GridTalkie Procedures 2020

Complete guide to Third Fleet GridTalkie operations.
[ last updated 2020.04.19 ]

Contents:
Introduction | Third Fleet GridTalkie Sets | Third Fleet GridTalkie Devices
Third Fleet GridTalkie Terminals | Third Fleet GridTalkie Setup Guide

INTRODUCTION

What is GridTalkie?
GridTalkie is a grid-wide communications system that allows groups of users to stay in touch no matter where they are in Second Life using local chat to simulate radio communications. The system was created and developed by Rez Gray for many years, as part of the Shinybrand product line. After a short period of technical problems it was acquired recently by Nikoli Nicholls and it went through a major update, coming back online in March 2020.

How does Third Fleet GridTalkie work?
Using a central database, GridTalkie comes in many types of packages and stand alone devices. The sets we use in Third Fleet are all group based, tag dependent, paired preset, multi-channel systems. They only work when added while wearing the assigned group tag, and they all communicate with each other using the preset channel in Tuner A (see Setup Guide section), 

Why does Third Fleet use GridTalkie?
Third Fleet started using GridTalkie in 2016, the correct procedures for SL United States Navy Third Fleet use were first published January 31, 2017. We have since day one used three GridTalkie sets to cover the fleet's operational needs. The reasons we favor this system over others are its versatility, effectiveness, features, devices, secure communications, longevity and excellent customized customer service.

Who in Third Fleet uses GridTalkie?
Everyone. The GridTalkie device (see Devices section) is part of each Third Fleet uniform, on the ground, in the air and at sea. Each GridTalkie set is assigned to specific deployments and each uniform type has a specific device that goes with it. If you are Third Fleet personnel on duty you have an operating GridTalkie device on.

THIRD FLEET GRIDTALKIE SETS

How are the Third Fleet sets assigned?
Third Fleet has three GridTalkie sets. Two are assigned to fleet duties and one is kept in reserve. At this time the reserve set is assigned to our alliance group, Second Life Fleet Forces Command (SLNFC), to facilitate a joint operations communication system with our allies in that group. Here is the rundown of our sets as they are currently assigned:

GridTalkie Third Fleet 01
Assigned to NAS Miramar group - Operates with NAS Miramar group tag
Tuner Status:
TUNER A /11 | CH: 3rdFleet 1 paired channel (paired with all Third Fleet sets)
TUNER B /12 | CH: BLUE or RED secure channel (exclusive to this set)
TUNER C /13 | CH: recommended open channel (communications outside Third Fleet)
Main Users:
NFDT Blue Angels; NFWS Topgun; USNTPS
Operations:
Special deployment units.

GridTalkie Third Fleet 02
Assigned to USN Third Fleet Ops group - Operates with USN Third Fleet Ops group tag
Tuner Status:
TUNER A /11 | CH: 3rdFleet 2 paired channel (paired with all Third Fleet sets)
TUNER B /12 | CH: Missions-1 or Missions-2 secure channel (exclusive to this set)
TUNER C /13 | CH: recommended open channel (communications outside Third Fleet)
Main Users:
Third Fleet air and surface squadrons; Third Fleet land based units; TAW 6
Operations:
General deployment units, flight training.
 
GridTalkie SLNFC
Assigned to SL Naval Forces Command group - Operates with SL Naval Forces Command group tag
Tuner Status:
TUNER A /11 | CH: SLNFC paired channel (paired with all Third Fleet sets)
TUNER B /12 | CH: Navy or Marines secure channel (exclusive to this set)
TUNER C /13 | CH: recommended open channel (communications outside SLNFC or alliance member groups)
Main Users:
SLNFC alliance members without own group assigned GridTalkie set.
Other Users:
SLNFC alliance members with own group assigned GridTalkie set NOT paired with this set.
Operations:
Main role: Joint operations involving SLNFC alliance members and observers.
Secondary role: Member group operations involving SLNFC members without own group assigned GridTalkie set (Courtesy channels), and communications outside SLNFC or alliance member groups.

