RADIO OPERATORS TRAINING MANUAL UNITED NATIONS
Radio Room Diana, North Iraq - 2003 Notice to all Users The programming and set-up procedures described in this manual are in accordance with WFP standards. Other UN/NGO agencies may have differing set-up and/or standards in place. Even though the radios described in this manual are the Motorola GM360, GP380 and Codan NGT radios, users are reminded there are many different models associated with these brands.
Contents Notice to all Users.................................................................................................................. i Introduction........................................................................................................................... 6 Communications Overview .................................................................................................. 6 Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) ............................................................
Group Call.................................................................................................................. 21 Pre Defined Group Call.............................................................................................. 21 Individual Calls (GP380/GM360).............................................................................. 22 Chapter 4 ...............................................................................................................................
Phonetic Alphabet ...................................................................................................... 40 Numbers ..................................................................................................................... 41 Radio Speak ............................................................................................................... 42 Standard Words and Phrases......................................................................................
Medevac.............................................................................................................................. 68 Chapter 15 ............................................................................................................................. 69 Evacuation of the Radio Room ........................................................................................... 69 Chapter 16 ....................................................................................................
Chapter 20 ............................................................................................................................. 83 Basic Programming for Motorola GP3xx and GM3xx Series VHF Radios ....................... 83 Introduction................................................................................................................ 83 Equipment Required .................................................................................................. 83 Getting Started ...............
Introduction This handbook is intended for: • Country Office Radio Operators (COR) and, • Sub-Office Radio Operators (SOR). Radio operators will have a great deal of responsibility and it will be vital for the future quality of the UN Telecommunications Network that the operators show initiative and responsibility by understanding all aspects mentioned in this handbook.
Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) MOSS is a policy document for all United Nations field operations. It was developed in response to the threats and risks faced by United Nations staff and operations, to ensure that minimal essential security practices and procedures are established and equipment and physical resources are available to lessen the risk. MOSS is a systemwide initiative that is managed by UNDSS.
Chapter 1 Callsigns Use of Callsigns The use of callsigns within the UN system is mandatory. Callsigns uniquely identify individuals, base stations and mobile units, and can be used throughout a country/region. Callsigns are a convenient way of abbreviating station names, and are an effective means of increasing the personal safety and security of individuals and mobiles using the communication networks.
Standard Callsigns for Individual Users Format: ABC XY-Z • A = Country • B = Location • C = Agency • X = Department • YZ = Random within department Note: On local networks, “A” may be omitted.
Country and Location/Town Allocation Countries and locations are represented with one letter and are chosen using the following criteria: • Select the first letter of the location. • If already taken, select the last letter. • If taken, select the second letter. • If taken, select the second last one.
Agencies are represented with either one (UN), or two (NGO’s) letters as follows • A through W for UN agencies • XA through XZ, YA through YZ, ZA through ZZ for NGO’s Example: Kabul WFP = Kilo Foxtrot Kabul NGO, Goal = Kilo X-ray Golf Agency Allocation Table Letter Allocation Letter Alpha FAO (Agriculture) November Bravo World Bank/IMF (Bank) Oscar OCHA/UNDAC Charlie UNICEF (Children) Papa UNOPS (Projects) Delta UNDP (Development) Quebec FALD/UNDPKO Echo UNESCO (Education) Romeo UNHCR (
Departmental Representation by Numbers Departments are represented with a number from 1 through to 9. UNDSS Call sign Standards document dated 12th July 2006, clearly states that numbers 1, 2, 5 and 8 are fixed, and 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9 are only recommended. This allows other UN agencies and NGO’s to assign an individuals callsign around their own departmental structure and/or needs.
Chapter 2 VHF Theory VHF (Very High Frequency) is primarily used for local communication. The UN generally uses VHF Motorola radios for handsets, base stations and in vehicles. VHF range is limited to line of sight. In some areas, repeaters are installed, which extends the range up to distances of 50 to 100 kilometers. Although all VHF handsets are programmed with various VHF frequencies they are mainly referred to as channels when communicating on VHF.
Simplex Channel A simplex channel radio system transmits and receives on one frequency. Simplex is used for local communications - for example, "Person to Person" communications when in sight of one another. Since VHF radio signals are generally limited to line of sight, range is short. It is possible for a user to be able to hear one side of a conversation, but not the other because one station is in range of you, and the other is not. Duplex Channel VHF repeaters are said to work on a duplex channel.
