Florida plans to deliver L3Harris EDACS-P25 devices to SLERS users during next year

[blantonl]

Many Florida first responders that use the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) in the next year are scheduled to receive new L3Harris devices that will support communications on existing EDACS system and the upcoming P25 network, as well as interoperate with FirstNet.

Florida plans to deliver L3Harris EDACS-P25 devices to SLERS users during next year - Urgent Comms

Many Florida first responders that use the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) in the next year are scheduled to receive new L3Harris devices that will support communications on existing EDACS system and the upcoming P25 network, as well as interoperate with FirstNet. Matt Matney...

urgentcomm.com

 

[David628]

Many Florida first responders that use the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) in the next year are scheduled to receive new L3Harris devices that will support communications on existing EDACS system and the upcoming P25 network, as well as interoperate with FirstNet.

Florida plans to deliver L3Harris EDACS-P25 devices to SLERS users during next year - Urgent Comms

Many Florida first responders that use the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) in the next year are scheduled to receive new L3Harris devices that will support communications on existing EDACS system and the upcoming P25 network, as well as interoperate with FirstNet. Matt Matney...

urgentcomm.com

Hi Lindsay, thanks for the info. Especially the part above regarding FirstNet integration with the DTRS system. I thought all hope was lost for those of us who have agencies who are slowly transitioning to FirstNet (primarliary for data terminals now (our FD) but likely voice comms in the future???). I didn't realize they could integrate the DTRS radio systems with FirstNet. That's a small light at the end of the tunnel for those areas transitioning to FirstNet who also maintain the standard DTRS radio systems! That means for a bit longer we may still be able to monitor voice comms even when some users are "potentially" migrated over to full time FirstNet uses for voice comms.

Dave

 

[INDY72]

Hi Lindsay, thanks for the info. Especially the part above regarding FirstNet integration with the DTRS system. I thought all hope was lost for those of us who have agencies who are slowly transitioning to FirstNet (primarliary for data terminals now (our FD) but likely voice comms in the future???). I didn't realize they could integrate the DTRS radio systems with FirstNet. That's a small light at the end of the tunnel for those areas transitioning to FirstNet who also maintain the standard DTRS radio systems! That means for a bit longer we may still be able to monitor voice comms even when some users are "potentially" migrated over to full time FirstNet uses for voice comms.

Dave

Indiana has added FirstNet directly into our Statewide P25 TRS Cores going on a year ago now. Also, alongside the mobile and portable sites for SAFE-T, we stand up FirstNet sites sop at events. IPSC is always on top of the game.

 

[mmckenna]

Hi Lindsay, thanks for the info. Especially the part above regarding FirstNet integration with the DTRS system. I thought all hope was lost for those of us who have agencies who are slowly transitioning to FirstNet (primarliary for data terminals now (our FD) but likely voice comms in the future???). I didn't realize they could integrate the DTRS radio systems with FirstNet. That's a small light at the end of the tunnel for those areas transitioning to FirstNet who also maintain the standard DTRS radio systems! That means for a bit longer we may still be able to monitor voice comms even when some users are "potentially" migrated over to full time FirstNet uses for voice comms.

Dave

Harris has a product called BeON that integrates with IP/WiFi/Cellular data and connects with the P25 core. It allows a cell phone to utilize WiFi or Cellular (FirstNet or any carrier) to connect to the trunked system and work like a PTT radio. It's not really anything specific to FirstNet, but FirstNet is one of the carriers that can be used.

Some of the higher tier Harris radios also have a slot for a SIM card and can connect via the cellular network (or WiFi) back into the BeON system if they are out of range of the trunked system.

ESChat is a similar system that gives essentially the same capability.

Doesn't necessarily mean FirstNet or any Push To Talk over Cellular (PTToC) is going to replace the radio system, but it does mean that coverage can be greatly expanded. It also means that non-critical users don't need to be issued a radio, just load the appropriate app onto the cell phone.

 

[FireMarshalRob]

Hi Lindsay, thanks for the info. Especially the part above regarding FirstNet integration with the DTRS system. I thought all hope was lost for those of us who have agencies who are slowly transitioning to FirstNet (primarliary for data terminals now (our FD) but likely voice comms in the future???). I didn't realize they could integrate the DTRS radio systems with FirstNet. That's a small light at the end of the tunnel for those areas transitioning to FirstNet who also maintain the standard DTRS radio systems! That means for a bit longer we may still be able to monitor voice comms even when some users are "potentially" migrated over to full time FirstNet uses for voice comms.

