Contractor: Research Triangle InstituteP. 0. Box 12194Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Title: Firefighters' CommunicationTransceiver Test Plan

Date: May 24, 2984

Type of Report and Contract Number:

Final ReportContract No. NAS 8-35816

Author: Robert J. Wallace

PREPARED FOR GEORGE C. MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER, ALABAMA 35812

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19850014543 2020-04-05T13:56:13+00:00Z

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.

I. Introduction 1

II. Background 2

III. Testing the Fireground Radio Communication System . . . . 3

IV. Controlled Laboratory Testing of the Device 7

V. Testing the Intrinsic Electrical Safetyof the Device 10

VI. Operational Testing Critical Issues 11

VII. Field Tests of the Fireground Communication System ... 20

VIII. Post-Incident Survey Questionnaire 27

IX. Conclusions and Recommendations for FieldTest Implementation 31

Appendix A - Outline of EIA Standard RS-316-BMay 1979, Sections 2 through 5

Appendix B - Excerpt from Factory Mutual Research In-trinsic Safety Standard, "ApprovalStandard - Intrinsically Safe Apparatusand Associated Apparatus For Use in ClassI, II and III Division 1, Hazardous Location

Appendix C - Currently Available Ear Microphone Products

Appendix D - Study Contacts

I. Introduction

This document represents the results of meetings with representatives of

the U.S. Coast Guard and contacts with the U.S. Fire Administration to

identify the requirements for the operational testing of the Firefighters

Communication Transceiver. The major concerns of the firefighters and U.S.

Coast Guard Strike Team members centered around the integrity and reliability

of the firefighter/microphone interface. The technical characteristics of the

radio itself were of less concern. The major concern about the radio hardware

was that it be intrinsically safe in hazardous atmospheres. Another major

concern voiced by Lt. Glenn of the Coast Guard Atlantic Strike Team was that

the system not interfere with the fit or facial seal of self-contained

breathing apparatus (SCBA).

The single greatest concern for operational testing purposes was the

reliability and clarity of the line of communication between the firefighter

and those on the fireground with whom he must maintain contact. All

individuals interviewed cited several examples of the respective shortcomings

of existing microphone subsystems. An overall preference for the currently

available for the throat contact microphone was tempered by the need to use

tape or VELCRO neck bands to keep the microphone positively secured against

the throat. The Coast Guard Team members felt they would make the best judges

of the operational effectiveness of the final radio design. The Team stated a

desire to test any units developed in both training exercises and in real

responses to hazardous material incidents. Coast Guard Strike Team members

felt that a VOX-microphone built into the SCBA facemask would provide the best

performance. Short of this, the Team members expressed a desire to see a

better throat microphone that remained in place in spite of sweating and

without the need for taping or strapping. One new voice-pickup product of

particular interest is the "Earmic" available from KAVCO Industries of

California and TAD America in Hawaii. This device combines a bone conduction

microphone and a speaker into a single ear-mounted unit. The TAD America

device is certified as intrinsically safe and KAVCO Industries is

contemplating development of a VOX version of their "Earmic." The KAVCO

product is currently seeing successful use by the Huntington Beach, California

Fire Department.

II. Background

A "breadboard" version of a portable fireground radio has been developed

by REMIC Corporation to demonstrate the feasibility of producing a low-cost,

reliable, fireground communication system. The fireground radio was conceived

to provide the individual firefighter with automatic hands-free communications

between himself and his associates and his captain. The hands-free operation

of the radio is the major design requirement. Waterproof construction, light

weight, ease of operation, and reliable maintenance of the line of communica-

tion are other design objectives for the unit. The fireman's need to have

both hands free to carry out mission activities and provide for his personal

safety is clear cut. Securing a high level of firefighter confidence in

hands-free operation of the fireground radio will require very high reliabi-

lity in the voice-actuated microphone subsystem of the unit. Current portable

fireground radio units employ throat contact microphones (see Figure 1), boom

microphones, or bone conduction microphones when self-contained breathing

apparatus (SCBA) are worn. Problems with these alternative microphone systems

vary from the throat microphone slipping out of position to boom microphone

activation by loud external sources of sound, and other unique problems with

the conduction microphone. Improved design of the contact and conduction

microphones or replacement is necessary if the operational effectiveness of

2

the Firefighter's Communication System is to meet the stated requirements of

the firefighting population for whom it is targeted.

Among the human factors constraints placed on the communication system's

radio unit is its placement on the body of the wearer. The radio is to be

located inside the outermost layer of protective clothing. This means inside

the turnout coat of the firefighter and inside the outergarment (see Figures 1

and 2) of the U. S. Coast Guard's totally encapsulating Hazardous Chemical

Protective Ensemble (HCPE). Any vests, harnesses, or supporting straps must

compete for space with similar elements used for SCBA or found with inner

garments. The radio unit itself may compete with air hoses or cooling garment

components (e.g., the ice pouch) in the case of the Coast Guard's fully encap-

sulated suit (see Figures 2 and 3). Potential sites suggested by U.S. Coast

Guard Atlantic Strike Team members in order of preference include high on the

centerline of the chest in the area of the sternum, low on the front ribs, and

on the side of the thigh. Crowding was given as the reason for not preferring

a head mounted unit in the presence of SCBA and helmet straps.

III. Testing the Fireground Radio Communication System

The testing of the Fireground Communication System is divided into two

parts. One test series is established to measure device performance under

controlled laboratory conditions. The principal protocol for this test series

is taken from an Electronic Industries Association Recommended Standard for

portable/personal communication FM or PM equipment operating between

25-1000 MHz. Other subsystem specific tests will be proposed for different

items that make up the fireground radio. The second test series is based on

the actual use of the radio units by firefighting/strike force teams initially

engaged in training exercises and ultimately engaged in live responses to

fireground or hazardous material incidents. The vehicles for conducting the

3

ThroatMicrophone

FIGURE 1 - THROAT MICROPHONE/SELF-CONTAINED BREATHINGAPPARATUS COMBINATION

CLOSURE

ICE POUCHASSEMBLY

RELIEF VALVEASSEMBLY

EXPANSIONPANELS

FIGURE 2 - OUTERGARMENT DESIGN CONFIGURATION

or<oo

FIGURE 3 - COOLING GARMENT USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH TOTALLYENCAPSULATED HCPE.

field-based tests are an annotated communication log and a survey

questionnaire filled out by participating members of fireground test teams.

The details of the field test communication log and survey questionnaire will

be covered in a later section of this report. The following section

represents a general approach for the controlled laboratory testing of the

firefighter's transceiver.

IV. Controlled Laboratory Testing of the Device

For the purposes of the Firefighters' Communication Transceiver Test

Series, the scope and definition of the portable communications equipment is

taken to be that of EIA Standard RS-316-B (Revision of RS-316-A) May 1979.

"1.1 Scope—This standard details the minimum performance requirements

for portable/personal communicaton FM or PM equipments as defined in

paragraph 1.2, except temperature operating range of the power

source shall not be included. It excludes accessories like

chargers, power boosters, batteries, etc.