Chapter 3 Motorola GP380 VHF Handset General Care • Avoid physical abuse of the radio such as carrying it by the antenna, dropping or throwing the unit. • Avoid immersing the radio in liquids i.e., water! • Wipe the battery contacts with a clean cloth to remove dirt, grease or other material, which may prevent good electrical connections. • Clean the radio exterior using a cloth moistened with water or mild dish washing liquid.
Charging times are as follows: RAPID CHARGE: 30 – 60 Minutes STANDARD CHARGE: Approximately – 16 hours Charge indicator lights FLASHING YELLOW Charger is preparing to charge RED Battery is charging FLASHING RED Battery is unchargeable (Battery is damaged) FLASHING GREEN Battery is 90% charged GREEN Battery fully charged Button Configuration • There are 2 rotating knobs on the top of the radio.
Motorola GP380 Handset On the left side (if facing the front) there are 4 buttons • The largest one is the PTT or Send Button as on the older models. • The topmost button is the Cancel/Monitor button. When pressed for 2 seconds it will disable the squelch, enabling the user to monitor the channel. The bottom button also cancels an ongoing selcall.
Display The display has 3 lines • The 2 topmost displaying information about the status of the set. • The H at the left indicates that the radio is transmitting with full power (5W). Next to it a speaker icon will appear when the radio receives a call or transmission. (There are more icons but WFP have not implemented these functions as yet). • The second line has a battery indicator that shows the remaining capacity of the battery. • The last line indicates which menu is the current one.
Using VHF Radios The radio now has the capability to “call” another radio. This does not mean the radio is working like a mobile phone. Remember, anyone who has selected the same channel will be able to listen in on the messages being exchanged between two users. The new features just add some flexibility and safety features. Self ID When the radio is used to send and receive voice transmissions it functions more or less like the old GP/GM 300 series of radios.
Emergency Call The emergency call button should only be activated in emergencies where there is a ‘grave or imminent danger to life’, or the use of the radio presents a serious security risk. For all other emergencies, voice contact should be used. When the emergency button is pressed continuously for 5 seconds, the emergency signal will be sent to all radios within range and on the same frequency as the radio whose emergency button is pressed.
Group Call Press [9] “Contact list” should be displayed. Press [9] to select, the wanted location and agency alias should be displayed. • If the wanted location is not displayed, use the Up/Down arrows to scroll through the addresses until the desired entry is displayed. • The display will show “Selected” for a couple of seconds and then return to the default menu (Channel). • Now press Up or Down arrow until “Status” is displayed, press [9]. • Use the arrow keys to scroll through the address book.
Individual Calls (GP380/GM360) Press [9]. “Contact list” should be displayed. Press [9] to select, the wanted location and agency alias should be displayed (“IRA, TF THN”). TIP! When a location has been selected, it will remain current until another is selected. This means you don’t have to select location each time you make a call. • If the wanted location is not displayed, use the Up/Down arrows to scroll through the addresses until the desired entry is displayed.
Chapter 4 Motorola GM360 VHF Base Station/Mobile The Motorola GM360 VHF radio is used as a base station VHF radio and also in vehicles as the mobile VHF radio. Functions Differences in Button Layout • All the functions available on the GP380 are available on the GM360, however the layout of the buttons used is slightly different. • There is one knob to the left of the radio unit; a push button for ON/OFF and volume control.
Selective Calling SelV Although the button lay-out is different on the GM360, the selective calling process is exactly the same as the GP380 handset. Stunning/Un-Stunning Motorola VHF Radios ‘STUN’ refers to the disabling of an individual radio, either handheld or mobile. This can be for any number of reasons, the most common being for loss and/or theft. Breaches of network discipline and/or misuse of the radio may also be subject to the radio being stunned.
Example: WFP Logistics assistant in Tehran, Iran, TF3.1 has reported their radio is missing, requiring the Network Controller to STUN the radio. • • • • • • • Press [9] Contact list is displayed. Press [9] (Displays location and agency). The location which is shown is irrelevant. Enter, on numeric keypad [2] (STUN feature). Enter, on numeric keypad [272006] (Country, Location, Agency). Press [9] Selects information. Enter on numeric keypad [301] (Individual callsign). Press [Call].