Dave

No disrespect, if your fire department is thinking of using First net (No net) as primary voice communications, you need to seriously re evaluate the situation. First Net is glorified cell service and shouldn't be used for more than anything above data, sending funny memes, and lunch orders.

 

[mmckenna]

First Net is glorified cell service and shouldn't be used for more than anything above data, sending funny memes, and lunch orders.

I don't think any knowledgeable agency would solely rely on cellular/ptt over cellular. The inherent voice delays in LTE are bad enough that they fail the "Don't Shoot!" test, as in if you key up your PTToC device and yell "Don't Shoot!", what does the other end hear? Do they get the whole message, or do this just hear "Shoot!".

As for data/memes/lunch orders, I've been on FirstNet for a while, and I'm happy with it. But I did migrate from AT&T, so no difference in performance. I did save a lot of money, though.

 

[MtnBiker2005]

Andrew been writing about MCPTT,etc...

Public Safety Advocate: PTT vs. MCPTT, 5G Sweet Spot, FirstNet Apps Verified/Certified, 4.9 GHz, Fiber, and More | All Things FirstNet

First, some clarification. “Mission-Critical Push-To-Talk” (MCPTT) is the form of Push-To-Talk (PTT) the 3GPP standards body developed in accordance with its PTT standard. However, networks, including FirstNet (Built with AT&T), are not using the term “mission-critical.” I seem to have confused...

allthingsfirstnet.com

Public Safety Advocate: FirstNet Growth, Another MCPTT Option, FirstNet 10-Year Anniversary Soon, 4.9 GHz | All Things FirstNet

This week we will look at the numbers as FirstNet (Built with AT&T) continues to add more agencies and users and we will discuss its plans to support another Push-To-Talk (PTT) application. We will then consider the possibility that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will issue a notice...

allthingsfirstnet.com

Andrew Seybold | All Things FirstNet

Andrew Seybold, Inc. is the mobile wireless industry’s trusted resource for strategic consulting, research, and analysis. Your source for clarity, insights, predictions, and actionable knowledge that will guide you into the future. Our partners bring more than 180 years of wireless industry...

allthingsfirstnet.com

 

[mmckenna]

Andrew been writing about MCPTT,etc...

He's been around for a long time and knows his stuff. He used to live local to me, in fact, I used his GMRS repeater with my own PL tone until he moved out of the area. He's pretty well respected in the industry.

 

[medic9351301]

here are some links to what the radios look like . if not allowed please delete.
i dont work for harris or any harris dealers.

 

[jrothwell]

Many Florida first responders that use the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) in the next year are scheduled to receive new L3Harris devices that will support communications on existing EDACS system and the upcoming P25 network, as well as interoperate with FirstNet.

Florida plans to deliver L3Harris EDACS-P25 devices to SLERS users during next year - Urgent Comms

Many Florida first responders that use the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) in the next year are scheduled to receive new L3Harris devices that will support communications on existing EDACS system and the upcoming P25 network, as well as interoperate with FirstNet. Matt Matney...

urgentcomm.com

"The last EDACS EA system in the world"???? The MBTA in the metro Boston area is still using EDACS EA with ProVoice and no plans to upgrade anytime soon...hmmmm

 

[INDY72]

"The last EDACS EA system in the world"???? The MBTA in the metro Boston area is still using EDACS EA with ProVoice and no plans to upgrade anytime soon...hmmmm

No plans to upgrade? Foolish, but that is accurate of most suites and ties... No one supports EDACS at all as far as I know. Unlike the Legacy SmartNet/Zone format that still has some hope with EFJ/Kenwood. But anyway, back on topic, L3 Harris, formerly Harris, formerly blah blah blah..... Inheritors of it from Tyco M/A-Comm, from Ericsson etc.... Are not supporting it and are at least offering a way to transition from their discontinued format to the newer supported technologies...

 

[jrothwell]

No plans to upgrade? Foolish, but that is accurate of most suites and ties... No one supports EDACS at all as far as I know. Unlike the Legacy SmartNet/Zone format that still has some hope with EFJ/Kenwood. But anyway, back on topic, L3 Harris, formerly Harris, formerly blah blah blah..... Inheritors of it from Tyco M/A-Comm, from Ericsson etc.... Are not supporting it and are at least offering a way to transition from their discontinued format to the newer supported technologies...

Thanks. Yea, my main reason for commenting, is that in the article, it mentions that " ... L3Harris to maintain the existing EDACS EA network—the last one in the world to use this technology." I was surprised at this because I know the MBTA is still using EDACS EA and probably will for years to come.

