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Frequently Asked Question for:

- NIH 104-Pagers
      * 2-Way Radios (Trunked Communications Network)
      * Hearing Impaired Fire Alarm Notification Network

104 Pagers
Questions: Answers:
What is the 104 Paging Network?   A Government owned and operated VHF Paging Network, designed for IC Usage within the NIH Campus and up to a 50 miles radius.

The service includes coverage for CC Code Blue Emergencies and presently provides one-way voice and display messaging to more than 50,00 NIH Customers.
 
How can I order a 104 Pager? DelPro orders are placed through the Service and Supply Fund and CAN's are charged a one-time fee for the purchase price of the Pager.

Contact your Administrative Officer, (A.O.) when you are ready to purchase a 104 Pager.
 
Is the 104 Pager called by any other name? The 104 Paging Network is also known as the NIH Paging Network or the VHF Paging Network.
 
Who's authorized to get a 104 Pager? Any NIH employee who has the approval of a supervisor or higher level may be authorized to purchase a NIH 104 Pager.
 
How do I use my 104 Pager?

Click here to view the 104 paging sequence


Click here and jump to the User Guidelines
Note: Not all features described in the manual are available on all Pagers.

For additional information, please contact the
DNST Wireless Facility:

Call:     301-496-1833
e-mail: helpdesk@nih.gov

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How do I dial a 104 Pager from OFF-Campus?

(Caller must know the persons 4-digit 104 pager number)
- Dial 1-800-NIH-BEEP (800-644-2337)
Follow the Voice Assistance Prompts
for example:
Enter pager number
Enter function digits
Enter display message
Enter voice message

This 800 number can be dialed anywhere in the continental US.

 
How do I dial a 104 Pager while On-Campus?

(Caller must know the persons 4-digit 104 pager number)
- Dial 104
- Listen for the tone and then
dial the 4-digit Pager number
- Listen for the tone and then
dial your return call number
- Hang-up

Click here to view the 104 paging sequence

 
What NIH exchanges can dial the 104 Pagers? All NIH exchanges (402,435,480,496,594,827) can dial the 104 Network simply by picking up the phone and dialing 104.

Click here to view the 104 paging sequence
 
Do I need a 104 Pager and a regular Commercial Pager? Individual usage and job requirements would determine which type of pager or both you may need to use.

The 104 Network provides on campus in-building and 50 mile radius coverage area.

Commercial pagers may provide extend coverage area but may not provide campus in-building coverage.
 
I want a regular (Commercial) Pager, where can I get more info about obtaining one?

Commercial Pagers are purchased directly from the Vendors. Click here for a list of Vendors.

Your AO can assist you in purchasing a Commercial Pager.

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Who do I contact for 104 Pager repairs?

104 Pagers are maintained in-house by the DNST Wireless Facility: located in building 10 , room B1A28.

It is suggest that you bring your pager into the facility for repair

Hours of operation vary due to the nature of the environment, therefore it is recommended that you call or e-mail the facility prior to delivering equipment for repair.
Call:     301-496-1833
e-mail: helpdesk@nih.gov

As an option you can send your pager by messenger or interoffice mail.
It's important to note that Pagers sent to the
DNST Wireless Facility: via the mail system can delay turn-around time for repairs and increase the chances of being lost.

The DNST Wireless Facility maintains a Log Book for tracking purposes. It requires: the Date, Pager Number, Name, IC, Telephone Number and a description of the problem.

 
How long does it take to repair my 104 Pager?

Repair and shipping typically takes about ten (10) business days or two weeks.

The time it takes to make a repair may depend on the severity of the problem and/or the availability of parts associated with the broken pager.

New pagers are purchased with a factory warranty and are returned to the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for repair.
It's important to note that Pagers sent to the
DNST Wireless Facility via the mail system can delay turnaround time for repairs.

 
What happens if I lose my pager?

Contact your Administrative Officer, (AO) if you lose your pager.

