Chapter 05: Communications

Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol Manual

INTRODUCTION

The radio is the single most important piece of equipment carried by TBSP on patrol. Therefore, every Patrol Leader is urged to lead a review of the procedures described in this Article while on patrol. Use of BK and ICOM radios should ideally be reviewed with an actual radio present, which is most often the case while on patrol. You should be able to perform all the following tasks:

1. Put on Radio Pouch/Harness
2. Install and change battery
3. Turn on radio
4. Check battery strength
5. Check transmit/receive functions
6. Hand Microphone use (for ICOM only)
7. Check-in with USFS (Minden and Grass Valley)
8. Set-up for patrolling as Patrol leader (or Mtn. Manager) and as patroller
9. Talk within patrol
10. Talk to USFS Dispatch to report incident.
11. Switch to a Tone if not being received
12. Switch channels to talk to helicopter or DSFD or TNSAR
13. Resume transmiting within patrol
14. Change battery when low
15. Sign off with USFS
16. Return to shed, and charge radio/battery and put away radio harness

We primarily use Bendix/King (BK) 14-channel radios and ICOM radios, some of which are owned by the patrol and some of which are supplied by the Forest Service. These radios cost approximately $800 each and must be handled carefully. Each model has it's own radio pouches, which contains a Radio Card with a short reference. The Radio and Pouches should be worn inside your parka during cold weather (so the batteries function) and kept dry during wet weather. If your radio gets wet, turn it off and don't turn it on again until it is thoroughly dry (usually not until the next day).

We also use Motorola Talk-About 2-way "family channel" radios to supplement the Bendix/King radios on patrol, for training sessions, and special events. The normal channel/code setting is '8/30', corresponding to the usual meeting time at the equipment shed. The Motorola radios cannot be used to communicate with patrollers carrying Bendix/King radios. They have a limited range (about 2 miles), and operate only in line-of-sight with each other. These radios should also be handled carefully, and sheltered from cold weather and moisture.

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS AND DETAILS

CALL SIGNS

Each patrol area has its own set of call signs, with the Patrol Leader's call sign ending in 0. E.g., the Patrol Leader for Castle Peak Basic is "Nordic 10."

• Nordic 1: Patrol Director
• Nordic 2: Mountain Manager
• Nordic 10-19: Castle Peak
• Nordic 20-29: Tahoe Meadows Basic
• Nordic 30-39: Martis Peak Basic
• Nordic 40-49: Pole Creek Basic
• Nordic 50-59: Special Assignment
• Nordic 60-69: Galena Creek Basic

RADIO ETIQUETTE

To initiate a radio communication, give the call sign of the person you wish to contact, followed by your call sign. In the following example, as the Patrol Leader at Castle Peak, your call sign is "Nordic 10" and you are calling "Nordic 14," another patroller at Castle Peak, on the Tahoe National Forest Local channel.

• Nordic 10, using Ch 5: "Nordic 14, Nordic 10;"
• Nordic 14, using Ch 5, would respond: "Nordic 14." Nordic 10 would then continue the communication.
• Remember it by saying 'Calling Nordic 14, this is Nordic 10.'

1. Monitor the channel you intend to communicate on for 10 seconds before transmitting. This will allow you to determine whether a conversation is in progress on that channel.
2. The radios are programmed to stop transmitting after 15 seconds of continuous transmission, so if you are long- winded, you will be cut off. Think ahead, and use several short transmissions if necessary.
3. Avalanche beacons, cell phones and other electronic gadgets can interfere with radio operation, and vice-versa; so try to wear them such that they are not in close proximity with each other. Moving a beacon at least 15 inches from the radio should eliminate the interference.
4. USFS rules prohibit the use of codes (e.g., "10-4") except by law enforcement personnel.
5. Use plain English, and think about what you want to say before depressing the push-to-talk button.
6. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES REFER TO INDIVIDUALS BY NAME WHILE TRANSMITTING. In the radio community in which TBSP operates, this is considered highly unprofessional at the least, and unsafe at the worst. USE CALL SIGNS ONLY.
7. If it is necessary to contact Tahoe National Forest's liaison for TBSP by radio, OR to refer to him in conversation while transmitting, use his call sign 'Battalion Seventy-Two', NOT HIS NAME.
8. Forest Service Law Enforcement uses the call sign 'Seventeen Edward Seven'.

