Tactical Radio Interoperability for Emergency Response Personnel Incident

Tactical Radio Interoperability for Emergency Response Personnel Incident Commanders’ Radio Interface ICRI TM TM ®

The ICRI Solution to a multitude of tactical problems… ¡ Interconnects municipal public safety radios, state and federal radios, land-line/cell/satellite telephones, and military radios in moments through the unmanned ICRI. ¡ ICRI provides a rugged, highly portable, radio cross-band (VHF, UHF, 800 MHz), cross platform (digital/analog, trunked /talk-around, AM/FM) capability for mutual aid operations. ¡ Enhance the radio link between an emergency response team operating in areas of poor RF propagation (insideoutside buildings, tunnels) and remotely located C 2 personnel by serving as a rapidly field-able “repeater. ”

ICRI An effective and low cost solution to: l Establishing immediate C 2 with the dissimilar radios of Special Response Teams including USAR, police, medical triage, WMD-CST , and other supporting agencies l Enhancing in-building and below grade radio communications

The Equipment (Patented) ¡ Small (10” x 3” x 7”), rugged package/circuitry ¡ Highly portable (3. 5 lbs) ¡ Rapidly deployable (under 5 minutes) ¡ Multiple radio interconnect without adding technical complexity ¡ Minimal “operator” training ¡ Wide range of power sources (including “AA” batteries) ¡ Low cost in equipment and allocated manpower

ICRI in Action

Additional Details 1 ¡ A small, lightweight interconnect assembly for dissimilar radios (models/frequencies, clear/encrypted, talk-around/ trunked) used by the multiple organizations/teams at an IDLH incident. ¡ A rugged assembly that can be transported to an incident without special transport or power requirements. The device will provide an audio matrix interface between multiple commercial/military land mobile radios (LMR) or different types and operating frequencies, and a land-line/ cellular telephone. ¡

Additional Details 2 ¡ The “maintainer”(e. g. : a Battalion Chief) of the ICRI is not required to maintain radios other than his own, as each supporting organization that arrives on-scene brings one “extra” of its own radios to be mated to the ICRI for the duration of the incident. ¡ Additional matrix/radio “ports” are provided for in the design to permit additional IC radios to “join” the IC voice network. Each audio input port, except the telephone port (where it is not necessary), uses a voice activation “radio key” and receive priority circuitry. ¡ Power requirement for the ICRI is 7 -20 V, 0. 08 Amps so that 8 “AA” batteries will power the ICRI for more than 24 hours under 100% operating load.

Additional Details 3 ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Rack-mount version with ALL-CALL feature Two talk-groups can be established by toggle switch. Encrypted voice can be passed cross band/cross platform. Remote “all call” can be enabled by telephone or two-way radio. Alternate power sources: 115 -220 V AC 50/60 Hertz, vehiclesupplied 12 volts DC. Two ICRIs can be joined in the field--without tools--to expand the number of linked radios. Optional “Pelican” cases with die–cut foam insert provides waterproof, decon-able operational capabilities, and “checked-baggage” transport. Optional “audio delay” circuitry available to address channel access delays in “trunked” radio systems. Talk group monitoring/recording capability for training and archiving. Five (5) year warrantee for parts and labor

Standard Application ¡ ¡ ¡ Frequency/channel is agency defined, not stipulated by ICRI Radios supplied by individual supporting teams Connect through radios’ external speaker mic jack

ICRI with Attachments (Not to scale) 1. Ports are not radio specific (mobiles or portables) 2. User instructions on top cover 3. Interconnect cable technical notes on bottom cover

Alternate Applications ¡ ¡ Below grade/in-building link to trunked repeater Repeater body wire signal

Mobile Incident Command Post to Emergency Operations Center Interoperability Generic Basic Emergency Response Gateway Author: Jack Fox, FEMA, 10/04

Mobile Incident Command Post to EOC Interoperability - Detail

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities… Interior building/below grade radio interface cable reel and mount for hand-held radio. Up to 1000’ of cable runs have been successfully used in the subway and mall incidents. Circuitry emulating a telephone handset station signal level and impedances for Vo. IP gateways Use standard CAT 5 cable to link multiple ICRI’s up to 200’

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities… ICRI-WF ¡ ¡ 2. 7 lbs “BACK PACK-ABLE” 10. 5” x 9. 5” x 1. 0” Internal lithium ion rechargeable batteries provide an 8 hour duty cycle; also uses the ICRI 8 “AA” alkaline battery pack providing a 24+ hour duty cycle

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities… ICRI-2 P ¡ ¡ ¡ 2. 7 lbs Tactical Repeater 7. 5” x 9. 5” x 1. 5” Two Radio I/O ports + telephone port Internal 9 V battery housing provides a 5 hour duty cycle; also uses the ICRI 8 “AA” alkaline battery pack providing a 24+ hour duty cycle