Un-Stun Procedure To ‘UNSTUN’ a user/mobile VHF radio: • Ensure the same channel is selectected as the radio to be un-stunned. • Press the [9] “Contact List” should be displayed. • Press the [9] to select location and agency alias should be displayed (e.g. IRA, TF THN). • Enter the call type (3 for ‘UNSTUN’). • Enter Country. • Enter Location. • Enter Agency. • Press [9] The numeric input has effectively replaced the selection from the contact list.
Chapter 5 HF Radio (High Frequency) Using HF radio has many advantages (it does not cost anything to use, it is reliable and we can reach any other UN office or vehicle in the region), but because of the varying radio conditions it is important that the operator is active in finding alternative frequencies when contact is not established on the first attempt. • Radio waves - Bounce off the ionosphere. Very good over long distances. • SELCALL - Selective Call. • USB - Upper Side Band.
HF Propagation When HF/SSB radio waves are generated by a transceiver there are usually three components: Ground-wave Generally speaking, ground-waves are used to communicate over shorter distances, usually less than 50km. Because ground-wave follows the contours of the earth, it is affected by the type of terrain it passes over. Ground wave is rapidly reduced in level when it passes over heavily forested areas or mountainous terrain.
Radio wave propagation illustrated The following illustrations show the characteristics of ground-wave and sky-wave propagation during day and night time. In each illustration the height of the ionosphere above the ground is shown. For radio transmissions to travel greater distances, multiple hops (deflections by radio signal from the ionosphere to earth) are repeated. In both illustrations Station A communicates Day with Stations B, C and D.
Factors which affect HF/SSB communications There are a number of different factors, which will affect the success of communications via HF/SSB radio. These are outlined below:Frequency selection Frequency selection is perhaps the most important factor which will determine the success of HF communications. Generally speaking the greater the distance over which to communicate, the higher the frequency you should use.
System configuration and installation The method in which the system is configured and installed will also affect the success of HF communications. Choice of antenna system and power supply is critical. Correct installation is extremely important. A HF transceiver is generally installed using different rules to those used to install VHF or UHF transceivers. Failure to correctly install an HF/SSB system will greatly affect the communications quality.
Chapter 6 HF Radio Equipment General Care • Avoid physical abuse of the radio. • Check connections, antenna, power supply etc, regularly. • Clean the radio exterior using a cloth moistened with water or mild dish washing liquid. Codan NGT HF Handset Be aware of the significance of the following buttons on the Codan HF transceiver. Base station sets have the same handset with holding tray containing loudspeaker, external microphone and easy to use command buttons.
Codan NGT Handset Sending/Receiving Calls on the Codan NGT Normally all calls using HF are made by Selcall. To be able to receive calls from other stations using scan: • Switch the radio on by pressing On/Off-button. • Press “SCAN” button (this will ensure the radio is scanning all channels, and is confirmed by the word “Scanning” on the screen). The Codan is now ready to receive calls from other stations. Answering incoming selcall • The radio will start ringing. The calling station selcall is displayed.
Making a selcall • Pick up the handset. Press the PTT or Scan • Press Mute key to enable the speaker. • • • • • • • • to cancel scanning. Either use the Scroll key to choose a calling channel, or press the Find key, type in the channel number and press Tick . Select required mode (USB or LSB) by pressing 3. Ensure the channel is not in use before commencing the call. Press Call and type in the selcall ID of the remote station. Confirm with . Your radio will hear the radio making the call.
Making Channel Test (Beacon) Call • Pick up the handset. Press the PTT or Scan • Press Mute key to enable the speaker. • to cancel scanning. • • Either use the Scroll key to choose a calling channel, or press the Find key, type in the channel number and press Tick . Select required mode (USB or LSB) by pressing 3. Ensure the channel is not in use before commencing the call. • Press Call • Use the scroll the screen). • Confirm with Call . As the radio transmits, listen for four long tones.
Portable HF Radios The UN and NGO organizations use a variety of portable radios. Below are just a few available on the market. These radios are used in air-drop operations, barges and many other areas of operation by humanitarian organisations Codan The 2110 series transceivers provide seamless operation with Codan’s NGT base and vehicle transceivers.
