Radio OperationsRadio Network
Channels & Equipment
| Ch | Label | Purpose | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OPS | Primary operations — all internal traffic | All radio holders · DEFAULT |
| 2 | BACKUP | Fallback if Ch 1 jammed | All — switch on Weatherman's order only |
| 3 | ALT 1 | Second fallback | All — switch on Weatherman's order only |
| 4 | ALT 2 | Third fallback | All — switch on Weatherman's order only |
Equipment: 10x BF-888S + 3x UV-5R (Baofeng), all CHIRP-programmed to the same codeplug. Frequencies in UHF range (400–470 MHz). CTCSS tones on each channel.
The Lighthouse — Command Post
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Call sign | WEATHERMAN |
| Operator | Sean Steele + 2 military assistants |
| Friday | Foyer overlook (Occhiato) — glass room, eyes on ballroom + vendor hall + main entry |
| Saturday | VIP Overlook Room (Massari Arena) — bird's eye of arena floor |
| Equipment | Laptop, monitor, all radios, Weatherman blotter, whiteboard, printed maps, chargers |
All radio traffic is transcribed and logged in real time at the Lighthouse (Weatherman blotter). Voice print identification active if carriers calibrate.
Communication chain: Volunteers/Rovers/Checkpoint → report on OPS channel → Weatherman (Sean) → coordinates response / contacts venue security by phone if needed
Radio Assignments
Roles & Positions
| Role | Person | Type | Radio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weatherman / Dispatch | Sean Steele | Fixed — C2 | UV-5R #3 (handheld) |
| Assembly Chair / Floor Lead | Tonya Van Beber | Fixed/Roving | BF-888S |
| Roving Security Lead | Alec Hanna | Mobile | BF-888S |
| Credentialing Lead | Christy Fidura | Fixed — Entrances | BF-888S |
| Party Chair | Brita Horn | Floor | BF-888S |
| Blotter Monitor (Ch 1) | Lighthouse (station) | Fixed | UV-5R #1 → Sabrent |
| Blotter Monitor (Ch 2) | Lighthouse (station) | Fixed | UV-5R #2 → Sabrent |
| Rovers / Checkpoint | Volunteers (TBD) | Assigned | BF-888S (#4–#12) |
| SPARE | Lighthouse (station) | Reserve | BF-888S #13 |
Tonya is running the convention, not security. She has a radio for situational awareness. Alec commands rovers but reports to Weatherman.
Incident Room
Admin Building Basement
Know the route. Escort subjects here for documentation.
CSU Pueblo Security: Todd Whittemore · (719) 406-2105
Radio Etiquette — The Rules
7 Rules for Radio Carriers
- Push, pause, talk. Hold the transmit button for a full second before speaking. The radio clips the first half-second. If you don't pause, your first word is cut off.
- "You, this is me." Say who you're calling, then who you are. "Weatherman, this is Christy." Then your message. Then "Over."
- Repeat back. When you receive a message, confirm by repeating the key info. "Christy, Weatherman. Copy, twelve at east entrance, no credentials. Over."
- 10 seconds max. If it takes longer to say, use your cell phone or walk over. The channel is for coordination, not conversation.
- Don't answer if it's not for you. If someone calls for Weatherman, only Weatherman responds. Don't jump in.
- "Over" means I'm done. Don't transmit until you hear it.
- No channel surfing. Stay on Channel 1 unless Weatherman directs a switch.
Call Examples
Standard Call
Initiating contact:
Christy: "Weatherman, this is Christy. Group of twelve at east entrance, no credentials. Over."
Acknowledgment with repeat-back:
Weatherman: "Christy, Weatherman. Copy, twelve at east entrance, no credentials. Stand by. Over."
Emergency Call
Alec: "ALL STATIONS, this is Alec. EMERGENCY — medical, main hall row 6, male down, not responsive. Over."
Everyone goes silent. Weatherman coordinates response.
Emergency format: "ALL STATIONS, this is [name]. EMERGENCY — [type], [location], [description]. Over."
Types: MEDICAL · ALTERCATION · PERSON WITH WEAPON · FIRE
Types: MEDICAL · ALTERCATION · PERSON WITH WEAPON · FIRE
SALUTE Report
For reporting persons or situations of concern. Fill in the card before transmitting. Describe what you see, not what you think.
| Meaning | Examples | |
|---|---|---|
| S | Size — how many | "one person" · "group of six" · "two vehicles" |
| A | Activity — what doing | "arguing" · "refusing to leave" · "filming" · "blocking door" |
| L | Location — where | Building, entrance, hallway, parking lot, row |
| U | Uniform — description | Clothing, hat, hair, distinguishing features |
| T | Time — when | "right now" · "5 min ago" · "ongoing" |
| E | Equipment — what they have | Signs, bags, camera, megaphone, weapon |
Back of every radio card has a writable SALUTE form. Fill in with Sharpie on laminate — wipe to reuse.
Hot Mic
What It Is & How to Fix It
What: Your transmit button gets stuck or pressed accidentally (in a pocket, by a water bottle on the table). The radio transmits everything — blocks the entire channel. Nobody else can talk.
Check: If you hear no traffic and nobody responds to your calls, look at your radio. If the TX indicator light is on, you're hot. Release the button immediately.
Prevent: Don't clip the radio where the PTT button can be pressed by body movement. Don't set it face-down on a table.
