Entel HT981 Reference guide

Policy J Procedure
LONDON FIRE BRI,GADE
Entel HT981 intrinsically safe fireground radio
Official
New policy number:
593
Old instruction number: TEC:EO15:a1(b)
Issue date:
12 July 2007
Reviewed as current:
17 July 2014
Owner:
Head of Operational Policy
Responsibleworkteam:
Incident Communic~tions
Contents
Entel HT981 fireground radio .....................................................................................................................................
2
Key point summary ..............................................................................................................
2
1 Introd uction .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
2 Technical detail for the ENTEL HT981 radio .................................................................................................. 3
3
Technical detail of battery ..................................................................................................................................
3
4 Fitting/removal of battery .................................................................................................................................. 4
5 Accessory connector .......................................................................................................................................... 4
6 Operating instructions ........................................................................................................................................ 5
7 Charging ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
8 Allocation and stowage ...................................................................................................................................... 7
9 Repair ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7
10 Testing, care and maintenance ......................................................................................................................... 7
Appendix I -Fireground channel use .......................................................................................................................
8
Appendix 2 - ENTEL HT981 radio operating functions ......................................................................................... 9
Appendix 3 - ENTEL HT981 intrinsically safe radio (inyellow case) with B.A.R.I .E. connected ................ 10
Appendix 4 - ENTEL CSB640E 6- WAY Rapid battery charger ....................................................................... 11
Appendix 5 - Repairs/replacement procedure .....................................................................................................
12
Document history ..............................................................................................................
16
Review date: 17 July 2017
593
Last amended date: 2 February 201.5
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Entel HT981 fireground radio
The Entel HT981 is an intrinsically safe (IS)fireground radio.
Each and every BA crew must have at least one means of radio communication. BA crews are
not to be committed without communications equipment.
Dedicated BA Radio Interface Eq uipment (B.A.R.I.E.) provides an enhanced level of audibility
for both transmission and reception.
If dedicated B.A.R.I.E. sets are not available a minimum ofa handheld radio must be carried.
Ente1480/1 personal issue handheld radios are not intrinsically safe (IS), and must not be
used in flammable or explosive atmospheres and should only be used where BARIE sets are
unavailable, and only after a risk assessment has been undertaken. (Please refer to Policy
Number 4.58 - Entel HX-480/1 hand held incident ground radio for further information).
In all instances, initial BA crews deployed into compartmentswhere a potentially explosive
atmosphere may be present must be wearingintrinsically safe B.A.R.I.E. sets.
Prior to riggingin BA, It is recommendedthat B.A.R.I.E wearers turn the radio on and lock itto
the appropriate channel.
Key point summary
The Entel HT981 is an intrinsically safe fireground radio.
The radio conforms to all the current requirements ofthe European ATEX Directive.
Equipment and Protective Systems intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres
(ATEX).
The radio uses the same channels as, and is fully interoperable with, existing incident ground
radios (Appendix 1).
In normal use the radiois housed in a yellow protective case.
The radio is permanently connected to a B.A.R.I.E. set (Appendix 3).
Only Radio Workshop personnel will disconnect B.A.R.I.E. from the Entel HT981 radio.
Tamperingwith this connection could affect the level of intrinsicsafety, and the B.A.R.I.E.
would subsequently be classed ’offthe run’ and defective.
Each radio has a brigade serial number starting LFB 001 and onwards and shall be recorded on
the station inventory.
Each B.A.R.I.E. component (Presstotalk (P-I-F), Bone Conduction Microphone/Ear
Speaker) have brigade serial numbers starting LFB 001 and onwards. These will be
recorded on the station inventory.
It is vitally importantthat B.A.R.I.E. components and connected radio, remaintogether in
their unit, as issued by Radio Workshops.
Each battery has a serial number and shall be recorded onthe station inventory.
The testing and replacement of batteries for the Entel radio differs from existing proced ures.
Radio batteries are to be maintained strictly in accordance with the procedures outlined inthis
policy.
This policy must be read together with Policy Number 516 - Entel HT981 Fireground Rad io
and Savox interface Eq uipment B.A.R].E dated 12 July 2007.
Safety precaution
Never attempt to remove a battery in a flammable or explosive atmosphere.
1 Introduction
1.1
This policy provides information relatingtothe use and function of the Entel HT980series
incid ent ground radios.
