OPT012-1 Public Safety Tester Training & Certification SeeHawk Central

Seahawk Central Platform Overview

Cleaned Lesson Transcript / Study Notes

Welcome to PCTEL’s Seahawk Central platform.

This lesson provides an overview of the main navigation areas and platform tools.

1. Management Toolbar

On the left side of the screen is the Management Toolbar.

The Management Toolbar provides access to the main sections of the platform.

It includes:

• Management
• Company Details
• Reports
• Company Admin
• Help
• Upload
• Upload / Export Process
• Documents Exported
• File Management
• Help Resources

The toolbar can be collapsed by selecting the three-bar menu icon.

2. Management Section

The Management section allows users to access the main platform views and setup areas.

This includes:

• Main map view
• Table view
• Buildings
• Workspaces
• Thresholds
• BDA setup
• Test setup
• Test plans
• Users

This is the main area used to manage buildings, testing configurations, and user access.

3. Company Details

The Company Details section contains information related to AHJs and radio systems.

This information can be sorted and filtered by:

• Company name
• AHJ type
• ZIP code
• County
• State

Company details can also include information specific to your company.

The office feature can be used to organize users by office location and affiliate users with specific offices.

4. Reports

The Reports section displays available reports from the platform.

Report types may include:

• Test summaries
• Building reminders
• Scanner and measurement reports
• Delta reports

This section is used to access and review reporting data generated from completed tests.

5. Company Admin

The Company Admin section displays subscription details.

It also allows you to customize the user interface.

Customization options may include:

• Replacing the default logo with your company logo
• Editing screen colors
• Adjusting company-specific display settings

6. Help

The Help section allows you to grant the PCTEL support team access to your account for troubleshooting and bug resolution.

This can be useful when support needs to investigate a platform issue directly.

7. Upload

The Upload section provides an alternate method for uploading test results into the platform.

This can be used when test results need to be added outside of the normal workflow.

8. Upload / Export Process

The Upload / Export Process section displays the current status of uploads or exports that are in progress.

This allows users to monitor whether files are still processing or have completed.

9. Documents Exported

The Documents Exported section displays exported reports.

From this area, users can download reports that were generated from the platform.

10. File Management

The File Management section acts as a document library.

Documents stored here can be included directly in reports or selected in available report fields.

This allows supporting documentation to be managed and reused within the platform.

11. Help Resources

The Help Resources section includes platform support materials.

These may include:

• User guide
• User stories
• Release notes for the latest revision

This area is useful for learning platform features and reviewing recent updates.

12. Upper Right Menu

In the upper right-hand side of the platform, there are options to contact PCTEL and report bugs.

This area also includes platform notifications.

Notifications may include:

• System notifications
• Broadcast messages from AHJs

13. Account Information

The account information menu allows users to manage their own profile and account settings.

From this area, users can:

• Edit their profile
• Change their password
• Review terms and conditions
• View the acceptable use policy
• Log out

Final Summary

Seahawk Central is the main platform used to manage companies, buildings, workspaces, test setups, reports, uploads, documents, and users.

The left-side Management Toolbar provides access to the core platform functions, while the upper right menu provides account settings, notifications, support contact options, and bug reporting.

Building Management Tab

Cleaned Lesson Transcript / Study Notes

In the Building Management tab, Seahawk Central provides both a map view and a table view. Both views display the same building information, but in different formats.

1. Map View

The Map View allows users to visually locate buildings and related sites.

From the map, you can:

• Add terrain view
• Switch to satellite view
• Enter full-screen mode
• Collapse from full-screen mode
• Move left and right across the map
• Open Street View
• Exit Street View
• Switch back to standard map view

If radio sites have been shared with your account by the radio system, those radio sites can also be displayed on the map.

2. Table View

The Table View displays the same building information in a sortable and filterable table.

You can add filters to narrow down the list of buildings.

Available filters can be selected by checking the desired boxes and saving the changes.

Once added, fields can be:

• Displayed in the table
• Rearranged
• Sorted
• Used to filter results

You can also choose to view only:

• Campuses
• Buildings

3. Add a Building

To add a building, select:

Add Building

You will then choose:

• USA or Other
• Standalone or Campus

A standalone building is used when the building has its own unique address.

A campus is used when multiple buildings share a single address and do not each have independent addresses.

4. Enter Building Address

Begin by entering the building address.

The system will provide address suggestions as you type.

After selecting the address, you can enter the building name.

The customer name field is optional.

The system may suggest the county automatically, but the building type must be selected manually.