Barrett Barrett radios come in several different configurations. The one radio supports base, mobile and man-pack set-ups. These radios are used by some UN agencies including DPKO (Department of Peace Keeping Operations) and other NGO groups. They have similar capabilities to the Codan including 4 and 6 digit Selcall compatibility, 125w, and up to 500 channels. Mobile Radios Most UN and NGO vehicles use VHF and HF radios. The degree of fit-out depends on the individual agency requirements and budget.
Chapter 7 Radio Communication Procedures The main objective of the radio network is to provide all UN staff with a safety/security communications tool. In emergencies, it may become the only way to communicate or seek assistance. The radio network should be used wisely, respecting the established rules. Anyone with basic radio knowledge can listen to conversations on a radio network.
• • Calling again too soon after the original call may corrupt an incoming reply from the called station. The called station may be able to hear, but be unable to reply, or may not hear the reply. Make one last call ending with ‘NOTHING HEARD OUT’. The other station can then call back when in a better position to do so. For mobile units, when possible find a non obstructed area before transmitting and if feasible stop the vehicle.
Phonetic Alphabet On voice communication circuits it is often necessary to spell out an unfamiliar or difficult to pronounce words. Example: ETA should be spoken as - Echo Tango Alpha. Since many letters sound the same, phonetic alphabets have been developed to allow communicators to spell without confusion. The phonetic alphabet used by the UN is the same as used by the military services, aircraft, aviation facilities and mariners worldwide.
Numbers Numerals are to be spoken as single digits Example One Two Zero NOT One Twenty or One Hundred and Twenty. Number Spoken As Number Spoken As 0 ZER – O 6 SIX 1 WUN 7 SEV – EN 2 TOO 8 AIT 3 THUH – REE 9 NINE – ER 4 FO – WER . DAY – SEE - MAL 5 FIFE Numbers are NOT to be spoken as; double six or one hundred etc. This can be confusing, especially on HF networks when operating conditions are not ideal.
Radio Speak • Keep conversations short and to the point. Use the official language supported by the UN in your particular country/duty station. • Don’t shout on the radio. • Keep the radio approximately 5cm (2 inches) from your mouth. Press the PTT button and wait 1 second (approximately) before beginning to speak. • Speak slowly and clearly. • Use callsigns only. NO NAMES ALLOWED. • When talking on the radio, end each of your transmissions with the word The phrase “OVER “OVER”.
Pro-Words Pro-words are used to shorten and enhance the understandability and accuracy of messages using voice communications. They are standard, easily pronounced words, which have been assigned special meanings and speed up message handling on radio networks reducing the chance of an error being introduced into a message.
Word or Phrase Meaning Say again Say again all after/before (I) say again Repeat all of your last transmission Report portion of message indicated (word) I am repeating my transmission or portion indicated Send Send your message SILENCE SILENCE SILENCE Cease all transmissions immediately. (Will be maintained until lifted). (Used by Network Control Operator) Silence lifted Silence is lifted.
Commonly Used Abbreviations These common abbreviations are an excellent way of speeding up message logging. Instead of writing out an entire word the following abbreviations are accepted in radio logs.
Chapter 8 Procedures for Calling and Answering The procedures outlined below are very important for effective communications on both VHF and HF networks. It is imperative these basic steps are learnt well. REMEMBER to always identify yourself with your callsign when using the radio networks. There is a slight difference between VHF and HF callsign use. If in doubt use the complete station callsign. VHF VHF is line of sight and usually restricted to short distances of between 3km – 100km (with repeaters).
Calling and Answering When initiating any kind of radio call, the called stations callsign is always transmitted first. The pro-words ‘this is’ are then spoken followed by the calling stations own callsign. The call is completed with the pro-words over or out. Example of VHF radio conversation: (BF3 Calling) - BF31, BF31 this is BF3 over (BF31 Responding) – this is BF31 go ahead over (BF3 Responding) – Give me the status of shipment 12345, over. (BF31 Responding) - 12345 is packed and already shipped, over.
Chapter 9 Radio checks Radio checks are necessary for a number of reasons. It is a procedure used in which to ensure serviceability of radio equipment; when first contact is established between two stations; when a vehicle is departing its location; periodically during periods of low traffic; when travelling between two points and; to ensure UN staff is contactable.
