Fire Tones

lakeboatnut · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 08:19 AM

How would one find out what tones are used for a particular Fire Dept. I am in Ottawa county and am thinking of purchasing a scanner with Fire tone capability or perhaps an actual fire pager.

rdale · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 09:16 AM

Newer scanners have the ability to tell you the tones, so after they go off you'll find out. Or you can attach to a PC and run the tones through software if it's the older line of Unidens. Or you can check the Wiki to see if someone else already found them. Or you can contact your FD and ask.

ka3jjz · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 11:07 AM

Ask a FD official and you're likely to get a 'no' answer or 'you don't need to know that...' (at least around here...)

Your much better off if you can find them out yourself, if they aren't in the wiki. There are several programs you can get - some free- that will allow you to measure them. All you need is that, and a good clean connection between the scanner and the soundcard on the scanner. Not a real big deal, frankly. This wiki article (all links in blue) will give you some links at the bottom...

Fire Tone Out - The RadioReference Wiki

I just checked the Ottawa County Mi wiki, and there's no FTO stuff there. Looks like you have some homework ahead of you

73 Mike

lakeboatnut · #4 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 12:38 AM

Thanks for the great ideas, it does indeed look like I have some homework ahead of me. Should be an interesting challenge, unless I can find someone in the know, who might be willing to share.
Craig

W7LES · #5 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 04:55 PM

Lakeboatnut:

Which department(s) are you interested in? No promises, but I may be able to find out some stuff for you. Was born & raised in Allendale, graduated Coopersville (before Allendale had a HS), did CD wok back in the late '60's, and the folks still live there.

Regards,

Larry W7LES in Cheyenne WY