1.2 Definition--Portable/personal communications equipment are radio

transmitters, receivers, or combinatons of both, which can be

hand-carried or worn on the person, and which are operated from

their own portable power sources and antenna. Personal equipment is

further defined as that which is capable of being worn directly on

the person or within the clothing (e.g., surveillance or paging

equipments) and is, therefore, subject to less severe environments

than other classifications of portable equipment."

"Minimum Standards for Portable/Personal Radio Transmitters, Receivers, andTransmitter/Receiver Combination Land Mobile Communications FM or PM Equip-ment, 25-1000 MHz"

Also adopted for the controlled testing of the Firefighters' Communica-

tion Transceiver hardware are the paragraphs and subparagraphs of EIA Standard

RS-316-B. An outline of EIA Standard RS-316-B, Sections 2-5 is included in

this report as Appendix A.

The prototype radio assemblies developed under this program should be

tested using widely recognized standards for testing portable/personnel land

mobile radios. Most of the technical performance characteristics of the radio

will be tested in a laboratory setting in the first phase. These technical

characteristics are more or less covered by various available standards. Some

examples of standards or organizations whose standards have been used to

evaluate portable UHF transceivers similar to the fireground radio are

presented in Table 1 below.

Table 1Standards Which Have Been Used To Test Portable

UHF Transceivers and Transceiver Subsystems

TRANSCEIVER/SUBSYSTEM TEST FUNCTION

1. Transmitter/Receiver CombinationPerformance

2. Battery Pack/Internal Componentsintrinsic safety

ORGANIZATION/STANDARD

3. Radio/Battery Pack shock andvibration resistance

4. Radio/Battery Pack weather proofing

5. Rechargeable Battery Pack per-formance

EIA Standard RS-316-B May 1979

a) Factory Mutual ResearchCorporation, "IntrinsicallySafe Apparatus and AssociatedApparatus for Class 1,Division 1, Hazardous Loca-tions

b) NFPA Standard 493

EIA Standard RS-316-B May 1979

MIL STD 810-C (Driven rain test)

United Laboratories

The Firefighters' Communication System and Subsystem tests identified by

this minimum set of standards are to be superceded by more extreme fireground

requirements where ever greater performance was called for in the list of

desirable radio characteristics. Examples of more extreme requirements in-

clude:

1. Temperature extremes found inside the turnout coat or fully

encapsulated suit y_s standard temperature.

2. Full waterproof testing vs standard humidity.

The complete version of EIA Standard RS-316-B is incorporated by

reference as part of the controlled laboratory testing of the Fireground

Communications System Device. The standard is available from the EIA at the

following address:

Electronic Industries AssociationEngineering DepartmentStandards Sales Office2001 I Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20006Phone: (202) 457-4966

The test methods used to execute the test plan will be those explicitly

identified in EIA Standard RS-316-B or the other recognized methods identified

for the qualification testing of 450-512 MHz land mobile transmitter/receiver

combinations. Alternative test methods can be used when it can be shown that

excessive costs will be incurred in providing the test apparatus needed for

the test method identified. If a test method can be developed and shown to be

more suitable than the method specified in this test plan it may be

substituted as an alternative test method upon the written approval of NASA.

To gauge the variability in the capacity of fabricated Fireground Radios

to meet or exceed stated performance specifications it is recommended than ten

(10) units be put through the same battery of controlled laboratory tests.

The standard deviations for the measured properties will provide useful in-

formation on the repeatability in device fabrication techniques.

V. Testing the Intrinsic Electrical Safety of the Device

A major test procedure to be applied to the Firefighters' Communication

System device is the test for the intrinsic safety of the device under

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 493. NFPA Standard 493

establishes the "Standard for Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated

Apparatus for use in Class I, II, and III, Division 1 Hazardous Locations."

Classes I, II, and III represent degrees of hazard for locations under the

National Electrical Code. Hazardous location Class I is the most dangerous.

New Firefighters' Communications System devices must be shown to provide at a

minimum the same intrinsically safe quality of portable communication devices

currently in use. Current U.S. Coast Guard portable/personal transmitter/

receiver combinations carry a label stating that the devices are

"Intrinsically Safe for Class I, Division 1, Groups C & D."

The U.S. Coast Guard need for intrinsic safety in their portable/personal

transceivers follows from the dangers of explosive atmospheres often produced

by hazardous materials incidents. Lower explosive limit (LEL) and permissible

explosive limit (PEL) for various hazardous materials is used by the Coast

Guard in determining a response to a hazardous material incident. Another

Coast Guard measure of hazardous atmospheres is the determination of

"Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH)." In the presence of this type of

atmosphere, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and fully encapsulated

10

suits are donned to protect the guardsman. Such situations require a con-

tinuous positive facepiece-to-face seal for the SCBA. Any microphone sub-

system, whether contact or bone conduction, must never cause or contribute to

a break in the facepiece-to-face seal or in a break in the closure of the

fully encapsulated suit.

VI. Operational Testing Critical Issues

The Operational Testing of the Fireground Radio Communication System will

be divided into six broad types of critical test issues. Effective treatment

of these issues will provide a thorough coverage of all areas of concern to

the firefighter or the strike team member. The six types of critical issues

include:

1. Mission performance

2. Human factors, safety, health

3. Survivability

4. Reliability, availability, maintainability

5. Training

6. Interoperability

Table 2 lists the six types of critical issues along with associated sets

of performance attributes and the criteria for measuring the issues.

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19

VII. Field Tests of the Fireground Communication System

The operational testing of the Fireground Communication System in the

field will entail the use of two test documents, an annotated communications

log and the post-incident survey questionnaire. The communications log will

be maintained by the communications aide(s) to the overall incident commander.

The communications aide in conjunction with front-line personnel will

coordinate for the pre-donning checkout of radio units during the breakout of

equipment. The pre-donning checkout consists of a check test of all fire-

ground radio controls, switches, indicators, and connectors. The radio

elements to be tested include:

1. Antenna connection2. Battery connection3. Battery light4. Busy lamp5. Channel selection switch (6 settings)6. Power/volume switch7. Receiver squelch8. Mode selection switch (3 settings)9. Speakers10. Microphone connection11. Microphone(s)

Simple voice transmit and receive tests will be conducted between pairs of

radio units as part of pre-donning checkout. Any malfunctioning radio will be

replaced by a working unit and the identification and apparent source of the

unit's malfunction will be recorded and later verified. A running log of

modes of failure will be maintained through the operational field testing.

The results of the malfunction log will be tabulated and used to identify

areas of unacceptable subsystem performance.

The resources used to execute the operational field tests include the

response team personnel, the firefighters protective ensemble (including fully

encapsulated suits where called for), six to ten fireground radio units,

20

self-contained breathing apparatus, and all appropriate supporting equipment

(i.e. ladders, hoses, hand tools, fire suppression equipment, etc.). The

response team is divided between the members of a command post and the fire-

ground personnel.

