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2005 SSCC Communications Plan
Background
In 1994 when Silver State Classic Challenge was formed and took over operations on SR 318 the communications were
somewhat of a hap-hazard arrangement. It was at this time that a communications expert was called upon to design
a new communications system that would provide for the efficient and expeditious passing of traffic from anywhere
along the course to one central location.
The first change to be made was to create a hierarchical channel system to replace the quasi-common channel system
that had been used up until that time. The motivation for this change was the breakdown of the previous system
during a recent event when a fatal incident took place, which was one of the primary reasons that Silver State
Classic Challenge took over these events. In an effort to make these events as safe as possible for all of the
participants, every aspect of safety was addressed and changed where necessary. This has proven to be an ongoing
process which has been successful based upon SSCC's fatality free safety record.
When the area of communications was addressed, it was decided that a common channel communications system was adequate
for normal event operations, but not for emergency situations if and when they should arise. Because these events
have a certain inherent element of danger which can be life threatening, it was decided to implement a communications
system that was designed to handle multiple emergency situations without breaking down or going into gridlock.
The hierarchical model which is used by such organizations as FEMA and the Red Cross, as well as ARES (Amateur
Radio Emergency Service) and the NOAA Sky Warn System was used as the model for the SSCC communications system.
Common channel systems are typically employed by dispatch systems for service vehicles, delivery trucks, taxicab
and limousine services where emergency communications are not an issue.
In a typical hierarchical system there are three main levels of communication; the Executive Level, the Operational
Level, and the Tactical Level. Each of these primary levels can have sub-levels, and each can function independently
of the other. Only specified access points are designed into the overall system to permit the flow of traffic in
an organized manner with assigned priorities between the various levels. In order to further increase the efficiency
of a large emergency communications system, multiple zones are utilized for additional control of the traffic at
the Tactical Level. Redundancy should be prevalent throughout. This is the model that was used in design of the
SSCC communications system.
Channel Plan
The Executive Level Channel utilizes satellite telephones and is for the exclusive use of the highest level of
decision makers, the SSCC Board of Directors and Event Officials. This channel permits direct communication between
two individuals, and by utilizing a conference bridge, all persons having access to this channel can confer at
the same time. This channel also has the capability of transferring data between any two points on this level.
This capability is utilized by Timing and Scoring to transmit data from the Start Line, Check Point 3 and Check
Point 6 and the Finish Line such that as soon as the last competitor crosses the Finish Line, tabulation of results
can commence. This level is also used in the case where the event has to be stopped to coordinate the restart.
The Operational Level Channel is utilized by approximately 12 middle managers of the event organization. These
are the people in charge of the minute by minute operations and they have certain discretionary decision making
authority. They report to a single person, the Event Director through the Net Control Station, who directs the
minute by minute operations on this channel. This is where 95% of the radio traffic is handled during normal event
operations.
The Tactical Level Channels are utilized by the 100 or so persons strategically positioned along the course who
are the eyes and ears of the event operations. They are responsible to report any threats to the integrity and
security of the course, as well as reporting any unusual conditions that may occur during an event such as a sudden
change in the weather, debris on the roadway, cars that have become disabled along the course, and most importantly
any collisions, rollovers of other life threatening incidents. Because of the large number of persons that have
access to this channel, they are divided into groups geographically and each group reports to a specific Check
Point on the Operational Level.
All Traffic from the Tactical Level must pass through one of the access Check Points before being passed onto the
Operational Level. This is necessary because the persons on the Tactical Level have limited training and experience
in proper radio communications methods and could easily tie up a communications channel in a system with only one
common channel. Contrarily, the communicators on the Operational Channel at the Check Points are licensed amateur
radio operators with years of training and experience in the passing of radio traffic during life threatening situations.
Also, each access point is under the direction of an event official who has the experience and knowledge to make
on-the-spot decisions that can expedite safety measures being implemented which could make the difference between
life and death. In a one channel system that includes both decision makers and observers, it is too easy for the
observers to assume the role of decision makers and chaos is the result, which could delay the arrival of emergency
medical personal, fire and police authorities to the scene of an incident, and as a result, treatment could be
delayed or lives could be lost needlessly.
