How to use the USFS Radio
When you are in the field, you will need to inform the USFS Santa Fe Dispatch when you are heading into the canyon and again, when you return to station. Cell service is limited in the canyon, so it is important to stay in touch. In addition, if you see an abandoned fire in a fire ring or an abandoned campfire, you will use the radio to report it to dispatch and request Forest Service Fire personnel.
USFS Radio Operation Instructions
Step 1: Turn the top left knob to turn the power on.
Step 2: When the power is on you will turn the top right knob until the screen reads: SF East Repeat
Step 3: Press the button under TXCG, located on the bottom right of the screen.
Step 4: A screen will appear the reads, “User TX Tones.” You will see a list of numbers.
Step 5: Use the previous and next buttons until you see 6:156.7 Hz. Number 6 will connect to the Elk Mountain Repeater. You may also connect to number 9:100.0 Hz which will connect you to Barillo.
Step 6: When the arrow is on #6 or #9, press enter on the bottom right of the screen (ENT). Press the button under the ENT symbol.
Step 7: Check your connection by pressing and holding the large button on the left side of the radio. If you have connected properly, you will hear static.
How to Communicate with Santa Fe Dispatch
After you hear the static and know you are connected you will communicate with dispatch to let them know where you are going to be, how many people are accompanying you and when you return. Press the same button to speak and follow the script below:
CHECK-IN
You: “Santa Fe Dispatch, **Dalton Picnic Volunteer, Elk Mountain.” (**Use the name of your site).
Dispatch: “Santa Fe Dispatch”
You: “Myself and 4 others will be working at **Dalton Picnic area today.” If you are working solo, just say, “I will be working…”
Dispatch: “Copy, (time).”
CHECK-OUT
You: “Santa Fe Dispatch, **Dalton Picnic Volunteer, Elk Mountain.”
Dispatch: “Santa Fe Dispatch.”
You: “Myself and 4 others are back in station and out of service.”
Dispatch: “Copy, (time).”
______________________
ABANDONED FIRE
You: “Santa Fe Dispatch, **Dalton Picnic Volunteer, Elk Mountain.”
Dispatch: “Santa Fe Dispatch”
You: “I have a fire outside a fire ring to report” or “I have an abandoned campfire to report.”
You: “Let me know when you are ready to copy coordinates.”
Dispatch: “Go ahead.”
You: “_______, _______”
Dispatch: “Copy, _____, _____”
You: “I’d like to request Forest Service Fire personnel.”
Dispatch: “Copy, (time).”
Note: Your smart phone should have a digital compass which will display your coordinates, even if cell service is unavailable. If your phone does not have a compass, please be sure to download one from your App store before going into the canyon.