THIRD FLEET GRIDTALKIE DEVICES

What are the Third Fleet Gridtalkie devices in use?
Each Third Fleet GridTalkie set comes with three device types: Aviator, Mariner and Wirelink. This is how they are used:
AVIATOR: Air traffic controllers, ground crews, VP/VUP crews, VR crews, some HX/SEAWOLFE/HSC crews, surface vessel control crews, landing signal officers.
MARINER: Surface vessel crews, land based personnel.
WIRELINK: In use by 95% of Third Fleet personnel, from naval aviators to special operators.

How are Third Fleet Gridtalkie devices named in each Third Fleet GridTalkie set?
So the user knows which GridTalkie set a particular device is programmed for the devices are named after the set they belong to.

GridTalkie Third Fleet 01
Devices:
GridTalkie FLEET 01 Aviator 2.0.6
GridTalkie FLEET 01 Mariner 2.0.6
GridTalkie FLEET 01 Wirelink 2.0.6

GridTalkie Third Fleet 02
Devices:
GridTalkie FLEET 02 Aviator 2.0.6
GridTalkie FLEET 02 Mariner 2.0.6
GridTalkie FLEET 02 Wirelink 2.0.6
 
GridTalkie SLNFC
Devices:
GridTalkie SLNFC Aviator 2.0.6
GridTalkie SLNFC Mariner 2.0.6
GridTalkie SLNFC Wirelink 2.0.6
 
How do Third Fleet GridTalkie devices work?
The assigned group tag needs to be on to add a GridTalkie device to a uniform/outfit. Always set the correct group BEFORE loading the uniform/outfit, because with any other tag worn at that time the device will auto-detach. Once it is worn it auto-starts so no need to worry about turning it on. Each GridTalkie device needs to be configured before its first use - this is done when the device is added to a uniform/outfit for the first time (see the Setup Guide for details).

Each GridTalkie device has three Tuners: A, B and C. Tuner A is factory preset to a channel usually named after the GridTalkie set it belongs to, Tuners B and C can be manually set to any of the channels the GridTalkie set has available (see the Setup Guide for details).

Each tuner has a specific prefix you use to transmit your communication on the channel assigned to it. Lines on local chat initiated with that prefix will be transmitted to other users who have that channel set to that tuner. Tuner A's prefix is /11, Tuner B's prefix is /12, and Tuner C's prefix is /13.

Note:
The channel-tuner combination determine the communication frequency. Two users with different channels assigned to the same tuner will not communicate with each other. Two users with the same channel assigned to different tuners will also not communicate with each other.
 

THIRD FLEET GRIDTALKIE TERMINALS

Where to get Third Fleet GridTalkie sets?
Third Fleet GridTalkie sets can be obtained from terminals located at strategic locations in all Third Fleet (and some SLNFC members) stations and facilities. The terminals can be set to any land group since the GridTalkie sets they give, and not the terminals that hold them, are hardwired to each assigned group. Each GridTalkie set has a dedicated terminal. On the terminal screen is displayed the type of pack dispensed, the main users and the group it is assigned to.

How to get Third Fleet GridTalkie sets?
Use the respective assigned group tag as described on the terminal screen and click the terminal. If you use a tag from another group the terminal will issue an error message reminding you the correct group you need (ex.: "Must have the SL Naval Forces Command group active to get this." ). The terminal will acknowledge a successful delivery with a "Devices Delivered." message.

What do Third Fleet GridTalkie terminals give?
Third Fleet GridTalkie sets are given at the terminals in the form of an object (pack) that needs to be unpacked by right clicking it, choosing open and then copy to inventory. Each pack is named after its GridTalkie database code or network ID (see the Setup Guide for details).

