West Hartford update;
Theres talk of the city of Hartford and Newington both considering jumping on board West Hartford’s new system. It makes sense, especially with Hartford, as both West Hartford and Hartford were/are occupying some of the same sites for their respective existing systems. And since Hartford’s EDACS System has not been supported by their vendor for some time, they are in the market for a new system. Joining West Hartford Hartford would save a bundle instead of building out another new system. (It’s my belief the respective dispatch centers would not change-the shared system would be transparent where dispatchers wouldn’t see anything change except for new gear installations at their respective dispatch centers.
Marcus has the contract for West Hartford, a P25 digital Phase I System (probably upgradable to Phase II if they ever decide to go that route.) They are using a combination of Motorola and Harris equipment due to departmental preferences (some options are not available on one of the manufacturers offerings-but police and fire will not be mixing up the brands. If the PD chose Motorola, and FD chose Harris, (or vice versa) all portable and mobile radios will be of a “like brand” within the respective depts.
And currently there is no set date for transitioning FD & PD to the new system due to the order in which the move is to be made as explained previously. (First the FD moves, then and only then, the PD. Since the FD has opted NOT to move, the PD waits. (It’s my understanding this is specified in the contract, the FD’s right to refuse acceptance until they are shown a COMPLETE system, operating to their expectations. And given that not all equipment has been delivered as yet, it appears the FD is within its rights to excersize that contract clause. Currently there is no reason for amending the agreement and testing by West Hartford continues with the FD and dispatchers ...checking portable radio coverage. One observation is that UCONN’s John Dempsey Hospital’s new ER exhibits a large dead spot. Not only for Land Mobile Radio (LMR) but cell phone coverage too! They refer to a certain spot near a large plate glass window as the “phone booth”, where the ambulance and ER personnel will congregate when using their cell phones!
To date, it appears the install is progressing in an acceptable manner-I’ve heard nothing along the lines of people pulling their hair out. More info as it happens...