   It is not appropriate to use personal names, slang, profanity, sexual innuendo, nicknames, or to engage in personal conversations on the radio. Assume your conversation is being monitored by citizens using scanners, as well as by the USFS and other public agencies.  NOTE: Communicating by radio while in a car is called for rarely, such as sometimes happens while shuttling cars " on the day of the Great Race, or if you are Mountian Manager . Wearing a radio while driving is emphatically NOT recommended, as it could cause severe chest injury or death in the event of an accident. If it is absolutely necessary to communicate by radio while driving, this task should be delegated to a patroller passenger. Preferably, the car should be stopped in a safe and legal location prior to making a transmission.

   Transmission Problems: if you are having trouble reaching Grass Valley or Minden, try one of the following, after checking your battery and your channel setting:

• Use a different repeater.
• Use a different radio.
• Go to high ground if possible
• Consider using a relay patroller on high ground or with a better view of a repeater.
• Enter radio feedback on Daily Ops Log
• Do not attempt to reprogram the radios. That said, to add or remove a channel from scan, turn the channel selector to that channel and press ENT or CLR on the keyboard.

DAILY PROCEDURE FOR USING RADIOS

This section summarizes the steps for handling and using the radios and batteries during the typical patrol day. (Time and Location is in parenthesis).

1. (Before Patrol, at the Equipment Shed) Mountain Manager takes batteries from the bottom of the battery slide (or charger if fully charged), attaches them to radio bodies, performs radio check to verfiy function, and puts the radios and radio pouches in bins for the Patrol Leader to take to the parking area for that day, marking the Equipment Checklist accordingly.
2. (Before Patrol, at the Equipment Shed) Mountain Manager tests an additional spare battery ('AA' clamshell if possible, otherwise another battery from the bottom of the battery slide) for operation with a radio body, then removes the battery and puts it in a waterproof container in the Patrol Leader's equipment bin, marking the Equipment Checklist accordingly. A spare battery should be carried by each team and by the Mountain Manager.
3. (Before Patrol, at the Equipment Shed) Mountain Manager keeps one radio for him/herself, and turns it on. (See note below.)
4. (Before Patrol, at the Parking Area) Patrol Leader distributes radios and call signs to team members.
5. (Start of Patrol, at the Parking Area) Patrol Leader calls Grass Valley or Minden (depending on area) to put team 'in service'. Essential information to communicate includes location, area to be patrolled, list of call signs, total number of patrollers, and nature of service (patrol, training, overnight etc.). An example of such a communication, done succinctly: 'Nordic Units 10 through 14 and 3 additional patrollers, in service at Castle Peak trailhead for overnight training in Round Valley.' (The Patrol Leader could break this up into two communications if necessary to avoid the 15-second cutoff.)
6. (Start of Patrol, at the Trailhead) Patrol Leader selects Ch 5 with either PRIORITY (CP, MP, PC) or SCAN (TM, GC) turned on, and directs other patrollers to select Ch 5 and turn radios on.
7. (During patrol, in the Patrol Area) Patrol Leader contacts or responds to Grass Valley, Minden, Careflight, Mountain Manager, or other patrollers as necessary while patrolling.
8. (During patrol, in the Patrol Area) Patrol Leader uses spare battery if necessary.
9. (End of patrol, in the Parking Area) Patrol Leader calls Grass Valley or Minden to put team 'out of service'. This is generally an abbreviated version of the 'in-service' call: 'Nordic Units 10 through 14 and 3 additional units out of service at Castle Peak trailhead.' If there is more than one patrol, DO NOT SAY ALL PATROLLERS OUT OF SERVICE, but say how many are with you. The Mountain Manager should leave radio on and continue monitoring until all patrols are out of service.
10. (End of patrol, in the Parking Area) Patrol Leader retrieves all radios and radio pouches from team.
11. (Equipment Shed) Mountain Manager removes batteries from radios, ensures they are dry, and inserts them in chargers (putting charged batteries in top of battery slide). Mountain Manager ensures radio bodies and pouches are dry, and then return them to their respective boxes. Any items needing repair are put in the repair bin.
12. (Equipment Shed) Mountain Manager removes the spare battery, ensures it is dry, and inserts it in a charger.
13. (Equipment Shed) When all team members have been accounted for, Mountain Manager returns his/her own radio and battery as just described.

