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NFPA

Technical Committee on Electronic Safety Equipment

Pre-First Draft Meeting New Document on Land Mobile Radios

San Diego, CA December 10-12, 2013

Principal Members in Attendance: Robert Athanas (Chair) FDNY/SAFE-IR Inc. Kamil Agi K&A Wireless Joel Berger Kenwood USA Matt Bowyer NIOSH Matthew Busa Motorola, Inc. John Facella RCC Consultants Michael Feely Boston FD Wayne Haase Summit Safety Inc. Steve Makky, Sr. APCO Brian Martens Harris Corporation Michael McKenna Michael McKenna & Associates John Morris ISG Infrasys Kevin Roche Phoenix FD Gordon Sletmoe Medford Fire-Rescue Gerry Tarver Tulsa Fire Department Steven Townsend City of Carrollton Fire Rescue Jose L. Velo San Francisco FD Steven Weinstein ISEA Timothy Wolf Scottsdale FD Bruce Varner (via Phone) B H Varner & Associates William Forsyth (via Phone) U.S. Forest Service Alternate Members in Attendance: Craig Gestler MSA John Jarboe Grace Industries Tim Rehak NIOSH James Rose SEI Matthew Shannon Tyco Gregory Vrablik ISEA Mike Worrell Phoenix FD

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Guests in Attendance: Tim Adam FM Approvals Chris Anaya CA State Fire Fighters Dennis Camell NIST Paul Carter Whitney Blake Company Michelle Donnelly NIST Dan Fowler Fire-Talk Sandy Florence Motorola Solutions Beverly Gulledge Scott Bill Haskell NIOSH Simon Hogg Draeger Tim Houston Motorola Solutions David Jenks Tait Radio Paul Kelly UL LLC Ken Link (via Phone) Rebecca Norwood Harris John Oblak EF Johnson Technology John Rehayem Otto Engineering Rex Strickland Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Bill Young NIST Michael Gomez (via Phone) FDNY 1. Chairman Bob Athanas opened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. 2. Attendees introduced themselves and stated their affiliations. 3. The Minutes of the August 6-7, 2013 meeting in Denver were approved by unanimous consent with one addition. 4. Staff Liaison Dave Trebisacci provided the NFPA report. An overview of NFPA rules and regulations was presented, the new Public Input process was demonstrated, a timeline for submittal of task group reports was discussed, and a proposed timeline for the development of the new radio standard was provided. 5. In his Chairman’s remarks, Bob Athanas discussed the timetable for producing the new radio standard and TC goals.

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6. Task Group Reports RF PASS Task Group William Young of NIST provided an overview on a reverb chamber to simulate RF Multipath environments, this information may also be of use in the radio standard. Dennis Camell of NIST also reported on multipath environment reflections and RF PASS, PASS to Base (alarm) and base to PASS (evacuation) testing. Intrinsic Safety Task Group Paul Kelly and Tim Adam presented a report on intrinsic safety. This task group is studying intrinsic safety with respect to hazardous atmospheres and the classification systems used. Steve Townsend is also participating on a project being conducted by the Fire Protection Research Foundation on the same topic. Physical Properties Task Group Mike McKenna reported that the task group had conducted several conference calls and has developed a rough draft of requirements for the device and the speaker attachment. There are several interface issues that need to be discussed with the Programmable Feature Task Group. Environmental Testing Task Group Mike Feely discussed the applicability of 23 tests that are part of the TIC, PASS, SCBA, and several other tests (such as the common chemical exposure test from NFPA 1971). These will need to be considered related to the impact of certification on the requirements of the standard. Programmable Features Task Group Mike Worrell discussed the necessity for coordination between the task groups and certification labs. Task groups were encouraged to have NFPA-format requirements ready for the committee’s next meeting.

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Risk vs Reward of the Use of Technology Task Group Gordon Sletmoe provided a task group report on RF hazards. The TG investigated the potential risks of RF being used by responders triggering an explosive device, such as an improvised explosive devices (IED’s) or other hazards. The TG suggested that is unlikely that an LMR can trigger an explosive unless the IED is in an area that is already very hot, and advises responders to use short transmissions and keep a safe distance from any known IEDs. The work of this task group has been completed, and the TG was discontinued. Commonalities Task Group Jose Velo and Rebecca Norwood reported that there has been a discussion of user ID issues, current, desired, and future. Fire departments want a radio capability to transmit ID’s with an appropriate number of characters to understand which radio is transmitting and enough ID’s to cover larger systems. There should be uniform ID across analog and digital. John Oblak indicated that there is a steering committee for P25, and that the TIA can move this issue forward. Within an AHJ, ID transmission is possible. Brian Martens and Mike Worrell will develop draft language. 7. Reports A presentation of Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Standards was provided by John Oblak. Please see attachment to these minutes. Steve Makky provided an update on the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) which included an overview of the National Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN), a launch statement of requirements for FirstNet that was issued in December 2012, and the Mission Critical Voice Communications Requirements for Public Safety from NPSTC. Steve Weinstein will contact an expert in the area of Speech Transmission Index (STI) to attend a future technical committee meeting. Mike Worrell provided an update on FirstNet. Over the near term, FirstNet’s focus will be on data capabilities, and mission critical voice has been established as a subcommittee of the LTE group. Kamil Agi provided a presentation related to FCC requirements for the communications industry on incorporating FCC testing into the NFPA Standard. The discussion included an FCC prerequisite to submit radios for certification and the application to international users. Please see attachment to these minutes. Gerry Tarver provided an update on vocoders and the need to certify the vocoder as a part of this standard. Some manufacturers process radio audio input prior to the arrival

