During system development I conducted several tests from the ACS CommCenter to a group of selected ALE addresses placed in several locations up and down the state. A computer was used for a MANUAL automated "call." That took 1/2 hour for the computer-controlled radio to go through the process of trying to connect to each of the
stations. The same process with non-ALE could have been done in 2 minutes or less per station by a trained HF operator. My report said that such testing was inherently self-defeating and that such system testing should be reversed--that is, the link testing should occur from the other end; that is at the "slave" unit, not the "master," which is how the FEMA radio is TESTED manually. Later tests were more successful. This illustrates the need to set the system up in its most effective manner from a design standpoint.
Today, the OASIS System ALE program with the Motorola XF radio is under further study as a public-safety system. It was never designed as an ACS system although the ACS supports and operates public-safety systems when required. OES has acquired the newer MICOM 2E and it is being evaluated. The future of the HF radio ALE system for OASIS will likely depend on how it is considered in future plans, and whether legislative funding is available.
Harris ALE
State OES uses a Harris ALE radio that is funded and maintained by FEMA. It is rack-mounted in two six-foot-high cabinets in a separate vault from the State Warning Center. It is a 2500-watt radio using diversity receivers, internal modem, and data system. It is a technician's dream to service, with easily accessible components in pullout sections. The radio controller unit (the size of large amateur HF receiver) provides an error report coded to a manual that details what has failed for all units except the power supply.
While ALE can be operated from the radio itself, for day-to-day needs it is set for remote access. That remote access is a black push-button type telephone handset that sits on a console in the State Warning Center and the ACS Comm Center. Except for manual operations in non-ALE mode, the personnel need NOT go to the radio to use it for FEMA ALE contacts. They do NOT need to know how to operate the radio, only how to use a handset and dial the station-call codes.
To use the system the operator lifts the telephone handset and dials a three-number code, NOT the radio call sign. An internal radio controller selects the right channel and sends a signal over that channel to the called station. The handset at the called station rings, and the person lifts the handset and talks to the person calling via the radio. There is no operator at the radio; it is unattended and operates automatically pursuant to commands of the built-in controller unit.
Continues next bulletin.
Today, the OASIS System ALE program with the Motorola XF radio is under further study as a public-safety system. It was never designed as an ACS system although the ACS supports and operates public-safety systems when required. OES has acquired the newer MICOM 2E and it is being evaluated. The future of the HF radio ALE system for OASIS will likely depend on how it is considered in future plans, and whether legislative funding is available.
Harris ALE
State OES uses a Harris ALE radio that is funded and maintained by FEMA. It is rack-mounted in two six-foot-high cabinets in a separate vault from the State Warning Center. It is a 2500-watt radio using diversity receivers, internal modem, and data system. It is a technician's dream to service, with easily accessible components in pullout sections. The radio controller unit (the size of large amateur HF receiver) provides an error report coded to a manual that details what has failed for all units except the power supply.
While ALE can be operated from the radio itself, for day-to-day needs it is set for remote access. That remote access is a black push-button type telephone handset that sits on a console in the State Warning Center and the ACS Comm Center. Except for manual operations in non-ALE mode, the personnel need NOT go to the radio to use it for FEMA ALE contacts. They do NOT need to know how to operate the radio, only how to use a handset and dial the station-call codes.
To use the system the operator lifts the telephone handset and dials a three-number code, NOT the radio call sign. An internal radio controller selects the right channel and sends a signal over that channel to the called station. The handset at the called station rings, and the person lifts the handset and talks to the person calling via the radio. There is no operator at the radio; it is unattended and operates automatically pursuant to commands of the built-in controller unit.
Continues next bulletin.
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