BO CHP Radio in the Sierra

[Oakland_Tower]

CHP recently celebrated 90 years as an organization, and as you can see below, some things just don't change over time. A Sonora Area officer, working an 11-81 in the high country of Toulumne County, found a radio dead spot. The officer had to drive to the next resort to use their phone, just like 90 years ago!

Detail Information
12:18 PM	8	[21] [Notification] [CHP]-Problem changed from 1179-Trfc Collision-1141 Enrt to 1181-Trfc Collision-Minor Inj
11:59 AM	7	[15] A61-003 1148X TO 17962 GARDEN COURT XS TUOLUMNE RD N FRM THE SCENE - BM 142465
11:18 AM	6	[12] AHEARNS CPY LINE 11 // 1HR AND 20 ETA
11:06 AM	5	[9] 1039 AHEARNS TOWING
11:05 AM	4	[8] A61-002 1185 OWNERS REQ FOR AHEARNS - FOR A HD MC
11:05 AM	3	[7] A61-002 HAD TO LEAVE THE TC AND GO TO DARDENELLE TO USE PHONE -- RADIOS BO ON SCENE
9:49 AM	2	[3] 1039 EMS/FIRE
9:48 AM	1	[2] 1125

 

[ko6jw_2]

Ninety years ago the officer would not have has a radio at all. The first CHP radio systems were MF and receive only. The low band system has a much better chance of working in difficult terrain than VHF or UHF. Dead spots will always be around. I guess the officer's cell phone didn't work either. Under better propagation conditions the radio might have worked just fine.

 

[KK6ZTE]

Radio dead spots are nothing new. What's your point? No system in the history of the world has 100% coverage.

 

[mmckenna]

Due to the terrain in California, there are a number of places this happens. South of Big Sur is a common one.
The officers know how to handle this and adapt.

Yeah, they could use better coverage, and I suspect they'll eventually get it, but 100% coverage? Never going to happen.