The members of the command post includes the overall incident commander,

sector officers, (responsible for specific areas of the fireground or specific

fire ground functions) and aides. If small response teams are used for

operational testing of the fireground radio the overall incident commander

(i.e. fireground commander, site safety officer, local on-scene coordinator)

will be directly in the communications test loop. This commander is supported

by a communications aide who logs the voice transactions involved in the

operational test. If a large response team and up to ten (10) radios are

involved in the test the commander may delegate communications

responsibilities wholly to sector officers. A large test team may require an

additional assistant to share the work load of the communications aide. The

minimum field test team should consist of six people, two (2) fireground entry

people, two (2) backups for the entry pair, one commander or officer, and one

communications aide. Each test team member is provided with a radio unit. In

both training exercises and real incident scenarios different functional

communications modes are allocated among the channels available. Standard

fire ground communications procedures and scripts will be prepared for each

functional communications mode, for example ladder company communications vs

rescue company or hazarouds materials team communications. Local department

custom will determine the specific format of messages and responses between

front-line firefighters, between firefighters and command posts, and between

firefighters and fire suppression apparatus personnel. Development of com-

munications procedures will be the responsibility of the communications

21

officer who would also select the operators for each of the frequencies used

in an exercise or incident. Among the procedures that must be established as

part of the test exercise are:

1) Procedures for operation on the channels available,

2) Procedures for testing the fire ground communications readi-ness of the front-line personnel,

3) Procedures for logging the time and contents of communica-tions,

4) Procedures for logging the status and location of committedpersonnel and equipment.

The operational field test protocol consists essentially of recording

observations of the availability and clarity of communications over the course

of an incident response. In both training exercises and real incident re-

sponses the necessary additional communications monitoring personnel must be

provided by the fire department or Coast Guard strike team. The com-

munications aide and any assistants will record a running log of fire ground

communications using the format or a similar format to that in Figure 4. The

first page of the field test communications log contains a header section for

recording the identifying characteristics of a given test. This includes

entries for the test number, test scenario and location, and the makeup of the

communications test team. The rest of the body of the log form and subsequent

pages of the log includes entries for the time and durations of com-

munications, the channel used, the radio unit or team member called or

calling, a message code number or summary, and indications of loud/weak and

clear/distorted communications. While the communications environment for any

given field exercise or live incident may produce conditions that outstrip the

capabilities of the proposed firefighters communication system a general goal

for transmission/reception clarity as stated in Table 2 is a 95% probability

22

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of intelligible reception of any 5 second voice message transmission. This

degree of satisfactory reception can be verified by tabulating the proportion

of clear communications recorded in the Command Post Radio Communications Log.

Communications which are too weak to be intelligible will be recorded as being

distorted.

Calling and answering procedures will be established by the

communications officer in preparation for a field test. Typical communica-

tions included in the field test would be test transmissions and radio checks.

To establish a communications link the calling party might proceed as follows:

a. The caller listens to make sure that the calling fre-

quency is not busy. When not busy, the caller turns on the

transmitter and should say:

"(Unit or Firefighter Called), THIS IS(Name or unit number of calling party),OVER"

b. The reply to the initial call should be:

"(Name of calling party), THIS IS(Name or unit number of answering party),OVER"

If the calling frequency is different from the working

frequency the initial calling party will request the called

part to SHIFT to the working frequency. Once communication is

reestablished on the working frequency the calling part can

transmit a formal message.

24

c. The message transmission, which omits the name of the

party called, should be:

"THIS IS, (Name or unit number of calling party),(The message), OVER"

d. After receiving the transmission, the called party re-

plies:

"THIS IS, (Name of party called),(The response to the message),OVER"

e. A further response is made if necessary, otherwise the

transmission is concluded as follows:

"THIS IS, (Name or unit number of callingparty), OUT"

f. The called party will also conclude with:

"THIS IS, (Name or unit number of calledparty), OUT."

If a test transmission is to be performed, the transmitting party first

listens to make certain that the frequency on which the test is to be made is

not busy. Usually permission is obtained prior to making a test.

g. Permission to make a test is obtained by saying:

"THIS IS, (Name or unit number of party testing),TEST"

25

h. If the reply "WAIT" is not received from the answering

party, the party testing may proceed with the test by saying:

"THIS IS (Name or unit number of party testing),TESTING, (A number count or other phraseology whichwill not confuse listeners and of not more than 10seconds duration), (Name or unit number of partytesting), (Location and if appropriate, status, ofthe testing party at the time the test is made),OUT"

In addition to transmission field tests another major communications test

performed frequently during field exercises and live incidents is the radio

check. Requests for radio checks are made directly to each specific fire-

ground radio unit. The party requesting the radio check first establishes

communications as indicated above.

i. After properly establishing contact, the calling party

should say:

"HOW DO YOU HEAR ME?"

j. The proper response to the radio check request is as

follows:

"I HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR," or"I HEAR YOU WEAK BUT CLEAR," or"YOU ARE LOUD BUT DISTORTED," etc.

This procedure is repeated for all radio units operating under various con-

ditions and at different locations on the fireground to determine the op-

erational performance of the communications system in actual use. Simple

radio check type messages like those indicated above can be used or more

detailed observations of fireground radio performance can be used for the

message traffic between firefighters and the communications personnel in the

26

command post. In all field tests the major burden for observing and recording

the presence and quality of clear lines of communciation will fall on command

post personnel. Adequate numbers of recorders and procedures for allocating

transmission and reception traffic among the recorders must be provided.

VIII. Post-Incident Survey Questionnaire

It is inevitable that some if not many of the field test events that

represent failures of the fireground radio system will not be captured and

recorded through messages to communications personnel at the command post. In

order to obtain the additional observations of the personnel actively engaged

in hazardous material or firefighting activities a post-incident survey

questionnaire will be used. The questionnaire will contain items that

correspond directly to the critical operational test issues included in Table

2 of this report. The questionnaire will be administered to all fireground

personnel that were supplied with a fireground radio for use in either a field

training exercise or a live incident. The questionnaire will at a minimum

provide for the following types of questions:

Mi ss i o [^Performance

1) Did your radio transmit and receive satisfactorily up to the

600 meter range limit under relatively unimpeded conditions?

2) If operated in a steel/concrete building structure did your

radio perform reliably at up to a 10-story separation between

you and another radio unit?

3) What conditions did you find that seriously degraded the range

of satisfactory communications?

27

4) Did your radio unit operate successfully in all three available

modes: voice-actuated; push-to-talk; receive only?

5) Was your voice transmission verified in the PIT and VOX modes

by a clear sidetone signal?

6) Did all six (6) channels available on your radio operate

properly?

7) Were received communications loud and clear under relatively

unimpeded conditions for the stated range of the radio unit?

8) In your estimate what was the percentage of intelligible

receptions out of all receptions received by you?

9) In general, did the radio unit perform up to the level that you

expected from what you were told? If it did not, why not?

10) What are your dissatisfactions with the radio, if any, in terms

of mission performance?

