I was wondering who that was on 154.145 (46-Clinton FD Tac 5). I thought they operated solely on the MPSCS and did away with the VHF channels?
I didn't think they (Genesee Co) could work on MPSCS.
I didn't think the pagers could work on a digital system is what I meant to say. Poor wording on my part.
I didn't think the pagers could work on a digital system.
They don't. They can simulcast the audio, but no tone pagers work with a trunked system.
Correct. They can simulcast the tones, but the pagers still need VHF/UHF (not MPSCS) to alert.
It's not that they can't use 800MHz - but they can't use a trunked system. You'd basically have to put an entire trunktracking scanner inside the pager case to do so, since it could be on any of 5-10+ frequencies. That's why FDs still do their toneouts on a conventional channel.
Look at the cheapest reliable digital scanner. $450. Now tack on the paging features, and you're at $600 - $900. Then you have all the issues that scanners do with missing transmissions on CQPSK. You know how you move your scanner a half-inch and go from crystal-clear to all garbled? Do that with a pager and the firefighter never wakes up.
So your next choice is to duplicate a Motorola W7 and strap that to your belt. 1) A little bulky 2) It'll set you back about $2500.
I think you're exaggerating a little.
I get at least a 90% signal anywhere in my apartment with my Pro 96
The CQPSK problem has been solved with newer scanners as well (Pro 106/Pro197, and I'm not sure on this but Bearcats never had it to begin with)
Phone technology is always shrinking and being upgraded and there's no reason why pagers can't as well.
No.
I don't mean to sound rude - but what in the world are you talking about? No scanner receives CQPSK systems great. Some do better than others, but I've never been in a CQPSK area (I'm through four quite often) where the reception on my scanner was 95% or better.
I don't know what scanner you have but the problems I had with GenCo's system with my Pro 96 (dropped calls, etc.) are gone with my Pro 106.
Also ever heard of a base station antenna?
Even in downtown Flint? I have the PSR500, Pro96, 396XT and 996XT. I've regularly listening to Detroit, Monroe Co, GenCo & LucasCo and while driving around I _never_ get 100% reception.
You think I'm crazy enough to take a $500 scanner into downtown Flint?
Yes. Are you suggesting that you strap a base station antenna onto your ballcap? That's a little inconvenient.