BENDIX-KING RADIO DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

Bendix-King 14-Channel Radio (EPH series)

VOLUME AND SQUELCH KNOBS

To turn the radio on, rotate the volume knob to the right (clockwise). Additional rotation to the right increases the
volume of reception.
The squelch knob controls an electric circuit that cuts off the radio receiver when the signal is too weak for reception of
anything but noise. Too low a squelch setting will cause continuous static. Too high a squelch setting will prevent
lower-level signals from being received. The optimum setting may be achieved by turning the knob until continuous
static is received, then backing off until the static stops, then backing off a little bit more.

HI/LO SWITCH

The HI/LO switch selects the transmit power level. LO will minimize power draw, but will often be insufficient to
contact your desired target, possibly even causing excessive transmit attempts and wasting even more power. It is
therefore recommended to leave this switch set to HI, and to minimize your time transmitting by speaking succinctly.
This switch has no effect on power draw when receiving.

CHANNEL SELECTOR:

The following is a typical channel setup pre-programmed for our Bendix/King radios:

Channel Number	Channel Name and Tones	Description	Scan	Priority
1	Tahoe NF Fire Net [tones 1,5,6,7]	By permission only	_	_
2	Tahoe NF Net [tones 1,5,6,7]: USFS dispatcher, Grass Valley	All normal communications with the Forest Service by patrols operating in CA	X	X
3	Donner Summit Fire Dept. (DSFD) Net	Other rescue agency	_	_
4	Donner Summit Fire Dept. (DSFD Local	Other rescue agency	_	_
5	Tahoe NF Local	TBSP Team within a patrol. All areas	X	_
6	Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt Unit (LTBMU) Net Tone 6	Backup for Ch. 8	_	_
7	Calif. Dept. of Forestry (CDF) Net [tones 6,7]	Other rescue agency	_	_
8	Humboldt-Toiyabe NF Net [tone 1]: USFS dispatch in Minden, NV	All normal communications with the Forest Service by patrols operating in Nevada (Tahoe Meadows and Galena Crk)	X	_
9	Placer Search and Rescue (SAR) Repeater	Other rescue agency	_	_
10	CDF Local	Other rescue agency	_	_
11	White Fire III	Other rescue agency, helicopter	X	_
12	Search and Rescue (SAR) (Washoe Red)	During SAR missions only.	_	_
13	Search and Rescue (SAR) (Washoe Orange/Placer)	During SAR missions only.	_	_
14	NOAA Weather	_	_	_

KEYBOARD OPERATION: REPEATERS AND TONES

Whenever you use the Tahoe National Forest net (channel 2), or the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Net (channel 8),
you must select one of several repeaters, which are identified by "tones." This allows communication with others who
are not within line-of-sight. The four we use are:

• Tone 1 (Mt. Rose repeater) [primary tone for all areas]
• Tone 5 (Grouse Ridge repeater) [use at CP]
• Tone 6 (Babbitt Peak repeater) [use at CP, MP and PC]
• Tone 7 (Squaw Peak repeater) [use at CP, MP and PC]
• (Refer to the radio card inside TBSP radio pouches for a map showing these locations.)

