MARCS-IP ("New MARCS") Site and Talkgroup Discussion

[dryfb]

Uh oh… should I be scared? lol

I know they still do a lot of work for agencies within the county, and they still have a ”storefront” on Tiffin Ave. in Findlay, but I rarely see any vehicles there when I pass.

Tbf there's only a few EMS agencies in Hancock Co, and afaik there's one that's self-dispatched which would explain the need for a console.

I've never even seen a car there but I don't go that far on Tiffin Ave very often. If they work with agencies in the county then it's probably not a bad idea to look into them first. The dealer that my county uses is only Kenwood afaik, and I don't even know if they have any ability to do MARCS stuff since there's such little demand here, only car I know of that has a MARCS radio is the paramedic supervisor unit. I think there's more but I'm not certain.

 

[mtindor]

Pending Ohio MARCS licenses for Lorain Co Simulcast - six sites (thus far?)

Google Map

ULS Application - PubSafty/SpecEmer/PubSaftyNtlPlan,806-817/851-862MHz,Trunked - 0011703091 - OHIO, STATE OF - Locations Summary

ULS Application - PubSafty/SpecEmer/PubSaftyNtlPlan,806-817/851-862MHz,Trunked - 0011703092 - OHIO, STATE OF - Locations Summary

ULS Application - PubSafty/SpecEmer/PubSaftyNtlPlan,806-817/851-862MHz,Trunked - 0011703095 - OHIO, STATE OF - Locations Summary

ULS Application - PubSafty/SpecEmer/PubSaftyNtlPlan,806-817/851-862MHz,Trunked - 0011703359 - OHIO, STATE OF - Locations Summary

ULS Application - PubSafty/SpecEmer/PubSaftyNtlPlan,806-817/851-862MHz,Trunked - 0011703361 - OHIO, STATE OF - Locations Summary

ULS Application - PubSafty/SpecEmer/PubSaftyNtlPlan,806-817/851-862MHz,Trunked - 0011703364 - OHIO, STATE OF - Locations Summary

851.1625
851.1875
851.375
851.7875
852.2125
852.700
852.9375
853.75
854.0875

 

[Jphila20]

Pending Ohio MARCS licenses for Lorain Co Simulcast - six sites (thus far?)

Google Map

ULS Application - PubSafty/SpecEmer/PubSaftyNtlPlan,806-817/851-862MHz,Trunked - 0011703091 - OHIO, STATE OF - Locations Summary

ULS Application - PubSafty/SpecEmer/PubSaftyNtlPlan,806-817/851-862MHz,Trunked - 0011703092 - OHIO, STATE OF - Locations Summary

ULS Application - PubSafty/SpecEmer/PubSaftyNtlPlan,806-817/851-862MHz,Trunked - 0011703095 - OHIO, STATE OF - Locations Summary

ULS Application - PubSafty/SpecEmer/PubSaftyNtlPlan,806-817/851-862MHz,Trunked - 0011703359 - OHIO, STATE OF - Locations Summary

ULS Application - PubSafty/SpecEmer/PubSaftyNtlPlan,806-817/851-862MHz,Trunked - 0011703361 - OHIO, STATE OF - Locations Summary

ULS Application - PubSafty/SpecEmer/PubSaftyNtlPlan,806-817/851-862MHz,Trunked - 0011703364 - OHIO, STATE OF - Locations Summary

851.1625
851.1875
851.375
851.7875
852.2125
852.700
852.9375
853.75
854.0875

Stupid question? I thought the 700MHz frequencies was going to be the primary frequencies for public safety. Most of the ones listed in the links are showing more in the low 800's. I'm guessing the low 800's are the downlink. Am I right? If I am then I didn't realize how much is going on behind the scene.
Thanks.

John

 

[mtindor]

Stupid question? I thought the 700MHz frequencies was going to be the primary frequencies for public safety. Most of the ones listed in the links are showing more in the low 800's. I'm guessing the low 800's are the downlink. Am I right? If I am then I didn't realize how much is going on behind the scene.
Thanks.

John

View attachment 189229

uplinks? downlinks? On the license you don't want FX1/FX2/MO. You are looking for FB2/FB6/FB8 (depending upon the kind of trunked system).

In this instance, it is the FB2 freqs that you hear CC and voice traffic on, and that you program into scanners and various softwares. So those are what I list. Those are the repeater outputs and what are listed when you navigate to the MARCS DB and see frequencies next to each site.

 

[wa8pyr]

Stupid question? I thought the 700MHz frequencies was going to be the primary frequencies for public safety. Most of the ones listed in the links are showing more in the low 800's. I'm guessing the low 800's are the downlink. Am I right? If I am then I didn't realize how much is going on behind the scene.
Thanks.

John

View attachment 189229

Public safety is not restricted to 700 MHz only, they can and always have been able to use 800 MHz as well. MARCS-IP has quite a few 800 MHz frequencies in use.

Back when MARCS-IP first started they used 700 MHz because there weren't enough 800 MHz frequencies to go around, for both new MARCS and old MARCS (which was already using all 800 MHz). As sites on old MARCS were decommissioned, many of the 800 MHz frequencies were moved over to the new sites at the same locations as needed for capacity.

