Baltimore County Fire 800 MHZ Reception

[don333]

Over the past several weeks I have ecperienced poor reception on the Baltimore County Fire 800 MHZ system. This has occured in many locations, including while travelling around the Beltway (I-695). This has happened while using a Uniden 250 and 296 and a new GRE PSR-500. Has anyone else experienced this and does anyone know of any problems?

Thanks.

 

[ka3jjz]

If you are on a duckie, I'd believe it -there are more than a few spots where things are a little hazy. This is particularly true up around the Towson/Timonium area, where there are a couple of very well known RF hell holes - too much paging and other junk can desense even the best of scanners.

Outside the RF hell holes, you will do better with a good mobile antenna, tho I might caution that a good pager filter will be a big help.

I use a beat up old 245 with an Austin Spectra, and even that can get choppy at times. I work in Woodlawn, drive up from Glen Burnie and notice it even with this setup. I gotta also get a PAR dual band filter (like the one I have on my Icom dual band transceiver) - that should stop at least some of the crap...73s Mike

 

[ocguard]

Many areas of Baltimore County have become tough when it comes to the 800mhz. The system, which is 20 years old now, needs tower additions and equipment replacement. Some dead spots I note on 800mhz:
1. beltway around Joppa Rd/Perring Pkwy
2. I95 near Chesaco Ave (system portables often get no reception here)
3. Harford Rd near the Harford County line (DEAD)
4. The Burger King on Joppa Rd in Towson (yes, you can see the Towson tower, but can't hear the system!)

System replacements are in the works. My guess, they'll double the towers, go P25, and zone the system out. I don't see the need for a countywide simulcast anymore. Not with the demand on 700/800mhz frequencies. The northern towers probably only need 8-10 voice channels, not all 20. Likely tower additions are:
-State-owned tower in Hereford along I-83
-Monopole at the radio shop on Gilroy Rd in Timonium
-Harford County tower on Rt.1 in Kingsville
-Possible new tower at the I95/I695 junction in Golden Ring
-State-owned tower in Arbutus