5. Building Type and Site Code

Select the appropriate building type from the available options.

The site code field is free form. It can be whatever your company needs it to be.

The site code is also searchable, so it can be useful for internal tracking or customer-specific identification.

6. GPS Coordinates and Pin Location

You can manually enter GPS coordinates for latitude and longitude to adjust the building pin location.

The pin location can also be moved manually on the map.

If the pin is moved, the system may adjust the address based on the new location.

Before creating the building, always double-check:

• Address
• Building name
• Building type
• AHJ information
• Radio system information
• Pin location

Once Create Building is selected, most of the information becomes locked and can no longer be edited.

7. AHJ Details

The next step is to enter AHJ details.

You can select a:

• Local AHJ
• State AHJ
• Federal AHJ

There may only be one AHJ.

The AHJ is the code enforcement authority responsible for approving or signing off on building occupancy.

This is usually the:

• Fire marshal
• Building code official

If an AHJ is already associated with the building’s ZIP code, that AHJ will appear at the top of the list in blue.

8. Radio Systems

A building can have multiple radio systems associated with it.

This is useful when there are overlapping radio systems, such as:

• County system
• State system
• Local system

All required systems can be added so they can be affiliated with the building and included in testing.

When adding a radio system, the platform may ask whether you want to add the building ZIP code to that radio system.

If you select Yes, that radio system will be associated with the ZIP code. Future buildings created in that ZIP code will then automatically show that radio system as an associated option.

9. Create the Building

Before selecting Create Building, verify all entered information.

This is important because much of the building information becomes locked after the building is created.

After confirming the information, select:

Create Building

10. Supporting Documentation

After creating the building, you may add supporting documentation.

This step can be done immediately, or supporting documents can be added later.

Supporting documentation may include:

• Floor plans
• AHJ documentation
• Radio system information
• Site-specific notes
• Other project files

11. View the New Building

Once the building is created, it appears in the Building Management view.

When you hover over the building, a pop-up appears with additional information.

If you click the building, the pop-up remains open.

Selecting the building will take you directly to the Building Profile.

Final Summary

The Building Management tab allows users to view, filter, create, and manage buildings in Seahawk Central.

The workflow includes:

• Viewing buildings on a map or table
• Filtering and sorting building information
• Adding a standalone building or campus
• Entering address and building details
• Selecting AHJ information
• Associating radio systems
• Confirming pin location
• Creating the building
• Adding supporting documentation
• Opening the building profile

The most important step is to carefully verify all building information before selecting Create Building, because most of the information becomes locked afterward.

Adding Floor Levels and Floor Plans

Cleaned Lesson Transcript / Study Notes

Now that the building has been created in Seahawk Central, the next step is to add the building’s floor levels and floor plans.

1. Open the Building Profile

Start by selecting the building that was just created.

Then move to the next tab:

Floors and Equipment Rooms

This section contains two main options:

• Floor Details
• Equipment Room Details

2. Floor Detail Options

Under Floor Details, there are two options:

1. Central Floors
2. IBWC Floors

Central Floors

Central Floors require an image file to create the floor plan.

Supported image file types include:

• JPG
• JPEG
• PNG
• GIF
• BMP

IBWC Floors

IBWC Floors allow the user to import zipped files or IBWC files.

These are native exports from tools such as:

• iBwave
• RanPlan

3. Add a Central Floor

To add a Central Floor, select:

Add Floor

Then name the floor.

There are several ways to load the floor plan information.

4. Upload Existing Seahawk Touch Floor Files

If a floor plan was already created in Seahawk Touch, the upload folder should include two required files:

1. The image file
2. The matching file with the appropriate Seahawk file extension

If the image was already imported, scaled, and marked up on the tablet with grids, critical points, reference points, and comments, that creates a special map file.

The image file and map file can be placed into a zipped folder and uploaded into Central.

This allows previously created Seahawk Touch floor plan data to be reused in Central.

5. Load and Register an Image File

In this lesson, the selected method is:

Load and Register an Image File

This method uses a floor plan image and a ruler to establish scale.

After selecting the image file, choose:

Next

Registration Types

After uploading the floor plan image, the platform provides registration options.

1. Auto Register

Auto Register assigns a random predetermined default length and GPS coordinate location.

This method is less precise and is generally not the preferred option for normal floor plan setup.

2. Register with Ruler

Register with Ruler uses a ruler measurement to set the scale of the floor plan.

GPS coordinates are not used.

This is typically the preferred method.