The Pager number should be reported to the
DNST Wireless Facility so that the service can be disabled until the Pager is found or replaced.
Call:     301-496-1833
e-mail: helpdesk@nih.gov

Click here for info on acquiring a new pager.
The original Pager number can be assigned to the replacement Pager, if the information is supplied upon the DelPro request.

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Who handles Hearing Impaired issues regarding Pagers? Call:     301-496-1833
e-mail: helpdesk@nih.gov
 
How is the 104 pager different from a regular Pager? The 104 Pager System is designed specially to benefit the NIH community by offering coverage on campus and for a fifty (50) mile radius.

Other types of pagers may offer extended coverage, but they may not work properly on campus.
 
What's the coverage area for my 104 Pager?

The 104 Paging System serves the entire NIH Campus and includes a radius of 50 miles.

 
What's the cost of my 104 Pager? Prices for the 104 Pager may vary with the market and type of pager selected.

For more info, contact the NIH Help desk at 301-486-HELP (4357) prior to submitting an order.
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104-Paging Sequence
The following procedures explain the step-by-step process of sending either a voice or display message to an NIH 104 Paging Network user. The steps are similar but vary depending upon the type of pager:
Memo Express, Advisor Gold: 1. Caller dials access 104 and receives a display prompt tone,
2. Caller then enters the numeric display information via the telephone keypad and hangs up.
Keynote, Pageboy II, III and BPR 2000
(tone & voice):
1. Caller dial access 104 and receives "go-ahead" tone,
2. Caller then enters the FOUR digit pager number and receives a short "ring back" tone,
3. Caller is then allowed 10 seconds to enter a voice message and hangs up.
Keynote, PMR 2000 and Optrx (tone, voice & display): 1. Caller dials access 104 and receives a "go-ahead" tone,
2. Caller then enters the FOUR digit pager number and receives a function digit prompt tone,
3. Caller must then enter one of the following function digits:
a) Function digit "1" for a tone and voice message, or b) Function digit "7" for a numeric display message
NOTE:
a) If a voice page is desired and function digit "1" is entered, caller receives a short "ring back" and an "acknowledge" tone, then is allowed a 10 second voice message.
b) If a numeric display page is desired and function digit "7" is entered, caller receives a display prompt tone and then enters the numeric display message via the telephone key pad and hangs up.
Bravo, BPR 2000 & Sensar (numeric display only): 1. Caller dials access 104 and receives a "go-ahead" tone,
2. Caller then enters the "FOUR" digit pager number and receives a function digit prompt tone,
3. Caller then enters function digit "7" and receives a display prompt tone, 4. Caller then enters the numeric display message via the telephone keypad and hangs up.
 
Hearing Impaired Fire Alarm Notification Network
What is the Hearing Impaired Fire Alarm Notification Network? A "stand-alone" Alarm Paging Network. Operates independently from the 104 Paging Network.

Designed specifically for fire alarm notification to hearing impaired employees.

A fully automated paging network that forwards on campus building fire alarm notification information via an alphanumeric display message to a silent vibrating pager carried by the impaired employee.

Designed in a joint effort by DNST, DES and EMB for fire alarm notification to the hearing-impaired employees and ICs within NIH Buildings located on the main campus.
Trunked Communications Network
What is the Trunked Communications Network? A UHF-2-Way Communications Network, concentrated on the NIH Campus.

The system is designed with consideration for the public safety communications of the Division of Public Safety, (DPS) as well as Police, and all Crime and Emergency Management Departments.

Additional users include: the Division of Engineering Services (DES), Public Works, Shops, Maintenance Engineering Sections, CC Code Blue Services, the Nutrition Department, Building Services and other IC's with "Talk Group" activities that require radio communications and support in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.
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Contact the DNST Wireless Facility:
Voice 301-496-1833
Fax:   301-402-2843
E-mail: helpdesk@nih.gov



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