There are four major types of radio checks performed by the radio room. Radio serviceability checks Signal Strength Report Readability Report 1 – Very weak signal 1 - Unreadable 2 - Weak signal 2 - Barely readable 3 - Fair signal 3 - Readable with slight difficulty 4 - Moderately strong signal 4 - Readable without difficulty 5 – Very strong 5 - Perfectly readable Examples: Bravo Foxtrot 8 9 3 this is Bravo Foxtrot Base, RADIO CHECK, over.
Daily sub-office radio checks In according to the MOSS status and the security phase, the radio checks should be carried out as detailed below: • Each morning using HF radio, all UN radio rooms are to call their countries main UN radio room between 08:30-09:00 and again in the evening between 18:00-18:30. • Additionally, each morning using VHF radio, UN radio rooms are to call any of the UN sub-offices located in their area of responsibility.
Due to large numbers of UN staff employed in various locations, the timings in which radio checks are conducted may be split into various categories of staff. For example: 0700 Drivers (all agencies) 0745 SMT 0800 International staff (all agencies) 1600 National staff (all agencies) The UN radio room conducting the security radio check should prepare a current list of the staff expected or known to be present in their area at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the radio check.
The practice of individuals using someone else’s radio for radio checks will not be tolerated. Network controller programmed radios display the callsign of the transmitting radio, enabling the radio operator or network controller to compare the users’ callsign with that transmitted by the radio. Radio operators conducting radio checks are encouraged to report any abuse mentioned above and inform the radio room supervisor and/or security officer of the incident.
Staff Accounting Procedures To account for all UN staff, three methods can be used: 1. Staff members make contact with the UN radio room confirming their location and condition. 2. The UN radio room initiating radio checks with all UN staff members requesting their location and condition. 3.
Chapter 10 Radio Logs The radio and handover logs are very important documents. If required they can be called upon in a court of law as evidence. They provide the radio operator with a ‘continuous written commentary’ of all activities on radio networks and events which occurred during the shift. Therefore it is imperative all radio staff keep an accurate and complete account during their duty watch.
Chapter 11 Emergency calling procedures Emergency calls are made when “There is a grave and imminent danger to life”, and can have several reasons to be transmitted. Emergency calls may be made over any of the communication means employed within the UN such as, HF radio, VHF radio and telephone (land line, mobile or satellite). Reasons for an emergency call to be initiated are: • False alarm (accidental or to produce interference). • Serious traffic accident. • Robbery. • Attack. • Abduction.
Collecting emergency information The following information should be considered by the radio operator during an emergency: • Always ask the caller for location and nature of the emergency. (i.e. is it a major traffic accident, abduction or other?). • What type of assistance is required (i.e. police, medical, military). • Is the area of the emergency safe (i.e. in the case of a hijacking, have the hijackers departed the area?).
Imposing radio silence When an emergency voice call is received over a HF or VHF radio, radio silence is to be immediately imposed to reduce the possibility of interference by other users on the channel. The procedure to implement radio silence is as follows – “SILENCE, SILENCE, SILENCE” All stations this is Charlie Sierra Base Unless urgent, maintain radio silence on this channel until otherwise directed.
Emergency beacon call As for the emergency voice call, the emergency beacon call has absolute priority over all other transmissions. It is to be treated seriously and all essential actions taken with this in mind. Once the emergency button on the VHF radio has been pressed, a tone will be heard on the selected channel and the activated radio will automatically transit between TX and RX every 20 seconds.
The radio does not provide GPS coordinates of its location. Similar to the emergency voice call, the following procedure is to be followed • Immediately the beacon and radio identification has been received inform the security officer or the security focal point of the parent agency of the emergency and pass on the relevant information. • Ensure to record full written details of the emergency call including the time the emergency call was transmitted.
Emergency telephone call When an emergency call is received by telephone it has absolute priority over all other transmissions. It is to be treated seriously and all essential actions taken with this in mind. The same information should be considered by the radio operator during the emergency telephone call as all other emergency calls (as previously discussed). Transmit on HF and VHF and inform all users an emergency call has been received by telephone and have them standby in case assistance is required.
Chapter 12 Vehicle tracking Introduction Vehicle tracking procedures are to be carried out with all UN vehicles traveling outside cities, and/or towns, in any given country or region. Vehicle tracking allows the whereabouts, safety and/or security of vehicles and their passengers to be known at all times by responsible authorities via the radio rooms.