Note:
GridTalkie Packs and GridTalkie Sets.
Third Fleet GridTalkie sets are three, as described before; each set has three devices and it comes in a pack. Each pack is named after its GridTalkie network ID. Here is the rundown of Third Fleet GridTalkie terminal names, network IDs, packs and sets:

Third Fleet 01
Terminal name: GT 3rd Fleet 01 Terminal V.1
Network ID: 3DFL1
Pack: GridTalkie 3DFL1 Devices (object)
Set: GridTalkie 3DFL1 Devices (folder)

Third Fleet 02
Terminal name: GT 3rd Fleet 02 Terminal V.1
Network ID: 3DFL2
Pack: GridTalkie 3DFL2 Devices (object)
Set: GridTalkie 3DFL2 Devices (folder)

SLNFC
Terminal name: GT SLNFC Terminal V.1
Network ID: SLNFC
Pack: GridTalkie SLNFC Devices (object)
Set: GridTalkie SLNFC Devices (folder)

Here is a listing of Third Fleet GridTalkie terminal locations:

Naval Air Station Patuxent River - NASPAX | PAX

Location: VF-84 Ops
SLUR: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nabi/39/239/138
Terminals: Third Fleet 02

Location: VFA-154 Ops
SLUR: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nabi/37/35/138
Terminals: Third Fleet 02
 
Location: NFWS Topgun Ops
SLUR: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nabi/17/237/138
Terminals: Third Fleet 01

Location: Enlisted Personnel Office - level 1 plaza
SLUR: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nabi/103/143/121
Terminals: Third Fleet 01 / Third Fleet 02 / SLNFC

Location: NASPAX Maintenance - USNTPS
SLUR: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nabi/30/35/138
Terminals: Third Fleet 01

Location: SCIF
SLUR: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nabi/157/197/114
Terminals: Third Fleet 01 / Third Fleet 02 / SLNFC

Location: NFDT Blue Angels Ops
SLUR: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nabi/90/234/122
Terminals: Third Fleet 01

Location: Map Room
SLUR: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nabi/72/192/3101
Terminals: Third Fleet 01 / Third Fleet 02 / SLNFC

Naval Air Facility Boonootoo - NAFBO | BOO

Location: TAW 6 Building
SLUR: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Boonootoo/115/151/68
Terminals: Third Fleet 01 / Third Fleet 02

Naval Air Facility Eagles Nest - NAFEN

Location: Main hangar
SLUR: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Blue%20Angels/119/36/3002
Terminals: Third Fleet 01

Location: Commodore Barry Foehammer Building - CDR An Rainbow's office
SLUR: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Blue%20Angels/14/12/3002
Terminals: Third Fleet 01 / Third Fleet 02 / SLNFC

SL Marine Corps Head Quarters - SLMC HQ

Location: Marine Corps Military Police Office
SLUR: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Baitoushan/89/202/22
Terminals: SLNFC

THIRD FLEET GRIDTALKIE SETUP GUIDE

UPDATE SETUP

Updating existing Third Fleet Gridtalkie devices.
Third Fleet GridTalkie sets in use before this major update should already have been saved with the uniforms and its devices are part of existing outfits.The GridTalkie 2020 update affects both software and hardware so devices in use before the update do not function anymore and need replacement. This means a uniform/oufit update including the new devices is mandatory for all Third Fleet active duty personnel.

Steps to update are as follows:

1. Create a folder in your inventory named GridTalkie 2020.

2. Request the required GridTalkie pack from the correct terminal (see terminals section).

3. Place the received pack inside the GridTalkie 2020 folder you created.

4. Unpack the GridTalkie pack by rezzing it, right clicking the pack and choosing "open", then choose "copy to inventory". This will create a folder named after the GridTalkie pack with the GridTalkie devices in it - the GridTalkie set. Place this folder also in the GridTalkie 2020 folder you created (see list of devices per set in the Third Fleet GridTalkie Devices section).

5. Load the uniform/outfit you need to update. Once loaded it will add the outdated GridTalkie device. Make a note of the handle you used for the outdated device. Detach the outdated device, replacing it by the updated one of the same type (Wirelink, Aviator or Mariner).

