies, and National
Guard), their VCA100 units also connect to the IAN, thus establishing cross-
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jurisdictional communications. This temporary IAN (Figure 2) exists as long as
VCA100-equipped vehicles are present, and can expand or contract as first responders
enter or leave the area.
FM UHF
450 MHz
P25
800 MHz
FM VHF
150 MHz
P25
800 MHz
FM Low Band
30 MHz
First InterComm IAN
First InterComm IAN
FM UHF
450 MHz
P25
800 MHz
FM VHF
150 MHz
P25
800 MHz
FM Low Band
30 MHz
First InterComm IAN
First InterComm IAN
Figure 2. The Incident Area Network (IAN) Expands or Contracts as Needed
At some point, when numerous first responders are on-line, overall coordination can be
beneficial. The IC has the OPTION to assume control of the IAN using any laptop
computer operating with Windows XP and equipped with Wi-Fi and ICTCS (Figure 3).
The ICTCS allows the IC to:
• Establish sectors by frequency in accordance with the DHS National Incident
Management System (NIMS);
• Isolate any agency equipped with FICS units (e.g., Fire, EMS, Emergency
Management, Public Works, law enforcement) as required into the appropriate
Talkgroup, thereby
» Ensuring a single chain of command;
» Improving communications efficiency; and
» Increasing emergency responder safety.
Refer to First InterComm
™
System Incident Commander Talkgroup Control Software
(BAE Systems Document No. A29800) for details on the ICTCS.
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First InterComm™
VCA100
First Responders Group A Radio Net
453.95 MHz
First InterComm™
VCA100
Incident Area Net
Incident Commander’s
Laptop Computer
First Responders Group B Radio Net
154.57 MHz
First InterComm™
VCA100
First Responders Group A Radio Net
453.95 MHz
First Responders Group A Radio Net
453.95 MHz
First InterComm™
VCA100
Incident Area Net
Incident Commander’s
Laptop Computer
First Responders Group B Radio Net
154.57 MHz
Figure 3. The FICS Enhanced by the Optional ICTCS
Operating the First InterComm™ System
Start-Up
1. Apply power to the VCA100 with the cab-mounted switch.
2. Allow approximately one minute for the unit to initialize and connect to any other
VCA100s in the area.
3. Switch radio equipment to the tactical channel selected for use with the VCA100.
4. Communicate using the applicable SOP.
RECOMMENDATION
TURN ON THE VCA100 UNIT ON THE WAY TO THE SCENE
Vehicle Location
Wireless signals grow weaker as they propagate (travel away) from the transmitter. The
FICS is designed to operate up to approximately one-quarter mile between VCA100s,
assuming a clear, unobstructed Line of Sight (LOS). Buildings, hills, vegetation, and
other obstructions will reduce range as shown in Figure 4. In addition, metallic objects
such as dumpsters, vehicles, etc. may cause interference that degrades performance. If
possible, position VCA100-equipped vehicles to minimize such factors.
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Trees/Buildings Weaken Signal Hills/Buildings Can Block Signals
Optimal Range: Clear Line of Site!
Trees/Buildings Weaken Signal Hills/Buildings Can Block Signals
Trees/Buildings Weaken SignalTrees/Buildings Weaken Signal Hills/Buildings Can Block SignalsHills/Buildings Can Block Signals
Optimal Range: Clear Line of Site!
Figure 4. Area Geometry or Physical Features Can Affect Talk Range
Signal Relay (Hopping)
Figure 5 shows a generalized urban incident site where there is no LOS between
vehicles A and D or vehicles B and C. Figure 6 shows a generalized ex-urban incident
site where vehicles A and E have no LOS and are considerably farther apart than one-
quarter mile. In both scenarios, the FICS overcomes these limitations by “hopping”
voice communications; i.e., passing communications through the units that do have
LOS. Thus, all units can communicate even though not all have direct LOS.
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A
CD
B
A
CD
B
A
CD
B
Figure 5. First InterComm Allows Communication between Vehicles without LOS
A
CD
B
E
AA
CC D
B
B
E
Figure 6. First InterComm™ Range is Extended by “Hopping”
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™
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Troubleshooting
IMPORTANT
• If the FICS appears to interfere with incident site operations,
immediately turn off every VCA unit (and ICTCS if in use) and return to
normal operating procedures.
• If ICTCS or laptop computer problems occur, the VCA100 units will
remain in their assigned Talkgroups. If the laptop or ICTCS is not
functional, and communication is needed between all responders,
cycle power to all VCA100s. This entails turning off the power to the
VCA100 and then re-powering.
Table 1. VCA100 Troubleshooting Procedures
Problem Action Comments
No communications
via First InterComm
1. Verify indicator on Power Switch is lit.
If not, verify that fuse is good
2. Verify use of designated channel on all
communication devices.
3. Verify at least two VCA100s are in the
incident area, and power has been
applied to the units at least 60 seconds.
4. Verify each VCA100 wireless antenna
has clear LOS to other wireless
antennas.
5. Verify distance between VCA100
wireless antennas is one-quarter mile or
less.
1. If the VCA100 front panel is
visible, a secondary power
indication is an amber LED
in the lower right corner of
the Ethernet connector
(Figure 7)
2. If the fuse is good, but there
is no power indication,
contact maintenance
personnel.