The low 800 MHz frequencies are the repeater inputs; outputs are 45 MHz higher.

 

[lwoznicki17]

with Aliases a couple of Ones here

Summa Health PD has a Secondary Channel - 45558
Another Summa Health - 45559
Both are Encrypted
62572 is Encrypted and ALL Akron PD ID's

I just tried listening to their channel and this assuming would explain it…..

 

[wa8pyr]

The system only supports network consoles from Motorola. You can use any wireless console since they use a radio to access the system and not a direct network connection. For another manufacture's network console to work on MARCS would require a Console Subsystem Interface (CSSI).

Sheesh. Been retired long enough I'm starting to forget terminology I dealt with for years, can't keep the acronyms straight anymore...

 

[Sergiyj]

There is a proposed merger with Strongsville's Southwest Dispatch Center to Chagrin Falls Dispatch Center. Layoffs & possible rehire for existing dispatchers at S-D. Berea and Brook Park have decided to not renew their contract and instead jump right into Chagrin Falls Dispatch after touring the facility and seeing their tech & setup. Olmsted Falls & Olmsted Township did the same for "budget reasons" but they went to North Olmsted also on GCRCN. Southwest Dispatch has it's hiccups, if you listen in long enough you will sometimes hear passive aggressive quips and attitude between medics, engines, officers and dispatchers...but overall they do the job and know the jurisdiction areas well.

Anyways, I have a few questions for anyone who can answer. On existing Broadcastify streaming channels, some local departments do not exist. Is it because of lack of interest or were they not merged by the streaming host? For example, Middleburg Heights is currently part of Southwest dispatch, the FD calls are scannable and streamed, but MHPD is not streamed, are they encrypted or unlisted? Olmsted Falls & Township are now recently part of North Olmsted's Dispatch Center, but are not showing up on the NOPD's Westcom stream on broadcastify after their merger. The clock is ticking on Berea & Brook Park, when they do move over to a new dispatch service, will the new agencies need to be added in manually by the host to Chagrin Falls dispatch on Broadcastify? Will there be a new submission to Radioreference's frequency listings? I just hope that streaming coverage for those 2 cities are able to continue. They are leaving Southwest/South Central Region over to MARCS. Is encryption likely? My knowlege is limited beyond the basics, thanks!

Reference sources:

Berea to leave Strongsville dispatch center partly due to budgeting concerns, Berea police chief says: Updated

The City of Berea decided in June to leave Southwest Emergency Dispatch Center in Strongsville and join the North Olmsted dispatch center, Berea Police Chief Dan Clark told cleveland.com Monday.

www.cleveland.com

Brook Park likely to leave Strongsville dispatch center and join Chagrin Valley Dispatch

The City of Brook Park plans to join Chagrin Valley Dispatch for police, fire and paramedic dispatch services regardless of what Strongsville decides about its dispatch center.

www.cleveland.com

911 calls in Southwest suburbs could be routed through larger regional dispatch center

It’s a move city leaders believe could save money, but others worry it could impact emergency responses.

www.news5cleveland.com

 

[W8KIC]

There is a proposed merger with Strongsville's Southwest Dispatch Center to Chagrin Falls Dispatch Center. Layoffs & possible rehire for existing dispatchers at S-D. Berea and Brook Park have decided to not renew their contract and instead jump right into Chagrin Falls Dispatch after touring the facility and seeing their tech & setup. Olmsted Falls & Olmsted Township did the same for "budget reasons" but they went to North Olmsted also on GCRCN. Southwest Dispatch has it's hiccups, if you listen in long enough you will sometimes hear passive aggressive quips and attitude between medics, engines, officers and dispatchers...but overall they do the job and know the jurisdiction areas well.

Anyways, I have a few questions for anyone who can answer. On existing Broadcastify streaming channels, some local departments do not exist. Is it because of lack of interest or were they not merged by the streaming host? For example, Middleburg Heights is currently part of Southwest dispatch, the FD calls are scannable and streamed, but MHPD is not streamed, are they encrypted or unlisted? Olmsted Falls & Township are now recently part of North Olmsted's Dispatch Center, but are not showing up on the NOPD's Westcom stream on broadcastify after their merger. The clock is ticking on Berea & Brook Park, when they do move over to a new dispatch service, will the new agencies need to be added in manually by the host to Chagrin Falls dispatch on Broadcastify? Will there be a new submission to Radioreference's frequency listings? I just hope that streaming coverage for those 2 cities are able to continue. They are leaving Southwest/South Central Region over to MARCS. Is encryption likely? My knowlege is limited beyond the basics, thanks!