6. Update the uniform/outfit by using SAVE. Do not use SAVE AS to update an existing outfit.

7. Insert the handle you require for the updated device by typing in local chat "/11sethandle" followed by a space and the handle (ex.: /11sethandle CAPT Asra "Cougar" Kron - PAXCO). Handles that exceed 32 characters will not display correctly. Do not use points on rank/rate, abbreviate first name if needed using the capital first letter and a point, keep position/unit/squadron as abbreviated as possible and consistent with similar ones in use - when in doubt ask your commanding officer.

8. Assign the required channels to tuners B and C. Check with your commanding officer which secure channel to use on tuner B. Assign the Grid-ATC open channel to tuner C.

Important note:
If you have different specific assignments that require regular operation with a unique handle for each in different secure channels but use the same device of the same set (ex.: Blue Angels and VFC-13 both use Third Fleet 01 wirelinks) you need to create a copy of the GridTalkie device for each role. Each device copy memorizes the full configuration: handle, secure channel and open channel. Creating a copy of the device for each role prevents having to reconfigure it each time you need to switch assignments. This is only useful for regular operations with different handles and channels for which you have uniforms/outfits saved and it applies in particular to the NFDT Blue Angels and NFWS Topgun crews.

NEW SETUP

Contents: Configuring new Third Fleet Gridtalkie devices | Guide to SLNFC devices

Configuring new Third Fleet Gridtalkie devices.
The new Third Fleet GridTalkie sets in use should be acquired, added and saved  together with current Third Fleet Navy uniforms and its devices become part of existing uniform outfits.

Configuring Third Fleet 01 set.
Use this configuration guide for each GridTalkie FLEET 01 device you need.

1. Create a folder in your inventory named GridTalkie FLEET 01 2020

2. Request the required GridTalkie pack from a GT 3rd Fleet 01 Terminal V.1 (see terminals section for location list).

3. Place the received pack inside the GridTalkie FLEET 01 2020 folder you created.

4. Unpack the GridTalkie pack "GridTalkie 3DFL1 Devices" by rezzing it, right clicking the pack and choosing "open", then choose "copy to inventory". This will create a folder named "GridTalkie 3DFL1 Devices" with the GridTalkie devices in it - the GridTalkie set. Place this folder also in the GridTalkie FLEET 01 2020 folder you created.

5. Load the uniform/outfit you need to setup as needed and add the required GridTalkie device.

List of GridTalkie Third Fleet 01 set uniform/device equivalence:

Uniform: Blue Angels demo squadron outfits one at a time: the Ground outfit and the Fly outfit.
Device: GridTalkie FLEET 01 Wirelink 2.0.6 (new copy)

Uniform: Blue Angels Fat Albert outfits one at a time: the Ground outfit and the Fly outfit.
Device: GridTalkie FLEET 01 Aviator 2.0.6 (new copy)

Uniform: Blue Angels Ground Spotter outfit.
Device: GridTalkie FLEET 01 Aviator 2.0.6 (new copy)

Uniform: Blue Angels Ground Crew outfit.
Device: GridTalkie FLEET 01 Wirelink 2.0.6 (new copy)

Uniform: Topgun outfits one at a time: the Ground outfit and the Fly outfit.
Device: GridTalkie FLEET 01 Wirelink 2.0.6 (new copy)

Uniform: VFC-13 outfits one at a time: the Ground outfit and the Fly outfit.
Device: GridTalkie FLEET 01 Wirelink 2.0.6 (new copy)

Uniform: USNTPS outfits one at a time: the Ground outfit and the Fly outfit.
Device: GridTalkie FLEET 01 Wirelink 2.0.6 (new copy)

6. Update the uniform/outfit by using SAVE. Do not use SAVE AS to update an existing outfit.

7. Insert the handle you require for the new device by typing in local chat "/11sethandle" followed by a space and the handle (ex.: /11sethandle CDR Jenny "QB" Kaz - Angel 5). Handles that exceed 32 characters will not display correctly. Do not use points on rank/rate, abbreviate first name if needed using the capital first letter and a point, keep position/unit/squadron as abbreviated as possible and consistent with similar ones in use - when in doubt ask your commanding officer.

