RIOS
RADIO INTEROPERABILITY SOFTWARE:
Additional Features
Additional Interoperability Features
RIOS goes beyond traditional patching interoperability to provide a full host of console-like functions. Activity logs, instant recall and preset configurations are just a few of the many advanced interoperability feature that come standard with RIOS.
Push to Talk & Group Talk
Communication to a port, cluster group or dispatch group is easy; simply select and hold the port icon or group’s connection node and speak into the microphone. The port will turn red to indicate transmission while the computer you are communicating from will turn green. A green asset indicates that it is the source audio, i.e., it is receiving audio from the operator.
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In this graphic, the operator is pressing the center node of the group titled “Local Patch”. RIOS sees this as a PTT to all ports within the patch. Consequently, all three radio entry points transmit to all users on their individual frequencies. Notice that although the computer asset is in a dispatch group, it still has the ability to transmit to another group.
Priority Listen
Priority Listen allows the user to select a port’s audio priority based on graphical hierarchy. The Listen Column, located on the left-hand side of the RIOS GUI, allows the user to drop and drag the audio source of the highest importance to the top of the column. With this arrangement, RIOS will output the audio of the highest port on the list when simultaneous audio is present.
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For situations that require the operator to monitor two simultaneous conversations, the RIOS GUI offers a stereo mode selection. With this configuration, the operator can monitor two simultaneous conversations at once. In the graphic below, the operator is moving the Priority Listen of the Port # to the highest level of the left ear.
Transmission Log
The RIOS Transmission Log allows the operator to view recent transmissions and receptions within the RIOS GUI. The log indicates transmission direction, port number, port name, site location and time. To replay a transmission, the operator double clicks on the entry within the log and the Instant Recall Panel appears as shown below.
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In this graphic, a transmission log has been opened. From this log, the operator has the ability to double-click on a transmission to recall the recent activity that has occurred on the individual port. Referred to as the Instant Recall Panel, the panel displays the last two minutes of activity on the specific port. Within the Instant Recall Panel, transmissions are shown in red while receptions are shown in green. The operator has the ability to double click on these locations to play back the event. Standard recall time defaults to two minutes of transmissions. For long-term recording, SyTech recommends the RIOS Playback Voice and Data Recording Software Module.
Chat Messages
Chat Messages function as a means to communicate off-air with RIOS Client Workstations or RIOS LiTE Smartphones. Chat Messages allow system users to create multi-user groups and switch among multiple chat sessions within the interface.
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Chat Message sessions are resizable and logged internally within the RIOS Gateway. Often, Chat Messages are used to ask for connection permissions within wide-area systems.
Presets
Presets allow the operator to revert to a previously saved configuration of RIOS. To save a Preset, create the desired groups and select the ports to monitor. Select the Configure Function, Save, name the Preset, Enter. When needed, load the Preset from the Configuration Function and groups and ports you have selected to monitor will appear.
Loading a Preset – Switching from Dispatch Groups to Talkgroups
In Panel 1 above, the operator is communicating via Dispatch Groups with various radio channels. With this configuration, all radios remain separate while allowing the dispatcher to multicast to the desired group. Notice Port 2 is in receive mode–only the operator and radios on this frequency can hear this port’s radio traffic.
Should the situation require interoperability among the radio ports, the operator can load a Preset that automatically creates the groups and places the appropriate ports within the Listen Column. In Panel 2, the operator has select the “Talkgroups” Preset.
In Panel 3, the groups are created and the correct ports are placed in the Listen Column. Notice how the audio from Port 2 is not being transmitted by Ports 1 and 3.
Alert Signals
Alerts Signals allow the operator to multicast pre-recorded .wav files to selected ports and groups. Alert Signals are often used in noisy environments where an attention signal is used prior to the transmission of a voice announcement. Users can create custom messages (as shown below) or use the default alerts within RIOS.
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In this graphic, the operator has elected to send the “Prepare for Message” Alert to all the ports within both groups. This task can easily be accomplished by selecting Alerts, choosing “Prepare for Message”, and picking the groups or ports to receive the message. The operator confirms the request by deselecting the Alert Signals Function and the message is broadcast through the ports.