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of this signal at the vocoder. The discussion also included the possibility of a requirement for a universal connector for the radio to interface with an SCBA or other item. Bluetooth or wireless connections are also possible. 8. Task Group Breakout Sessions 9. New Business Chairman Athanas appointed a task group and asked for a presentation at the committee’s next meeting to help the members of the committee understand the certification process and the impact of certification requirements on innovation and product changes once a product is certified to the standard. Gerry Tarver will chair this TG with members John Oblak, Joel Berger, Matt Busa, David Jenks, Brian Martens and Jim Rose. Others are welcome to participate. The Chairman also established a Task Group on Definitions to be chaired by Tim Wolf. Paul Kelly, Matt Busa, Matt Bowyer, Beverly Gulledge, Brian Martens and John Oblak were also appointed to the task group. Chairman Athanas also appointed committee members and alternates to act as liaisons to the following organizations and projects: Mike Worrell FirstNet, IAFF John Oblak Telecommunications Industry Association Steve Makky APCO/NPSTC Gordon Sletmoe IAFC/NPSTC John Facella NFPA 1221 Technical Committee, IAFC, NPSTC EMS group Steve Townsend IAB A conference call related to CBRNE testing for SCBA’s was conducted during the TC meeting. CC Chair Bill Haskell led a discussion of an issue that came to the attention of NIOSH related to the testing of SCBA to comply with the NFPA SCBA standard. Bruce Varner discussed the pace of change in technology and the impact on the scope of the standard. Changes to the document title, scope and several definitions were discussed. These recommendations will be processed during the preparation of the draft document and the subsequent revision process according to the NFPA Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards. Proposed Meeting dates for 2014 are as follows:

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March 19/20 - first choice Fort Lauderdale, Savannah

July 9/10 – first choice San Francisco, Vancouver, Seattle

November 18/19 – first choice Austin Chairman Athanas noted an NFPA project funded by NIST to look at technologies that are currently available that may be applicable to the fire service. A workshop will be held in 2014 looking for participants to help draft a roadmap for smart firefighters, to be completed in 2014. More information is available at smartffworkshop@nfpa.org The NFPA Technical Committee on Respiratory Protection Equipment plans for the next edition of 1981 to include a task group on communications will coordinate with this committee on SCBA communications devices related to SCBA. Steve Weinstein is on both committees and will act as the liaison on this and other common issues. Chairman Athanas appointed a subgroup to the Physical Properties Task Group to include Steve Weinstein, Craig Gestler, Simon Hogg, Matt Shannon, and Shane Bray. This subgroup will provide recommendations to the Electronic Safety Equipment committee and the Respiratory Protection Equipment committee in order to garner support of both committees and direct the coordination of future work. Chairman Athanas requested that Tim Wolf’s Task Group on Definitions prepare a draft set of definitions for the March 2014 meeting. With no old business or additional new business, the meeting was adjourned passed by Chairman Athanas at 11:38 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2013.

3/19/2014

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Prepared by:Kamil Agi, K&A Wireless, LLC10 December 2013

Consider allowing for the test reports from other regulatory bodies (e.g. FCC) to be included and accepted and have the NFPA be the final (and inclusive) test so that we can validate that all other performance and related tests have been completed. 

Durability, FMEA, Performance (physical/electrical) Chapter 2 (referenced publications)

Chapter 3 (definitions)

Chapter 4 (certifications)

Chapter 5 (product labeling)

Chapter 6 (design requirement)

Chapter 7 (performance requirements)

Chapter 8 (test methods)

Annex/Appendix What about emission or performance – we said not to 

include, but…

3/19/2014

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Manufacturers

We should work together (collaborative) manufacturer test results into NFPA Standard

and others

https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Sum&calledFromFrame=N&RequestTimeout=500&application_id=101939&fcc_id=OPH‐VBLAST2400

Data

Spectrum Mask

Conducted/Radiated Power

Spurious Emission

Method

Validation

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How do we manage label requirements? (add as a more stringent requirement to standard)

Licensed Spectrum: “This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.”

