Emergency Sirens Set Off Across the DFW Metroplex
- Thread starter Motoballa
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As I mentioned earlier in this thread, Twitter was going ballistic over the siren activations. See some of posts in this article. Some are just plain dumb, but several are pretty clever.
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/dallas/2017/04/08/dallas-sirens-twitter-reactions
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/dallas/2017/04/08/dallas-sirens-twitter-reactions
RFI-EMI-GUY
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RFI-EMI-GUY
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This is far more awesome
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdQ5DbZI0Kc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZB026YWWrg
and the third incident:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N26TzSLOjng
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdQ5DbZI0Kc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZB026YWWrg
and the third incident:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N26TzSLOjng
Okay, I have to ask. The "news" is comical but is now reporting the radio signal was "hacked" rather than an internet attack. Surprise, surprise. I love the way they report schtuff -- it's going "viral"!! I can't help but LMAO; talk about a buzz word, seriously, is it really?. Let's call it unauthorized use, because that's what it really is. They also threaten to prosecute, I really hope they do, but the chances of them catching a flash of light from several days ago is minimal. Let's get real. I truly cannot stand unauthorized transmissions, but can they really catch "them"? Only if they try again.
So, what system are the sirens using? I'm assuming one of the old Dallas VHF repeaters but I may be wrong. Lord knows I've been wrong before. Please respond to this question non-forum.
Thanks,
Russell
So, what system are the sirens using? I'm assuming one of the old Dallas VHF repeaters but I may be wrong. Lord knows I've been wrong before. Please respond to this question non-forum.
Thanks,
Russell
nd5y
Member
I don't think they are on VHF. The siren poles have small (about 2 ft. or less) fiberglass antennas that are probably 800 MHz.
That's the way all "news" is today right or left. Everything is out to get you, you need to live in fear
RFI-EMI-GUY
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Exactly, vote for the guy with the "safe" haircut he will protect you.
28056
Member
Dallas has a few data talkgroups on their TRS. I figured that one of those may be used for siren activation.
nd5y
Member
That's what I thought.
Well if on there trs, then it would be more simple to get them cause the radio must be affiliated with the trs system to even transmit any signal.
With that being said the system will have a keyup time and if on a simulcast, what tower was used and the radio id.
This proves that it may be a inside job.
Sent from my LGLS676 using Tapatalk
With that being said the system will have a keyup time and if on a simulcast, what tower was used and the radio id.
This proves that it may be a inside job.
Sent from my LGLS676 using Tapatalk
I doubt the sirens are linked via the trunked system. That would mean each siren have its own trunking controller to RX the system, TX status back and what ever else needed to pass the data.
Its more likely its a conventional channel VHF or UHF channel.
Its more likely its a conventional channel VHF or UHF channel.
Short 2 foot antenna means that it is more then likely uhf, i also get a feeling that it may be on a data channel, ie the fire dispatch
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Sent from my LGLS676 using Tapatalk
nd5y
Member
There are lots of similar SCADA systems that operate on analog trunked radio talkgroups. All you need is a trunked radio and modem, not a trunking controller.
Actually short 2 ft indicates VHF (at 18") though that same antenna could well be used for UHF (3 x 6"). I also don't think they're on the analog TRS or the DFD dispatch channel. I'm willing to bet they're considering moving it to the new P25 TRS or, at least, a P25 conventional channel.
Russell
Russell
nd5y
Member
They're not VHF antennas. They look almost identical to this Hutton Communications: PCTEL MFB-8133.
Ahhhhhh. I was thinking quarter-wave whip. You know, Dallas has plenty conventional 800 MHz frequencies used for data, especially MDTs. With that antenna, they could easily be on one of those channels.
Also, the news is now reporting that a consultant determined that Dallas is not using "basic" security features like encryption (quote). Encryption is obviously advanced security, but they got the word out there, now. The bullet has entered the city council's brain. The city council voted to pay the contractor an additional $110k to make it more secure.
Russell
P.S. That's a 1984 reference not a TOV.
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True Texas Troll
Here is an interesting Texas story about alert sirens. I wonder how this investigation goes? Dallas Siren Hack Done By Radio, Not Computer | Dallas Observer
Here is an interesting Texas story about alert sirens. I wonder how this investigation goes? Dallas Siren Hack Done By Radio, Not Computer | Dallas Observer
DJ11DLN
Member
I had wondered about that when the news first broke. I know the ones in my county are activated by a 2-tone on our Fire Dispatch frequency. I've wondered how long it would be until somebody figured out that they could get a cheap surplus radio, find pirated programming software free online at some .ru web address, and create some havoc with the tornado sirens.
As far as the "vulnerable computer network" issue goes, maybe it's time to go back to hard-wired gear activated by an actual human being pulling a switch somewhere...I don't personally see the need to have a hackable computer in that circuit anywhere. Though some training may be required of the human, who may be too used to clicking a mouse or tapping a touch screen to make something happen to comprehend a simple switch.:roll:
As far as the "vulnerable computer network" issue goes, maybe it's time to go back to hard-wired gear activated by an actual human being pulling a switch somewhere...I don't personally see the need to have a hackable computer in that circuit anywhere. Though some training may be required of the human, who may be too used to clicking a mouse or tapping a touch screen to make something happen to comprehend a simple switch.:roll:
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