Planning the Mission • The UN security clearance form is to be completed in its entirety, including relevant vehicle tracking information and submitted as per UNDSS procedures. • A convoy leader should be selected.
Radio procedures Vehicle tracking communication can be established and conducted by means of HF, VHF, satellite or mobile phone. Emergency and tracking communications have immediate and full priority on VHF or HF channels. When a convoy leaves base, the convoy leader calls the tracking base to confirm the convoy is departing. Example: November Foxtrot Mobile 3621 is the callsign of the lead vehicle in a convoy of several vehicles enroute from BF Base to W2.
While on the road In accordance with the MOSS status and the security phase, the lead vehicle, or passenger nominated as convoy leader, should call the tracking base at regular times, and/or at designated waypoints. If contact is not made with the tracking base, another base can be contacted and asked to relay the tracking information to the tracking base.
Arrival at Final Destination When reporting arrival, it is important to observe the following guidelines. Destination refers to the actual point of passenger disembarkation, not the edge of town. • A call to the tracking radio room is made when the vehicle arrives at its final destination and passengers exit the vehicle. • It is the task of the tracking radio room to log all entries on the tracking sheet. When a vehicle reaches its destination, the tracking sheet is closed.
Missing radio checks and security incidents If for any reason the convoy leader could not be contacted at the agreed time or point, the tracking radio operator should carry out the following procedures: • Wait an additional 10 minutes for the convoy leader to call. • If no contact is estabished within this additional ten minutes, the tracking radio room operator is to call the convoy leader and other passengers in the convoy on all communication systems available for another ten minutes.
Chapter 13 Terrorist Threat All UN staff should be familiar with the correct procedures required when receiving a terrorist threat. Follow the general guide lines outlined below: • Stay calm. • Listen carefully and do not interrupt the caller. • Do not hang up. • Try to obtain as much information as possible. • Ask the caller questions from the checklist. • Be attentive to all background noise and to the voice of the caller. • Note the time of the call.
Chapter 14 Medevac A MEDEVAC is an emergency operation to provide a MEDical EVACuation. Depending on the situation, the Security Officer will rely on any UN agency or host government for immediate assistance. The procedure itself is the responsibility of the UN Security Officer or the Emergency Coordinator. However; the radio room is usually the first point of contact to receive the initial request for a MEDEVAC.
Chapter 15 Evacuation of the Radio Room In certain circumstances, evacuation of the building and/or the radio room could be required by the Security Officer. Depending on the time available for the evacuation, some or all of the following steps should be followed (sorted by priority): Take with you: • The contact list including staff and sub-office telephone and sat phone numbers. • The vehicle tracking log and selcall of the vehicles which are currently tracked by the radio room.
Chapter 16 Aircraft Operations The following procedures have been established for the purpose of increasing the safety of flight operations conducted by UNHAS (United Nations Humanitarian Air Services). It is important for flight safety and operations in general that these procedures are followed by all personnel involved. Both aircraft and UNHAS ground stations will report all movement and operations normal reports direct to the radio room responsible for UNHAS aircraft safety.
During Flight The pilot will contact the UNHAS radio room during the flight every 30 minutes, and provide the following information: • Callsign. • Position Lat and Long or, known reporting point e.g. “abeam cement factory, tracking coastal”. • Operational Status. • ETA Destination. • Time of Next Call.
SAR Watch Terminated When an aircraft calls a UNHAS radio room and announces “SAR watch terminated”, it generally indicates the aircraft has either: • Completed flying operations for the day. • Will be on the ground for an extended period of time.
Missed Operations Normal/Approach Call/ Departure Call Aircraft If the aircraft fails to contact the UNHAS radio room for its scheduled call, the pilots will select an alternate frequency, and endeavour to contact another radio room listed by the UN, to relay a message to the UNHAS radio room. All efforts are to be made in re-establishing contact.
Search and Rescue (SAR) Phases In the event of aircraft failing to report, reporting to be in distress, crashed or being forced to land, the predicament is likely to be more serious than that of a lost ground party. The whole party may be injured and injuries are likely to be worse. During aircraft flights, pilots regularly report position to radio rooms and rarely will fly in an area out of radio contact. SAR commences with missed schedules or reported distress.