To use a repeater, you must select the desired tone by pressing the corresponding button on the keyboard, and when
speaking you must give the normal call signs followed by the tone designation. This is so that the receiving party knows
which repeater has been activated by the tone selection, and can set their radio to use the same tone/repeater. This has
dual benefits: first, only one repeater is being monopolized by the communication; second, if the initial transmission is
received adequately, the response will use the same transmission path and should also be received loud and clear.
When a tone has been selected on the keyboard, the display should indicate both the channel and the tone. NOTE: to
enter a tone, both PRIORITY and SCAN must be turned off. This will be explained in the next section.

In the following example, you are the Patrol Leader at Tahoe Meadows (Nordic 20) and are calling the Humboldt- Toiyabe National Forest dispatcher at Minden (NV), using the repeater on Mt. Rose. Before transmitting, you ensure that your channel selector is set to Ch 8, and then you press '1' on the keyboard; the display shows 'Ch 8 1'.

         Nordic 20, using Ch 8, tone 1: "Minden, Nordic 20, tone 1'
         Minden would respond: "Minden" [or "Nordic 20, Minden"]
         Nordic 20 would then continue the communication.

Note that Nordic 20 uses the same order of call signs as one would use for names in a regular phone call (e.g. 'Hi Tom, this is Mary), except that the extraneous words ('Hi', 'this is') are eliminated. In a second example, you are the Patrol Leader at Castle Peak (Nordic 10) and are calling the Tahoe National Forest dispatcher at Grass Valley, using the repeater on Mt. Rose. You select Ch 2, and press '1' on the keyboard; the display shows 'Ch 2 1'.

         Nordic 10, using Ch 2, tone 1: "Grass Valley, Nordic 10, tone 1"
         Grass Valley would respond: "Grass Valley" [or "Nordic 10, Grass Valley"]
         Nordic 10 would then continue the communication.

For a third example, you are a patroller at Pole Creek (Nordic 42) and are calling the Mountain Manager (Nordic 2), who is on patrol at Castle Peak. Not surprisingly, you discover you cannot raise the MM with channel 5, so you switch to channel 2. After trying tone 1 and getting no response due to the surrounding terrain, you decide to select the nearby tone 7 (Squaw Peak) instead. You press '7' on the keyboard; the display shows 'Ch 2 7'.

         Nordic 42, using Ch 2, tone 7: 'Nordic 2, Nordic 42, tone 7'
         The Mountain Manager receives this and, realizing that Nordic 42 must be using Ch 2 because of the reference
              to a tone, turns PRIORITY off (see next section), selects Ch 2, and enters '7' on the keyboard.
         MM, using Ch 2, tone 7: 'Nordic 2' [or "Nordic 42, Nordic 2"]
         Nordic 42 then continues the communication.

In areas of poor radio transmission, it may be necessary to try several repeaters before you connect with one. You can tell you have hit a repeater when you momentarily depress the talk switch and hear feedback [called a squelch tail] from the repeater. This will be demonstrated in the field. PRIORITY AND SCAN MODES When the PRIORITY switch is "on" (pointing toward label 'PRI', or back of radio), the radio will monitor the Tahoe NF Net (Ch 2). Reception on other channels will be superseded by traffic on this frequency. Patrol Leaders at Tahoe National Forest venues (CP, MP, PC) should activate PRIORITY on their radios whenever they switch to a simplex channel for normal communications within their patrol area. This will allow them to monitor the dispatch channel. To transmit on Ch 2, which invariably involves selecting a tone (see previous section), you must turn PRIORITY and SCAN off, turn the channel selector knob to Ch 2, and enter the number of the desired tone on the keyboard. When you have finished the communication, you may restore the previous settings of channel, PRIORITY, and SCAN. When the SCAN switch is "on" (pointing toward label 'SCAN', or back of radio), the radio will scan the Tahoe NF Net (Ch 2), the TNF Local simplex channel (Ch 5), the Humboldt-Toiyabe NF Net (Ch 8), and White Fire III (Ch 11). This means the radio will lock on to a message coming over any of those four channels, which are monitored in sequence. SCAN should only be activated when patrolling at Tahoe Meadows or Galena, or during an emergency or joint training exercise, when it becomes necessary to communicate with emergency personnel on White Fire III (Ch 11). When patrolling at Tahoe Meadows or Galena, the Patrol Leader should activate SCAN on his or her radio, but all other radios should have SCAN off. During an emergency or joint training exercise, SCAN should be activated on all radios, or one radio should be dedicated to White Fire III (Ch 11) with SCAN off. To transmit on any channel while in SCAN MODE, you must turn the channel selector knob to that channel. If the selected channel uses a repeater (and hence a tone), PRIORITY and SCAN must both be turned off, and then the desired tone may be entered as described previously. When you have finished the communication, you may restore the previous settings of channel, PRIORITY, and SCAN.