Operators
Executive Channel: SSCC Board of Directors and Event Officials
Operational Channel: Licensed Amateur Radio Operators Exclusively. Checkpoints 1-8, Air 1 & 2, and the Finish
Line and the Finish Parking Area communicate with the Net Control Station located at the Start Line which is in
close physical proximity to the Event Director on a directed radio communications network, meaning all stations
may only communicate with the Net Control Station directly unless first obtaining permission from the Net Control
Station to communicate directly with another station or to make a general broadcast.
Tactical Channels (8): Persons with approximately one hour of formal radio operation and procedural training are
issued GMRS radios owned by and licensed to Silver State Classic Challenge. Each such person is assigned a specific
Check Point to communicate with and is restricted from talking to other Check Points or persons on their Tactical
Channel except for the conduct of event business.
Equipment
Executive Channel: Satellite Telephones with Conference and Data Capabilities.
Operational Channel: Linked Amateur Radio Repeaters and Individual Amateur Radio Stations:
- Amateur Radio Repeater North: Located on Mt. Kimberley running 150 Watts output
on 147.180 MHz PL=114.8 Input +600 MHz
- Amateur Radio Repeater South: Located on Highland Peak running 150 Watts output
on 145.220 PL=100 Input -600
- Amateur Radio Repeater Link: Located on Cave Mountain running 75 watts output In
the 440 MHz Band PL=100 Input -1 Mhz
- Amateur Radio Air Mobile Units (2): Located onboard two fixed wing aircraft running
50 watts output on the input of the repeater each is assigned to utilizing the appropriate PL tone and offset.
- Individual Fixed Radio Stations (11): Located at the Start Line, Finish Line, Finish
Parking Area and Checkpoints 1 through 8, communicating with either the North or South Repeater depending upon
location on their respective frequencies, typically running 40 to 50 watts output utilizing the selected repeater's
PL tone and offset, and a vertical, J-pole or directional beam antennas as the terrain dictates.
The amateur radio operators will be responsible for setting up and maintaining all
radio equipment on both the Operational Channel and the Tactical Channels before and during the event. The equipment
on the Executive Channel is provided by common carriers. No public agency equipment or frequencies are dedicated
to this communications plan.
Tactical Channels (8): Cobra GMRS Radios (approximately 100 divided into 8 groups) located at each Check Point,
the Start Line, Finish Line, and Finish Parking Area as well as each manned gate and other selected observation
points running; 3 watts on 462.6625 (GMRS Channel 5) MHz PL=None Simplex
Redundancy: The amateur radio repeaters in case of failure can be replaced by the special amateur radio units provided
by SSCC in the two fixed wing aircraft which can be programmed to operate as cross-band repeaters. In the unlikely
event that both the north and south repeaters fail, each plane would assume the operations of its assigned repeater
until repairs can be affected.
Similarly, these same radios can replace the communications at any Check Point should the amateur radios there
fail. This includes two-way radio communications with the Net Control Station, and all observers assigned to that
Check Point. As there are two fixed wing aircraft, two Check Points could loose the ability to transmit, and two-way
radio communications would continue uninterrupted on the network.
Most of the observation stations will have the ability to communicate with more than one Check Point and can be
reassigned during an event to better handle two-way radio communications should the need become apparent. Flexibility
is the vanguard of any emergency radio communications system, and this system has been designed to be as flexible
as possible.
Medical personnel and law enforcement officers are stationed in close physical proximity to the Check Point radio
operators, and those stationed at the Start Line, Finish Line and Finish Parking Area. Direct radio connection
to these entities on their radio frequencies is prohibited by Federal Communications Commission regulations. Similarly,
transmissions from GMRS radios on amateur radio frequencies, and transmissions by amateur radios on GMRS frequencies
is prohibited by law. Therefore, in each of these instances communication between these various networks can only
be accomplished legally via direct human verbal contact and is so accomplished under this communications plan.
It is permissible, however, during an emergency for any of these to talk on the amateur radio units and frequencies
as long as the radio is under control of a licensed radio amateur and this is contemplated in this communications
plan.
Training
Training is something that you can never have enough of for the operators of an emergency communications network.
This year we are increasing dramatically the training of both the licensed amateur radio operators and the unlicensed
personnel on the tactical channels.
The amateur radio operators will receive approximately 8 hours of training on improved network operations designed
specifically to address the needs of a high speed vehicle event, including standardization of terms to be used
in passing radio traffic to avoid misunderstandings and confusion. Additional training regarding radio communications
with the observers on the tactical channels will be included that compliments the training the observers will also
receive separately. They will also receice training in the use of the new GMRS radios to be used on the Tactical
Channel.