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities… ICRI-E ¡ ¡ ¡ 7. 0 lbs 10. 5” x 9. 5” x 6. 0” WATERPROOF, SAND-PROOF Internal housing for eight (8) “AA” alkaline/primary batteries provide an 24+ hour duty cycle; also uses external DC (7 -31 V) Uses standard “military” connectors and compatible with the H-25 -/350 “green gear” handset

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities… ICRI-R ¡ ¡ ¡ 19” rack-mountable or console versions of the ICRI 10 radio port, two talk net; convertible to 5 radio port (x 2) two talk net 5 radio port, two talk net ports can be mixed front and back (not shown)

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities… Four Talk Group, Five Port Configuration ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ 5 radio I/O, handset/headset I/O Rugged, welded , aluminum chassis (7” x 10” x 3. 5”) Fully compatible with low band, VHF, 220 -900 MHz legacy and P 25 portable/mobile radios Cell and land-line telephone (POTS/PSTN) compatible Commercial and military satellite compatible Vo. IP telephone emulator Bridge Unit ID™ Bridge All Call™ 4 talk group selection for all ports Operates on external 6. 5 V-20, 115/220 AC Low current drain: 5 radio bridge: 100 m. A @12 V, 10 radio bridge: 200 m. A @12 V Total weight: 4. 5 lbs 5 year warrantee, includes prepaid expedited shipping

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities… Four Talk Group, Ten Port Configuration ¡ ¡ ¡ 10 radio I/O, handset/headset I/O 4 talk group selection for all ports Fully compatible with low band, VHF, 220 -900 MHz legacy and P 25 portable/mobile radios Cell and land-line telephone (POTS/PSTN) compatible Commercial and military satellite compatible Bridge Unit ID™ Bridge All Call™ Vo. IP options Integrated, water-proof Pelican™ case; total weight: 20 lbs 5 year warrantee, includes prepaid expedited shipping Operates on 8/16 AA batteries, external 6. 5 V-20 (24 -31 VDC option), 115/220 AC Low current drain: 5 radio bridge mode: 100 m. A @12 V, 10 radio bridge mode: 200 m. A @12 V

Pelican 1610 with ICRI and Radios

Expanding The ICRI’s Capabilities… Four Talk Group, Ten Port Configuration ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ 10 radio I/O, handset/headset I/O 19” 2 U rack-mountable 4 talk group selection for all ports Fully compatible with low band, VHF, 220 -900 MHz legacy and P 25 portable/mobile radios Cell and land-line telephone (POTS/PSTN) compatible Commercial and military satellite compatible Bridge Unit ID™ Bridge All Call™ Vo. IP options include DTMF pad/hook/flash switch Operates on external 6. 5 V-20, 115/220 AC Low current drain: 200 m. A @12 V Total weight: 15 lbs 5 year warrantee, includes prepaid expedited shipping

Integrated Interoperability Suite (IIS) Provide seamless interoperability between emergency services communications networks, including agency two-way radios, with satellite-based extensions to public or private networks. The IIS enables agencies to communicate via satellite to available infrastructure communications. Voice and Data services are fully supported as well as VPN.

Integrated Interoperability Suite (IIS) ¡ Highly portable (45 lbs) ¡ Minimal “operator” training ¡ Wide range of power sources ¡ Rapidly deployable (under 5 minutes) ¡ Small (25” x 24” x 20”), rugged package/circuitry ¡ Low cost in equipment and allocated manpower “After ¡considerable research for an integrated solution to our Multiple radio interconnect without adding region's tactical communications interoperability needs, I found that technical solution complexity the Edge. Access/ICRI to be simple, affordable and effective. This solution provides us unprecedented tactical interoperability with virtually anyone in the world and can be set up in minutes. The choice was a "no brainer". ” Charles L. Werner, Deputy Fire Chief, Charlottesville VA wernerc@charlottesville. va. us

Comments from the Field… Charlottesville (VA) Fire Department “The ICRI provides the immediate ability to achieve radio interoperability between any wireless radio and/or wireless device. The unique feature of the ICRI is that not only can it meet the Rapidcom requirement of being deployed within one hour of an incident; it can literally be setup within 5 minutes. Key to successful implementation, this device can be used to achieve interoperable communications with very little training and no technical assistance which is particularly important to adapting to new agencies or devices that need to connect. It is scalable and provides and may be used in an extended capacity through the use of a wire cable allowing interoperability to be used in buildings, basements, below grade/confined space and tunnel incidents. The ICRI is portable and can be used practically anywhere (in any vehicle, in a facility, etc. ). From a cost perspective it is one of the most competitive devices for this functionality on the market and is generally 1/3 the price of similar market products. It has been tested, accepted and is being deployed in military, public safety and emergency management settings around the world. ” Fire Chief Charles Werner