Human Factors, Safety, Health

11) Did the method for wearing the various elements of the radio

restrict your physical motions?

12) Did the method for wearing the radio interfere with other

necessary protective garments or equipment?

13) Did the method for wearing the radio interfere with the

mask-to-face seal of breathing apparatus?

14) Are the controls of the radio placed so that you can operate

them by hand inside your protective outer garment?

28

15) Are the volume and push-to-talk controls operable with heavy

gloves?

16) Are don and doff times for the radio system sufficiently short?

17) When fully outfitted and wearing the radio were you able to

climb, reach, twist and crawl using both hands?

18) Did you ever find that you were at risk of personal injury due

to the protrusion of the external controls or other external

parts of the radio?

19) What are your dissatisfactions with the radio, if any, in terms

of human factors, safety, and health?

Survivability

20) Did the manner in which the radio is worn ever expose the unit

directly to destructive fireground elements?

21) Have you developed any impressions of the durability of the

fireground radio? If so what are they?

22) Have you found that the radio unit accepts normal fireground

impacts and handling while continuing to operate normally?

23) What are your dissatisfactions with the radio, if any, in terms

of survivability?

Reliability, Availability, Maintainability

24) What has been your experience as to the reliability of major

radio parts such as:

a) the battery pack

b) the controls and activation elements

29

c) the antennas

d) wires

e) connectors?

25) Did you find that the battery power supply gave you at least 2

hours continuous operation from full charge?

26) Did the complete radio system and especially the microphone

and/or voice pick up elements of the radio remain in place

providing a positive line of communications throughout your

period of activity on the fireground? If not explain the

causes of the problem in detail?

27) Did a failure in any of the following radio subsystems cause a

loss of a line of communication during your period of activity

on the fireground:

a) voice pickup

b) battery

c) radio controls

d) antenna?

28) What are your dissatisfactions with the radio, if, any in terms

of reliability, availability, and maintainability?

Training

29) Is the operator's manual clearly written and easy to under-

stand?

30) Is the operation of the fireground radio compatible with

existing portable radio operating procedures?

30

Interoperability

31) Did you find that the fireground radio could be operated satis-

factorily in conjunction with the rest of the protective fire-

fighting ensemble?

32) In your opinion is the fireground radio compatible with exist-

ing and near-term planned firefighting/hazardous material

systems and subsystems? If not please explain.

33) What are your dissatisfactions with the radio, if any, in terms

of interoperability?

IX. Conclusions and Recommendations for Field Test Implementation

Interviews with firefighting professionals and members of the Atlantic

Strike Team of the U. S. Coast Guard National Strike Force have identified the

key issues of concern for the operational field testing of the Firefighters'

Communication Transceiver. The key test issues in order of priority are:

1) The verification of the intrinsic safety of the radio

2) The non-interference of the radio with facemasks and breathingapparatus

3) Very high availability of a clear line of communications toother radio units (this is considered to be primarily a func-tion of the reliability of the voice/microphone interface)

4) Reliable hands free operation

5) Human factors performance of the radio in terms of ease ofoperation, security of control settings from accidental switch-ing, compact size, light weight, etc.

6) Technical performance of the radio in terms of range, noisesuppression, power levels, etc.

31

The intrinsic safety and technical performance of the radio are best tested

using appropriate published standards under controlled laboratory conditions.

The radio features that impact the firefighter's confidence in having a re-

liable line of communications during his time on the fireground are best

tested during training exercises and ultimately during live incidents. Two

recording documents have been identified as providing the necessary vehicles

for documenting the field performance of the firefighter's communication

transceiver. The first is a communications log for recording all communica-

tions that occur during a field test with provisions for recording observa-

tions on the reliability and quality of the lines of communication. The

second recording document is a post-incident survey questionnaire which is

completed by all fireground personnel assigned a fireground radio in the

course of a field test. The results of the questionnaire are evaluated to

identify elements of the Firefighters' Communication Transceiver which will

require further improvements.

Comments made by many of the individuals contacted indicated there is

great interest among fire departments and the Coast Guard Strike Teams in

field testing an improved fireground radio. There should be no problem in

finding groups to participate in the implementation of the Firefighters'

Communication Transceiver field test.

32

APPENDIX A

Outline of EIA Standard RS-316-B May 1979

Sections 2 through 5

Minimum Standards for Portable/Personal Radio Transmitters,

Receivers, and Transmitter/Receiver Combination Land Mobile

Communications FM or PM Equipment, 25-1000 MHz

OPERATIONAL TEST ISSUE OR ITEM

2. Standard Test Conditions

2.1 Definition

2.2 Specific Standard Test Conditions

2.2.1 Standard Temperature, Relative Humidity

and Barometric Pressure

2.2.2 Standard Test Modulation

2.2.3 Rated System Deviation

2.2.4 Standard Test Voltage

2.2.5 Standard RF Signal Sources

2.2.5.1 Standard Integral RF Signal Sources

2.2.5.2 Standard External RF Signal Sources

2.2.6 Standard Audio Input Signal Source

2.2.6.1 Standard Audio Integral Signal Source

2.2.6.2 Standard Audio External Signal Source

2.2.7 Standard RF Output Load

2.2.7.1 Standard Integral RF Output Load

2.2.7.2 Standard External RF Output Load

2.2.7.3 Standard Integral Audio Output Load

2.2,1 A Standard External Audio Output Load

2.2.8 Standard Squelch Adjustment

2.2.9 Standard Modulation Adjustment

2.2.10 Standard Test Receiver

2.2.11 Standard Deviation Monitor

2.3 Standard Duty Cycle

2.3.1 Standard Duty Cycle for Equipment Containing

a Transmitter and a Receiver

A-2

PAGE NUMBER

LOCATION IN

STANDARD

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

3

3

3

3

3

3

OPERATIONAL TEST ISSUE OR ITEM

3. Items Pertinent to Receiver

3.1 Audio Power Output and Harmonic Distortion

3.2 Acoustic Audio Power Output

3.3 Audio Frequency Response

3.4 Audio Sensitivity

3.5 Hum and Noise Ratio

3.6 Usable Sensitivity

3.7 Quieting Sensitivity

3.8 Alerting Sensitivity

3.9 Average Radiation Sensitivity

3.10 Audio Squelch Sensitivity

3.11 Squelch Blocking

3.12 Receiver Attack Time

3.13 Receiver Squelch Closing Time

3.14 Usable Bandwidth

3.15 Adjacent Channel Selectivity and Desensitization

3.16 Spurious Response Attenuation

3.17 Conducted Spurious Output Signals

3.18 Intermodulation Spurious Response Attenuation

3.19 Temperature Range

3.20 High Humidity

3.21 Power Supply Voltage Range

PAGE NUMBER

LOCATION IN

STANDARD

4

4

4

4

5

5

5

6

6

6

7

8

8

8

8

9

9

10

10

10

11

11

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OPERATIONAL TEST ISSUE OR ITEM