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1.2
The Entel HT981 radioiscertifiedtoanintrinsicallysafestandardofEExibllCT4whichis
suitable for use in a flammable or explosive atmosphere.The radiowill be permanently
connected to and only used with BreathingApparatus Radio Interface Eq uipment (B.A.R.I.E.) as
recommended by the H ome Office in DCOL6i1992.
Note: Under no circumstances are station personnel to attemptto remove the B~A.R.I.E. from the
radio in order to use the radio for general fireground communications or attach a non IS radioto
the BAset. The radio, B.A.R.I.E and protective case are to be treated as acomplete unit.
1.3
The Entel HT980 series are programmed to the same incid ent ground channels already in use by
the LFB (Appendix 1 ).
1.4
Each radio is supplied with two Lithium ion intrinsically safe batteries.
1.5 Each radiowill be provided with a yellow protective case.
1.6 Each location within the Authority issued with Entel HT- 981 radios will be provid ed with an
appropriate battery charger.
2
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
Technical detail forthe ENTEL HT981 radio
The radio consists of a single unit transceiver with an internal microphone, loudspeaker and
external aerial and has a transmit power output of 1 Watt ERP (effective radiated power).
Dimensions ofthe radiowith a battery fitted are:59mm (W), 33mm (D), 130mm (H) and it
weighs 296g.
The radio is fully splash proof and SUBMERSIBLE, exceedingall aspects of the European ATEX
Directive. (Howeverthis is a quality ofthe radio in its manufacture and not an intended use when
connected to a B.A.RI.E.).
The radio uses Angle Modulation (FM) and operates on 25 KHz channel spacing.
The radio is fully programmable across a range of frequencies with up to 128 channels, although
for LFB use, only9 channels have been programmed.
Channels I 3, 4, 6, 10(CSS), and 7 (Police Interagency 69) receive and transmit on one
frequency.
Channels 2 5 and 8 (Police Interagency 70) receive and transmit on different freq uencies. These
channels will onlywork in conjunction with repeater sets carried on Command units and installed
in LUL premises) (Appendix 1).
Note: Channels 7 and 8 are Police controlled freq uendes and are only to be used with their
permission.
3
Technical detail of battery
3.1 7.4v 1800 mAh rechargeable Lithium Ion (Li Ion).
3.2
A fully charged battery will have a working d uration of 12-14 hours.
3.3
A fully discharged battery takes approximately 6 hours to charge.
3.4
Under no circumstances should the battery terminals be short circuited. It is important that the
spare battery is not stored together with metal objects.
3.5 Due to the construction of the battery (Li Ion) it d oes not require a monthly discharge process ~
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4
Fitti ng/removal of battery
4.’1
Always turn the radio off before installing or removingthe battery.
4.2 To fit the battery, first ensure that the battery connections are clean and that the battery is in
good condition. Offer the battery up to the rear of the radio and ensure the tabs atthe base of the
battery are located in the rear lower face ofthe radio. Press the battery towards the rear of the
radio engaging the battery locking screw (picture 1 ). Rotate the Iockingscrew clockwise until
finger tight. Do not over tighten.
4.3
To remove the battery:
¯
Turnthe radiooff.
¯
Hold the radio and rotate the battery locking screw anti-clockwise. Ensure you do not hold the
battery pack when unscrewingthe release screw as the radio may fall to the floor.
¯
Then lift the battery away from the body of the radio.
Locking Screw
5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
Picture I
Accesso ry co n n ecto r
The Entel HT981 radio is an integral part of the B.A.R.I.E.
The radio and B.A.R.I.E. are joined by an accessory connector (picture 2).
No attempt is to be made to separate these components except by trained Radio Workshops
Staff.
The accessory connector is secured using a special fixing method.
12 pin
~
B.A.R.I.E.
connection
Accessory f
Connector
Picture 2
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6 Operating instructions
6.1
Please note that Appendix 2 indicates the position of each switch and should be studied before
use.
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
Radio on/off and volume control
To turn on the radio press the power switch,the radiowill bleep to indicate a selftest ’London
Fire’ and the radio serial number will appear in the LCD screen. The radio will then default to the
last channel selected and display this on the LCD screen.
Adjustthe volume to a comfortable listeninglevel by rotatingthe volume knob. Rotating the knob
clockwise will increase volume and anticlockwise will decrease volume, the volume level
indicated on the LCD screen in a series of 1 to 16 bars. There is no limit stop on the rotating
switch.
To turn the radio off, press and hold the power switch until it bleeps and the words’ Powering
off’ appear in the LCD screen.