8. Assign the required channels to tuners B and C. Check with your commanding officer which secure channel to use on tuner B. Assign the Grid-ATC open channel to tuner C.

Configuring Third Fleet 02 set.
Use this configuration guide for each GridTalkie FLEET 02 device you need.

1. Create a folder in your inventory named GridTalkie FLEET 02 2020

2. Request the required GridTalkie pack from a GT 3rd Fleet 02 Terminal V.1 (see terminals section for location list).

3. Place the received pack inside the GridTalkie FLEET 02 2020 folder you created.

4. Unpack the GridTalkie pack "GridTalkie 3DFL2 Devices" by rezzing it, right clicking the pack and choosing "open", then choose "copy to inventory". This will create a folder named "GridTalkie 3DFL2 Devices" with the GridTalkie devices in it - the GridTalkie set. Place this folder also in the GridTalkie FLEET 02 2020 folder you created.

5. Load the uniform/outfit you need to setup as needed and add the required GridTalkie device.

List of GridTalkie Third Fleet 01 set uniform/device equivalence:

Uniform: Third Fleet air and surface squadrons; Third Fleet land based units; TAW 6: all required outfits one at a time.
Device: GridTalkie FLEET 02 Wirelink 2.0.6
Device: GridTalkie FLEET 02 Aviator 2.0.6
Device: GridTalkie FLEET 02 Mariner 2.0.6

Note: You need instructions from your CO to determine which device to use with the uniform you are adding it to. There are too many combinations to list here. However, keep in mind you do NOT need a new copy of each type of device to assign it to different uniforms. This GridTalkie 3DFL2 Devices set is flexible, you assign Mission-1 and Mission-2 secure channels on a need to use basis, so the device is always the same original on any uniform, only its type may change (wirelink, aviator or mariner).

6. Update the uniform/outfit by using SAVE. Do not use SAVE AS to update an existing outfit.

7. Insert the handle you require for the new device by typing in local chat "/11sethandle" followed by a space and the handle (ex.: /11sethandle LCDR Chardy "Hinch" Oak - VF-84). Handles that exceed 32 characters will not display correctly. Do not use points on rank/rate, abbreviate first name if needed using the capital first letter and a point, keep position/unit/squadron as abbreviated as possible and consistent with similar ones in use - when in doubt ask your commanding officer.

8. Assign the required channels to tuners B and C. Check with your commanding officer which secure channel to use on tuner B. Assign the Grid-ATC open channel to tuner C.

Guide to SLNFC devices
Use this configuration guide for each GridTalkie SLNFC device you need.

Introduction.
The GridTalkie SLNFC Devices set is meant to facilitate communications between all SLNFC members during joint operations. If you are part of a group with SLNFC membership and do not have your own group GridTalkie set you should use this to be able to communicate via radio with other SLNFC allies. If you are part of a group with SLNFC membership and have your own group GridTalkie set but this is not paired to the SLNFC GridTalkie set (*) you need to use this also.

(*) notes on GridTalkie set pairing can be found at the end of this page.

Configuring SLNFC set.
Use this configuration guide for each GridTalkie SLNFC device you need.

1. Create a folder in your inventory named GridTalkie SLNFC 2020

2. Request the required GridTalkie pack from a GT SLNFC Terminal V.1 (see terminals section for location list).

3. Place the received pack inside the GridTalkie SLNFC 2020 folder you created.

4. Unpack the GridTalkie pack "GridTalkie SLNFC Devices" by rezzing it, right clicking the pack and choosing "open", then choose "copy to inventory". This will create a folder named "GridTalkie SLNFC Devices" with the GridTalkie devices in it - the GridTalkie set. Place this folder also in the GridTalkie SLNFC 2020 folder you created.