3. Manual Registration — Advanced

Manual registration requires three GPS coordinates.

For accurate length measurement at this scale, GPS coordinates should go out to approximately eight decimal places.

This method is more advanced and is usually only used when precise geolocation is required.

Registering with a Ruler

When using Register with Ruler, click inside the floor plan image to place the ruler.

Then long-press on the end of the ruler and move it to the correct location.

Once the ruler is positioned over a known distance on the drawing:

1. Double-click the ruler bar.
2. Select Set Scale.
3. Enter the known length in feet.
4. Select OK.
5. Select Next to proceed.

The floor plan now has an established scale.

Floor Plan Icon Overview

After the floor plan is scaled, the left-side icon toolbar provides tools for creating and editing the test layout.

New Grid Button

The New Grid button inserts a new grid into the floor plan.

After selecting it, the user can choose:

• Number of columns
• Number of rows
• Grid color
• Line thickness
• Font size
• Ignored area color
• Transparency

Edit Grid Button

The Edit Grid button allows the user to adjust the grid.

This includes:

• Moving the grid
• Rotating the grid
• Expanding the grid
• Contracting the grid
• Resetting to the default position

Ignore Area Points

The Ignore Area Points tool removes selected grid areas from grading.

If results are already associated with those areas, the results will be hidden.

Ignored areas should always include comments explaining why they were ignored.

Add Comment

The Add Comment tool adds comments to a specific grid area.

Comments are important for explaining conditions, access issues, or special circumstances.

Move Area Point

The Move Area Point tool allows the user to move the test point inside a grid area.

This is useful if the default test point falls in a wall, on a table, or in another location where the technician cannot physically stand.

Move the point to the actual location where the measurement will be taken so future tests can be repeated accurately.

Reference Points

Reference points are not included in grading.

They allow the user to test or measure specific points on the map.

Reference points should include comments explaining what was tested and why.

Critical Points

Critical points are tested independently and graded separately from normal area test points.

These should be added where required by code or the AHJ.

Grid Import

The Grid Import tool allows the user to import an existing completed grid setup.

This may include:

• Grid layout
• Reference points
• Critical points
• Comments

Importing a grid clears the existing information on the current image and overlays the imported layout.

This is especially useful in high-rise buildings where several floors have the same layout.

Creating a New Grid

To create a new grid, click inside the floor plan.

The platform will ask for the number of rows and columns.

It is often helpful to change the line color to something more visible, especially if the floor plan has grayscale walls.

You can also adjust:

• Line thickness
• Font size
• Ignored area color
• Ignored area transparency

Once the grid is created, use the Edit Grid tool to move, rotate, and size the grid so it covers the correct floor area.

Grid Comments and Sectors

Comments can be added to the grid itself.

For example, the grid may be labeled:

Office Area

This is helpful when a floor has different functional areas, such as:

• Office area
• Warehouse
• Factory area
• Tenant space

Different sectors can also be selected if the floor needs to be divided into separate areas with different KPIs or reporting requirements.

Changing Grid Rows and Columns

If the grid does not fit the floor plan correctly, the number of rows and columns may need to be changed.

To do this, the existing grid may need to be deleted and recreated with a better row and column layout.

For example, if one layout is too far out of square, changing from fewer columns and more rows to a different arrangement may improve the fit.

Ignoring Areas

Some areas may need to be ignored if they cannot be accessed or are not part of the test area.

Examples include:

• Different tenant spaces
• Locked rooms
• Restricted areas
• Areas where testing is not permitted

When ignoring an area:

1. Select the ignore area tool.
2. Select the areas to ignore.
3. Add comments explaining why the areas are ignored.

Example comment:

No access — different tenant

Comments should be copied to each ignored area as needed.

Moving Area Points

After the grid is created, use the Move Area Point tool to move test points to practical measurement locations.

Move points:

• Off tables
• Out of walls
• Into accessible rooms
• Away from inaccessible tenant areas
• Into locations where the technician can physically stand

If a test point location is ambiguous, add a comment clarifying exactly where the measurement should be taken.

This is important for future annual tests so measurements can be repeated from the same location.

Adding Reference Points

Reference points can be placed around the outside of the building.

If a reference point is selected after placement, it can be deleted or commented.

Comments should be added to explain that the point is outside the building.

Reference points outside the building are important because they help document:

• Ground-level outdoor signal power
• Which side of the building is being served by the radio system
• Conditions useful for future exterior leakage testing

NFPA 1225 states that, 3 feet outside the building, the macro system should be 15 dB stronger than the in-building system.