Comments from the Field… Houston (TX) Police Department “I currently serve as the Co-Chair of the Interoperability Committee along with Assistant Chief Smith of the Houston Fire Department. Last year I was requested…to research and evaluate different pieces of radio equipment that would allow the various Public Safety Agencies in the Houston / Harris County area to speak directly with each other by radio despite the incompatible radio networks. What I found was the Incident Commander Radio Interface (ICRI) was the most suitable piece of equipment for rapidly deployable, day-to-day use. The City has since purchased 10 of these units and distributed them to the Police and Fire Departments. Since taking delivery of these units I have had the opportunity to use them twice to coordinate large, muti-agency searches for armed suspects. In both instances the unit allowed Houston Police Officers to communicate directly by radio with the other agencies participating in the search alongside them…When searching a several acre area for multiple armed suspects the necessity for the patrol officers on the ground, the officers in the helicopter, and canine handlers to be able to speak directly to each other in real time is clear. ” Lieutenant S. F. Casko

Comments from the Field… Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (CWID ’ 05) “In all, CWID '05 had 49 trials with 39 of them applicable to USNORTHCOM and its HLS/D coalition partners’ missions. This After Action Report (AAR) details the assessment results for 26 trials we identified as most promising from a HLS/D perspective. Of the 26 trials, USNORTHCOM recommends 3 trials for JFCOM consideration as input to the Transformation Change Proposal (TCP) process for further evaluation and funding. The nominated trials highlighted in this AAR are: l l l Weapons of Mass Destruction Common Operational Picture (WMD COP) Multi-level-secure Information Infrastructure (MI 2) Incident Commander Radio Interface (ICRI) …Use of ICRI will enhance relationships between USNORTHCOM, its subordinate JTFs, the National Guard and local and state emergency operations centers by providing the ability to rapidly link the communications systems used by civil agencies and those systems used by military first responders. ” HQ USNORTHCOM, CWID ’ 05 After Action Report

Comments from the Field… AEC Summit County (OH) ARES Responding to the mock disaster scene in support of the EMS units and the American Red Cross, our local Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Sum. Co ARES, opted to use a repeater operated by Pioneer Amateur Radio Fellowship, which reaches all the hospitals but only has marginal coverage in the valley. There was no problem getting out of the valley with a 25 watt mobile and an elevated antenna, but HTs were marginal at best, forcing most traffic to be related through the mobile. This method is prone to errors because messages have to be relayed to net and then the response relayed back to volunteers using HTs. Ideally, a mobile with cross-band repeat would be ideal in this environment but none was available among the ARES volunteers responding to this drill. The perfect solution to solving all the above problems is the Incident Commanders’ Radio Interface (ICRI) which was demonstrated at the ARES/EMA state meeting this past spring by John Chapman, WD 8 INY, Ohio SEC. At that meeting, ARES ECs and AECs from throughout Ohio gathered for emercomm updates from the Ohio EMA and the ARRL. Chapman had borrowed the unit from the manufacturer, Communication-Applied Technology, Reston, VA, which primarily markets the ICRI to the military and public safety forces. Unlike cross-band mobiles, the ICRI can cross link to five radios using HTs or mobiles. This is a decided advantage in a large scale disaster. Walt Heeney N 8 LJM

Comments from the Field… Greenville (SC) EMA “We originally looked at the ACU-1000, and I worked with the two representatives sent here to plan it out its deployment in this jurisdiction. My recommendation was that the ACU-1000 was much too expensive and large for us to effectively use, and that it would not fully meet our interoperability needs. That's when I started looking for an alternative, and found the ICRI. Since then, we've found the ICRI to be a valuable resource, and we have done business exclusively with C-AT ever since. ” Robert Ward

Cost ¡ ¡ ¡ Complete, multi-agency, communications interoperability does not need to cost $100 K, or even $50 K… Configure a quickly deployable ICRI to link portable radios, mobile radios, i. DENTM phones, and cell phones for $4, 000 to $10, 000. Configure a quickly deployable IIS for $5565, 000…. including the satellite dish. Configure a quickly deployable IIS for $55 -65, 000…. including the satellite dish.

For Additional Information… G. Seth Leyman Communications-Applied Technology 11250 -14 Roger Bacon Drive, Reston, VA, 20190 Voice: 703 -481 -0068; Fax: 703 -471 -4428 e-mail: leymans@c-at. com Website: www. radiointeroperability. com CAGE Code: 0 EEY 2, TIN: 54 -1215868 DOL Small Business SIC 3669