AREA-TO-AREA COMMUNICATION - USING CHANNEL 2

The Tahoe NF Net (Ch 2) is used to contact the Forest Service dispatcher at Grass Valley, and to make brief radio contact between patrollers in different patrol areas after first attempting to contact them on Ch 5. Whenever communication of the latter type is necessary, keep it brief and to the point. Remember, the entire forest is listening.

USING SIMPLEX CHANNELS - COMMUNICATIONS WITHIN PATROL AREA

The Tahoe NF Local simplex channel (Ch 5) is used for communications within a patrol area. Patrol Leaders should have everyone (including themselves) switch to Ch 5 at the trailhead after the Patrol Leader has checked in at the parking area with Grass Valley using Ch 2, or Minden using Ch 8. Patrol Leaders reporting to Grass Valley should then activate PRIORITY so they can monitor messages from Grass Valley or from other patrol areas on Ch 2. Patrol Leaders reporting to Minden should then activate SCAN.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

When reporting an emergency incident, use the term "Emergency Traffic." E.g., "Grass Valley, Nordic 10, Emergency Traffic." All field units will either stop their radio communication in progress or delay intended communications until the frequency is cleared to "Resume Normal Radio Traffic." So if you hear someone use the term "Emergency Traffic," stay off the radio until the frequency has been cleared.

ICOM RADIO DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

ICOM Submersible Handheld

GENERAL

The ICOM works on the same principles as the BK with the following differences:

   " No numbered channels to remember ý now all alphanumerical.
   " There are specific channels for each tone (e.g., GRVAL-T1, equals Grass Valley Tone 1).
   " Default channel is 'TBSP' (same as BK channel 5).
   " If you want channel other than 'TBSP' use up and down buttons (circular list).
   " No squelch knob ý it's automatic.
   " The red button on top has been programmed to temporarily suppress a channel when in scan mode, such as one
        creating noise or is unnecessary.
   " The Scan lists are for listening only ý to transmit you go press P0 to get to the default list and scroll up or down
   " The P2 and P3 buttons are currently not programmed.

RADIO SKILL CHECKLIST: ICOM

Here's how to perform all the basic tasks during patrol:

1. Install battery - ICOM has rechargeable battery, so remove entire radio from charger.
2. Turn on radio ý Rotate volume knob
3. Check battery ý Immediately after turning on read the display for battery voltage. Normal is about 8.0 volts ý if voltage is less than 7.0 take radio out of service - needs new rechargeable battery.
4. Check transmit/receive functions ý Turn on, and the display should show the TBSP channel. Press PTT button and speak into the microphone. Red light is on during transmit, and green light is on during receive. Ask a friend to listen, and then transmit back to you.
5. Hand Microphone use ý Clip on collar or epaulet. PTT operates the same as the radio.
6. Check-in with USFS (Minden and Grass Valley) ý Press UP or DOWN buttons to find the channel (and repeater) you want, then press PTT button and talk.
7. Switch to a Tone if not being received ý Use UP or DOWN buttons to get to a different USFS dispatcher/tone channel combination.