Outdoor reference points help document this condition and can support decisions about donor antenna placement or leakage mitigation.

Adding Critical Points

Critical points are added in the same general way as reference points.

Critical points are defined by code or AHJ requirements.

Always add comments to critical points explaining what they represent.

Examples may include:

• Exit stairs
• Fire command center
• Fire pump room
• Elevator lobby
• Other AHJ-designated critical areas

Comments should be clear and consistent. Copy and paste can be used when several critical points require similar comments.

Table Overview

After the grid, ignored areas, reference points, and critical points are complete, the platform provides a table overview.

This table shows:

• Total grid square footage
• Number of grid areas
• Area width
• Area height
• Individual area size
• Comments
• Ignored areas
• Reference points
• Critical points

Ignored areas show up in gray, along with the comments associated with them.

Reference points and critical points also show with their comments.

Review this information carefully before saving.

Save the Floor Plan

Once everything is complete, select:

Save

After saving, the floor plan will appear in the floor management section.

The grid can be viewed by selecting:

View Grid

All grid, point, and comment information remains available for review.

Managing Floor Plans

After the floor plan is saved, the user can manage it from the floor plan list.

Available actions may include:

• View grid
• Edit floor order
• Delete floor plans
• Download floor plans

Downloading may be useful if a separate repository or backup copy is needed.

Final Summary

Adding floors in Seahawk Central includes uploading a floor plan, scaling it, creating the grid layout, and adding required test points.

The main workflow is:

1. Select the building.
2. Open Floors and Equipment Rooms.
3. Add a floor.
4. Upload and register the floor plan image.
5. Set the scale with a ruler.
6. Create and adjust the grid.
7. Ignore inaccessible areas.
8. Move test points to practical locations.
9. Add reference points.
10. Add critical points.
11. Add comments.
12. Review the table.
13. Save the floor plan.

Accurate floor setup is important because these points are used for coverage testing, final reporting, and future annual inspections.

Building Reminders

Cleaned Lesson Transcript / Study Notes

The next building-related section is Building Reminders.

Building reminders allow users to create, view, sort, and manage reminders connected to a specific building.

1. View Building Reminders

In the Building Reminders section, users can view any existing reminders for the building.

If a reminder includes comments, the comments can be viewed by clicking the reminder field.

The reminder list can also be sorted to help organize upcoming tasks or due dates.

2. Add a New Reminder

To create a new reminder, select Add Reminder.

There are two reminder types:

1. Scheduled Date
2. Due Date

These are separate searchable categories, which helps users filter and manage reminders based on the type of activity.

3. Schedule a Test Date

For a scheduled test date, choose a future date.

In this example, the reminder is being created for an annual inspection.

The selected test date is the 18th.

4. Set the Reminder Period

Next, choose when the reminder should be sent.

In this example, the reminder period is set for:

Two weeks in advance

This means the selected user will receive the reminder before the scheduled test date.

5. Assign the Reminder

Select the individual who should receive the reminder.

You can allow that person to receive an email notification.

Comments can also be added to provide additional context about the reminder.

Example comments may include:

• Annual inspection due
• Contact customer before visit
• Confirm technician availability
• Verify building access
• Review previous test report before inspection

6. Manage the Reminder

Once the reminder is created, it appears in the Building Reminders list.

From the reminder list, users can:

• Mark the reminder as complete
• View comments
• Delete the reminder
• Sort reminders

Reminder comments are also available for viewing in reports.

7. Service Company Reminder View

The Building Reminders section can also show reminders that have been set for all buildings within the service company.

This gives the company a centralized view of upcoming scheduled tests, due dates, and building-related tasks.

Final Summary

Building Reminders help users manage upcoming building-related activities, such as annual inspections or required follow-up tasks.

This section allows users to:

• Add scheduled date reminders
• Add due date reminders
• Set reminder periods
• Assign reminders to users
• Send email notifications
• Add comments
• Mark reminders complete
• Delete reminders
• View reminders across buildings

Building reminders are useful for tracking annual inspection schedules and ensuring that required testing does not get missed.

Managing Workspaces in Seahawk Central

Cleaned Lesson Transcript / Study Notes

This lesson explains how to create and manage workspaces in Seahawk Central.

A workspace defines the channels, protocols, measurement types, scanner type, and related setup information used for testing.

1. Create a New Workspace

Start in the Management tab.

Go to:

Workspace → Create New Workspace

On the left side, the platform shows the available protocols.

These protocols represent the different modulation schemes that can be used for testing.

