INTEGRATED VOICE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

The integrated voice communications system (IVCS) is a computer-controlled telephone system.

It is a relatively new system within the Navy. The communications, Man-on-the-Move (MOM) LHA-1 class ships were the first to receive the communications, and certain battle soundsystem. Now the CG-47 class ships are being fitted powered telephone circuits. The two switching out with the IVCS. It is anticipated that future centers, one forward and one aft, contain the classes of ships will also be fitted with the IVCS. major control equipment for the system.

The IVCS consolidates the communication The hardware components will be quite functions and features normally provided by similar from one class of ship to another. several systems into a single integrated network. However, the system's capacity, number of A stored-program processor-controlled circuit-terminals, and functional capabilities may be switching system provides for the quite different among different classes of ships. interconnections. It consists of two interconnected The software programs should also be different. interior-communications switching centers, dial Frequent improvements to the system are terminals, net terminals, terminal accessories, expected to accommodate changes in the and associated cabling. The IVCS allows for shipboard requirements. station-to-station telephone conversations, IVCS nets are similar to the sound-powered conference calls, and net communications. The telephone circuits. They are closed-loop IVCS also connects up with the ship's announcing communications circuits. All phone talkers on a net system, shore telephone lines, radio will be able to monitor the communication of any

Figure 2-8.-Call net terminal. 2-18

station on the net. Dial telephones, when given a permit by the computer program, may be used to dial into preselected nets. A permit is defined as a capability entered into the computer program for certain dial-phone terminals. Nets may be crossconnected at the switching center to allow two or more nets to be interconnected. Net numbers may vary between the various classes of ships. Just as in the sound-powered telephone system, net discipline must be maintained. If it is not, the net may become jammed and communications will break down.

The IVCS uses the following types of equipment to facilitate communications:

1. Net jack boxes-These replace the soundpowered telephone jack box and allow one phone talker to connect to one net. No call-out capability is provided. When a headset is connected and the jack box is turned on, the phone talker is in connection with all other phone talkers on the net.

2. Call net terminals-The call net terminals (fig. 2-8) have 4,8, or 16 push buttons that allow for calling other call net terminals on the net. Either a headset or a handset may be connected to this terminal. No OFF-NET calls maybe made from call net terminals. However, off-net calls may be made from a dial-telephone terminal if that terminal has the proper net permit.

3. Dial-telephone terminals-The dialtelephone terminals (fig. 2-9) replace the rotarydial telephones. The terminals are push-button types and may use either a handset or a headset for communication. All dial-telephone terminals

Figure 2-9.-Dial-telephone terminal. 2-19

are capable of communicating with any other dialtelephone terminal on the ship. With the proper permit, they may be used to dial into nets, the ship's 1MC, the 5MC, selected radio circuits, or the interconsole intercoms in CIC. The interior-communication electricians are trained to alter the program to allow rapid changes to the IVCS permits. Permits may also be assigned to allow call forwarding, shore telephone access, call override, and conferencing. All dial-telephone terminals allow the answering party to transfer calls to another dial-telephone terminal.

4. Multi-line terminals-This terminal is similar to a telephone used in a business office. Up to five lines are connected to it, each with a separate telephone number. When you call a multi-line terminal and the first line is busy, the call will be automatically forwarded to the second number. A hold button allows the individual to put a call on hold to answer another line. These telephones are normally found only in very busy areas such as CIC, the bridge, and engineering control. Headsets, handsets, or speakers maybe connected to these terminals.

5. Automatic terminals-These terminals are similar to the dial-telephones terminals, but these may be operated in the hands-free mode. The calling party controls the conversation with a push-to-talk button. When it is released, the calling party will hear the station called. When the button is depressed, the station called will be cut out so that the calling station can talk.

6. Headset-The IVCS headset may be connected to any terminal in the IVCS network. The IVCS uses a lightweight headset with no chest piece. The microphone is attached to a movable boom on one of the earpieces. A push-to-talk button is located on the phone cord; it must be depressed when the operator wishes to speak. This button has a clip to allow it to be attached to the wearer's clothing. The cord on the headset is a flexible coiled-type cord.

7. Handset-The IVCS handset may also be attached to any terminal in the IVCS network. It is similar to a regular telephone handset, except it has a push-to-talk button between the earpiece and the mouthpiece.

Figure 2-10.-Preprinted message blank.