Channel selection switches
The desired channel is selected usingthe up!down arrows on the front face of the radio, the
selected channel will be displayed on the LCD screen. Channel 6 must be selected by the wearer
for BA Communications or Channel 5 if base station and leaky feeder equipment are installed.
Battery level
The battery level is indicated bythe icon (displayed above) inthetop right of the LCD display.A
solid block indicates the battery is charged and ready for use. When routine checks are being
completed, if the level indicated falls to 2/3rds full the battery should be changed.
Key lock
6.7
6.8
The radio can be key locked in order to prevent accidental change of channel. The appropriate
channel is key locked by pressing and hold ingthe TICK button for 3 seconds, and a pad lock
symbol will appear in the LCD screen. When in lock mode the radio cannot be accidentally
turned off. To unlockthe channel press and hold the TICK button for 3 seconds,the radio can
then be turned offby pressingthe power key.
Key tone indicator
This indicates that the key tone bleep is on; which will give a positive indication of changing
channels, key lock function, turning radio on and off.
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6.9
High power indicator
This indicates the power of the channel and is represented by an "H". All channels are high
power.
Volume level control
6110
6.11
6.12
6.13
7
7.1
This is indicated on a grad uated bar I to 16 on the LCD screen when the volume is increased or
decreased.
Ancillary switches and controls
The radio has a range of other specific functions which are not required for fire service use. The
controls for additional functions have been disabled on the radios. The operation of unused
function controls buttons will cause the radioto beep and the LCD screento illuminate, but will
not otherwise affect the performance of the radio (Appendix 2).
Transmission
Before transmitting, monitor the desired channel to ensure it is clear. When receiving a signal,
wait until the signal stops before transmitting. The radio cannot transmit and receive
simultaneous ly. Pressingthe transmit switch (PTT) on the B.A.R.I.E. begins trans mission, to
confirm transmission the LED on top of the radiowill illuminate RED.
When the radio is receiving a signal the LED will illuminate green.
Charging
Each station will be supplied with station chargers (Appendix 4). Personnel must ensure thatthe
spare batteries are fully charged at all times.
7.2 A battery should be changed when the charge indicator shows 2i3rds charged.
7.3
Place the spare battery in the charger. The LED lightwill be red and will go green when the
charge is complete. A battery should be charged after prolonged use or if following routine
checks the battery level indicator drops low.
7.4 When the charger is connected to the mains supply the LED indicators will flash momentarily to
amber indicating correct operation. All batteries will charge independently and are not reliant on
any one battery becomingfully charged before another can begin.
7.5 When a battery is inserted the LED will illuminate red to indicate the charging process has begun.
7.6 Charging time for a fully discharged battery willtake upto 6 hours. On completion the LED will
turn green. Note that the green LED will illuminate after approximately 3 hours but the battery
should be leftto charge for a further 3 hours.
7.7
A faulty battery will cause the LED to flash red.
7.8 Due to the construction of the battery (Li Ion) it d oes not require a monthly discharge process.
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8
Allocation and stowage
8.1
The Entel HT981 will be permanently connected to a set of BARIE and allocated to appliances as
follows:
8.2
8.3
9
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
¯
PL- 2 radios each with 1 battery per radio
¯
P - 2 radios eachwith I battery per radio
¯
FRU - 2 radios eachwith 1 battery per radio
Each radio with one battery attached will be contained within a yellow protective case. The cases
are not interchangeable with any other eq uipment.
An ad d itional battery per rad io is pr ovid ed, together with a station multiple charging facility for
each radio (see Append ix 4).
Repair
BARIE that fails to operate for no apparent reason is to be immediately taken out of service and
sentfor repair on a POMS order.
IMPO RTANT: Please refe r to the repair flowcharts in append ix 5 of this policy.
Stations who req uire an urgent replacement BARIE (refe r to flowcharts in append ix 5) of
defective 6way battery charger must contact the logistics officer at the Resource Management
Centre (RMC) on extension 88321. A replacement BARIE or charger will then be delivered by an
Operational Support Unit (OSU). There is no current req uirement for stations to generate a
POMS order for urgent replacements, with the exception of the OSU stations who will need to
replenish the OSU stock.
Defective batteries and radio cases will be replaced by Radio Workshops. Contact the workshop
on extension 30561 detailingthe fault.
Any damaged BARIE equipment (other than fair wear and tear), must be returned to Radio
Workshops detailingthe fault, and accompanied by a memorandum detailingthe circumstances
in which the damaged occurred, and verified by the station manager.
All components of the BARIE must be kepttogether in the blue transportation bag whenever they
are returned to Radio Workshops.