Specialized training on the use of the SSCC provided amateur radio units and GMRS radios designed specifically
for aeronautical mobile operations onboard the two fixed wing aircraft will be provided to ensure the personnel
manning these radios are thoroughly conversant with their operation as well as the specialized tasks to be performed
from these platforms.
For the training of the observer personnel, SSCC is bringing in Larry Garutti, a communications expert who will
personally train the tactical channels communications personnel during their scheduled observation training session
on Saturday before the event. This is especially important as they will be using the new more powerful GMRS radios
for the first time. Larry has already fully bench and field tested two examples of the new GMRS radios and found
them to have more than adequate range and battery life to accomplish the task of providing communications on the
tactical channels for the duration of the event and beyond.
Testing
As is required by NDOT a complete test of the new communications system in the field in advance of first use during
an actual event will be conducted while being observed by an official of NDOT. The purpose of this test will be
to ensure that the emergency communications system provides adequate coverage of the event course and is capable
of handling all radio traffic in an expeditious manner, both routine and emergency in nature.
On the morning of an event, a complete test of the emergency communications network will be accomplished before
the event starts under the supervision of a representative of NDOT. This test will consist of at least the following:
A successful two-way radio communication between the Net Control Station and each of the two fixed wing aircraft.
A successful two-way radio communication between the Net Control Station and each of the eight Check Points, the
Finish Line and the Finish Parking Area.
A successful two-way radio communication between each Check Point and each observer station assigned to that Checkpoint.
Completion of this test will be conveyed to the Net Control Station by each Checkpoint and each amateur radio operator
will be responsible to report a successful test or any discrepancies before the event starts. The NDOT observer
may request a message requiring a reply be sent to selected observation stations through their respective Check
Points, again, the respective amateur operators will be responsible to report accurately the results of all such
two-way radio communications to the Net Control station.
These same tests will be conducted again during each event under the supervision of an NDOT representative immediately
before the running of the unlimited vehicles.
Additionally, in the event a representative of NDOT has reason to believe the emergency communications system is
not functioning as previously tested during the event, that representative may request an additional test.
Summary
The updated communications system described herein represents certain improvements to the emergency radio communications
system that has served the Silver State Classic Challenge participants well over the years. There has never been
a failure of this system that could not rapidly be corrected due to the flexibility and redundancy built into the
system for just this purpose. It is the goal of SSCC to continually seek ways to improve the reliability and quality
of the two-way radio communications this system has been designed to handle. By continuing to improve the quality
of the equipment and with consistent and expanded training for the operators of the system this will be accomplished
on an ongoing basis and should always be considered as a work in progress.
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To whom it may concern:
I have been asked to write a letter expressing my opinion on the communications plan for the 2005 Silver State
Classic Challenge.
First my credentials:
I am a professional Broadcast Engineer, certified at the highest level by the National Society of Broadcast Engineers
(1 of only 2 in Nevada). I hold an FCC commercial General Radio Telephone Operators license and an FCC issued
Extra class Amateur license. I am employed in Las Vegas as Chief Engineer for the Lotus Broadcasting Company,
responsible for 2 AM and 2 FM stations. I am also an instructor in radio licensing classes at the Community College
of Southern Nevada. I am Deputy Director of Communications for the Nevada Wing Civil Air Patrol and a fully qualified
Incident Commander and Communications unit leader with that organization and FEMA. I have 40+ years of experience
in Communications including but not limited to; USAF instructor in Electronic Intelligence, Co-Chairman of the
southern NV, Inyo California Emergency alert committee, Co-Vice chair of the NV state Emergency Communications
Committee. I have participated in a large number of communications events here in NV and for 20 years in AZ and
10 years in CO prior to moving here. My experience with high speed road races includes both amateur and professional
communications during the Pikes Peak Hill Climb race in Colorado, I annually participate as a communicator in dozens
of bike races, foot races, multi mile walks and Civil Air Patrol search and Rescue operations. I am an active,
trained member of the Radio Amateur Emergency Services Organization and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service.
In those organizations I have assisted the BLM and Forest service in Forest Fire communications. I have held
numerous FCC appointments in radio.