Unlicensed Spectrum: “This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.”

Suggest Including the following at a minimum:

http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/ (and references therein)

FCC ID Search 

http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/

Plug in FCC ID and get report

3/19/2014

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Kamil AgiK&A Wireless, LLC

kagi@ka‐wireless.com505‐338‐2380 x705

John Oblak – Chair TIA TR-8

December 10-12, 2013

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What is TIA The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

is an industry organization that has several functions ANSI Accredited Standards Development Organization

Creation of industry standards

Industry Advocacy Development of business opportunities

Trade shows

Market intelligence

Legislative and Regulatory Policy Review and comment on FCC proposed rulemaking

Review and comment on legislative issues

Lobbying and advocacy

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TIA Standards Department TIA is an American National Standards Institute

(ANSI) accredited Standards Development Organization Has 11 active engineering committees

Have over the years created over 3,600 standards

Committee make-up Manufacturers

Users of the technology

General interest

All pay either TIA membership dues or participation fees

Membership is by company (agency) not individuals One company (agency) has one vote

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TR-8 Private Land Mobile Radio The oldest of all of the standards activities

Dating back to early days of mobile radio 1944

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TR-8 Private Land Mobile Radio 15 Subcommittees

Transceiver measurement and performance (2) Encryption Vocoder Signaling and data transmission Trunking Common Air Interface – FDMA and TDMA (2) Antennas RF Exposure Hazardous Locations Compliance Assessment Propagation and Interference Wireline Interface Public Safety Broadband Data

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Major Standards Efforts Project 25

TIA-102 series standards

Public Safety Broadband Data TIA-4973 series

Analog Radio TIA-603

Antennas TIA-329 series

Propagation and Interference TSB-88 series

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Project 25 Project to develop digital radio standards

Spectrally efficient

Digital technology

Interoperable among manufacturers and jurisdictions

Multi-vendor procurement

Project 25 sponsored by APCO, NASTD, and the federal government

Under MOU TIA to be the standards development body

TIA created special process to enhance user participation

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Project 25 Standards Suite Currently at 82 documents

Standard suite overview – 1 document

Common Air Interface – 10 documents (Phase I and II)

Vocoder – 8 documents

Encryption – 9 documents

Trunking – 6 documents

Data – 11 documents

Transceiver measurement and performance – 5 documents

ISSI, console and fixed station interface – 14 documents

Compliance Assessment Program – 18 documents

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Standards of Most Interest TIA-603-D

“Land Mobile FM or PM Communications Equipment Measurement and Performance Standards”

TIA-102.CAAA-D “Digital C4FM/CQPSK Transceiver Measurement Methods”

TIA-102.CAAB-D “Land Mobile Radio Transceiver Performance Recommendations

Digital Radio Technology C4FM/CQPSK Modulation”

TIA-102.CCAA “Two-Slot TDMA Transceiver Measurement Methods”

TIA-102.CCAB “Two Slot TDMA Transceiver Performance Recommendations”

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Not Covered by TIA Specifications Specialized environmental conditions

P25 specs call out MIL-810 standards for environmental

TIA standards have performance requirements under shock, vibration, humidity, and temperature (-30°C to +60°C)

Knob, button, and display functionality

Programmable features and options

Numbers of channels, talk groups, etc.

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Compliance to TIA Standards TIA as an industry association does not certify

products for compliance

TIA Standards have voluntary compliance

Manufacturers may advertise as compliant to TIA specifications, but TIA does not do any formal certification process

Some standards have external compliance assessment programs

Project 25 - P25 CAP

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Project 25 CAP Certification program for Project 25 equipment

Administered by NIST and DHS Board of directors chosen from among Public Safety users

from various agencies of federal, state, and local governments

Uses TIA standards as the basis for assessment

Has a laboratory manual to define requirements of the program

Laboratories are qualified on the basis of assessments by NIST Manufacturer’s labs (4 manufacturers – 6 laboratories)

Independent for profit labs (2)

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Project 25 CAP Product testing consists of evaluation for

Performance

Conformance

Interoperability (testing with at least 3 different vendors equipment)

Current scopes for testing are P25 Phase I equipment – mobile, portable, and base

Inter Sub-System Interface (ISSI)

Future P25 Phase II

Other

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Project 25 CAP Products are tested in recognized P25 CAP

laboratories and documented with detailed laboratory reports

Compliant equipment is documented with

Summary Test Report

Supplier’s Declaration of Compliance

Reports are published on FEMA website (currently in transition)

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