5. Load the uniform/outfit you need to setup as needed and add the required GridTalkie device.

Generic list of GridTalkie SLNFC set uniform/device equivalence:

Uniform: Air and surface squadrons; land based units: all required outfits one at a time.
Device: GridTalkie SLNFC Wirelink 2.0.6
Device: GridTalkie SLNFC Aviator 2.0.6
Device: GridTalkie SLNFC Mariner 2.0.6

Note: You need instructions from your CO to determine which device to use with the uniform you are adding it to. There are too many combinations to list here. However, keep in mind you do NOT need a new copy of each type of device to assign it to different uniforms. This GridTalkie SLNFC Devices set is flexible, you assign Navy and Marines secure channels on a need to use basis, so the device is always the same original on any uniform, only its type may change (wirelink, aviator or mariner).
6. Update the uniform/outfit by using SAVE. Do not use SAVE AS to update an existing outfit.

7. Insert the handle you require for the new device by typing in local chat "/11sethandle" followed by a space and the handle (ex.: /11sethandle MajGen J. "Cheeks" Brightflame - SLMC). Handles that exceed 32 characters will not display correctly. Do not use points on rank/rate, abbreviate first name if needed using the capital first letter and a point, keep position/unit/squadron as abbreviated as possible and consistent with similar ones in use - when in doubt ask your commanding officer.

8. Assign the required channels to tuners B and C. Check with your commanding officer which secure channel to use on tuner B. Assign the Grid-ATC open channel to tuner C.

(*) Pairing an existing GridTalkie set to the SLNFC set.

1. What is GridTalkie set pairing?
Set pairing is a feature exclusive to Third Fleet and was developed to allow our three separate GridTalkie sets to communicate with each other maintaining all the secure channels available on each set. Following the system 2020 update, we have learned from Nikoli Nicholls, GridTalkie new owner, that indeed no one else has this feature but Third Fleet.

2. How does GridTalkie set pairing work?
To make sure different GridTalkie sets can operate independently, keeping their secure features intact, while at the same time communicating with other sets assigned to other groups, pairing is executed using the preset channel on Tuner A. Different users from different groups wearing different GridTakie sets all communicate with each other on the preset channel, just as if all were in the same group using the same GridTalkie set.

3. Why pair GridTalkie sets?
The advantages are numerous and there is only one disadvantage. The one down side to pairing is that you lose "privacy" on your preset channel assigned to Tuner A, but since you only pair sets that belong to like minded similar operational groups that loss actually represents a boost to your operational capabilities. Suddenly your GridTalkie set reaches any number of users in any number of paired groups without need for new devices, new groups or new channels. Specific advantages of GridTalkie set pairing are, among others:
3.1. No need to join another group.
3.2. No need to use a different device.
3.3. No need to remind users outside the system (ex.: using out of character instant messaging) to switch to the paired frequency.
3.4. 100% compatible between any GridTalkie sets independent of assigned groups.
3.5. No structural changes to your own GridTalkie set. It remains exactly the same: same handles, same channel names, same secure channel features, same open channel features, etc. 
3.6. Immediate switch back capability. In case un-pairing is needed, this happens at the GridTalkie network root level, nothing in the un-paired GridTalkie set needs changing or updating.
3.7. Good To Go feature. Having the sets paired using the preset channel in Tuner A means the users are immediately on the paired frequency as the device is turned on (i.e. added on). This means all access to paired groups for any operational purposes, from specific joint operations to run of the mill military ATC operations between different groups with different sets.
3.8. Familiarization and training unnecessary. Paired sets work exactly the same as stand alone ones, requiring no specific familiarization and training to be used at full operational capacity. 


This concludes the Third Fleet GridTalkie Procedures 2020 page.
Additional footnotes may be added beyond this point if needed.

CAPT. Asra Kron
PAXCO / TFCOM
[ last updated 2020.04.19 ]

footnotes:
n/a