10 Testing, care and maintenance
10.1
All fireground radios aretested onthe followingoccasions:
10.2
10.3
10.4
on receipt
when allocated to awearer
after use
when recalled by radioworkshops.
Daily check: turn on radio, listen for the momentary bleep (this is aselftestto confirm working)
Note battery strength indicator, batteries should be changed when battery level indicator is
showing2/3rds full strength. Carry out a range testto check the receiver strength.
Ensure the radio is turned off when not in use.
Weekly: Carry out a 100M range test by transmitting and checkingthe receiver strength. If no
signal is received this will indicate if the radio is defective.
If the radio becomes dirty it may be cleaned with a damp cloth. A mild soap solution can be used
to clean the case.
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Appendix 1
Appendix I - Fireground channel use
FIREG ROUND USE
CHANNEL
1 General Incident and Command
2 Additional Command Channel
3
Used under direction of the OIC/sector commander for firefighter
communications during specific tasks
4
To be used only under direction of the duty radio officer
5
6
7
8
10
Communications (including Breathing Apparatus) where leaky feeder or base
station equipment is installed
Breathing Apparatus
Police Inter Agency (channel 69)
Police Inter Agency (channel 70)
CSS Mapping Channel
Channels 2, 5 and 70 are d uplex and will only work in conjunction with a repeater set (CU, LUL).
Police interagency channels 69 and 70 (H H radio channels 7 and 8) are Police Controlled frequencies and
may only be used with their permission.
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Appendix 2
Appendix 2 - ENTEL HT981 radio operating functions
Aerial
MON button
(disabled)
Press to Talk
(P-Fr)
Radio Lock
’TICK’
On/Off
Button
NB: This is a
quality of the
radio in its
manufacture and
not an intended
use when
connected to a
B.A.R.I.E
LCD Display Screen
Volume Control
LED for Transmitting
(red) and Receiving
(green)
Channel
Up/Down
Please note that the M
(Menu), P1, P2,
Orange, and MON
buttons are currently
disabled.
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Appendix 3
Appendix 3 - ENTEL HT981 intrinsically safe radio (in
yellow case) with B.A.R.I.E. connected
Ear Speaker and
face m as k attach rn e nt
Press To
Talk
Bone Conduction
Microphone and
facemask attachment
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Appendix 4
Appendix 4 - ENTEL CSB640E 6 - WAY Rapid battery
charger
Green LED
indicating battery
is charged
Red LED
indicating
battery is
charging
Powe r Switch
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Appendix 5
Appendix 5 - Repairs/replacement procedure
Breathing Apparatus Radio Interface Equipment - repairs/replacement
procedure (Stations)
The following diagram and text lays outthe procedure for stations to report faulty BARIE sets and
arrange for replacement or repairs.
The minimum number of BARIE sets is I per pumping appliance, and 2 per FRU (where applicable). If
numbers d rop belowthis level then RMC are to be informed; RMCwill order an Operational Support
Unit to provide a replacement BARIE.
Defective set at station
Are there sufficient BARIE sets for I per pumping appliance (and 2 per FRU)?
Raise a POMs order stating the
nature of the defect, equipment
type (e.g., Entel or Motorola BARIE
set), and the serial number.
Faulty equipment to be sent via
van service to Radio Workshops,
Ruislip Fire Station.
N ot es:
¯
Equipment mustbesentto RWSasa
complete set -this isto include IS radio
and case, microphone, and Pressto
Talk switch.
¯
Both collection and return of
equipment will beviathe Brigade’svan
service.
Contact RMC and report fault as an
urgent defect.
RMC will order the nearest OSU to
replace the defective BARIE set.
Notes:
¯
Equipment must be sent as a complete
set -this isto include IS radio and case,
microphone, and Press to Tal k switch.
¯
Thestation doesnot have to create a
POMS order-thiswill be carried out
bythe OSU driver.
¯
The replacement BARIE set may not be
the same type as the defective
equipment.
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Appendix 5
Breathing Apparatus Radio Interface Equipment - repairs/replacement
procedure (RMC)
The following diagram and text lays outthe procedure for RMCwhen stations report a faulty BARIE set.
The minimum number of BARIE sets per station is:
I per front-line pumping appliance, and
2 per FRU (where applicable).
I
Defective set at station I
RMC contacted by station to report defect
RMC confirm that there are insufficient BARIE sets at the station to maintain
1 per pumping appliance and 2 per FRU (if applicable)
Insufficient
(appliance
off the run)
Station advised that an OStJ will be
sent to collect the defective BARIE
set and replace it with sufficient
numbers to put the vehicle back into
operational service.
