TTC North Subway Tunnel Project/GTAA

[Gator596]

STRABAG used a lossy cable for the "Big Becky" tunnel project (10.5km) at Niagara.

[Raccon]

Originally Posted by MikeOxlong

It's my understanding that Tetra user gear is much lower powered and requires more base stations and infrastructure to support it.

Depends on the geography / coverage area but in a subway system it would probably be somewhat equal since you usually can't feed the full power into the RF distribution system.

[Oliner67]

Profanity is not allowed on here, but that is the only way I would be able to express my sentiment for the TTC switching to this system.

This is about the TTC spending money, exceeding their operating budget to ensure that they can ask for more money next year.

Does anyone know if scanners will be able to receive this Tetra infrastructure transmissions?

[Forts]

No, there is nothing that will scan Tetra. Plus, Tetra systems are often touted as being 100% encrypted, end to end.

[exkalibur]

Originally Posted by Oliner67

This is about the TTC spending money, exceeding their operating budget to ensure that they can ask for more money next year.

No, this is about the TTC needing to update it's ancient and outdated communications system.

They've been using the 412.0375 conventional stuff for 30 years, and the CIS system for nearly 20. They're both old and outdated for their needs.

It only makes sense that they consolidate everything into one system.

[Oliner67]

Originally Posted by exkalibur

No, this is about the TTC needing to update it's ancient and outdated communications system.

They've been using the 412.0375 conventional stuff for 30 years, and the CIS system for nearly 20. They're both old and outdated for their needs.

It only makes sense that they consolidate everything into one system.

Not at the cost that this involves. The system has worked fine up until now.

If they really wanted to convert to a new system they could've gone along with the P25 being set up in the rest of the city, as mentioned before.

The TTC constantly exceeds operating budgets so that they can apply for more funding. Hence why these fare hikes occur constantly.

If you love this system so much you should pay for my 120 dollar Metropass, or my Presto account when it comes into play (which has costed 700 million dollars and counting to implement).

[exkalibur]

I already pay for one!

Their CIS system is operating on a shoestring, so that needs to be replaced. Their surface system (channels 1 through 8) are in horrible condition, repeaters go down frequently and the coverage is less than ideal.

The MPT system used in the subway system is inadequate for the new ATO system and the Wayside Signalling System being installed, so that has to go as well.

Much cheaper to replace everything at once. An MPT handset is a LOT cheaper than a P25 handset as well.

[Raccon]

Originally Posted by Forts

No, there is nothing that will scan Tetra. Plus, Tetra systems are often touted as being 100% encrypted, end to end.

The touts are wrong.

TETRA systems can operate in clear or encrypted mode, i.e. Air-Interface Encryption (AIE) is optional. AIE encrypts the communication (and signaling) between the radio and the base station as the name implies, not end to end.
End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) is also an option available for TETRA and encrypts the communication only (i.e. not the signaling). E2EE may be used in systems that operate clear or in systems using AIE. E2EE would probably be overkill for a transportation company.

[Forts]

Good to know! Just like many always assume TRBO and NXDN systems are 100% encrypted which certainly isn't true.