Chicago Fire Dept. 2012

[zerg901]

Using the database and the attached FCC info - it looks like each of the repeater channels has 5 north repeaters, 3 downtown repeaters, and 3 south repeaters. This is the WQEW220 and WQEV648 licenses. You click on those callsigns in the database to see the maps of the repeater sites. If you are located halfway between 2 or more of the sites, you might hear a slightly distorted signal - or a better than normal signal.

The WPSG985 license is for a UHF Trunked Radio System (TRS). Some of these freqs are being used for the "mobile only" channels.

There is a separate license for the 458 Mhz channels.

Some of the repeater sites might be backup sites - or might have directional antennas - or lower output powers. We can check the FCC licenses for that info - time permitting.

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To state the obvious - 2 major changes have occurred - Chicago FD went from VHF to UHF - and - Chicago Fire went from analog to digital.

Chicago FD has NOT gone to trunking at this time - (but the radios might be fully capable of trunking in the future I suppose)

 

[werinshades]

Using the database and the attached FCC info - it looks like each of the repeater channels has 5 north repeaters, 3 downtown repeaters, and 3 south repeaters. This is the WQEW220 and WQEV648 licenses. You click on those callsigns in the database to see the maps of the repeater sites. If you are located halfway between 2 or more of the sites, you might hear a slightly distorted signal - or a better than normal signal.

The WPSG985 license is for a UHF Trunked Radio System (TRS). Some of these freqs are being used for the "mobile only" channels.

There is a separate license for the 458 Mhz channels.

Some of the repeater sites might be backup sites - or might have directional antennas - or lower output powers. We can check the FCC licenses for that info - time permitting.

=====================

To state the obvious - 2 major changes have occurred - Chicago FD went from VHF to UHF - and - Chicago Fire went from analog to digital.

Chicago FD has NOT gone to trunking at this time - (but the radios might be fully capable of trunking in the future I suppose)

Ok...well i'm not concerned as long as it sounds and works good...haha!! We will not be trunking, that I know for sure. You have to understand the CFD way to understand why that won't be happening. This system has numerous "receiver sites", and have seen a map with the locations marked.It's also my understanding that the XTS 5000's are not trunking capable (I'm sure if i'm wrong, someone will correct me..haha!). CPD and CFD use these radios, and the Chiefs and Exempts now have Motorola APX 7000's. Ananlog VHF apparatus radios are now being upgraded to UHF Digital. All personnel will have a portable radio assigned to them. Hat's off to the OEMC radio personnel who made sure this system would work before it came to the streets. Most fire companies (at this time), are using portable radios via Main and Englewood channels. Considering all the obstacles that would prevent a solid digital signal from penetrating, it sounds gret both from user and listener end.

 

[FFPM571]

The XTS's can be flashed for trunking. The CFD ones may be but without knowing the flashcode. Its a moot point. The system sounds good from where I hear it most, But that is using a digital Motorola radio. The scanner owners who I know that listen say it sounds good too.

I wonder if there will be a patch for IFERN if suburban companies ever have to go into the City for a MABAS alarm. It doesn't happen often but has in the past.

 

[werinshades]

The XTS's can be flashed for trunking. The CFD ones may be but without knowing the flashcode. Its a moot point. The system sounds good from where I hear it most, But that is using a digital Motorola radio. The scanner owners who I know that listen say it sounds good too.

I wonder if there will be a patch for IFERN if suburban companies ever have to go into the City for a MABAS alarm. It doesn't happen often but has in the past.

Based upon the latest flashcode, I do not forsee any IFERN patches. However, all Chiefs, Exempt ranks, Special Operation Companies (Squads, HazMat's etc) have the APX 7000's which have a MABAS Zone in them. You have to keep it simple...trust me..hahah!

 

[Monaco]

Dave,
I would love to post your perfect channel description on the Radioman911 Facebook page. If it's OK, what would be the best way to credit you?
Dave

 

[werinshades]

Dave,
I would love to post your perfect channel description on the Radioman911 Facebook page. If it's OK, what would be the best way to credit you?
Dave

Dave:

Feel free to post the channel line-up. I don't need any credit, but thanks for asking. As i've preached here over the years, I prefer we get the information 100% correct instead of half-right. I submitted the information in the database for that reason.

Keep in mind , the channel line-up is from only 2 of the 20 plus Zones available on the radios. However, these are the 2 most common Zones we'll be using.

Dave

 

[Monaco]

It's cross posted to www.facebook.com/radioman911

Thanks for such fine work Dave! This transition would have been awful without your help.

 

[Tx4]

With our new console it would be simple to make a patch but I can't see them doing that because of confusion on both ends of patch.

 

[zerg901]

Looking at the WQEW220 license there is no indication that the repeaters are using directional antennas. The repeaters do have slightly different ERPs however. I guess this indicates that any areas of overlapping signals would be equidistant from the various repeater sites.

 

[werinshades]

Update

The transition was seamless. Apparatus radios have been getting upgraded to UHF since the 26th of November on weekdays only, at various firehouses across the city. I'm hearing it's taking about 10-15 minutes per apparatus. The radio heads are not changing , just reprogramming and an antenna switch out. I haven't heard many complaints about the sound quality, reception etc. Their has been fires and EMS plan's to give the new system a good workout. All VHF Channels are being eliminated when the apparatus are being upgraded. All channels are correct in the database. Not much more to type on the subject, so those that are listening, sit back and enjoy...

 

[RoninJoliet]

Here in Joliet the UHF digital signal has been at least 90% using out door antenna up 35' and LMR400 on my 996XT...The audio i must say to me is better than Starcom and volume wise is pretty "even" and clear....When the UHF band is somewhat open it gets even better on dropouts.....How about fire ground, do they use "digital'?

 

[Monaco]

Hi Ron,

CFD Fireground is analog on 458.0250 (203.5) and seems to be working normally from a listener's point of view. Here is a fire a couple miles from the RM911 Chicago receive point with fireground...

Justin.tv - Chicago Fire & IFERN - 2012/12/16 Chicago Still & Box Alarm w/ Injured FF / EMS Plan 1 2334 W. Van Buren St. Part 1