Installation Guide

First InterComm ™ System Installation Guide
A29799 Page 1
November 2007
1.0 Introduction
The First InterComm™ System (FICS) allows first responders from different agencies at
an emergency incident to readily communicate with one another, even though their
radios operate on different frequencies; i.e., VHF, UHF or 800 MHz systems, both digital
and analog. The FICS can accommodate any new communication technologies,
including the 700-MHz bandwidth.
Only one vehicle from each on-scene department is required to have an installed FICS
unit to enable linking dissimilar radio networks. There is no requirement for special
equipment, stand-alone towers, or other costly infrastructure.
An optional capability included with the FICS is the Incident Commander Talkgroup
Control™ Software (ICTCS) that allows the Incident Commander (IC), using a standard
laptop computer with Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) capability, to monitor system status and to
control communications. The ICTCS significantly enhances the system, but is not
required for voice interoperability; the latter is provided by the VCA100 and associated
antennas alone.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated the FICS as a Qualified
Anti-Terrorism Technology under the SAFETY Act. The FICS Supports the National
Incident Management System (NIMS), and is included in the Memorial Institute for the
Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT) “Responder Knowledge Base” and the InterAgency
Board's (IAB) “Standard Equipment List” (SEL).
Finally, it is important to note that using the FICS does not require changes to your
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Rather, it provides day-to-day voice
interoperability at an incident scene, and offers improved coordination of on-site first
responder personnel.
This installation guide contains information for the proper installation of the FICS. We
strongly recommended that the system be installed in accordance with this guide,
understanding that concessions may be needed for specific vehicles. This guide
assumes that the system installer is a qualified professional, familiar with the intended
vehicle, and possesses the proper tools.
2.0
First InterComm System™ Description
The FICS (Figure 1) consists of:
• VCA100 unit, matched to user’s existing radio network frequencies
• Vehicle-mounted Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) antenna
• Land Mobile Radio (LMR) antenna, matched to user’s existing radio network
frequencies
• Remote On/Off switch
• Incident Commander Talkgroup Control Software (optional capability)