Check: If you hear no traffic and nobody responds to your calls, look at your radio. If the TX indicator light is on, you're hot. Release the button immediately.
Prevent: Don't clip the radio where the PTT button can be pressed by body movement. Don't set it face-down on a table.
Escalation Codes
CODE 1 De-Escalate
Verbal disruption / heated argument
Engage with de-escalation script: "How can I support you to keep today positive?"
CODE 5 Escort
Mediator cannot resolve / physical posturing
Security team responds. Escort to cooling area off the floor.
CODE 10 Remove
Refusal to comply / physical contact / threat
Remove from premises. Document. Notify Chair. Law enforcement if needed.
EMERGENCY Medical / Fire / Weapon / Active Threat
Immediate danger to life or safety
"ALL STATIONS" broadcast. Weatherman coordinates. 911 if needed. Everyone silent on the channel.
Chain of Communication
Who Reports to Whom
Volunteers / Rovers / Checkpoint → report on OPS channel → Weatherman (Sean) → coordinates response / contacts venue security or 911 if needed
Alec commands the floor rovers but reports to Weatherman. Tonya has a radio for awareness — she runs the convention, not security. Do not engage physically — observe, describe, report.
Your job: Observe, describe, report. Do not engage physically. Let the professionals handle it.
De-Escalation Script
What to Say
"How can I support you right now to make this a positive experience?"
"What do I need to know to help you so we keep today positive?"
"What do I need to know to help you so we keep today positive?"
These are real. Memorize them. They work because they put the other person in a position of being heard rather than confronted.
Jamming Contingency
Threat
Our radios transmit in the clear on UHF frequencies. Anyone with a cheap radio and a scanner app can find our frequency. If opposition discovers it, they may attempt to disrupt communications by transmitting noise or interference.
Signs of jamming:
- Constant open carrier noise on the channel
- Unrecognized voices transmitting nonsense or harassment
- Unable to get through — channel always busy
- Garbled or distorted traffic that isn't from our team
Response Procedure
- Do not engage with the jammer. Do not respond, argue, or acknowledge.
- Weatherman identifies the compromise and sends a group text message to all radio carriers: "GO 2"
- Switch your radio to the channel number indicated. Channels are labeled on your radio with a paint pen.
- Radio check on the new channel when Weatherman calls for one.
- If Ch 2 is also compromised: "GO 3". Four channels deep — enough for one day.
CTCSS tones are programmed on each channel to squelch unrelated UHF traffic. This does not encrypt your transmissions — anyone can still listen — but it prevents you from hearing other users on nearby frequencies. It's a noise filter, not a privacy feature.
Comms-Down Fallback
If Radios Fail Entirely
- Cell phones. Everyone has Weatherman's cell number on their radio card. Call or text.
- Runner. Send someone physically to the Lighthouse. The command post doesn't move.
- Venue security can be reached by phone. Todd Whittemore: (719) 406-2105.
Radio Checkout & Return
Morning Checkout (from the Lighthouse)
- Report to the Lighthouse to receive your numbered radio + radio card.
- Perform a radio check at the desk: "Weatherman, this is [your name], radio check. Over."
- Confirm you hear: "[Name], loud and clear."
- Verify your radio is on Channel 1 (OPS).
- Checkout is logged: radio number, your name, time out, assignment.
Evening Return (to the Lighthouse)
- Return your radio to the Lighthouse at end of day.
- Ensure radio is on Channel 1, powered off.
- Report any issues: weak battery, broken clip, damage, channel knob loose.
- Radios charge overnight at the Lighthouse for Day 2 redistribution.
Every radio is numbered with a paint pen. Your card matches your radio number. Do not swap radios with anyone. If there's a problem, bring it to the Lighthouse.
Radio Inventory
13 Radios — Full List
| # | Type | Pre-Assigned | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UV-5R | Weatherman Monitor | Blotter feed Ch 1 → Sabrent #1 |
| 2 | UV-5R | Weatherman Monitor | Blotter feed Ch 2 → Sabrent #2 |
| 3 | UV-5R | Sean Steele | Lighthouse handheld |
| 4 | BF-888S | ||
| 5 | BF-888S | ||
| 6 | BF-888S | ||
| 7 | BF-888S | ||
| 8 | BF-888S | ||
| 9 | BF-888S | ||
| 10 | BF-888S | ||
| 11 | BF-888S | ||
| 12 | BF-888S | ||
| 13 | BF-888S | SPARE | Replacement — keep at the Lighthouse |
Radios 4–12 assigned at checkout based on volunteer roster and positions needed that day. Assignments may differ between Day 1 and Day 2.
Print-Ready (Black on White)
These are designed for actual printing — minimal ink, clean black-on-white layout, letter paper.
Radio Operations Card + SALUTE (Print)
2-page portrait, black on white. Front: channels, etiquette, codes, emergency, jamming. Back: SALUTE form, checkout, contacts. Print on cardstock, laminate.
Radio Sign-Out Sheet (Print)
2-page portrait. Day 1 (Friday) + Day 2 (Saturday). All 13 radios, pre-assigned + blank rows. Notes section. Letter paper.
Quick Reference (Navy — Screen Only)
Full-color navy versions for on-screen viewing and sharing. Not designed for printing.
Radio Operations Card + SALUTE (Quick Reference)
Navy/gold theme. Same content as print version. View on screen or share digitally.
Escalation Protocol Poster
Code 1/5/10 with de-escalation scripts. Letter size. Post in staff areas.