Installation Guide

First InterComm ™ System VCA100 Installation Guide
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PROPRIETARY INFORMATION: This document contains trade secrets and commercial or financial information that is the property of BAE
Systems Electronics and Integrated Solutions (E&IS). Further dissemination or disclosure of this information is strictly prohibited without
the written permission of BAE Systems.
1.0 Introduction
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 operating systems in the 700-MHz band.
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 included with the FICS is Talk Group Software 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. FICS Talk
Group Software 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 as 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) “Responders Knowledge Base” and the InterAgency
Board's (IAB) “Standard Equipment List”.
Finally, it is important to note that using the FICS does not require changes to 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 installation guide contains information for the proper installation of the FICS. We
strongly recommended that the system be installed in accordance with this guide,
understanding that concessions may be needed for specific vehicles. This guide
assumes that the system installer is qualified, familiar with the intended vehicle, and
possesses the proper tools.
2.0
First InterComm™ System Description
The FICS (Figure 1 below) consists of:
• VCA100 unit, matched to user’s existing radio network frequencies
• Vehicle-mounted Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) antenna
• Vehicle-mounted Land Mobile Radio (LMR) antenna, matched to user’s existing
radio network frequencies
• Remote On/Off switch
• FICS Talk Group Software (optional capability)