 

[David628]

No disrespect, if your fire department is thinking of using First net (No net) as primary voice communications, you need to seriously re evaluate the situation. First Net is glorified cell service and shouldn't be used for more than anything above data, sending funny memes, and lunch orders.

I was just speculating after reading an article locally about first net. See that post here FirstNet - Colorado Springs Expands Public Safety Communications Capabilities with FirstNet . I know little to nothing about first net. I just assumed that it could be used for dispatching and if it was to be used that way we could have lost the ability to monitor FD locally. Thankfully that's doesn't seem to be the case based on the replies here. Also, Im not FD. I just read an article about first net and our FD using it which prompted me to respond to Lindsay. Thanks for your reply.

 

[JamesBrox]

So what does this mean for us layman folks? Will we be able to monitor with Provoice upgrade?

 

[N4KVL]

So what does this mean for us layman folks? Will we be able to monitor with Provoice upgrade?

No.

 

[DeoVindice]

I don't think any knowledgeable agency would solely rely on cellular/ptt over cellular. The inherent voice delays in LTE are bad enough that they fail the "Don't Shoot!" test, as in if you key up your PTToC device and yell "Don't Shoot!", what does the other end hear? Do they get the whole message, or do this just hear "Shoot!".

As for data/memes/lunch orders, I've been on FirstNet for a while, and I'm happy with it. But I did migrate from AT&T, so no difference in performance. I did save a lot of money, though.

This matches my experience with LTE voice. Voice quality, latency, and reliability are all exceptionally poor outside of major urban areas. Random voice drop-outs are normal even with strong RSSI, service drop-outs occur periodically, and consumer cellular devices are hobby-grade unless ruggedized models are selected, to say nothing of the short life cycle. Where possible, we favor LMR over cellular.

I still like the idea of integrating LTE into LMR devices; redundancy is worthwhile even if the backup system is subpar.

 

[MTS2000des]

I have Smart Connect and am demo'ing APX NEXT on my core. Haven't seen any issues you describe, in fact, the LTE (FirstNet) to P25 is pretty seemless, a small audio drop of around 5-8 seconds when going to LTE when leaving my footprint. Also have SmartConnect on our APX8000's over WiFi and it's pretty robust. None of this voice quality, latency issues described- but then we aren't using consumer grade garbage for public safety.
I used BeOn in 2017 with a Terra server demo and XL-200s. It worked very well and again, even using Sprint (via hot spot) via WiFi on the XLs, it worked and allowed me to confuse our PSAP calling in from McCarran Airport 2,000 miles away.

I'd much rather deploy system enhancements like Smart Connect or BeOn for in-building coverage than every "get her done teknishun" throwing up garbage pail BDA's that don't work and generate harmful interference. It's quite a bit less expensive than BDAs and things like building out full blown TSUB sites.

 

[INDY72]

With LTE as Public Safety VoIP,.. YMMV.. don't let anyone that is paid to use it make you think its the be all end all whiz bang. Its meant for DATA. Its a CA$H COW for ATT etc, and those pushing it for voice... DO your homework folks.

 

[mmckenna]

and consumer cellular devices are hobby-grade unless ruggedized models are selected, to say nothing of the short life cycle. Where possible, we favor LMR over cellular.

Yeah, when we were looking at BeON, I knew I didn't want to do that with an iPhone. When I switched to FirstNet, I switched to a Sonim XP8 which fits the ruggedness requirements and swappable batteries, plus accessories that make sense in the application.
But switching from IOS to Android has been a challenge. It seems a bit buggy, nots sure if it is the specific apps I'm using, or something with the version of Android. Could even be my fault (usually is….)

I still like the idea of integrating LTE into LMR devices; redundancy is worthwhile even if the backup system is subpar.

Yeah, that's our plan, and when someone can't carry a radio. LMR will still be primary.

 

[hookandladder_99]

With LTE as Public Safety VoIP,.. YMMV.. don't let anyone that is paid to use it make you think its the be all end all whiz bang. Its meant for DATA. Its a CA$H COW for ATT etc, and those pushing it for voice... DO your homework folks.

You do realize that every time you make a phone call on your cell phone, its going out over VoLTE right? The carriers have migrated voice off of the old 3G networks years ago. With HD Voice over VoLTE, it sounds way better than ole Ma Bell analog POTS. Most if not all have also implemented WiFI calling. Furthermore ALL digital voice is data once it comes out of the vocoder. QOS rules can be applied to give it priority over other forms of data, but its data nonetheless and has been forever. LTE/FirstNet or any other digital transport does not change this.

All LMR is doing is copying what the cellcos have been doing for years, but having their own gateway servers to connect back to the P25 core.