In this example, the selected protocol is:

P25

This is commonly used for public safety radio systems.

2. Add a P25 Band

You can either edit an existing band or add a new one.

For this example, add a new band using:

Non-uniform 10 to 1000 Wideband

Next, name the band clearly.

In this example, the band is named for the:

Alabama Interoperable Radio System Control Channels

Then begin adding the control channel frequencies.

After entering the center frequency for Channel 1, click Add to move that channel into the channel list.

Repeat this process for each control channel candidate:

1. Enter the center frequency.
2. Click Add.
3. Increment the channel number.
4. Add the next control channel.
5. Continue until all control channels are listed.

Once all channels have been added to the channel list, click Save.

The newly created band will now appear in the workspace. Select it so it is highlighted.

3. Select the Measurement Type

After selecting the P25 band, choose the measurement type.

Available P25 measurement options include:

For this example, select:

P25 Decode

This provides both power measurement and frame bit error rate.

OOS BER is rarely used in this type of workflow because it requires a test pattern and is typically used for more specialized testing.

4. Group the Control Channels

Since the channels entered are control channel candidates, they should be grouped.

Grouping allows an OR function during grading.

This means:

• Channel 1 can pass, or
• Channel 2 can pass, or
• Channel 3 can pass

If any one of the grouped control channels meets the threshold, the grouped measurement passes.

Create a group called:

Control Channels

Drag the control channel candidates into that group.

Then click Save.

5. Set P25 Properties

After the channels are grouped, select the P25 phase setting.

Options include:

• Phase 1
• Phase 2
• Auto Detect

In this example, leave the setting on:

Auto Detect

Next, change the channel type from Traffic to Control.

This is important because control channels are averaged for power measurement.

Traffic channels use peak hold for the power measurement.

For this setup, make sure the channel type is set to:

Control Channel

Then click Save Details.

After saving, you can preview the workspace setup and confirm:

• Band
• Measurement type
• Channel description
• Grouped control channels

6. Add Other P25 Channels or Protocols

After completing the first P25 control channel group, continue working from left to right across the workspace setup.

You can add:

• Additional P25 channels
• Other radio protocols
• Other required measurement types

This allows the workspace to support all required systems for the test.

7. Add Noise Channels

Next, add noise channels.

In this example, the noise channels are in the 800 MHz band.

Add another band using:

Non-uniform 10 to 1000 Wideband

These channels will be used as:

Noise or test channels

Noise channels should be unused, unlicensed, or guard channels.

You need one noise channel for:

• Uplink
• Downlink

In this example:

The downlink value is selected by moving down approximately 30 MHz from the uplink band.

After entering the noise channel frequencies, select the noise/test channels and add them to the channel selection.

Group these channels as well.

Then click:

Save Group → Save Details

At this point, the workspace includes both:

• Control channels
• Noise/test channels

8. Select Scanner Type and Name the Workspace

Next, select the scanner type.

In this example, the scanner type is:

IBflex

Then name the workspace.

Use a clear name that identifies the system, location, or test purpose.

9. Save the Workspace

Once the workspace is saved, Seahawk Central displays information about the workspace, including:

• Date created
• Created by
• Edit option
• Delete option
• Download option

The workspace can also be shared with other users.

Final Summary

A workspace in Seahawk Central defines the radio channels and measurement setup used for testing.

The basic workflow is:

1. Go to Management → Workspace.
2. Create a new workspace.
3. Select the protocol, such as P25.
4. Add a P25 band.
5. Enter and save control channel candidates.
6. Select P25 Decode as the measurement type.
7. Group the control channels.
8. Set the channels as Control Channels.
9. Add uplink and downlink noise/test channels.
10. Group the noise channels.
11. Select the scanner type.
12. Name and save the workspace.
13. Share, edit, download, or delete the workspace if needed.

This workspace can now be used for building test setups, coverage tests, and BDA commissioning workflows.

Management Threshold Settings

Cleaned Lesson Transcript / Study Notes

This lesson explains how to create and manage threshold settings in Seahawk Central.

Threshold settings define the minimum values used for pass/fail criteria during coverage testing.

1. Open Threshold Settings

In the Management section, go to the Threshold settings area.

Users can set the minimum values required for a test point to pass.

To add a new threshold setting, select:

Create New Settings

2. Downlink and Uplink Thresholds

The threshold setup includes two separate columns:

• Downlink
• Uplink

Each direction can have different pass/fail criteria.

