communication dead zones in Charlotte

[brad24]

This is not good for men and women in fire safety, Was on WBTV News talk about CFD communication dead zones in Charlotte

Looking into communication dead zones in Charlotte

A WBTV investigation revealed that the emergency radio system is often failing in Charlotte when first responders need it most.

www.wbtv.com

 

[yardbird]

Look at the Charlotte UASI database.

They have a temporary site set up in the Steele Creek area.

 

[KE4ZNR]

This is where *professionally* installed and *certified* *maintained* BDAs/DAS along with VRS/DVRS units used by qualified personnel go a long way towards mitigating these issues.

I will give the news station a tiny kudos on admitting that their fisher price walkie talkies are not the same as the public safety grade radios used by CharMeck however it was hilarious seeing them trying to use them in high rise buildings.

 

[CLTscanner]

@brad24 Thanks for Sharing!

This is where *professionally* installed and *certified* *maintained* BDAs/DAS along with VRS/DVRS units used by qualified personnel go a long way towards mitigating these issues.

Completely Agree!
Sadly, I think in this case the DAS in the building did more Harm than Good. That building is less than a mile away from the LEC UASI site, and I have to think that a BDA/DAS on the upper floors actually caused worst interference, versus just letting the signal radiate in from the local site. Don't get me wrong... I'm sure RSSI is very hot due to the BDA/DAS, but the BER is probably very bad due to conflicting signals.

(My comment above is based on a site visit from over 10 years ago. Obviously, many things can change in 10 years.)

 

[KevinC]

@brad24 Thanks for Sharing!


Completely Agree!
Sadly, I think in this case the DAS in the building did more Harm than Good. That building is less than a mile away from the LEC UASI site, and I have to think that a BDA/DAS on the upper floors actually caused worst interference, versus just letting the signal radiate in from the local site. Don't get me wrong... I'm sure RSSI is very hot due to the BDA/DAS, but the BER is probably very bad due to conflicting signals.

(My comment above is based on a site visit from over 10 years ago. Obviously, many things can change in 10 years.)

And let's not forget (because MANY people do) that you can have awesome DL RSSI and BER, but if the UL is crap it still won't work.

 

[hamstang]

And let's not forget (because MANY people do) that you can have awesome DL RSSI and BER, but if the UL is crap it still won't work.

I didn't forget because I have no idea WTF DL, RSSI, UL, BER, BDA, DAS, VRS, DVRS, etc mean.

 

[CLTscanner]

I didn't forget because I have no idea WTF DL, RSSI, UL, BER, BDA, DAS, VRS, DVRS, etc mean.

RSSI = Radio Signal Strength Indicator (typically measured in dBm)
BER = Bit Error Rate (think Signal to Noise Ratio in the digital world)
BDA = Bi-Directional Amplifier
DAS = Distributed Antenna System (goes hand-in-hand with BDA)
VRS = Vehicular Repeater System (analog pyramid box)
DVRS = Digital Vehicular Repeater System (typically P25)
DL = Down-Link (Tower to Radio, aka "Talk-Out")
UL = Up-Link (Radio to Tower, aka "Talk-In" or "Talk-Back")

 

[NCFireman11]

This is where *professionally* installed and *certified* *maintained* BDAs/DAS along with VRS/DVRS units used by qualified personnel go a long way towards mitigating these issues.

I will give the news station a tiny kudos on admitting that their fisher price walkie talkies are not the same as the public safety grade radios used by CharMeck however it was hilarious seeing them trying to use them in high rise buildings.

You are absolutely right! My day job involves working with BDAs and it is amazing how easy it is to get "certified" in the installation and maintenance of these systems that can potentially cripple a TRS. Like many things, you get what you pay for.

 

[rescueman433]

You are absolutely right! My day job involves working with BDAs and it is amazing how easy it is to get "certified" in the installation and maintenance of these systems that can potentially cripple a TRS. Like many things, you get what you pay for.

Did you get the NICET ERCES level 3 cert? Was thinking of getting it myself. Was curious what you thought of the test.

 

[brad24]

Appreciate all the comments. I just noticed it this morning about the issue going on just wanna let y’all know about it

 

[RaleighGuy]

This is not good for men and women in fire safety, Was on WBTV News talk about CFD communication dead zones in Charlotte

Looking into communication dead zones in Charlotte

A WBTV investigation revealed that the emergency radio system is often failing in Charlotte when first responders need it most.

www.wbtv.com

Look at the Charlotte UASI database.

They have a temporary site set up in the Steele Creek area.

As @yardbird says, and I posted about back in August, there is a STA and the issue was being addressed months ago.

New STA for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Mobile Tower Trailers

New STA license issued to the City of Charlotte NC in the 800 MHz band, no use listed on license, however supporting documentation states it is because beginning July 1, 2023, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department gained responsibility of additional jurisdiction outside the effective...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[wtp]

hamstang,​

I have no idea WTF DL, RSSI, UL, BER, BDA, DAS, VRS, DVRS, etc mean.
it means it is time to google !

 

[Brales60]

RSSI = Radio Signal Strength Indicator (typically measured in dBm)
BER = Bit Error Rate (think Signal to Noise Ratio in the digital world)
BDA = Bi-Directional Amplifier
DAS = Distributed Antenna System (goes hand-in-hand with BDA)
VRS = Vehicular Repeater System (analog pyramid box)
DVRS = Digital Vehicular Repeater System (typically P25)
DL = Down-Link (Tower to Radio, aka "Talk-Out")
UL = Up-Link (Radio to Tower, aka "Talk-In" or "Talk-Back")

hamstang,​

I have no idea WTF DL, RSSI, UL, BER, BDA, DAS, VRS, DVRS, etc mean.
it means it is time to google !

See above. I had no clue either. I just read stuff.

 

[RaleighGuy]

See above. I had no clue either. I just read stuff.

I just Google it, easier than posting and waiting for a response here, and I Google A LOT!

 

[NCFireman11]

Did you get the NICET ERCES level 3 cert? Was thinking of getting it myself. Was curious what you thought of the test.

No, I haven't taken the NICET test but from what I've heard it isn't too hard. I'm actually on the enforcement side of things as a fire inspector.

 

[Brales60]

I didn't forget because I have no idea WTF DL, RSSI, UL, BER, BDA, DAS, VRS, DVRS, etc mean.

I understand the ham part of your username. Where's the stang part come from?

 

[hamstang]

I understand the ham part of your username. Where's the stang part come from?

In the 1990's and 2000's I owned several late model V-8 Mustangs. Especially loved the Fox Body 5.0's. I once drove from Charlotte to Wilmington in a '91 Mustang with a large 80 meter mag mount Hamstick antenna and a Yaesu FT-890 Not pretty but it was a fun trip.

 

[Brales60]

In the 1990's and 2000's I owned several late model V-8 Mustangs. Especially loved the Fox Body 5.0's. I once drove from Charlotte to Wilmington in a '91 Mustang with a large 80 meter mag mount Hamstick antenna and a Yaesu FT-890 Not pretty but it was a fun trip.

Ah, I have a modified 03 Cobra that was in my avatar.