Why were they using both for so long? We're not all units equipped with the newer radios?
Not sure if
all units were completely equipped when the changeover first started. They should be by now.
But I suspect that they left the old channels active, and patched to NTIRN for those who still did not understand exactly how to use the trunked systems. There are many more "channels" (talkgroups) available on NTIRN than what was available on the old analog channels. While I did hear various fire companies go out of service for 'radio training' (before the main changeover occurred) I never heard a single comment along that line for DPD elements. Doubtless that they did do some sort of training, but how much, and how effective it was, leaves many questions unanswered.
As noted, DFR is basically using 4 talkgroups. Fire 1 & Fire 2 are instead being used as Fire Equipment (on Fire 1), and the Rescues on Fire 2.
I also suspect that, at least for DFR, they don't have enough dispatchers to fully utilize the new capabilities. For response to a fire alarm box, they are using 'Channel 4', which is labeled as EMS 2. But, if you'll notice, that while fire companies are responding to a box, and using that channel for size-up and other activities at the scene, the minute the fire is tapped out, dispatch tells them, immediately, that Channel 4 will be shut down (no longer monitored), and all units should switch back to channel 1. So far, I have not seen any use of the designated Tac TGIDs for DFR. so they may not even have that easily accessible at 660.
I am hearing occasional traffic on Biotel 2, less so on Biotel 1. I have heard CareFlite checking in on Biotel 2, to advise details on the inbound patient, and at times rescues may also use it.