4. Items Pertinent to Transmitter

4.1 Carrier Power Output

4.2 Average Radiated Power Output

4.3 Acoustic Microphone Sensitivity

4.4 Modulation Limiting

4.5 Audio Frequency Response

4.6 Audio Frequency Distortion

4.7 FM Hum and Noise Level

4.8 AM Hum and Noise Level

4.9 Transmitter Carrier Attack Time

4.10 Radiated Spurious Emissions

4.11 Transmitter Sideband Spectrum

4.12 Conducted Spurious Emissions

4.13 Carrier Frequency Stability

4.14 Temperature Range

4.15 High Humidity

4.16 Power Supply Voltage Range

5. Items Pertinent to Package and Power Source

5.1 Size

5.2 Weight

5.3 Minimum Power Supply Life

5.4 Incidental and Restricted Radiation

5.5 Vibration Stability

5.6 Shock Stability

PAGE NUMBER

LOCATION IN

STANDARD

11

11

12

13

13

13

14

14

14

15

15

15

16

17

17

18

18

18

18

19

19

19

20

20

A-4

APPENDIX B

Exerpt from Factory Mututal Research Intrinsic Safety Standard

Approval Standard - Intrinsically Safety Apparatus

and Associated Apparatus for Use in Class I, II and III

Divison 1, Hazardous Locations

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APPROVAL STANDARD

INTRINSICALLY SAFE APPARATUS

AND

ASSOCIATED APPARATUS

FOR

J USE IN CLASS I, II AND III

._ DIVISION 1, HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

CLASS NUMBER 3610

OCTOBER 1979

Factory Mutual Research1151 Boston-Providence TurnpikeNorwood Massachusetts 02062

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HOW TO APPLY FOR INTRINSIC SAFE EXAMINATIONS

Send a letter requesting an examination addressed to:

Instrumentation Section ManagerFactory Mutual Research Corporation1151 Boston-Providence TurnpikeNorwood, Massachusetts 02062

The letter should indicate the Class(s), Division(s) and Group(s) forthe hazardous locations you wish the examination to cover.

One copy of the following documentation should be submitted, logicallyorganized and neatly assembled into an indexed bound package.

(a) A complete list of all models and options by Class, Division andGroup.

(b) A list of major or specific use application of the equipment.(c) A system block diagram showing the location (i.e., hazardous or non-

hazardous location) and inter-connection of equipment.(d) Installation, operation, and maintenance instructions.(e) Circuit physical layout drawing(s), schematic(s), and parts list(s).(f) Assembly drawings showing overall physical separation of safe and

unsafe circuits if not shown in circuit layout drawing.| (g) Drawings, specifications, and source control information for all pro-— tective components.

(h) Quality control documentation, and test procedures for all protectivecomponents and assemblies.

(i) Drawing(s) showing proposed labels to be applied to final product(s).(j) If available, test report(s) by internationally recognized testing

laboratories (e.g., CSA, PTB, BASEEFA).

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Title

I INTRODUCTION

II SCOPE 3

2.1 Application 32.2 Requirements 32.3 Mechanisms of Ignition 32.4 Applicability of Other Standards 3

HI DEFINITIONS 5

3.1 Associated Apparatus 53.2 Clearance Distance 53.3 Creepage Distance 53.4 Fault 53.5 Fuse Protected Shunt Diode Barrier Assembly 53.6 Fusible-Resistor Protected Shunt Diode Barrier 53.7 Internal Wiring 53.8 Intrinsically Safe Apparatus 53.9 Intrinsically Safe Circuit 63.10 Normal Operation 63.11 Protective Component or Assembly 63.12 Resistor Protected Shunt Diode Barrier Assembly 63.13 Shunt Diode Barrier Assembly 63.14 Supply Voltage 6

IV EVALUATION OF INTRINSIC SAFETY 7

4.1 Fundamental Requirements 74.2 Normal Operation 74.3 Fault Conditions 8

V ENTITY CONCEPT EVALUATION 9

5.1 Concept 9

VI CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS 10

6.1 Creepage and Clearance Distances 106.2 Encapsulation 116.3 Field Wiring Connections 126.4 Internal Wiring Conductors 12

VII PROTECTIVE COMPONENTS 14

7.1 General 147.2 Transformers 147.3 Damping Winding 157.4 Current-limiting Resistors 157.5 Blocking Capacitors 157.6 Shunt Protective Components Fitted to

Inductive Elements 157.7 Shunt Diode Barrier Assemblies 16

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[VIII OTHER COMPONENT REQUIREMENTS 18

8.1 Derating of Discrete Components 18 __8.2 Plug-in Boards and Components 18 T8.3 Relays 18 L8.4 Cells and Batteries 18

IX PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING IGNITION CAPABILITY . 22 [_

9.1 General 22 «-9.2 Procedures 22 I9.3 Maximum Voltage and Current Levels 229.4 Sources of Ignition 229.5 Maximum Temperature 23 |

X PROCEDURE FOR TESTING TO DETERMINE IGNITION CAPABILITY 24

XI APPARATUS FOR CLASS II AND CLASS III LOCATIONS 25 L11.1 Requirements 25 .-11.2 Specific Requirements for Intrinsic Safety 25 I11.3 Dust-Tight Enclosures 25

XII TEST PROCEDURES 27 f

12.1 Tests for Protective Transformers 2712.2 Current-Limiting Resistors 28 f12.3 Shunt Diode Protective Barrier Assembly Tests 28 ]_12.4 Temperature Tests 2912.5 Small Component Thermal Ignition Test 31 f

12.6 Dielectric Tests 32 I12.7 Mechanical Tests 33 L

12.8 Battery Ejection Drop Test 3312.9 Dust-Tight Enclosure Test 33 T12.10 Dust Blanketing Temperature Test 33 L

XIII SPARK IGNITION TEST 35 r

13.1 General Requirements 3513.2 Factors 35

XIV MARKING 36 "•

14.1 Intrinsically Safe Apparatus 36 T14.2 Associated Apparatus 36 I14.3 Intrinsically Safe and Associated Apparatus

Optional Markings 36 i14.4 Marking Intrinsically Safe Connections 37 J14.5 Marking Battery-Powered Apparatus 3714.6 Entity Concept Markings 3714.7 Factory Mutual Approval Mark 38 [14.8 Marking Permanency 38 '14.9 Marking Abbreviations 3814.10 Marking Drawings 38 I

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JAPPENDIX A Additional Information 39

J APPENDIX B Ignition Voltage and Current Curves 44

APPENDIX C Procedure for Spark Test Apparatus . 53

APPENDIX D Entity Concept Examination Procedure 57

T APPENDIX E Reproduction Art:-J Factory Mutual Approval Marks 59

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1151 Boston-Providence TurnpikeNorwood. Massachusetts 02062

Class No. 3610October 1979

APPROVAL STANDARD

INTRINSICALLY SAFE APPARATUS

AND

ASSOCIATED APPARATUS

FOR

USE IN CLASS I, II AND III

DIVISION 1, HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

NOTICE: The asterisk following the subsection numbersignifies that explanatory material on thatparagraph appears in Appendix A.

