KSP digital

[powerlineman]

Pardon my ignorance.
I used to listen to KSP Henderson years ago but have been out of the scanning hobby for a few years. I understand that KSP is using Motorla Astro on UHF conventional .
My question is: what is the advantage or purpose over what they were using before?

 

[mastr]

Here are a few reasons that I know of, I'm sure there are others;

1. the "old" system was installed in about 1979, and a scanner to monitor it costs about $60--The "new" system is of course "new" and arguably more dependable, plus it costs 400-500 dollars for someone to listen in. One could reason that fewer people will spend the $$ to listen in.

2. Technical upgrades to the system that enable transmit at more than one repeater site simultaneously, so more mobile traffic is audible to others in the field.

3. Added channel capacity, uses less bandwidth per channel

4. User ID and status messaging via Astro signaling.

5. Other features that I shouldn't mention.

 

[powerlineman]

Here are a few reasons that I know of, I'm sure there are others;

1. the "old" system was installed in about 1979, and a scanner to monitor it costs about $60--The "new" system is of course "new" and arguably more dependable, plus it costs 400-500 dollars for someone to listen in. One could reason that fewer people will spend the $$ to listen in
Is it more dependable? Does it depend on any computers and software to keep functioning? My old analog brick phone was more dependable than my crappy digital phone. At least you can still talk with a little static and you don't sound like your in a tunnel. KSP can still be monitored so the state spent mega bucks to eliminate (not all) but a few listeners?

2. Technical upgrades to the system that enable transmit at more than one repeater site simultaneously, so more mobile traffic is audible to others in the field.
Uh, ok....what does the digital have to do with it? Didn't they have voting/linking before?

3. Added channel capacity, uses less bandwidth per channel
So do they have more repeated channels in a given area than before? Is it like cellular and there are mulitiple conversations in one carrier bandwidth? I'm not familiar with Astro.

4. User ID and status messaging via Astro signaling.
MDC1200, fleetsync, can do this in analog...plus I thought KSP are getting MDTs on 800MHz for data

5. Other features that I shouldn't mention.
Encryption?

I'm not trying to be a smart a## I honestly am interested in why?
I guess what I'm getting at is, I don't see sinking a ton of money in new equipment statewide....just to be digital...Maybe I don't see the big picture. I have never monitored or used a digital two-way system so I really don't have a fair opinion. I am not familiar with "Astro" either.
In 1980 the Indiana county I live in had 6 State Troopers assigned here. The county had 1 deputy and the Sheriff
Now there are 4 Troopers and 12 deputies.
The state wants the local govs to jump on the bandwagon and contribute local$ to their 800 system they can't afford on their own, and really doesn't need.
Just curious if Kentucky tax dollars were well spent or the Moto salesman was just that slick.

 

[powerlineman]

Here are a few reasons that I know of, I'm sure there are others;

1. the "old" system was installed in about 1979, and a scanner to monitor it costs about $60--The "new" system is of course "new" and arguably more dependable, plus it costs 400-500 dollars for someone to listen in. One could reason that fewer people will spend the $$ to listen in
Is it more dependable? Does it depend on any computers and software to keep functioning? My old analog brick phone was more dependable than my crappy digital phone. At least you can still talk with a little static and you don't sound like your in a tunnel. KSP can still be monitored so the state spent mega bucks to eliminate (not all) but a few listeners?

2. Technical upgrades to the system that enable transmit at more than one repeater site simultaneously, so more mobile traffic is audible to others in the field.
Uh, ok....what does the digital have to do with it? Didn't they have voting/linking before?

3. Added channel capacity, uses less bandwidth per channel
So do they have more repeated channels in a given area than before? Is it like cellular and there are mulitiple conversations in one carrier bandwidth? I'm not familiar with Astro.