The thresholds are also separated by point type:

• Area Points
• Critical Points

Area points are the normal grid test locations.

Critical points are special required locations, such as exit stairs, fire command centers, elevator lobbies, or other AHJ-designated areas.

3. Use for Grading

The Use for Grading option allows the user to select which measurements will be used to determine pass/fail results.

These measurements can be applied to:

• Grid area points
• Critical points

The selected measurements should match the requirements provided by the AHJ or the radio system owner.

4. Adjust Thresholds

Threshold values can be adjusted to match the criteria required by the local jurisdiction, AHJ, or radio system.

For P25 systems, one of the available measurements is:

FBER — Frame Bit Error Rate

FBER is used on a live P25 system.

Another measurement is:

P25 BER — Out-of-Service Bit Error Rate

This is used for out-of-service bit error rate testing and typically requires a test pattern.

5. Example Threshold Settings

In this example, the P25 threshold values are edited.

The bit error rate is set to:

1.5%

The SONAR/SINR measurement is set symmetrically to:

20 dB

The delivered audio quality value is adjusted to:

3.4

Example settings:

These values should be changed as needed to match the project requirements.

6. Name the Threshold Setting

After the threshold values are configured, name the threshold setting.

Typically, the threshold setting should be named after the jurisdiction or radio system that requires it.

This makes it easier to select the correct threshold package later.

Example names could include:

• County Fire P25 Thresholds
• City Public Safety Coverage Criteria
• AHJ Required Thresholds
• 700 MHz Public Safety Thresholds

7. Save and Manage Thresholds

Once the threshold setting has been created, it can be managed from Central.

Available actions include:

• Edit
• Delete
• Download
• Share

Final Summary

Management Threshold Settings define the pass/fail criteria used during coverage testing.

The setup allows users to configure:

• Downlink thresholds
• Uplink thresholds
• Area point requirements
• Critical point requirements
• Measurements used for grading
• P25 FBER
• P25 BER
• SONAR/SINR
• Delivered audio quality

The threshold package should be named clearly and aligned with the AHJ or radio system requirements.

Creating a New Test Plan

Cleaned Lesson Transcript / Study Notes

This lesson explains how to create a new Test Plan in Seahawk Central and download it to Seahawk Touch.

A test plan is a complete end-to-end configuration that can be created in Seahawk Central and executed in the field using Seahawk Touch.

1. Open Test Plans

From the Management section, select:

Test Plans

Then choose:

Create New Test Plan

2. Select the Building and Floors

Begin by selecting the building for the test plan.

Then choose the floor type and select the floors that will be tested.

The test plan will use the selected building and floor information when it is downloaded to Seahawk Touch.

3. Select the Workspace

Next, select the workspace for the test plan.

Workspaces shown in blue at the top are official workspaces provided by the AHJ or the radio system associated with the building.

Workspaces shown in white below are workspaces created by the user or service provider.

Select the appropriate workspace for the test.

4. Add Equipment Rooms or BDA Commissioning Tests

If the building has equipment rooms or BDA commissioning tests, those can be added to the test plan at this step.

These are optional depending on the type of testing being performed.

5. Select Thresholds

Next, select the required threshold settings.

The same color rule applies:

• Blue thresholds are official thresholds created by the AHJ or radio system.
• White thresholds are thresholds created by the user or service provider.

If official AHJ or radio system thresholds are available, those should typically be used.

6. Sample Method

The sample method settings appear next.

In this lesson, the instruction is:

Do not change the sample method settings.

Simply leave the default sample method as-is and click Save.

7. Name the Test Plan

After saving the configuration, name the test plan.

Whatever name is entered will be searchable later on the tablet in Seahawk Touch.

Use a clear name that identifies the building, system, or test purpose.

Submitting a Test Plan for Approval

Once the test plan has been created, it can be shared with the radio shop and AHJ before testing is performed.

8. Submit the Test Plan

Open the completed test plan and select:

Submit

Once submitted, the test plan is sent to the radio system for approval or rejection.

After submission:

• A green check mark appears
• The status changes to Submitted
• The status indicator turns yellow
• A notification confirms that the test plan was submitted successfully

9. Radio System Review

The radio system receives a notification that a new test plan has been submitted.

The radio system can then log in and review the submission.

From the Test Plans section, the radio system can review:

• Submission status
• Building selected
• Grid layout
• Workspace selected
• Sample methods
• Other test plan details

The radio system can then approve the test plan and add comments if needed.

10. Approval Notification

Once the radio system approves the test plan, a notification is sent back to the service provider.