I INTRODUCTION

1.1 This standard serves as the basis for Factory Mutual approval ofintrinsically safe apparatus and associated apparatus. This standardprovides requirements for the construction and testing of electricalapparatus, or parts of such apparatus, whose circuits are incapable ofcausing ignition in Division 1 hazardous locations as defined in Article 500of the National Electrical Code, NFPA-70.

1.2 Intrinsically safe apparatus and associated apparatus (includingwiring) is apparatus in which any spark or thermal effect, produced eithernormally or in specified fault conditions, is incapable, under the testconditions prescribed in this standard, of causing ignition of a specifiedmixture of flammable or combustible material in air.

1.3 Factory Mutual approval is based on satisfactory evaluation ofthe product and manufacturer in the following major areas:

1.3.1 Examination and tests to evaluate: (1) the suitability ofthe product; (2) the operation and performance of the product as required byFactory Mutual and, as far as practical; (3) the durability and reliabilityof the product.

1.3.2 Periodic examination of the manufacturing facilities toevaluate: (1) the manufacturer's ability to produce the product as examinedand approved; (2) the quality control procedures applied to the product; and(3) the marking procedures which shall be used to identify the product.

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1.4 Continued approval is based upon: (1) production or availability Lof the product as currently approved; (2) the continued use of acceptablequality control procedures; and (3) satisfactory field experience. r

1.5 The requirements of this standard identify Factory Mutual approvaltests and practices. Devices which do not conform to these requirements _may be approved if they meet the intent of this standard. Conversely, Ithose that do conform may not be approved if other conditions prevail. *•

1.6 The construction, tests and marking required by this standard fcorrespond, in general, to the National Fire Protection Association standard Lfor Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus For Use In Class I, IIand III. Division 1 Hazardous Locations. NFPA - 493 (1978) .NFPA-493was the result of extensive committee activity and analysis, coupled closelywith previous work done by the Instrument Society of America and the InternationalElectrotechnical Commission.

-'-Available from National Fire Protection Association, 470 Atlantic Ave.,Boston, MA 02210

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FACTORY MUTUAL RESEARCH CORPORATION

3610

2.1* APPLICATION

This standard shall apply to:(1) Apparatus or parts of apparatus in Class I, II or III, Division 1

locations as defined by the National Electrical Code, NFPA-70.

Note: Section S00-2(a) of NFPA 70-1978, National Electrical Code, statesthat equipment approved for Division 1 locations shall be permitted inDivision 2 locations of the same class and group.

(2) Associated apparatus located outside of the Class I, II or III,Division 1 location whose design and construction may influence the intrinsicsafety of an electrical circuit within the Class I, II or III, Division 1location.

2.2* REQUIREMENTS

These requirements are based on consideration of ignition in locationsmade hazardous by the presence of flammable or combustible material undernormal atmospheric conditions.

2.2.1 For the purposes of this standard, normal atmosphericconditions are considered to be:

(1) An ambient temperature of 40°C (104°F) ;(2) An oxygen concentration not greater than 21 percent; and(3) A pressure of one atmosphere.

2.3 MECHANISMS OF IGNITION

2.3.1 This standard does not cover mechanisms of ignition fromexternal sources such as static electricity or lightning, which are notrelated to the electrical characteristics of the apparatus. However, thepossibility of static charge on polymeric materials and ungrounded metalparts shall be considered during the approval examination.

2.3.2 This standard does not cover apparatus based on highvoltage electrostatic principles (i.e., electrostatic paint spraying).

2.4 APPLICABILITY OF OTHER STANDARDS

2.4.1 Except where modified by the requirements of this standard,intrinsically safe and associated apparatus shall comply with the applicablerequirements for ordinary locations, in accordance with FM Approval Standard3820.1

3another example of requirements for ordinary locations, see ANSI C39.5

Safety Requirements for Electrical And Electronic Measuring and ControllingInstrumentation, available from the American National Standards Institute,1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018

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3610 Page 4

Ipor guidance on installation, see ANSI/ISA RP12.6, Installation of IntrinsicallySafe Instrument Systems in Class I Hazardous Locations, available from the

Instrument Society of America, 400 Stanwix St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

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L[Exception: Circuits operating below extra-low voltage or limited-power

are not included in the scope of FM Approval Standard 3820.Extra-low and limited-power circuits are defined as: • f

Extra-Low Voltage Circuit

An extra-low voltage circuit is one in which the maximum voltage ][.measured between the conductor or part in question and its associatedcircuit common is not more than 30 V rms (sine wave) or 60 V dc. _.

FLimited-Power Circuit

A limited-power circuit is one in which the maximum power available rffrom the circuit does not exceed 150 watts as measured by a watt meter and !L-an external test resistor connected in parallel to the circuit load afterone minute. w

12.4.1.1 Intrinsically Safe Apparatus or Associated Apparatus

which have one or more circuits operating above and below the specified levelsfor extra-low voltage or limited power circuits are subject to the requirements Iof FM Standard 3820 from two aspects. In these cases, the requirements are ^~applicable only to the circuits or parts of a circuit that exceed the specifiedlevels and between those that do and those that do not exceed the specified levels. fThis is to assure that the required degree of protection against electrical shock Land fire is provided where necessary and that the inherent protection affordedby the below limit circuits is not compromised. This concept also applies to requipment or accessories rated for connection to other circuits for measuring Ipurposes, etc. and exceeding the specified levels for extra-low voltage andlimited power circuits.

2.4.1.2 Whether circuits are extra-low voltage or power •limited is determined by measurement.

2.4.2 Associated apparatus and circuits shall..conform to the \,requirements of the location in which they are installed .

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III DEFINITIONS

3.1 ASSOCIATED APPARATUS

Apparatus in which the circuits are not necessarily intrinsicallysafe, but which affect the energy in the intrinsically safe circuits andare relied upon to maintain intrinsic safety.

3.2 CLEARANCE DISTANCE

The shortest distance measured in air between conductive parts.

3.3 CREEPAGE DISTANCE

The shortest distance measured over the surface of insulation betweenconductive parts. Air gaps less than 0.04 in. (1 mm) are not considered tointerrupt the surface.

3.4 FAULT

I A defect or electrical breakdown of any component, spacing, or insulationwhich alone or in combination with other faults may adversely affect theelectrical or thermal characteristics of the intrinsically safe circuit.If a defect or breakdown leads to defects or breakdowns in other components,the primary and subsequent defects and breakdowns are considered to be asingle fault.

1 3.5 FUSE PROTECTED SHUNT DIODE BARRIER ASSEMBLY

See definition under protective component or assembly.

3.6 FUSIBLE-RESISTOR PROTECTED SHUNT DIODE BARRIER

See definition under protective component or assembly.

3.7 INTERNAL WIRING

Wiring and electrical connections that are made within the apparatusby the manufacturer. Within racks or panels, interconnections betweenseparate pieces of apparatus made in accordance with detailed instructionsfrom the apparatus' manufacturer are considered to be internal wiring.

