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INTEROPERABILITY DOS AND DON’TS
These simple ―universal‖ rules will help to ensure that the part of communications interoperability
will work properly.
1.
Verify that only one interoperability bridge in the area is using the radio frequencies that you
will be using.
2.
Audio and RF cables should be separated from AC power cables by 12‖ (use an external DC
source or batteries when you can‘t maintain the separation).
3.
When plugging in two or more radios within the same radio band (i.e. VHF) into a radio
bridge, like the ICRI, provide as much vertical separation as possible to reduce the chance for
interference due to the transmitted signal from one radio reducing the receive sensitivity of
the other ―in band‖ radios. Consider using external mobile antennas connected to the radios
if necessary. Use only bridge interconnect cables that are well shielded.
4.
Some bridge cables contain in-line, audio amplifiers for radios designed with low audio
levels. It is best to rout those cables away from radio antennas and connectors---lots of RF
and distort the audio amplifier‘s output to the bridge.
5.
Don‘t use ―SCAN‖ mode for any radios connected to a radio bridge. This is particularly
important when you are using the bridge as a tactical repeater, where two or more radios have
similar channel programming. If both radios are capable of hearing the same signal, they will
key each other up "ping-pong", interfering with the function of the bridge.