Chapter 17 Portable Satellite Phones There are many types of satellite phones used in radio rooms, and by personnel in the field. Two types, which are very small compared to other satellite systems, are the Thuraya and Iridium handheld units. Both have advantages and disadvantages, which are explained below. Other systems in use include Inmarsat A, B, C, M, and the Mini M. There is a plethora of systems available and the UN uses most of them at some time or place around the world.
Iridium The Iridium Satellite System provides global satellite voice and data with complete coverage of the Earth (including oceans, airways and Polar Regions), through a constellation of 66 low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites.
Satellite Dialling Table How To Call From Thuraya, Iridium or Inmarsat M to A Standard Phone/Fax Type of Call (Automatic) Example: 00 Ö Country Code Ö City Code (Jordan) (Area Code) 962 61 Ö Telephone (Phone Number) 5659173 Ö Send (# or Send Button) #2 How To Call From Thuraya, Iridium or Inmarsat M to Another Inmarsat Terminal Type of Call (Automatic) Example: 00 Ö Ocean Region Ö Inmarsat Mobile Number (IOR) 3763467125 873 (Kirkuk WFP Radio Room) Ö Send (# or Send Button) #2 Ocean Region Codes AORE
Chapter 18 Maintenance Radio operators should be able to undertake basic maintenance. Such as: • Checking water levels in individual cells of batteries. Keeping contacts clean, and ensuring the battery casing(s) are clean and dust free. • Basic testing, and identification of faults and reporting. Findings are to be reported to ICT personnel as soon as possible.
Updating and distribution of various forms and lists Telephone Lists The radio operator should never forget being an operator includes providing services to other staff members/visitors. It is important the radio operator creates an updated telephone list, containing useful addresses/telephone/fax numbers, such as: • All offices in the region. • Own staff members. • Hotels and restaurants. • Travel agencies. • Airports. • Customs/Clearing agents. • UN agencies. • NON-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Updating of various forms and lists (COR’s only) It is the responsibility of the admin section, with ICT Officers coordination, to update and maintain inventory lists. Any changes which occur should be directed to the above people as soon as possible, allowing up to date lists of equipment are correctly maintained.
Chapter 19 Training Responsibility General After completing this training programme, it is expected radio operators will be able to take over the responsibility to train drivers and other users of the radio network – both on HF and VHF communications. As radio operators, you have the overall responsibility for the quality of the telecommunications network in the region. It is important the simple rules and regulations described in this handbook are followed.
Technical Related Issues General It is important not to attempt to programme or connect cables without authorization of local ICT staff. If any technical related problem should occur, immediately contact the ICT office for assistance. Facsimile Facsimile use has become a very a convenient and commonplace method of sending and receiving messages. Today’s fax machines are very reliable and have many features built into them.
Chapter 20 Basic Programming for Motorola GP3xx and GM3xx Series VHF Radios Introduction Over the years the UN has developed an efficient VHF radio network. As a part of this efficiency, all VHF radio equipment should be able to work with the standards as laid down for any given network. In practice this not only means using the same brand and family model, but also using the same software set up (codeplug). This manual describes how to install and program the software accordingly.
Loading the Codeplug in the Computer There are two different way to load the codeplug in your computer. • You already have a codeplug for this radio in your computer: • In the CPS software, use in the menu bar File, click Open and search for the codeplug file you need with a .cpg extension. (Example: GP380_Nyala.cpg). Then click [Open].
Contact List • Expend the Contact List tree with [+], click Contact List -1. • Insert the correct identification in the “Alias” field (Examples: GUI AA Kankan, GUI A Mobile). • A maximum of 14 characters can be used. • Insert the correct sequence in the “Address” field (Examples: 140101, 140001). • Add as much agencies and or locations as needed in the contact list. • A maximum of 255 contacts can be added. • Click [Close]. It is also possible to load an existing contact list into the radio.
Per Channel • Expend the Per Channel tree with [+], click Per Channel -1. TX/RX: • • • • • • TX Frequency: Type the transmit frequency of the radio for the selected channel. In case of repeater channel, this is the repeater RX frequency. RX Frequency: Type the receive frequency of the radio for the selected channel. In case of repeater channel, this is the repeater TX frequency. Channel spacing; 12.5 KHz is the standard. Reference frequency must be set to automatic. Power level: “High” is the standard.