3.8 INTRINSICALLY SAFE APPARATUS

Apparatus in which any spark or thermal effect, produced either normallyor in specified fault conditions, is incapable, under the test conditionsprescribed in this standard, of causing ignition of a specified mixture offlammable or combustible material in air. This apparatus is suitable foruse in Division 1 locations.

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3.9 INTRINSICALLY SAFE CIRCUIT {_

A circuit in which any spark or thermal effect, produced either normallyor in specified fault conditions, is incapable, under the test conditions .[prescribed in this standard, of causing ignition of a specified mixture of *•flammable or combustible material in air.

3.10 NORMAL OPERATION

Intrinsically safe apparatus or associated apparatus conforming electri-

T

cally and mechanically with its design specification. I

3.11 PROTECTIVE COMPONENT OR ASSEMBLY

A component or assembly which is so unlikely to become defective in a —manner that will lower the intrinsic safety of the circuit it may be considerednot subject to fault when analysis or tests for intrinsic safety are made. T~

3.11.1 Shunt Diode Barrier Assembly

A fuse or resistor protected diode barrier. I

3.11.2 Fuse Protected Shunt Diode Barrier Assembly

A network consisting of a fuse, voltage limiting shunt diodes and a *—current limiting resistor designed to limit current and voltage. The fuseprotects the diodes from open circuiting when high fault current flows. r

3.11.3 Resistor Protected Shunt Diode Barrier Assembly

A network that is similar to a fuse protected shunt diode barrier with Ithe exception that the fuse is replaced by a resistor. "

3.11.4 Fusible-Resistor Protected Shunt Diode Barrier Assembly T

A network that is similar to a fuse protected shunt diode barrier with theexception that the fuse is replaced by a fusible-resistor. r

3.12 RESISTOR PROTECTED SHUNT DIODE BARRIER ASSEMBLY

See definition under protective component or assembly. F

3.13 SHUNT DIODE BARRIER ASSEMBLYw

See definition under protective component or assembly. .-

3.14 SUPPLY VOLTAGE f

The nominal operating voltage applied by an external source to theapparatus or associated apparatus. r

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IV EVALUATION OF INTRINSIC SAFETY

4.1 FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1.1* Intrinsically safe apparatus, associated apparatus andcircuits shall meet the two basic requirements specified in 4.1.2 and4.2. Intrinsically safe apparatus with frequently operating contacts inparts of the apparatus likely to be exposed continuously or for long periodsto a flammable atmosphere should have such contacts provided with supplementaryprotective measures.

Examples of supplementary protective measures:

~! (a) Hermetically sealed enclosures of quality obtained by fusing_ glass;

(b) Protection by an explosion-proof enclosure;-j (c) Doubling of the factors applied on energy.

~" 4.1.2 The energy available in the hazardous location shall not_ be capable of igniting the hazardous atmospheric mixture specified in

I Appendix C2 due to arcing or temperature during normal operation or under—• fault conditions.

~| 4.2 NORMAL OPERATION

4.2.1 Normal operation shall include all of the following:

I (a) Supply voltage at maximum value. This maximum voltage to beapplied for normal operation tests shall be 1.1 times the manufacturer'sspecified nominal voltage for which the equipment has been designed.

J Note: Due to international interests of manufacturers and at their specificrequest Factory Mutual will examine equipment at 1.15 times the manufacturer's

•Tj specified nominal voltage.

—t (b) Environmental conditions within the ratings given for the apparatus-. or associated apparatus;* (c) Tolerances of all components in the combination that represents

the most unfavorable condition;(d) Adjustments at the most unfavorable settings;

"I (e) Opening, shorting, and grounding of the field wiring of the in-- trinsically safe circuit being evaluated.

-| Note: Opening means a complete separation of all strands of the wiring.

4.2.2* Normal operation shall include an additional factorfor test purposes of 1.5 on energy. Such factors shall be achievedaccording to the procedures outlined in Section 13.2. Before faults areintroduced the apparatus shall be in normal operation as specified inSection 4.2.

B-13

1

FACTORY MUTUAL RESEARCH CORPORATION

3610 Page 8

Note: Factors given in this standard differ from those published in theCanadian and CENELEC standards. This standard bases the 1.5 factor onenergy while other standards base the 1.5 factor on current or voltage, ,_which may result in a 2.25 factor on energy. Due to internationalinterests of manufacturers and at their specific request Factory Mutualwill examine equipment using the 1.5 factor on current or voltage.

4.3 FAULT CONDITIONS

4.3.1 Fault conditions shall include the following: r

(a) The most unfavorable single fault and any subsequent relatedfaults, with an additional factor of 1.5 applied to energy; _

(b) The most unfavorable combination of two faults and any subsequently Irelated faults, with no additional factor.

Such factors shall be achieved according to the procedures outlined pin Section 13.2. L

[

IrI'

rB-14

APPENDIX C

Currently Available Ear Microphone Products

TAD EARMICEAR MICROPHONE SYSTEMJUST WHISPER TO SPEAK WITH HIM MILES AWAY TAD EAR-MIC IS A UNIQUE 2 WAY COMMUNICATION DEVICE TO TALKAND LISTEN THROUGH YOUR EAR. IT PERMITS HAND-FREEOPERATION IN HIGH NOISE ENVIRONMENTSCOUPLED WITH TOUGH-LINE TAD RADIOS, THE EAR-MICALLOWS YOU TO OPERATE YOUR FIELD COMMUNICATIONSUNDER SEVERE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDINGEXTREME HIGH NOISE LEVELS, ABNORMAL TEMPERATURESVIBRATION AND SHOCK.

C-2

CHOICE OF THE PROFESSIONALS

THE TAD EAR-MIC HAS BEEN SPECIALLYDESIGNED TO PROVIDE CLEAR SPEECHCOMMUNICATIONS BY MEANS OF BONE-CONDUCTION. OUR BONE CONSTRUC-TION OF THE HUMAN HEAD IS SUCHTHAT VIBRATIONS OCCUR WHEN WESPEAK THROUGH VARIOUS RESONANTPOINTSFOR CONVENIENCE, IT IS POSSIBLE TOUSE A SINGLE TRANSDUCER FITTED INTHE EAR TO PROVIDE BY TRANSMISSIONAND RECEPTION OF SPEECH MESSAGES.

_ -Fire fighters and other rescure."personnel who need to wear

/protective face masks can com-' municate without the need to

use a separate microphone.

, Police forces and security services oftenrequire to use 2 way radio communica-tions unobtrusively in crowded areas.

In military training, the TAD ear-micallows personnel to communicate in awhisper with hands-free operation.

Radio operation within construction sites can beperformed easily and efficiently even in high noiseareas-

Operators of noisy machinery infactories have no difficulty in conversingwith each other by using ear-mic

- Forestry and mining industry find\ •» -the ear-mic beneficial in overcommmg

• \ \ dangerous situations which can cause•f 'i. \ serious injuries due to the inability to

•'- •' *• ' /'jcommunicate in noisy environments.

