How to Troubleshoot Apps for the Modern Connected Worker
VHF Communication Basics Part 3
1. Communication Basics Part 3
VHF Radio and Introduction to icom VHF 5061Radio
Prepared by: Ahmad Sajjad Safi, ACAI-CNS Instructor
2. Introduction to VHF Radio
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What is VHF: Very high frequency (VHF) is the ITU designation for the range of radio
waves from 30 MHz to 300 MHz with wavelengths of ten to one meters.
Common uses for VHF are FM radio broadcasting, television broadcasting, two way
land mobile radio systems (emergency, business, private use and military), long
range data communication up to several tens of kilometres with radio modems,
amateur radio, and marine communications.
Airband or Aircraft band is the name for a group of frequencies in the VHF radio
spectrum allocated to radio communication in civil aviation ( Ground to Air and Air
to Air communication).
118–137 MHz: Airband for air traffic control with amplitude modulation.
Different sections of the band are used for radionavigational aids and air traffic
control.
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Propagation characteristics: VHF propagation characteristics are suited for
short-distance terrestrial communication, with a range generally somewhat
farther than line-of-sight from the transmitter.
VHF waves are restricted to the local radio horizon less than 100 miles.
VHF is less affected by atmospheric noise and interference from electrical
equipment than lower frequencies.
While it is blocked by land features such as hills and mountains, it is less
affected by buildings and can be received indoors.
Unlike HF, the ionosphere does not usually reflect VHF waves.
4. Introduction to VHF Radio
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Antenna: VHF is the first band at which wavelengths are small enough to make
efficient transmitting antennas for two way radios in vehicles, aircraft, and handheld
transceivers and walkie talkies.
Portable radios usually use rubber ducky antennas, while base stations usually use
larger fiberglass whips or collinear arrays of vertical dipoles.
5. Introduction to VHF Radio
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Antenna: A vertical, slightly bend backwards quarter wave rod placed on top or
on the bottom of the aircraft for reception and transmission.
As the location of the receiving station is not always the same or known, the
signal must be send in all directions (Omni) with a vertical polarization
(upright, vertical antenna).
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VHF Uses: VHF communication systems are employed largely for controlling air
traffic.
These systems are installed in all types of aircraft so the pilot may be given
information and directions and may request information from air traffic control
centers, control towers, and flight service stations.
On the approach to any airport with two-way radio facilities, the pilot of an
aircraft calls the tower and requests information and landing instructions.
In airline operations and all instrument flights, the flight of an aircraft is
continuously monitored by air traffic control (ATC), and the aircraft's crew is
given instructions as necessary to maintain conditions of safe flight.
8. Introduction to VHF Radio
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VHF System Introduction: Ground and onboard VHF communication systems
consists of a VHF transceiver, control head and antenna.
VHF communication transmitters provide AM voice communication transmission
between aircraft and ground stations or between aircraft.
The VHF transceiver is a solid-state or digital system that can receive or
transmit on any one of the 720 channels in the COMM range of frequencies.
The frequencies are spaced at 25-kHz intervals throughout the range.
Frequencies are selected simultaneously for both the receiver and the
transmitter by rotating the frequency selector knobs.
9. Introduction to VHF icom 5061 Radio
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The IC-F5061 series is ideal for ground to air, public safety, business & industry,
transportation and delivery service users. It offers advanced multi-mode
operation, improved scanning and flexible installation that is suitable for
mobile and base stations.
10. Introduction to VHF icom 5061 Radio
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How to reach the operation?
Connect the Icom to PC, install the driver, program and specify the channels ,
mount the antenna and then enjoy the operation.
11. Introduction to VHF icom 5061 Radio
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Icom Modes: PTT ID, selective call (Selcall) and emergency call features are
available with the Icom.
The PTT ID function sends your unit ID number when you push (or release) the
PTT button. The received ID number can be decoded as a user name.
Selective calling enables you to call individuals or groups, depending on your
needs.
The emergency call feature allows you to send and repeat an emergency
message to dispatch until the dispatch responds to it. In these situations, the
radio can transmit anything the microphone hears and the dispatcher can
monitor the background sounds.
Radio check, status, message, radio stun/revive and call log features are also
available.
12. Introduction to VHF icom 5061 Radio
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Icom air slats: IDAS system digital mode: IDAS
(Icom Digital Advanced System) is Icom’s digital
land mobile radio system using the NXDN™
common air interface for connecting ground to
air communication.
13. Introduction to VHF icom 5061 Radio
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Detachable front panel With the optional remote control kit and separation
cable, the front panel of the radio can be detached from the main unit. It
allows for flexible installation even in limited installation space.
Wide frequency range and large channel capacity covers a wide frequency
range in one version. The 512 memory channel capacity with 128 zones allows
you to divide and store a variety of flexible channel groupings.
Built-in inversion-type voice scrambler provides secure conversation.
Dot matrix, multi-function LCD With a high contrast dot matrix display, upper
and lower case characters can be easily distinguished.
Basic LTR™/Conventional mode operation Group, selective, and phone calls
are all available in LTR™ mode. Get efficient operation without the need for any
optional module.
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D-sub accessory connector The IC-F5061 series has a D-SUB 25 pin ACC
connector for connecting various external devices.
Multiple 2-Tone, 5-Tone signaling The built-in 2-Tone and 5-Tone capabilities
allows you to send a tone code with your call and decode multiple tone codes
on a channel.
Front mounted speaker 4 watts (typ.) front mounted speaker delivers clear and
loud audio. The built-in audio compander improves the signal to noise ratio.
Voting mode scan The voting scan detects the signal strength level of repeater
sites and automatically selects the strongest station or the first station to
exceed the preset signal level. This is useful for roaming between 2 or more
repeater sites.
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Dust-protection and splash resistance: front panel are resistant to shock and
vibration. When used with the optional separation kit, the remote control
head has dust-protection and splash resistant construction.
Enhanced scanning While scanning, you can program which Tx channel you
want when you press PTT button. Start channel, last detected channel, priority
or a preprogrammed channel are selectable. In addition, the nuisance delete
function temporary removes a busy channel from the scanning list.
Operating Temp. range : –30°C to +60°C
Power supply requirement : 13.6V DC nominal
Current drain : Tx 50W 14.0A ,Rx Max. audio 1200mA
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Supplied Accessories
• Hand microphone, HM-148
• DC power cable
• Microphone hanger
• Mounting bracket kit