Radio Repeater System
The Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council operates a two-way radio repeater system which provides communications throughout the canyon. It has a solar panel and a battery, which means that it will continue to function during a power outage. The funding for this came partly from a grant from the California Fire Foundation and partly from residents of the canyon.
Who can use this system?
The Fire Safe Council obtained a commercial frequency through the FCC which allows anyone with a commercial radio and the proper frequency to access the system. You do not need a license to be able to use the system. Those who want to use this system will need to buy a radio to participate and get trained on proper use.
What kind of radio do I need?
You will need a 5 Watt output, dual-band (VHF/UHF) radio. There are a number of sources, brands, and price points ($20-$250). If you want to buy local, Powerwerx in Yorba Linda (www.powerwerx.com) has a number of choices. In addition, they will program your radio with the proper frequency for this system. Just tell them you want the Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council frequencies.
How do I program my radio?
Radios with a screen will have a manual programming option, and all radios will have a computer programming option. But for the computer programming option you will need to purchase a cable and software ($40-$50). If you purchase the radio from Powerwerx they will program it for you. Let us know if you have questions or issues at [email protected].
The programming information is:
Receive Frequency – 452.18750
Transmit Frequency – 457.18750
Operating Mode – Narrow
Tone Mode – DCS or Digital
DCS Codes – 732
Transmit Power- High
I can’t tell if my radio is connecting to the repeater. What do I do?
- Contact us at [email protected] to arrange to have a second party online to confirm that your signal is being received and that you are receiving from the other party.
- Make sure the radio is charged, turned on, tuned to the correct channel, and that the volume is up.
- There are dead spots within the canyon that can vary at different times due to changing weather conditions. Remember that this system involves radio waves bouncing off canyon walls. Try going outside or trying the reception at different parts of your neighborhood. Let us know where you find dead spots and at what time of day. This is still something that we are mapping out.
How do I use this system?
The main point of having this system is for neighbors to be able to pass on good information and requests for help during an emergency, such as a wildfire or the aftermath of an earthquake. We need to use this system responsibly so as to provide help and information. During emergencies, members of our group will be monitoring the Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in both Brea and Chino Hills. This is NOT a place to spread unfounded rumors. Before you say something, consider the source of that information. Wrong information can get people hurt.
This is also about neighbor helping neighbor and using all of the resources of the canyon to be able to provide that help. This system is a privilege. We need to treat it as such, so that we don’t lose it because it is being abused or used improperly.
RADIO ETIQUETTE
We will be holding radio practice sessions in the near future. Stay tuned for emails. To get emails sign up for our email list at the bottom of our main page at www.carboncanyofsc.org.
- Hold the radio 2-3 inches from your mouth. If it is too far away you won’t be heard.
- After you press the Press-To-Talk (PTT) button wait a second or two before you start talking to allow the connection to the repeater.
- Speak clearly and slowly.
- When you are finished talking release the PTT button.
- Wait for others to finish talking before you jump in.
- Keep your conversations short and to the point. This is not a party line. If you are talking, then no one else can talk.
- Above all, be respectful. The radio system will most often be used during a stressful time. Sometimes it helps to take a breath before responding.
Who can use this system?
The Fire Safe Council obtained a commercial frequency through the FCC which allows anyone with a commercial radio and the proper frequency to access the system. You do not need a license to be able to use the system. Those who want to use this system will need to buy a radio to participate and get trained on proper use.
What kind of radio do I need?
You will need a 5 Watt output, dual-band (VHF/UHF) radio. There are a number of sources, brands, and price points ($20-$250). If you want to buy local, Powerwerx in Yorba Linda (www.powerwerx.com) has a number of choices. In addition, they will program your radio with the proper frequency for this system. Just tell them you want the Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council frequencies.
How do I program my radio?
Radios with a screen will have a manual programming option, and all radios will have a computer programming option. But for the computer programming option you will need to purchase a cable and software ($40-$50). If you purchase the radio from Powerwerx they will program it for you. Let us know if you have questions or issues at [email protected].
The programming information is:
Receive Frequency – 452.18750
Transmit Frequency – 457.18750
Operating Mode – Narrow
Tone Mode – DCS or Digital
DCS Codes – 732
Transmit Power- High
I can’t tell if my radio is connecting to the repeater. What do I do?
- Contact us at [email protected] to arrange to have a second party online to confirm that your signal is being received and that you are receiving from the other party.
- Make sure the radio is charged, turned on, tuned to the correct channel, and that the volume is up.
- There are dead spots within the canyon that can vary at different times due to changing weather conditions. Remember that this system involves radio waves bouncing off canyon walls. Try going outside or trying the reception at different parts of your neighborhood. Let us know where you find dead spots and at what time of day. This is still something that we are mapping out.
How do I use this system?
The main point of having this system is for neighbors to be able to pass on good information and requests for help during an emergency, such as a wildfire or the aftermath of an earthquake. We need to use this system responsibly so as to provide help and information. During emergencies, members of our group will be monitoring the Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in both Brea and Chino Hills. This is NOT a place to spread unfounded rumors. Before you say something, consider the source of that information. Wrong information can get people hurt.
This is also about neighbor helping neighbor and using all of the resources of the canyon to be able to provide that help. This system is a privilege. We need to treat it as such, so that we don’t lose it because it is being abused or used improperly.
RADIO ETIQUETTE
We will be holding radio practice sessions in the near future. Stay tuned for emails. To get emails sign up for our email list at the bottom of our main page at www.carboncanyofsc.org.
- Hold the radio 2-3 inches from your mouth. If it is too far away you won’t be heard.
- After you press the Press-To-Talk (PTT) button wait a second or two before you start talking to allow the connection to the repeater.
- Speak clearly and slowly.
- When you are finished talking release the PTT button.
- Wait for others to finish talking before you jump in.
- Keep your conversations short and to the point. This is not a party line. If you are talking, then no one else can talk.
- Above all, be respectful. The radio system will most often be used during a stressful time. Sometimes it helps to take a breath before responding.