C-4

DESCRIPTIONS OF PARTS

CURL CORD

PERSONAL BARRELRUBBER ADJUSTERTER

AMPLIFIER WITH CLIP

FINGER SWITCH (PRESS TO TALK)

6I

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Range

RF Output

Number of Channel

I-ower Supply

Pocket Si7.eMedium Duty

Model ME100

15OMII7

lOOmW

1

24VDC

FCC/DOC ['ending

Pocket Si/eHeavy DutyWater ResislnntCrush Pnx>f

ME10OO

VIIF/UIIF

uploSW

up Io4

7 2/9 6VDCRechargeable Nicad Batten,*

FCC:/DOC TypeAccepted

Extra Heavy DulyWater ProofIntrinsically Saf*Crush Proof

M1S20SE

VIIF/UIIF

up 10 5W

up to 6

120VDCPack

Operation

Ambient Temperature - 10 - ^ 50

Ambient Noise [>e\'cl Sat

D u w n l i n n s l W x D x H I 75x23x 135mm(3 ' 7 / B x 5 - l / 2 m l

Weight 260gllOo7)

Press to talk Simplex or Semi Duplex

- 3 O - - 6 O - 3 0 - * 6 O

isfacton communication under 100 Horn1130 Horn with Ear Cover Pad)

70 x 37 x 125mm 72 x 52 x 184mmn 3/4 < 1 112 x 5m I (2-7/8 x 2 x 6 l/4m)

•4OOgll5o/l 780(2907)

TAD TAD^TAD AIV1ERICA CORPORATlOtSJ

amwMiMMNotnt <•.6H6AhunSlrc«' l f hun i l i l l n Haimil <IGH1<>WWil/mS/H-i Tlli 'v vn U7TA1MM

TAD CORPORATIONitardi'H ( cmrfs•221-1 S/i,ir<i S/nl>ui|n kit Thlo/i) /•>()Tl'/o 02-12 ,12-J'iTHi-plinm- •)«•) O2 )l Fm -)«=> 1)2 11

C-5

NEW — PRODUCT — RELEASEKAV-COM - A new technology concept that permits you

to transmit and receive through your ear.

KAV-COM permits clear voice transmission tobe sent and received through the earpiece. Thetransducer mounted in the ear picks up soundenergy through the otolarynx canal as the useris talking. These sounds are fed into an inter-face amplifier module which is an integral partof the KAV-COM unit. They are then trans-mitted through the users radio.

Custom molded to the individual users own ear,the earpiece snaps on or off of the KAV—COMtransducer module. This allows anyone withtheir own earpiece extensive flexibility and mo-bility when using the dynamic new KAV-COM.

The system can be installed in virtually anyVHP, UHF, or HF radio and when disconnectedfrom the radio, returns to it's former normaloperating mode and capability

KAV-COM'S ear to radio interface picks up minute sound energies from the otolarynx canal as theperson talks. These are amplified through a control module and transmitted through the user'sradio.

KAVCO Industries Inc.Sales Office- 416 East Alondra Blvd. • Gardena, CA 90248 • (818) 782-2902

Corporate Office: (213) 324-2401

KAV-COM

HISTORY

While the concept of throat and ear type micro-phones is not new, the constant problem associatedwith each, that of interference from outside ambientnoises with the basic voice range frequencies wastotally unacceptable and thus the concept wasvirtually discarded.The concept of a molded earpiece to reduceambient noise has been used successfully and wasaccepted as commonplace as well

However, the idea of plugging up the outside ear incombination with providing a miniature implantedtransducer unit, capable of both transmitting andlistening at different intervals was the real challenge

That challenge has been met and perfected byKAVCO Industries of Gardena, California with theintroduction of their new KAV-COM modular earadapter transceiver communications module

BASIC COMPONENTS

1. Earpiece - custom molded from an actual cast ofthe users own ear to assure complete comfortduring long hours of use as well as blocking out allunwanted ambient outside noises thus assuringquality audio reception and voice transmissionunequalkd by any s/stcrn available to date

2. Transducer - completely self contained microsystem designed to mate instantly with the aboveearpiece providing all necessary electronic inter-face between the configurations of the users ownear and the basic two way hand held or pocketcarried light-weight modern radio system.

3. Connector - unit provided to interface transducerwiring to actual radio unit This may be a side screwtype fastener adapter or the more common plug intype unit.

4. Amp-Mod Unit - this is the nerve/capsulatedmain control system of the KAV-COM successstory this mini/micro system, when connected tothe selected hand held radio enables that radio tofunction in every normal mode without the KAV-COM attached, and yet, by simply attaching theKAV-COM unit to the same radio function as anentirely new concept of ultra-light, hands free, non-cumbersome communications system

APPLICATIONS

Firefighters: If free flow airpack eliminates the maskmike, KAV-COM is now able to take up the slackKAV—COM allows you to talk and listen indepen-dent of any other equipment being worn

Law Enforcement (immigration, military, commer-cial uses of all types conceivable); Foot patrol - noidentifiable transmissions or loud audio to discloseposition Normal voice audio when transmittingSuspect interrogation - with non-obvious push-to-talk switch All conversations transmitted andrecorded if desired ONA calls pre-empted whennecessary

C-7

Undercover - worn inconspicuously in the ear with acord running down to radio When supplied withunder arm or sleeve cord push-to-talk switch com-munications can be completed with minimum inter-ference with other essential activitiesMotorcycle officers - being totally independent ofvehicle enables user to dismount and pursue on footwithout interruption of vital communications link.

Paramedic/Fire Jumpers, Etc. (aviation, commer-cial uses): Stability and function of your commu-nications system even when worn under crashhelmet is unsurpassed. It assures continualcommunications even during a normally disablinglanding

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C-10

APPENDIX D

Study Contacts

A number of individuals and organizations provided material, insights,

and recommendations that have been incorporated into this Firefighters

Communication System Operational Test Plan. Among the contributing

sources are:

Electronic Industries Association

Pete Bennett, Staff Vice-PresidentWashington, DC

Factory Mutual Research

Robert L. Martell, Jr., Manager, Instrumentation SectionNorwood, MA

Federal Communications Commission

Frank Coperich, Electrical EngineerColumbia, MD

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Joseph L. Bell, Electrical EngineerNASA Marshall Space Flight CenterHuntsville, AL

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

John Etherton, Explosive Atmospheres SpecialistMorgantown, WV

United States Coast Guard

Lt. S. Phil Glenn, Response OfficerMr. Lundburg, Strike Team MemberMr. Perkins, Strike Team MemberMr. Snyder, Strike Team MemberNational Strike ForceAtlantic Strike TeamElizabeth City, NC

Lt. JG Jeff Stull, R&D Officer HeadquartersWashington, DC

United States Fire Administration

Mr. Tom SmithNational Emergency Training CenterEmmitsburg, MD

D-2