Guides

Numerous “how-to” guides and informational resources are available on topics like conventional frequencies, scanning, talkgroup names, radio aliases, how to talk to adjacent counties and much more.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Submit it on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

General Guides

Abbreviations
Every political subdivision (and some specific agencies) have a two-letter abbreviation used on all talkgroup names, radio aliases and dispatch consoles.

BCSO Unit Designations
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office adopted a unit designation standard in 2008 for law enforcement agencies dispatched by the BCSO communications center.

Fire/EMS Unit Designations and Terminology
Learn more about our county-wide station numbering, unit types and standardized terminology for fire and EMS agencies.

Glossary
Learn common terms relating to BRICS and communication in Butler County.

Narrowbanding (VHF and UHF)
Who must narrowband? When? How will it affect me?

Radio Templates
View reference copies of radio templates by agency.

Subscriber Costs and Maintenance
What are the costs of using BRICS?  How will maintenance work?

Talkgroup Guide
Learn the purpose of various shared and local talkgroups on the system.  This is a good place to start in learning to use your radio.

Tones on BRICS
Hear what alert tones sound like on BRICS and learn what they mean.

Training Material Downloads

Interoperability

All-County Broadcasts
Butler County dispatch centers can select multiple talkgroups when making broadcasts, allowing everyone to get the information they need. Learn about BC LE INFO, BC FD INFO, OH SO-09 and more.

Conventional Frequencies for Mutual Aid
What are conventional frequencies?  What is the difference between repeated and direct/simplex?  What 800MHz conventional do our radios have?  What 700MHz?

Hospital Communications
BRICS links six hospital emergency departments with twenty-two fire and EMS agencies.

How do I talk to…?
A list of frequently asked questions, explaining how to talk to users from various counties and agencies outside Butler County.

Medical Helicopter Guide for Dispatchers
Learn what channels should be assigned to allow fire and EMS users to communicate with medical helicopters.

Other Systems in Your Radio
Learn more about the talkgroups available on other public safety radio systems, including Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, Warren County and State of Ohio MARCS.

Plain Language
When it’s required, when it’s recommended and how to get started.

Resources on Communications Interoperability
Links and downloads that will allow you to learn more on interoperability.

Dispatcher Consoles

Channel Marker
Learn what talkgroups have a channel marker and about the differences between emergency traffic and radio silence.

Console Toolbar
An overview of the buttons on the top toolbar of the MCC 7500 dispatch console.

Emergency Alarms
An overview of where emergency button alarms are received and the actions you can take to silence and acknowledge alarms.

Fire/EMS Alerting
General information about fire alerting and procedures for sending tones.

Headsets
Learn more about headsets, adapters and troubleshooting.

PSAP and Calling Talkgroups
Learn about the calling talkgroups and channels on each dispatch console tab.

Status Line
Learn where the dispatch console displays important errors and system messages.

Tabs and Primary Talkgroups
Learn about the different tabs and location of primary talkgroups on the console.

Using Your Radio

Batteries and Chargers
IMPRES Intelligent Batteries, FM approved intrinsic safety, charger status lights, and more.

Buttons and Controls
View button assignments and controls for your portable radio.

Emergency Alarms
Sending emergency alarms, where they go, and how to reset your radio.

Priority Levels
Radio traffic on the BRICS 800MHz voice system is prioritized in two ways: by type of talkgroup and type of call.

Scanning
Learn about scanning and how to set up your scan list.

Speaker Microphones
Learn about the Public Safety Mic and the Commander II

Your Radio ID
What does my Radio ID number mean?  What is its purpose?

Troubleshooting and Problems

Areas Affected by the Loss of a Tower Site
See which areas are affected while a site is out of service for maintenance.

EMPTY LIST – What does it mean when my radio says “EMPTY LIST”?

FAILSOFT – What does it mean when my radio says “FAILSOFT”?

OUT OF RANGE – What does it mean when my radio says “OUT OF RANGE”?

SITE TRUNKING – What does it mean when my radio says “SITE TRUNKING”?