User's Manual

First InterComm™ system VCA100 user manual A29798 September 2008 1
Welcome to First InterComm™ system
provided by the VCA100 and associated
antennas alone.
The U.S. Department of Homeland
Security has designated the First
InterComm system as a Qualified
Anti-Terrorism Technology under the
SAFETY Act. The First InterComm
system supports the National Incident
Management System (NIMS) and is
included in the Memorial Institute for the
Prevention of Terrorism “Responders
Knowledge Base” and the InterAgency
Board's Standard Equipment List and
Approved Equipment List.
The First InterComm system enables
the responding departments to
operate within their SOP. It provides
day-to-day voice interoperability at an
incident scene and provides improved
coordination of on-site first-responder
personnel.
This user manual contains a description
of the First InterComm system and
activation information to maximize its
effectiveness.
The First InterComm system 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 First InterComm
system can accommodate many newer
communication technologies such as
radio systems operating in the 700-MHz
band, and P25-compliant equipment.
Only one vehicle from each on-scene
department is required to have a First
InterComm system installed to enable
linking of dissimilar radio networks.
There is no requirement for special
equipment, stand-alone towers, or other
costly infrastructure.
Talk Group software, an optional
capability included with the First
InterComm system, enables the
incident commander, using a standard
laptop computer with wired or wireless
networking capability, to monitor system
status and control communications. Talk
Group significantly enhances the First
InterComm system, but is not required
for voice interoperability; the latter is
First InterComm system overview
– Compliant with commercial standards
for radio communications and mesh
networks.
– Provides connectivity with civil and
military communications systems.
– Compatible with digital technology,
supporting radio system upgrades.
The First InterComm system consists
of a Vehicle Communications Assembly
(VCA100), a land mobile radio antenna,
and a wireless antenna. Using standard
12-Vdc vehicle power the systems
provides these features:
– No setup time required; voice
interoperability is automatically
available within one minute of arriving
on scene.
– Responders use their existing radios;
multiple radios are not required.
– Responders require minimal training.
– Scalable from routine to large
incidents.
NOTE
– Talk Group software provides
significant capability to the First
InterComm system but is not
required for voice interoperability.