First InterComm™ System Component Descriptions
The First InterComm™ system consists of:
• VCA100 unit, matched to user’s existing radio network frequencies
• Vehicle-mounted Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) antenna
• Land Mobile Radio (LMR) antenna, matched to user’s existing radio network
frequencies
• Remote On/Off switch
• Incident Commander Talkgroup Control Software (optional capability)
The VCA100 Unit
The VCA100 (Figure 7) is mounted in a vehicle and has no operator controls other than
a remote power-on switch. Once initialized, VCA100 operations are transparent to the
operator. Responders need only set their radio equipment to the pre-designated
interoperability channel to monitor or speak to members of other radio networks at the
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™
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site. The specific VCA100 model is based on the radio frequencies used by the
participating department (see Appendix A).
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November 2007
Figure 7. VCA100 Front Panel Connectors
Mobile Radio Antennas
This vehicle-mounted antenna matches the frequency range of its associated VCA100
unit and must be compatible with the user’s existing radio network.
Wi-Fi Antenna
This vehicle-mounted antenna covers the 2400 MHz to 2500 MHz frequency range and
is compatible with the VCA100.
BAE Support Information
• Telephone Support: (603) 759-1027
• E-Mail: firstintercomm.eis@baesystems.com
• Web: http://www.Firstintercomm.com
Companion Documentation
• First InterComm
™
System Installation Guide, Document No. A29799, October 2007.
• First InterComm
™
System Incident Commander Talkgroup Control Software,
Document No. A29800, October 2007.
• LMR
: 2 - way radio antenna connection, TNC.
• GPS
: Reserved for future implementation.
• Ethernet
: Factory use only.
• Power
: The VCA100 is permanently mounted in a First Responder
vehicle. On/off is a cab-mounted toggle switch.
• Network
: Wireless antenna port A, reverse polarity SMA connector.
• Activity Indicator: Indicator light that is on during boot up.
Ethernet Activity
Indicator
PowerLMR GPS Network
• LMR
: 2 - way radio antenna connection, TNC.
• GPS
: Reserved for future implementation.
• Ethernet
: Factory use only.
• Power
: The VCA100 is permanently mounted in a First Responder
vehicle. On/off is a cab-mounted toggle switch.
• Network
: Wireless antenna port A, reverse polarity SMA connector.
• Activity Indicator: Indicator light that is on during boot up.
Ethernet Activity
Indicator
PowerLMR GPS Network
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Appendix A
VCA100 Specifications
General
Dimensions 3 inches H, 7 inches W, 9 inches D
Weight 6 pounds
Input Voltage +13.6 Volts DC (nominal)
Input Current 1.75 A maximum (at 13.6 v)
Input Power Connector 6-pin Molex
Frequency Varies with model
Transmit Power 6 Watts Max, varies with model
Connectors
• Network
• LMR
• GPS
• Ethernet
RP-SMA (SMA with male pin)
TNC with receptacle contact
SMA with receptacle contact (THIS OPTION NOT CURRENTLY IMPLEMENTED)
RJ-45 (factory use only)
Environmental
• Cooling
• Temperature
• Humidity
• Vibration
• Shock
Ambient Air, No Fan
-20°C to +60°C (operating)
Up to 90%
MIL-STD-810F, Method 514.5, Procedure I
MIL-STD-810F, Method 516.5, Procedure I
VCA100 Configurations
Model Protocol Encryption Band Frequency Range
VCA100-L1FCGX FM None Low Band 29.7 – 37 MHz
VCA100-L2FCGX FM None Low band 35 – 50 MHz
VCA100-V1FCGX FM None VHF 136 - 174 MHz
VCA100-V1PCGX FM/P25 None VHF 136 - 174 MHz
VCA100-V1PAGX FM/P25 DES/AES VHF 136 - 174 MHz
VCA100-V1PDGX FM/P25 DES VHF 136 - 174 MHz
VCA100-U1FCGX FM None UHF 450 - 520 MHz
VCA100-81FCGX FM None 800 806 - 870 MHz
VCA100-81PCGX FM/P25 None 800 806 - 870 MHz
VCA100-81PDGX FM/P25 DES 800 806 - 870 MHz
VCA100-91FCGX FM None 900 896 - 941 MHz
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Appendix B
Acronyms and Abbreviations
ABS Antilock Break System
AES Advanced Encryption Standard adopted as standard by U.S. government
DC Direct Current
DES Data Encryption Standard
DHS Department of Homeland Security
EMI Electromagnetic Interference
FCC Federal Communications Commission
FICS First InterComm™ System
FM Frequency Modulation
GPS Global Positioning System
IAB InterAgency Board
IAN Incident Area Network
IC Incident Commander
ICTCS Incident Commander Talkgroup Control Software
LED Light Emitting Diode
LMR Land Mobile Radio
LOS Line Of Sight
MIL-STD Military Standard
MIPT Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism
NIMS National Incident Management System
P25 Project 25 (encryption protocol for digital communications)
RF Radio Frequency
SEL Standardized Equipment List
SMA Subminiature version A (RF connector)
SOP Standard Operating Procedures
TNC Threaded Neill-Concelman (RF connector)
UHF Ultra High Frequency
VCA Vehicle Communications Assembly
VHF Very High Frequency
VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol
Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity
A29798 PRELIMINARY
November 2007
PRELIMINARY