The main components of the radio communication system are described below. In the paragraphs that follow, bracketed numbers reference related source documentation. Please see the paragraph on technical references for further details.
Base sets are non-portable radio units positioned at specific locations. At Green Bank, these locations include the GBT Operations Center ("GBT Ops"), Interferometer/20 Meter/OVLBI control room ("Interferometer Ops"), and the receptionists office ("Switchboard Base"). These units, and personnel operating them, will act as mini communications centers tasked with monitoring and managing radio communications on-site and within their respective areas of concern.
This component can be thought of as a combination antenna and electronics unit that boosts the power level of radio signals received and transmitted, thereby increasing the range of smaller mobile and portable units. A repeater is also necessary as a means of bringing radio signals into a base set located within a shielded environment, like the GBT control room.
These are radios installed in vehicles, much like a CB radio, and are operated primarily by maintenance technicians, mechanics, or persons in key management positions. Motorola MaxTrac Low Band VHF mobile radios are the type currently used at Green Bank.
These are hand held units (walkie-talkies) that provide communications in areas where other communication devices are unavailable or impractical. Motorola MT1000 portable radios are the type currently used at Green Bank.
The following information details system characteristics and capabilities.
Channels and Their Use. The table below shows channels available and their planned use.
|
Channel # |
Expected Use |
|
1. |
Administrative and Works Area (repeater) |
|
2. |
Administrative and Works Area (direct) |
|
3. |
Operations Calling / Site Wide (repeater) |
|
4. |
Operations Calling / Site Wide (direct) |
|
5. |
Assigned by Duty Operators (repeater) |
|
6. |
Assigned by Duty Operators (direct) |
|
7. |
Assigned by Duty Operators (repeater) |
|
8. |
Assigned by Duty Operators (direct) |
|
9. |
Assigned by Duty Operators (repeater) |
|
10. |
Assigned by Duty Operators (direct) |
The system provides site-wide communications coverage.
Base sets and mobile radios use commercial power or automobile battery power respectively and therefore require little attention in normal use. Portable radios use rechargeable batteries. These radios should be placed in recharging stands when not in use. When fully charged, the portable radios should provide a full day of service under normal use.