Grr !
Posts regarding the possible new state system have finally
pushed me over the edge. This post will probably end up in the
"Rants" department so will try to tone it down.
We have post after post saying they heard from their uncle, the
guy in a local bar, and other reliable sources that the system
will be "xxxxx". After watching the many state meetings regarding
the subject, I don't think they even know. Remember that there are
still people at state level who were involved in open sky and it
will be extremely difficult to find a good consultant who can
convince them of a good solid system that will work. Political
dissensions almost always win out over good common sense.
I like to look at common sense ideas that provide a possible
solution to the current woes. Adams County is in the process of
constructing their new 800 Mhz trunking system. This system will
cost the county 25-30 million, a huge expenditure for a little county.
The consultant stated it will require 19 sites to provide
the required coverage. In comparison, the state has 4 open sky sites,
with three of them located out in the boonies. It doesn't take a RF
engineer to understand the poor coverage when you view a map of
the sites.
I've had a chance to have breakfast at a local restaurant with a half
dozen local troopers, and have had some interesting discussions
regarding their open sky system. The answer is always the same, "It
works ok when your close to a tower site". Elsewhere, it's a crap shoot !
Many of the veterans tell me the old VHF worked well for their needs
and the new fancy stuff only complicates their operations.
When you look through all the radio licenses the state has, it becomes
bewildering. There are many systems, sites, and frequencies that are
collecting dust. Someone had a idea that never materialized into a final
workable system. The pile of money down the drain must be staggering !
One of the notable exceptions is the 700 Mhz sites utilized for aircraft
and a few misc state users. Last time I looked, there were 3 PSP choppers
and several fixed wing units. Locally it's impossible to get assistance
in this county from PSP air units. When air support is required, it's
provided by The Maryland State Police with trooper 3 stationed at
Frederick. They always respond for police assistance, med runs, and
search operations.
Inter-op here is comprised of pulling you cruiser into the middle of
the intersection, rolling down the window and shouting to the local
your desired information. We have frequencies available to both parties
but in my years of scanning, have never witnessed any activity.
Most over night shifts here comprise of 2 cars, and on rare occasions, a
third. It sure doesn't require a billion dollar system to provide radio
communications for that type of operation.
Until someone figures how to remove the "Were better than you" idea,
from the state system chances of success are nil to none. Perhaps we
could lock this thread in a time capsule box, to automatically open
in thirty years, and our kids can get a look at what was, wasn't and
get a good chuckle. Microsoft, google, and Apple should have something
on the market in a few years that will solve this mess........
Grr !