I have reviewed the SSCC communications plan dated 3/25/05 and find it is a superb piece of planning utilizing
multiple assets to the fullest extent of their capabilities while maintaining flexibility. The plan is a classic
example of the Incident Command principles of Unified command and limited span of control. The choice of types
of radios and satellite phones for various tasks is well laid out and leaves many options and alternatives available.
The utilization of airborne fixed wing communications platforms further expands the capability and reliability
of the operations.
The use of the Satellite telephones for the executive channel provides a secure and reliable system for maintaining
full operational control at the head of the event. While expensive, these are simple to operate and thus free
the executive staff from the burdens and congestion of more complex communications
Licensed, trained, and experienced Amateur Radio operators make up the next level of communications in the operations
channels. The proven ability of Amateur Radio Operators with proper training, the reliability of their equipment,
the backup from the aircraft and the controlled network operations make this a powerful and reliable resource.
The existing, time tested mountain top repeaters are a great and reliable asset. I am personally familiar with
some of the Amateur Operators and pilots participating and can vouch for their ability, capability, training and
discipline. Their ability to adapt to changing conditions is one of their greatest skills
The use of the GMRS radios by relatively untrained and unlicensed operators at the gates is also well chosen.
These radios are relatively foolproof, of limited range, use multiple channels, are spread along the route in
a planned fashion and are very reliable. Since the Licensed Amateur Radio operators will be interfacing with these
operators on a limited channel basis, the likely hood of frequency congestion and confusion in that communications
level is much less and will have much less impact on the efficient higher level communications..
All told, this is one of the finest communications plans for this type of event that I have seen. I am only sorry
that my duties at the college and radio stations make it prohibitive to participate myself.
Bill Croghan CPBE, WB0KSW
Chief Engineer,
Lotus Broadcasting, Las Vegas
KOMP/KENO/KXPT/KBAD
Lt. Col. CAP |
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Dear Participant,
Your Silver State Classic Board of Directors in an effort to provide the best possible safety for all participants
at each event continually re-evaluates its procedures looking for ways to improve. We have reviewed several scenarios
(both real and imagined) involving off road incidents during our events. We have consulted with medical professionals
of ambulance and flight-for-life services for expertise and advise on the best possible way to handle an off road
experience with the safety and welfare of the participants as the most important element. There is no perfect solution
as each scenario would be unique and it would be impossible to address them all.
Medical professionals agree that the timeliness and speed of first responders are the most important issue in life-threatening
situations minutes and seconds are critical. Once first responders are on the scene to stabilize the patient, more
often than not, the follow-up medical treatment such as surgery are not held to this critical time element.
As you may or may not be aware, we have had a flight-for-life helicopter on standby at our events. We were under
the illusion that they would be the fastest and best medical support available in these circumstances. New information
has caused us to re-evaluate this belief. The medical helicopter service advises us that if they receive an emergency
call during one of our events they will depart our venue and proceed to the other emergency leaving us with only
two ambulances to handle the 90-mile course.
Your SSCC board of Directors believes this is an unacceptable safety practice. If this situation were to occur,
the race director would temporarily stop the event and announce to all subsequent drivers that there was no further
helicopter service and give them the option to continuing down course or not. This is unacceptable. In addition,
past experience has shown that after being notified of an on-course accident, in the time required to start a helicopter
and get it airborne, an automobile type ambulance could conservatively traverse 15 - 20 miles. Using this premise,
if four ambulances were stationed along the 90-mile course at approximately mile-marks: 11, 33, 55 and 77, each
ambulance would have a maximum of 11+ miles to travel to the site of an accident. A second backup ambulance would
have a maximum of 33+ miles to travel to provide assistance. Their travel times at 70 mph would be approximately
10 minutes and 20 minutes respectively.
We are confident that at least one if not both ambulances would arrive on the scene prior to the helicopter service.
Should the arriving first responders determine that flight for life would be a suitable requirement for the patient(s)
they are attending, an immediate request call would be made by the paramedics and arrangements would be made for
the ambulance and helicopter to meet at a designated location.
The SSCC Board of Directors would like to inform all event attendees that with your best safety in mind, our current
plan is to utilize four ambulances and two surveillance airplanes with radio and Ham communications rather than
only two ambulances and a helicopter. Once again, there is no perfect solution and there is always a special case
scenario, but we are confident this is a better solution. We will continue to evaluate our operating procedures
in your best interests.
Thank you,
SSCC Board |
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Copyright © 1997-2005 Silver State Classic, U S A . All Rights Reserved
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