Aliquippa, PA - New radio system will improve communications

[Thunderbolt]

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — Problems with poor radio transmissions and reception for emergency responders working in rural areas of the county are about to be solved.

New radio system will improve communications - Timesonline.com: Police Fire Courts

[kirkwoodcr]

Originally Posted by Thunderbolt

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — Problems with poor radio transmissions and reception for emergency responders working in rural areas of the county are about to be solved.

New radio system will improve communications - Timesonline.com: Police Fire Courts

This has been a long time coming. It's difficult for the units to respond at times.

[rapidcharger]

Dude, you're gettin a p25 DTRS.

At least that's what sounds like.

[kirkwoodcr]

Originally Posted by rapidcharger

Dude, you're gettin a p25 DTRS.

At least that's what sounds like.

Curious...Now I have to upgrade my radio. From what I know from the EMA, they're keeping the fire channel for tone-outs. Nothing else I know of, yet.

[rapidcharger]

Originally Posted by kirkwoodcr

Curious...Now I have to upgrade my radio. From what I know from the EMA, they're keeping the fire channel for tone-outs. Nothing else I know of, yet.

If so, enjoy those analogue simcasts while they last. They had them in my area for a while when these new systems rolled out in the various counties and I don't know of any that are still currently on the air. I'd definitely recommend showing up at some of the public meetings and voice your opinion.

[kirkwoodcr]

Originally Posted by rapidcharger

If so, enjoy those analogue simcasts while they last. They had them in my area for a while when these new systems rolled out in the various counties and I don't know of any that are still currently on the air. I'd definitely recommend showing up at some of the public meetings and voice your opinion.

Their current system is mostly simplex. There isn't much use of repeaters.

I've heard multiple folks down at EMA and such speculating they're getting a full-duplex VHF, some saying P25, a few thinking going to OpenSky, etc.

All I can do is check the FCC database, search, and speak with some of the folks I know.

[mtindor]

Originally Posted by rapidcharger

Dude, you're gettin a p25 DTRS.

At least that's what sounds like.

I seriously doubt it's a digital DTRS for multiple reasons:

1. Supposedly going to be active Jan.1
2. 2 mil price tag
3. There is no 24/7 control channel of any type on the air right now

Might be TRBO or NXDN or P25 conventional, and likely would still be on VHF.

That's my take, and I'm a complete outsider without any knowledge of the goings on in Beaver Co.

Of course I guess there are other possibilities (like them making use of a commercial TRBO system or simply switching some of their simplex links to repeaters).

I can think of at least three people on these forums who could give everyone the details ahead of time. Could and would are two different things though.

Mike

[Thunderbolt]

I haven't seen any new radio licenses issued for Beaver County that would indicate they are moving towards a trunking system. Sounds like they are either upgrading their current system, or moving to STARNet. If it's the latter, I hope they keep their old radios as a backup system.

73's

Ron

[mtindor]

Originally Posted by Thunderbolt

I haven't seen any new radio licenses issued for Beaver County that would indicate they are moving towards a trunking system. Sounds like they are either upgrading their current system, or moving to STARNet. If it's the latter, I hope they keep their old radios as a backup system.

73's

Ron

STARNet didn't even cross my mind. Hope that isn't the case.

Mike

[mule1075]

Only a guess but it is more about narrow banding than anything maybe a move to uhf off the vhf they are on now.i do not see them going to STARNET at all.It could be they are moving to the Westmoreland County system but i do not see that either at this time.From my location i can monitor them very well on the vhf system they are on now.I will try to keep everyone updated if i can on anything i hear on a system change.

[kirkwoodcr]

They have narrow banded most of their existing. Where I am, I can hear EMA dispatch, but at times cannot hear the return due to the lack of a repeater system. Like I said, I'll speak with some folks and see what I can dig up. The article indicates a second return frequency so that can mean a repeater input.
We shall see as time moves on. Check the pa forum for the update thread that I will be active in as I learn information. Feel free to post if you know more.

[redbeard]

No digital anything is on the way. Fire Dispatch will be simulcast paging and no talking on it anymore unless there is a failure. Repeaters now for most fire and police channels. Most radios were reprogrammed this week, I will have new assignments up in the database shortly. Dec. 17th is the tentative switchover date.