Set-up for patrolling

• For Patrol Leader (or Mountain Manager)- Hold down P1 button for one second to enter scan list, select the correct Scan list using UP or DOWN buttons. Press P1 again to 'enter' selected scan list, and press P1 again to turn the selected scan list on.
• For patroller ý Turn on, and display should say 'TBSP.' From a scan list, press P0 button to get to 'TBSP' default channel from any other channel.
• Talk within patrol ý Press P0 or P1 buttons to get to 'TBSP' default channel and out of a Scan list. The Patrol leader can use the UP or DOWN buttons to get to the TBSP channel within the Scan list, and still stay in the Scan mode.
• After an Incident, to Talk to USFS Dispatch ý Switch to the appropriate ISCAN list for your area, and then use the UP or DOWN buttons to get to the USFS dispatcher and press P1 to enter the channel. All of the patrol should switch to the same ISCAN list.
• Switch channels to talk to helicopter or DSFD or TNSAR ý Press P0 to get back to the TBSP channel, then use the UP or DOWN buttons to get to the appropriate channel for the responding rescuer, and press P1 to enter the channel..
• Resume transmitting within patrol ý press P0 to get to back to TBSP channel and out of Scan. If the Patrol Leader wants to stay within SCAN list, use the UP or DOWN buttons to get to the TBSP channel and press P1 to enter.
• Change battery when low ý ICOM will show a battery symbol on right side of display if the battery is getting weak.
• Sign off with USFS ý Press UP or DOWN arrows to get to the correct USFS channel.
• Return to shed, and charge radio/battery and put away radio harness - The ICOM radios must be seated properly (against back of charger cup) to accept a charge. Charging light will come on (orange=rapid charging; green=trickle charging) when radio is properly seated. No light = not seated.

ICOM RADIO CHANNEL SUMMARY

TBSP Tahoe NF Local Within a patrol. 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 GRVAL-T1 Tahoe NF Net [tone 1 at (Mt. Rose]: USFS dispatcher in Grass Valley, CA All normal communications by patrols operating in CA 6 6 6 6 6 6 GRVAL-T5 Tahoe NF Net [tone 5 at Grouse] Service by Patrols 6 6 6 6 2 T5 dispatcher in Grass Valley California 4th Tahoe NF Net [tone 6 at GRVAL- Babbit Peak]: USFS 6 6 6 6 2 T6 dispatcher in Grass Valley 5th Tahoe NF Net [tone 6 at GRVAL- Squaw Peak] 2 6 6 6 6 T7 Humboldt-Toiyabe NF All comm with 6th Net [tone 1 at Slide Mt.]: Forest Service by MINDN- USFS dispatcher in patrols operating 6 6 8 T1 Minden, NV. in NV (Tahoe Meadows). 7th Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt Backup for BK LTBMU- Unit (LTBMU) Net [tone Ch. 8 6 6 6 T6 6 at Babbit Peak] 8th TNSAR ý Placer Search Other rescue GRT_ and Rescue (SAR) agency. 6 6 9 RACE Repeater, Mt. Pluto 9th CDF Truckee Fire Net 10 6 6 CDF-T7 [Tone 7 at Donner Pk] 10th White Fire I Other rescue 6 6 6 WFIRE-1 agency,helicopter. 11th White Fire II Other rescue 6 6 6 WFIRE-2 agency,helicopter. 12th White Fire III Outside rescue 11 6 6 6 WFIRE-3 agency,helicopter. 13th NOAA Weather 14 Not Used Tahoe NF Fire Net [tones By permission 1 1,5,6,7] only Not Used Donner Summit Fire 3 Dept. (DSFD) Net Not Used Donner Summit Fire 4 Dept. (DSFD) Local Not Used Calif. Dept. of Forestry 7 (CDF) Net [tones 6,7] Not Used Search and Rescue (SAR) During SAR 12 (Washoe Red) missions only. Not Used Search and Rescue (SAR) During SAR 13 (Washoe Orange/Placer) missions only.

Order & Abbrev	Channel Name and Tone	Description	BK	CP SCAN	CP ISCAN	TM SCAN	TM ISCAN	GR SCAN	GR ISCAN	MM SCAN	MM ISCAN

 Abbreviations: CP= Castle Peak, TM = Tahoe Meadows, GR = Great Race, BK = Bendix King, TNSAR= Tahoe Nordic
 SAR, SAR = Search and Rescue, NF= National Forest