any good conventions to attend?

[lorin]

Our Fire Department is looking forward to send some folks to a radio convention. We are looking for Portable Radio,Mobile Radio, infrastructure and Hardware issues. We want to be on the cutting edge in Technology. We are moving to a Digital P25 Trunked System in the 760 Mhz. Has anyone been to a good convention that would cover the above subjects? If you have, could you list that place, name and convention type and if you know that upcoming date of the convention? We are also looking at S.C.B.A. and Mobile Data Computer interface as well. Any information on these conventions would be helpful as I find it hard to discover these conventions on the wireless subject.

Thanks

Lorin

 

[Grog]

Can't help with any "conventions" (otherwise known as venders feed us and give us booze so we are not thinking when we sign the dotted line) but you should read up on the use of digital for fireground use. I personally suggest simplex communications on a fire scene as well as being in analog but others will disagree with me because of my rugged good looks.

 

[tunnelmot]

Yes, PLEASE at least do a quick search on Fire, Radio, Digital audio.

Dig around and think about what you will be RELYING on inside a structure.

I hope someone is' looking out for ya'll while you get on the digital merry-go-round.

Try the Fire websites, I bet they might have audio links up.

Rich

Edit- Remember cutting edge doesn't always mean time-tested. If this upgrade is from a Fed grant, there is a tiny sliver of my tax $ in there...just want your men to come out safe.

 

[fineshot1]

Well you missed the 2008 apco conference but there is always the one in 2009.

http://www.apco2008.org/

And there is the winter summit in february 09

http://www.apco911.org/new/conference/

 

[wlmr]

Well you missed the 2008 apco conference but there is always the one in 2009.

http://www.apco2008.org/

And there is the winter summit in february 09

http://www.apco911.org/new/conference/

Absolutely add my recommendation of the national APCO convention. The regional meetings and the meetings in your area are also worth checking out.

Another place to go to gather info is the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE). Here's their web site & info.
http://www.iwceexpo.com/iwce2009/public/enter.aspx

 

[DaveNF2G]

We want to be on the cutting edge in Technology.

No you don't. If somebody is making firematic decisions on that basis, then they do not belong in that position.

A fire department "wants" to be able to preserve life and property, including that of the firefighters, at various kinds of emergency scenes. Being on the cutting edge of radio technology can impair that ability, and there are many reported cases of such outcomes.

Whoever is making decisions about radios for your department should remember that you are a fire department, not a radio testing facility.

 

[N_Jay]

As already stated, APCO and IWCE.
They have some really good session presenters.:wink:

 

[ecps92]

Do you handle your Radios in-house ? Dept Radio Shop ? or contract out.

Your In-house folks would be the best suited for attending, as they have likely read-up
on the changes, and won't be B.S.'d by the Sales Weasiles in Suites with the free Alcohol samples.

If contracted out, join the various Trade Organizations, read the magazines.
APCO, FireHouse, FireChief etc before even thinking of attending a convention [JMHO]

Our Fire Department is looking forward to send some folks to a radio convention. We are looking for Portable Radio,Mobile Radio, infrastructure and Hardware issues. We want to be on the cutting edge in Technology. We are moving to a Digital P25 Trunked System in the 760 Mhz. Has anyone been to a good convention that would cover the above subjects? If you have, could you list that place, name and convention type and if you know that upcoming date of the convention? We are also looking at S.C.B.A. and Mobile Data Computer interface as well. Any information on these conventions would be helpful as I find it hard to discover these conventions on the wireless subject.

Thanks

Lorin

 

[lorin]

Thanks for all the input. I think we will try to go to the 2009 convention in Las Vegas


Lorin

 

[Astrogoth13]

Can't help with any "conventions" (otherwise known as venders feed us and give us booze so we are not thinking when we sign the dotted line) but you should read up on the use of digital for fireground use. I personally suggest simplex communications on a fire scene as well as being in analog but others will disagree with me because of my rugged good looks.

This is the correct flapdoodle.

 

[crazyboy]

Wheres the money tree, that you can afford to convert to a new p25 trunked system, install mdts in the units, and get all new scba's. I could really use a money tree.

 

[dipschitz]

IWCE in Vegas

Thanks for all the input. I think we will try to go to the 2009 convention in Las Vegas


Lorin

If you go, allow one full day to walk the show because it is huge and you want to spend time talking to vendors. Allow at least a half day next to go back to the ones you missed (always happens). Take a computer case or suit case on wheels to put your literature in because carrying a bag gets old quick. Plus you have to get all that stuff on the plane. Some vendors will scan your badge and send you info. Half of those never make it for some reason. Good luck.

 

[N_Jay]

Thanks for all the input. I think we will try to go to the 2009 convention in Las Vegas


Lorin

IWCE or APCO? (Both are in Vegas this year)

 

[N_Jay]

If you go, allow one full day to walk the show because it is huge and you want to spend time talking to vendors. Allow at least a half day next to go back to the ones you missed (always happens). Take a computer case or suit case on wheels to put your literature in because carrying a bag gets old quick. Plus you have to get all that stuff on the plane. Some vendors will scan your badge and send you info. Half of those never make it for some reason. Good luck.

All that AND check out the sessions.
There is a lot to learn and you can make some great contacts.