Station reminded that they are not to
raise a POMs order for the defective
equipment.
RMC to mobilise the nearest OSU
with a replacement BARIE set.
RMC remind OSU driver that they
need to create a POMs order for the
defective BARIE set on their return to
base.
Sufficient
(appliance
stays on the
run)
Station advised that they should raise
a POMs order stating the nature of
the defect, equipment type (e.g.,
Entel or Motorola BARIE set), and the
serial number.
Remind station that faulty equipment
to be sent via Brigade’s day van
service to Radio Workshops, Ruislip
Fire Station.
Note:
Both collectionand return ofequipmentwill
be via the Brigade’s van service.
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Appendix 5
BreathingApparatus Radio Interface Equipment- repairs/replacement procedure (Operational Support
Vehicles)
The following diagram and text lays outthe procedure for OSU driverswhen replacingfaulty BARIE sets
at stations.
The minimum number of BARIE sets is I per pumping appliance, and 2 per FRU. If numbers drop below
this levelthen RMC areto be informed,and theywill order an OSU to provide 1 BARIEset as a
replacement.
Defective set at station
OSU contacted by RMC with details of faulty BARIE set at station.
OSU driver confirm that they have sufficient stock to carry out a replacement.
Visit station and collect defective BARI E set. Make note of nature of fault and
set number.
Issue replacement BARIE set to station. Make note of set number issued
On return to base, raise a POMs order for defective equipment stating the
nature of the defect, equipment type (e.g., Entel or Motorola BARIE set), serial
number, and the originating station.
Email "Incident Comms" with the replacement set number and station
allocated.
Faulty equipment should then be sent via van service to Radio Workshops,
Ruislip Fire Station.
Notes:
¯
Equipment must be sent to RWS as a complete set- this includes radio and case,
microphone, and Pressto Talk switch.
¯
Both collection and return ofequipmentwill beviathe Brigade’svan service.
¯
OSUs are onlyto provide stationswith suFicient equipment to ensu re that minimum levels of
BARIE sets are maintained.
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Appendix 5
Breathing Apparatus Radio Interface Equipment - repairs/replacement
procedure (Radio Workshops)
The following diagram and text lays outthe procedure for RadioWorkshops when stations report a
faulty BARIE set.
The minimum number of BARIE sets per station is:
1 per front-line pumping appliance, and
2 per FRU (where applicable).
Defective set at station
RWS receive POMs order.
Note whether order from OSU station or other location.
FROM
OSU
station
NOT from
OSU
station
RWS dispatch new BARIE set to OSU
station. Note replacement set
number and location.
RWS take details of defective set and
original set location.
Email details of the exchange to
Incident Comms. Include serial
number of defective BARIE,
replacement BARIE and its intended
location.
Note:
Both collectionand return ofequipmentwill
beviathe Brigade’svan service.
RWS dispatch replacement set to
station. Note details of exchange and
email to Incident Comms.
Note:
Both collectionand return ofequipmentwill
beviathe Brigade’svan service.
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Document history
Assessments
An equality or sustainability impact assessment and/or a risk assessment was last completed on:
Audit trail
Listed belowis a brief audittrail, detailingamendments made tothis policy!procedure.
Page/para nos.
Brief description of change Date
Page 7 Section
Changes mad e to Section 9 - paragraphs 9.1 to 9.4
23/08/2008
9
Throughout Policy reviewed as current, minor wording changes made
01/09/2011
throughout and arrows repositioned in appendices to correctly
indicate the parts of the images.
Throughout This policy has been protectively marked.
24/01/2012
Page 16
SIA d ate ad d ed. 26/I 1/2013
Page I
The ’Protect’ mark on this policy has been changed to ’Official’ to
20/03/2014
bring us in line with the Government classification scheme.
Throughout Reviewed as current, no changes made.
17/07/2014
Page 16
’Subjects list’ table -template updated.
02/02/201.5
Subject list
You can find this policy underthe followingsubjects.
IS radio Radio-IS
Incident Management
Incident Command
Assets Eq uipment
BA Comms BA radio
BARIE Communication and messages
Entel radio
Incident Communications
Intrinsically safe
Radios
Freedom of Information Act exemptions
This policy/proced ure has been securely marked d ue to:
Considered by:
FOIA exemption
(responsible work team)
Jim A’Court-Incident
Selected information to be redacted.
Communications
Security marking
classification
Official
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