Birmingham Fire VHF

KD4NII · #1 (**permalink**) 09-30-2009, 08:59 PM

I know BFRS hasn't used VHF in years so why do they keep the simulcast around and identify as KIA580 on 800 during their nightly test? As a backup or something? I noticed most of the trucks still have the VHF antenna along with the 800 & two 6" UHF antennas (I figure those are for the computers) wonder if they still have the VHF radios or just never took the old antennas off?
I've also noticed that the fire stations still have the directional VHF antennas pointed toward Fire Alarm.
Just curious.

scanrfan · #2 (**permalink**) 09-30-2009, 10:45 PM

I can only make a guess that they are continuing to transmit on the VHF frequency as a back-up and/or as a "Mutual Aid" channel for other departments surrounding Birmingham. Other departments/municipalities don't have to spend big bucks for a Digital/Trunk Tracking scanner or a Commercial grade radio to monitor Birmingham's traffic. They may also be keeping the VHF frequency in use for the News Media to monitor calls.

KD4NII · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 03:02 PM

Thanks. After I posted that I remembered BFRS doing a test on "conventional". Best I can recall each station answered on their base radios & a hand-held, I don't remember if they tested the truck radios.
I don't recall how long it's been but the 800 failed temporarily & they started using the Motorola "Quick-Call" tones again. When the 800 was back up one station informed Fire Alarm that they were only receiving on the VHF station radio.

scanrfan · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 03:13 PM

On Sunday's starting at about 10:00 or 11:00 A.M. they do a "Radio Check" and do a roll call by station asking for "Special Equipment" or apparatus. If you listen on the 800Mhz system you can here all the stations and all the different types of apparatus they have and where they are located.

medic9351301 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 08:13 PM

the stations have monitors that are set to vhf to recieve the calls, also as a backup as ment, they also do convet radio test also i think its done on saturday most media have 800 radios on the desk and 800 radios in the trucks, the radios i set up for 3340 have both conventand 800 radios in there with bham fire programed in there is a reason fire alarm cont.simulcasting i just cant think why