Ohio MARCS Question

[seanhenderson]

I know the current Ohio MARCS is not a full digital P25 system... it's the kind that still allows analog traffic. So my question is when they upgrade to the new system, will they be able to do this without any changes to the radios out in the field? And keep all the talkgroups the same? I see the "New" Ohio MARCS section... is this the radio system that will eventually replace the current Ohio MARCS system or will they be kept separate?
Thanks!!!

[Thunderbolt]

Originally Posted by seanhenderson

I know the current Ohio MARCS is not a full digital P25 system... it's the kind that still allows analog traffic. So my question is when they upgrade to the new system, will they be able to do this without any changes to the radios out in the field? And keep all the talkgroups the same? I see the "New" Ohio MARCS section... is this the radio system that will eventually replace the current Ohio MARCS system or will they be kept separate?
Thanks!!!

The new MARCS P25 system will eventually replace the old system as it is rolled out across the state. Likewise, all of the subscriber radios currently on the system will need to be flashed, and or replaced with new 700 MHz capable units. This process will take a few years to fully implement throughout the state. When completed, the old system will be permanently deactivated.

73's

Ron

[wa8pyr]

Originally Posted by seanhenderson

I know the current Ohio MARCS is not a full digital P25 system... it's the kind that still allows analog traffic. So my question is when they upgrade to the new system, will they be able to do this without any changes to the radios out in the field? And keep all the talkgroups the same? I see the "New" Ohio MARCS section... is this the radio system that will eventually replace the current Ohio MARCS system or will they be kept separate?

To amplify and clarify what Ron said...

MARCS-IP will replace the current system, which will then be decommissioned and the 800 MHz frequencies moved over to the new system. The use of 700 MHz frequencies on MARCS-IP is a means not only of getting the system on the air but also a means to increase site capacity once the 800 MHz frequencies are repurposed.

Existing MARCS radios are already mostly capable of P25 operation and won't require flashing, but will need to be reprogrammed to add the MARCS-IP system. Nearly all are already capable of 700 MHz.

Talkgroups will not remain the same but will be all new.

[seanhenderson]

Thanks for the replies!

[kd8mvc]

Had MARCS wildcard mode on today heard some talk groups from Columbus area [from near Cleveland] heard 45648 and 10992 [OSP and an Ambulance company] is this usual ? or can talk groups skip over tower sites rarely listen to wildcard mode so never heard this before.

[mdulrich]

MARCS towers only carry traffic that radios that are affiliated with that tower are tuned to. In your example, an ambulance from another area was in your area and was affiliated to the tower you were listening to. This is what allows for statewide communications. By doing this radios are able to communicate all over the state back to their home area and all towers don't have to carry all talkgroups. A trooper from Toledo could be in Cincinnati and Toledo traffic would be heard in Toledo and Cincinnati, but on none of the other towers down I-75.

Mike

[kd8mvc]

Originally Posted by mdulrich

MARCS towers only carry traffic that radios that are affiliated with that tower are tuned to. In your example, an ambulance from another area was in your area and was affiliated to the tower you were listening to. This is what allows for statewide communications. By doing this radios are able to communicate all over the state back to their home area and all towers don't have to carry all talkgroups. A trooper from Toledo could be in Cincinnati and Toledo traffic would be heard in Toledo and Cincinnati, but on none of the other towers down I-75.

Mike

Thanks for explaining makes sense.

[grumpy_hermit]

So what range of 700 MHz frequencies will be used? I'm just wondering if my GRE 500/600 will still be MARCS-IP capable.

[radioscan]

Originally Posted by grumpy_hermit

So what range of 700 MHz frequencies will be used? I'm just wondering if my GRE 500/600 will still be MARCS-IP capable.

Its capable now! I'm listening to the Dayton site on my PSR-500.
The range is 769-775.

[budevans]

Originally Posted by grumpy_hermit

So what range of 700 MHz frequencies will be used? I'm just wondering if my GRE 500/600 will still be MARCS-IP capable.

You're good. I monitor MARCS-IP Cuyahoga P25 system which is on 700 Mhz with my GRE 500.

If I'm not mistaken I believe that most if not all of the digital/P25 scanners are capable of receiving the Public Service 700 Mhz freqs.

[grumpy_hermit]

Great, I can't afford new scanners!