This brings up an issue I see in our Database. I'm hoping when I can get a newly programmed radio in my hands, and do a comparison of the new frequencies I have (with CTCSS and NAC), i'll submit my updates to the Radio Reference. The issue I mention, is it's a mess to decipher the database if you're visiting the area and you see all these different frequencies with notes and have no idea what the use is for. With the permission of the Database Administrator, I hope to delete the entire Chicago Fire Dept. listings, and re-enter them correctly.
As mentioned in the previous posts, those are the only "current active channels" for CFD. Dispatching is done via a Computer-Aided Alarm System in each firehouse if the companies are in quarters. If not, it's done via the 4 channels mentioned. Fireground is good if you're close to the incident. If you're visiting, that's probably all you'll need unless you want to dabble in other things to try and catch something.
The future frequencies will be set up the same, but will be Digital UHF-T Band. Fire-Main, Fire-Englewood, EMS-North, EMS-South will be the primary channels. Also on the radios, we have Fire-City Wide, OEMC both Digital. I don't know yet what will be the primary usage of these two channels. EMS-Command and Fireground will be UHF Analog. Some of the other channels will be Media, OPS Channels, Special Events Channels, Training Channel. These will be UHF Analog as well. Encryption will be available to Battalion Chiefs/EMS Field Chiefs and above. However, this will require the individual to remove the radio from it's holster, switch to the "Encryption Zone", then hit the Home button, switch to the desired channel and talk. Knowing what I know now, don't expect to see too much encryption in use.
Yet another delay occured when they took sone of the radio technicians out of 31st Sacramneto (CFD Radio Shops), and sent them down to the OEMC. The radios are being reprogrammed about two days a week, so the process is slower then the desired Dec. 1st date. Each member will have his/her own radio. Most apparatuses will not have a radio unless they currently have XTL 5000's installed. Those will be converted once the switchover takes place.
I may have another date for the chageover sometime tomorrow as we're meeting at the Fire Academy over health and safety issues. The digital radios are on the agenda to discuss, so i'll see what is going on now. I've heard this more than once.."the system is ready to be put to use again. The issues that arose during the EMS 30 day evaluation have been corrected". That remains to be seen, but once the system goes live, Motolrola has given the city a 1 year worry-free repair anything for free guarantee. hopefully...soon..