To Delete an Existing Channel Use the [◄] or [►] buttons to select the channel to be deleted. Click on the red [X] button. Display Information to be displayed when the channel is selected if the alias box is ticked. Follow the same syntax used for the others channels. Remark: The channel number shown on the radio display could be different of the Per Channel page number.
Miscellaneous • None of the boxes should be ticked. • If the current channel use carrier squelch, select “Personality 1”. • If the current channel use PL encoded/decoded type squelch, select “Personality 2”. • Click [CLOSE]. Encoder Definitions • Expend the Encoder Definitions tree with [+]. • Expend the Encoder sequences tree with [+], click Encoder sequences -1. Examples for callsigns: NF 1 = 100 NF 3.2 = 302 • • • NF 7.4.
Decoder Definitions • Expend the Decoder Definitions tree with [+]. • Expend the Decoder Definitions tree with [+], click Decoder Definitions -1. • Insert the correct sequence in the “Decoder Sequence 1” field in pages 1 till 4 and 6 only. • Make sure the first digit (1-4 and 6) remain in the field when programming pages! • Click [Close]. Finally the codeplug should be programmed back into the radio. • Use the menu bar File and click Write Device. • Check if there are no errors in the incompatibility sheet.
Chapter 21 Occupational Health & Safety UN radio operators will probably be working at a desk operating radio equipment or using a computer for long periods of time. An organised and well planned work station and an awareness of good positioning and effective work practices will assist radio operators to be more productive and avoid physical stress, lower back pain and increased fatigue.
Correct Sitting Posture Sitting posture is important, as sitting places greater stress on the spine than standing. Incorrect sitting may cause discomfort and fatigue due to increased muscle activity and poor body alignment. To achieve a correct sitting posture have: • Good lower back support - sit back in the chair. • Knees slightly higher than hips. • Feet flat on the floor or on a footstool. • Task at waist level. • Shoulders relaxed and arms at sides. • Elbows bent at 90 degrees.
Preparing For Work Prepare for work with some warm up exercises. Relax and perform them gently, do not overstretch and stop if discomfort. is felt. Remember to stretch each side and maintain an upright position. Try the following: • Head roll - Gently lower ear toward shoulder - hold 10 seconds, slowly roll chin to chest and up to shoulder. Repeat several times. Do not over extend neck. • Head turns - Turn head to look over left shoulder, hold 10 seconds. Repeat for right side. Repeat several times.
An electrical hazard is something with the potential to cause injury, illness or death. When we think of electrical hazards, shock and electrocution would be two dangers we immediately consider. Although these are important to guard against, there are two other electrical hazards: • Fire. • Burns. To help understand and locate problem areas in using electricity, both at work and at home, some common electrical hazards and their potential dangers are explained below.
Power Plugs Improper use or wiring of power plugs can lead to electric shock and fire. A common problem for power plugs is improper inside wiring. Common mistakes include: • Live and neutral conductors are interchanged; the cable is not securely fixed by the cable clip. • Earth wire over-tensioned so that it will break and come out easily, earth wire not connected, etc.
Annex A VHF Pocketbook Radio Operators Training Manual Version 27/11/2007 95
Annex B Equipment Handout Form Radio Operators Training Manual Version 27/11/2007 96
Annex C Vehicle Tracking Sheet Radio Operators Training Manual Version 27/11/2007 97
Annex D Terrorist Threat Checklist Radio Operators Training Manual Version 27/11/2007 98
Annex E Emergency Voice Call Message Form Radio Operators Training Manual Version 27/11/2007 99
Annex F Acronyms & Abbreviations The following list details explanations for acronyms and abbreviations used in this manual and elsewhere within UN communication networks.
Annex G Radio Frequency Spectrum Abbreviation Frequency Range Example of Uses Extremely Low ELF 3-30Hz Submarine Communications Super Low SLF 30-300Hz Submarine Communications Ultra Low ULF 300-3000Hz Mining Companies Very Low VLF 3-30Khz Submarine Communications and Heart Rate Monitors Low LF 30-300Khz Navigational and Time Signals Medium MF 300-3000Khz AM Broadcast High HF 3-30Mhz Long Distance Communications and Amateur Radio Operations Very High VHF 30-300Mhz Line of S
Annex H Telephone and Fax Log Radio Operators Training Manual Version 27/11/2007 102
Annex I Telecommunications Abuse Incident Log Radio Operators Training Manual Version 27/11/2007 103