4. User ID and status messaging via Astro signaling.
MDC1200, fleetsync, can do this in analog...plus I thought KSP are getting MDTs on 800MHz for data

5. Other features that I shouldn't mention.
Encryption?

I'm not trying to be a smart a## I honestly am interested in why?
I guess what I'm getting at is, I don't see sinking a ton of money in new equipment statewide....just to be digital...Maybe I don't see the big picture. I have never monitored or used a digital two-way system so I really don't have a fair opinion. I am not familiar with "Astro" either.
In 1980 the Indiana county I live in had 6 State Troopers assigned here. The county had 1 deputy and the Sheriff
Now there are 4 Troopers and 12 deputies.
The state wants the local govs to jump on the bandwagon and contribute local$ to their 800 system they can't afford on their own, and really doesn't need.
Just curious if Kentucky tax dollars were well spent or the Moto salesman was just that slick.

 

[unitcharlie]

In a sentence, KSP Troopers are safer because they now have a much more reliable system that assures the words they speak into their mics will be heard by a dispatcher and vice versa.... coverage under the old system was iffy at best in some places, under the new system it is more even...

 

[mastr]

Ok I will review the points I made;

1."...the "old" system was installed in about 1979, and..."

The "old" system was based on GE Mastr 2 equipment that was great in 1979, but in the 20+ years of use had become problematic. GE no longer supported the units completely with parts, etc., and the console equipment etc. was well behind the state of the art.

The comment about a reduction in scanner listening (whether you feel that is good or bad) is based on the number of calls I still get about "how to monitor KSP" that end with "how much?- thanks anyway..."

2. "... Technical upgrades to the system that enable transmit ..."

The new system gives greater mobile to mobile range/coverage saturation. In effect, it is the same as if the "old" system had been converted to simulcast. An upgrade of the old GE stuff would have easily used up a substantial portion of $$ that went toward new equipment, and done nothing to help with #1 above.

3. " Added channel capacity, uses less bandwidth per channel "

Yes there are more channels now.

4. "User ID and status messaging via Astro signaling.
MDC1200, fleetsync, can do this in analog...plus I thought KSP are getting MDTs on 800MHz for data "

Status messaging and unit ID on the existing system have nothing to do with "data". An upgrade of existing GE to MDC1200 etc.--would have used up even more $$ that went toward new equipment.

5. "Other features that I shouldn't mention".

Self-explanatory, I think.


In short the money was spent to buy a dependable system that can be readily maintained with new parts, and has factory support available. Equipment that must be repaired with parts scrounged from who-knows-where that are no longer available from the maker may be fine for some uses, but not for a police agency.

***Disclaimer--the opinions expressed herein are my own and not those of "KSP", official or otherwise.****

 

[pblumer]

I dont have a digi scanner yet but let us be thankful that they have not used encryption as of yet. I think that 25 years is a long time for any electronic equipment and should be replaced if only for officer safety because of equipment failure. As many of you may know nothing sucks more than being in a situation where you need a good radio but yours is acting up. Speaking from experience as a patrol security officer in Fairbanks, AK where I had radio and vehicle trouble and it was like 40 below zero outside not very fun and safe at all. So I can see why and agree with it completely.

Patrick

 

[ofd8001]

KSP Digital

In reference to Why Did KSP Spend Money on a New System?

I spoke with a couple of trooper folks, and they say they have better coverage with the new system. They can also hear other troopers in the same post, but at opposite ends, where they couldn't before.

So I guess the best answer is the digital system gave them more than they had with the old one.

I'm guessing they opted for the UHF version over the 800 kind because some of the equipment and frequencies could be re-used. But that's a guess.

 

[cd]

ksp digital

From someone who spent 28 years behind the microphone at a ksp post. The money for the digital system was well spent. I started using the old, old system (44.62). Many early morning hours contact with East Orange New Jersey was better than with ksp units in the post county. Along came the new (UHF-voting) system. Not perfect but a big improvement over the low band system. It served its purpose and its time has come and gone.
The primary concern is always officer safety. Would digital provide improved officer safety over the old system. Yes it would and does.
I guess it's like the mastercard commerical.
Having coverage in all areas...worth a lot of money
Having clear and understandable audio...worth a lot more money
Officer Safety: Priceless
Was it worth the money. Ask those who have used both the old and new system and they will tell you, Yes it was worth the money.

 

[pblumer]

Very well put CD

 

[Comounty87]

Anyone have the KY State Police freqs. for Post 1 & 2?