The test plan notification turns green, indicating approval.

Any approval comments can also be viewed from the test plan.

Downloading the Test Plan to Seahawk Touch

After the test plan is approved, it can be downloaded to the tablet using Seahawk Touch.

11. Log In to Seahawk Touch

Open the Seahawk Touch application on the tablet.

The tablet connects to Seahawk Central through the cloud.

Sign in using the same login credentials used for the Seahawk Central web platform.

12. Download the Test Plan

In Seahawk Touch, go to:

Test List → Indoor Grid Test Plan

Then select:

Download

A list of available test plans will appear.

You can search for the test plan by name.

Once you find the correct test plan, select it and download it.

13. Start the Test

After the test plan downloads, select the test plan.

Then start the test devices.

Select the scanner that will be used for the test.

Once the scanner is connected, the technician can begin downlink collections.

Final Summary

A Seahawk Central test plan combines all required setup information into one field-ready package.

The workflow includes:

1. Create a new test plan.
2. Select the building.
3. Select the floors.
4. Select the workspace.
5. Add equipment rooms or BDA commissioning tests if needed.
6. Select thresholds.
7. Leave sample method settings unchanged.
8. Save and name the test plan.
9. Submit the test plan for radio system approval.
10. Wait for approval.
11. Download the test plan in Seahawk Touch.
12. Select the scanner.
13. Begin field testing.

This process ensures the field technician is testing with the correct building, floor plans, workspace, thresholds, and approved test configuration.

Navigating Seahawk Touch During a Test

Cleaned Lesson Transcript / Study Notes

This lesson explains how to navigate the Seahawk Touch application while conducting an indoor grid test.

1. Application Navigation Overview

When conducting a test in Seahawk Touch, the left side of the screen contains the same icons used in Seahawk Central to build and edit the floor plan.

These tools allow the user to:

• Build or adjust grids
• Add critical points
• Add reference points
• Move test points
• Add transmitter or antenna locations

If changes are needed during the field test, they can be made directly in Seahawk Touch.

However, changes made in Seahawk Touch do not update or modify the floor plan in Seahawk Central.

For example, if a technician finds an additional critical area during testing, it can be added in Touch and captured in the report, but the original floor plan in Central must be updated separately afterward.

2. Measurement Drawer

At the bottom of the screen, there is a measurement drawer.

Pulling this drawer up allows the user to view test data and navigate through different measurement fields.

The drawer displays the measurements for each grid area, including the frequencies that will be tested.

Some fields are manual entry fields.

The blue fields are manual entry fields.

These may include:

• Delivered audio quality
• Comments
• Other user-entered information

3. Uplink Measurements

Uplink measurements such as uplink power, SONAR/SINR, and frame bit rate are collected from the uplink test performed with Seahawk Monitor.

These uplink measurements are imported later and matched to the test points based on timestamps and channel information.

4. Delivered Audio Quality

Delivered audio quality is manually entered.

To perform delivered audio quality testing:

1. Go to the selected area test point.
2. Have another user stand outside the building in a known good coverage area.
3. Key the radio from the test point.
4. Read a Harvard sentence.
5. The person outside the building listens and subjectively grades the quality.

The transmission from the indoor test point to the outside known-good location is the uplink delivered audio quality measurement.

Then the outside user keys their radio and reads a Harvard sentence back to the technician inside the building.

The technician inside the building grades that received audio. This becomes the downlink delivered audio quality measurement.

5. Viewing Reference and Critical Points

The measurement drawer also shows:

• Reference points
• Channels associated with reference points
• Comments associated with reference points
• Critical points
• Comments associated with critical points

Comments entered in Central carry through into Seahawk Touch.

Adding Transmitter Test Points

6. Add Transmitter / Antenna Locations

Transmitter test points can be added if antenna locations were included on the floor plan.

To make the display easier to work with, you can first turn off the visible icons.

Then select the transmitter tool to add transmitter locations.

In this workflow, transmitters represent antenna locations.

The transmitter information is optional.

After selecting the tool, place the antennas on the floor plan where they are installed.

Once added, these become transmitter test points.

If the transmitter points do not need to be visible during testing, they can be turned off.

The grid icons can then be turned back on.

Selecting Noise Channels

7. Select Noise Channels

Continue through the measurement drawer to the channel section.

Noise channels can be selected in the appropriate column.

Noise channels are used to document the noise environment during testing.

There are also options for capturing signal analyzer screenshots.

These screenshots can be useful when interference or unusual signal behavior is observed.

