What Is The Coverage And Transmitting Distance Of The Radio System; How Are Radio Id Numbers Assigned; Who Will Have Radios; What Are Talkgroups - Motorola MTS 2000 Operation Manual

In the event of radio system failure, the "failsoft" system allows continued use
of radios in a conventional two-way mode until the computer system can be re-
stored. Other problems with the radio units can be referred to the Telecommuni-
cations Department.
What is the Coverage and Transmitting Distance of the Radio
System?
The Telecommunications Department is in the process of ensuring coverage of
the entire county and all services areas of the PUD. Please refer to the chart in the
Appendix for current coverage. Some low-lying, heavily wooded, or urban areas
may have limited coverage. If you are nearing the edge of the covered area, try
moving a few feet to avoid interference and gain longer transmitting distance.

How are Radio ID Numbers assigned?

All radio unit ID numbers are six (6) digits. Typically, they begin with either "70"
generally followed by the assigned employee's 4-digit telephone extension num-
ber, "0" followed by the assigned vehicle's 3-digit ID number, "9" followed by the
employee's 3-digit radio number, or "90" followed by a 2-digit radio number. (See
Appendix C.)

Who will have Radios?

During the implementation of the Radio System, work groups will be trained on
its use and assigned radio units over time. For a current list, please see the Appen-
dix A, B or C
What are Talkgroups? Who's in Which Talkgroup?
A Talkgroup is a connection between a specific group of radios. Each radio unit is
assigned to a "home" Talkgroup based on work groups. During day-to-day or
storm-related activity, System Dispatch may ask radio users to temporarily select
other Talkgroups when the radio unit's user is assigned to work in another area
with a different work group.
For example, when an outage occurs in an area where the assigned line crew is
already working on another problem, System Dispatch may send another line
crew to repair the outage. They will be able to communicate with the other crews
in that area by selecting the other crew's Talkgroup. When the temporary assign-
ment is completed, System Dispatch will ask radio users to switch the radio units
back to their assigned Talkgroups.
For a list of PUD Talkgroups, see Appendix A, B or C.
72 Section V
Snohomish County PUD Radio Operations Manual • Rev. 6/03