In late August, NPSTC’s Radio Programming Compatibility Requirements (PCR) Working Group released Version 3 of the Programming and Management (PAM) Tool.

This tool uses an Excel spreadsheet to capture specific P25 radio programming data fields. Each P25 radio vendor has their own proprietary programming software and none of the software packages were compatible.  The technician would have to know the specifics of each software system and understand that the same data element (i.e., frequency) might have a different label in each vendor’s program. The complexity in navigating pages of software programming could easily cause the introduction of errors and incorrect settings.

Radio programming is very complex with many data fields that assign frequencies, IDs, features, and options. A slight error during the programming process will prohibit the radio from accessing a trunking system or conventional channel when the radio is used.

What exactly does the updated Programming and Management Tool do?

NPSTC: We did a series of demonstrations at the APCO Conference in New Orleans and requested that public safety agencies contact us with any problems or requests for enhancements.   One of the enhancements that had already been identified was the need to pre-program the nationwide interoperability channels into the spreadsheet.  This will allow the correct frequencies to be populated automatically into the spreadsheet as well as the officially designated channel name.

This reduces another opportunity of error (where a technician accidentally fumbles the digits of a frequency while setting up the programming of the radio).  It also reinforces the need to use the ANSI standard channel names for these interoperability resources so they are easily identified within a public safety officer’s radio.  This version also includes an additional manufacturer in the table.  The list currently supports: Motorola, Harris, ICOM, Tait, Relm, EF Johnson, Kenwood, Midland, and Thales.

Is Version 3 available online?

NPSTC: This version is on the website, called Version 3. http://npstc.org/radioPCR.jsp When you open the spreadsheet, the first tab is the introduction page.  This spreadsheet continues to be in beta test mode while we ask the manufacturers to double check that the data fields and translations in the table.     At the bottom of the page, there is a link to download a report on the project or click to download Version 3 of the spreadsheet.

Will there be more PAM demonstrations?  

NPSTC:   Greg Holcomb, chair of the Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force, Communications Working Group, gave a presentation at a recent NPSTC meeting in Orlando about how the State of Florida manages interoperability.  He heard the presentation on the PAM Tool and went back to his statewide working groups and asked if they would like a presentation.  He then set up a meeting for October 30th in Brevard County, Florida, for a demonstration of the PAM tool.   Each of Florida’s domestic security regions will have representatives there to hear about the program.   We are planning to create a webinar product, which will include a video presentation on how to access the spreadsheet (with the spreadsheet being shown on the screen with a voice over of the various comments and features that are available).   We may do some webinars manually (using a Screen Share program) in order to keep the cost down and to hit as many states and regions as possible.