Grid Area Measurements

8. Enable Measurements

Return to the grid areas and enable measurements.

Select an area test point.

Two main test icons appear:

9. Downlink Measurement

Select the downlink test icon to begin the downlink measurement.

The application will show all programmed channels.

In this example, the scanner is actively decoding the network access color code for each channel.

The Data Ready count shows how many samples have been collected.

The minimum number of samples required to add the measurement to the report is:

3 samples

However, it is recommended to wait until Data Ready has cycled above:

10 measurements

before adding the result to the report.

10. Phase Detection

If the channel was left on Auto Detect, Seahawk Touch will determine whether the P25 signal is Phase 1 or Phase 2.

In this example, the system identifies the signal as:

Phase 1

11. Averaging and Max Hold

In the measurement view, some measurements show an A, and others show an M.

Averaging is typically used for control channels.

Max Hold is typically used for traffic channels or measurements where the peak value is needed.

12. Add Downlink Result to Report

After enough samples have been collected, select:

Add to Report

The system then shows the passing metrics.

For downlink P25 testing, these may include:

The measurement drawer can be opened to select which channel or group should be displayed.

For example, the user may display the radio system’s grouped control channels.

The displayed value can also be changed.

Available display values may include:

• Power
• Signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio
• Bit error rate

Thresholds can also be managed from this area if needed.

Uplink Testing

13. Start the Uplink Measurement

Uplink testing is channel-specific.

Use the control channel associated with the radio system being tested.

There are two general uplink situations:

1. Traffic channel testing
2. Control channel testing

14. Traffic Channel Uplink Method

If testing on a traffic channel, the guidance is to key the radio and keep it keyed while the 15-second timer counts down.

This allows the uplink transmission to be captured by Seahawk Monitor.

15. Control Channel Uplink Method

For control channels, the goal is to capture the uplink burst before the control channel moves the radio transmission to a traffic channel.

The process is:

1. Key the radio.
2. Wait for the talk permit tone.
3. Release the push-to-talk button.
4. Wait approximately 2.5 to 3 seconds so the radios return to the control channel.
5. Key the radio again.
6. Wait for the channel grant.
7. Release the push-to-talk button again.

This should be repeated several times during the 15-second timer.

The goal is to capture multiple uplink bursts so the system has several measurements available during import.

16. Uplink Data Collected

The uplink data extracted from Seahawk Monitor may include:

• Channel
• Power
• SINR / SONAR
• Frame bit error rate
• Radio ID
• Timestamp

The timestamp from the uplink measurement is compared to the start and stop time of the uplink test point in Seahawk Touch.

This is how the uplink measurement is matched to the correct grid area.

17. Add Uplink Result to Report

After the uplink measurement is collected, select:

Add to Report

When the area point is selected again, the uplink measurement appears in yellow, and the uplink tested field shows:

Yes

Repeat the process for each:

• Area point
• Critical point
• Reference point

Each point should have both downlink and uplink measurements where required.

Importing Uplink Measurements

18. End the Test and Receive Uplink Results

After completing the test, Seahawk Monitor provides the uplink scan results from the radio system.

The uplink scan result file must be copied to the tablet.

Copy the file into the Galaxy tablet internal storage under the Seahawk Touch uplink test folder.

Then paste the results file into that folder.

19. Leave the Test and Resume from Quick View

After copying the uplink results file, return to Seahawk Touch.

Leave the current test and resume it from Quick View.

The workflow moves from a test plan into an active test.

Go to:

Quick View

A new import icon will appear.

20. Import and Merge Uplink Results

Select the import icon and choose:

Merge

If there are multiple files from multiple tower sites, merge each file individually.

After the merge, the system shows how many events were captured, imported, or unmatched.

In this example:

Once imported, the test now includes both downlink and uplink results.

21. Final Uplink Fields After Import

After importing, the test includes uplink measurements such as:

These results are then available alongside the downlink measurements in the test report.

Final Summary

Seahawk Touch allows technicians to execute the approved test plan in the field.

The workflow includes:

1. Navigate the floor plan.
2. Add or adjust points if needed.
3. Take downlink measurements.
4. Conduct uplink testing with the radio.
5. Add results to the report.
6. Repeat for all area, critical, and reference points.
7. Copy Seahawk Monitor uplink results to the tablet.
8. Resume the test from Quick View.
9. Import and merge uplink data.
10. Review uplink and downlink results together.

Changes made in Seahawk Touch are included in the report, but they do not automatically update the original floor plan in Seahawk Central.