Reference sources:

Berea to leave Strongsville dispatch center partly due to budgeting concerns, Berea police chief says: Updated

The City of Berea decided in June to leave Southwest Emergency Dispatch Center in Strongsville and join the North Olmsted dispatch center, Berea Police Chief Dan Clark told cleveland.com Monday.

www.cleveland.com

Brook Park likely to leave Strongsville dispatch center and join Chagrin Valley Dispatch

The City of Brook Park plans to join Chagrin Valley Dispatch for police, fire and paramedic dispatch services regardless of what Strongsville decides about its dispatch center.

www.cleveland.com

911 calls in Southwest suburbs could be routed through larger regional dispatch center

It’s a move city leaders believe could save money, but others worry it could impact emergency responses.

www.news5cleveland.com

When you mentioned "Chagrin Falls Dispatch Center", I believe you were referring to"Chagrin Valley Dispatch Center", possibly? Also, both Strongsville PD and Middleburg Heights PD dispatch are full-time encrypted.

 

[RT48]

Olmsted Falls & Township are now recently part of North Olmsted's Dispatch Center, but are not showing up on the NOPD's Westcom stream on broadcastify after their merger.

NOPD has nothing to do with Westcom. North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Twnsp. FDs share TG 13729 which is not part of Westcom.

 

[W8KIC]

NOPD has nothing to do with Westcom. North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Twnsp. FDs share TG 13729 which is not part of Westcom.

I was always under the impression that dispatch for North Olmsted PD, Fairview Park PD, Westlake PD, Bay Village PD and Rocky River PD all operate on Westshore Law Dispatch (TG 13611) What you might call a “permanent Mutual Aid“ channel for these specific agencies.

 

[RT48]

I was always under the impression that dispatch for North Olmsted PD, Fairview Park PD, Westlake PD, Bay Village PD and Rocky River PD all operate on Westshore Law Dispatch (TG 13611) What you might call a “permanent Mutual Aid“ channel for these specific agencies.

That's true but that is not Westcom. Westcom dispatches Bay Village, Westlake, Rocky River, Fairview Park and North Ridgeville FDs and I believe the dispatchers are based at St. John Medical Center.

 

[amcferrin90]

Stupid question? I thought the 700MHz frequencies was going to be the primary frequencies for public safety. Most of the ones listed in the links are showing more in the low 800's. I'm guessing the low 800's are the downlink. Am I right? If I am then I didn't realize how much is going on behind the scene.
Thanks.

John

View attachment 189229

Everything 851-862 is tower downlink or what you normally would scan for the 800 band. Everything in the high 700's and low 800's are uplink channels or radio to tower. These would be difficult to hear unless you're close. The freqs around 770 MHz are 700 MHz downlinks. I'm guessing you're asking for a reason. The only time I've heard reference to downlink and uplink in the past number of years is dealing with BDA's.

 

[mtindor]

Everything 851-862 is tower downlink or what you normally would scan for the 800 band. Everything in the high 700's and low 800's are uplink channels or radio to tower. These would be difficult to hear unless you're close. The freqs around 770 MHz are 700 MHz downlinks. I'm guessing you're asking for a reason. The only time I've heard reference to downlink and uplink in the past number of years is dealing with BDA's.

He was probably seeing the uplink/downlink references in SDRTrunk.

 

[mtindor]

Portage Co Simulcast is online

2.22 773.73125 is current CC

I cannot copy it direct. Anyone up in Portage Co area able to sleuth this one out with DSDPlus or SDRTrunk or Unitrunker?

Need the full site details, freqs, nac so that we can get it submitted to the DB

mike

 

[mtindor]

Portage Co Simulcast is online

2.22 773.73125 is current CC

I cannot copy it direct. Anyone up in Portage Co area able to sleuth this one out with DSDPlus or SDRTrunk or Unitrunker?

Need the full site details, freqs, nac so that we can get it submitted to the DB

mike

I copied Portage County SImulcast, site 2-22, fully this morning. It's now in the DB.

 

[IC3BRG]

Does anyone have any resources for learning about how the MARCS system works? I've tried googling it and can't find anything except the fliers from DAS. I'd like to understand the system a little better as a fairly regular user of it.

 

[rcid1971]

Wadsworth to use state grant to construct MARCS radio tower

Wadsworth plans to build a new $391,000 Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) tower, partially funded by a $170,000 state grant. The city’s safety officials argue the tower is essential to fix spotty radio coverage for police, fire, and EMS, since the nearest MARCS tower is 10 miles away. Once built, the tower will be turned over to MARCS for maintenance and upgrades. City leaders believe the project will improve emergency communication reliability and safety across Wadsworth and the surrounding township.

Begs the Question:
Would Wadsworth have had to spend hundreds of thousands to expand MARCS when the city could have instead utilized the already-built Cleveland Communications Inc. Medina County P25 System?

 

[tweiss3]

Begs the Question:
Would Wadsworth have had to spend hundreds of thousands to expand MARCS when the city could have instead utilized the already-built Cleveland Communications Inc. Medina County P25 System?

Wadsworth was on their own analog systems, FD had one, PD had another, and water/streets had a third. They went to MARCS a few years ago when the grant funding covered a majority of cost of MARCS radios at the end of their previous lifecycle. It was because Medina county FDs operate on MARCS, and the sheriff was talking about migrating at one point as well. They have always been the odd one out, but MARCS promised Summit County and Shalersville would be adequate coverage for them, and it isn't.

 

[kf8yk]

Does anyone have any resources for learning about how the MARCS system works? I've tried googling it and can't find anything except the fliers from DAS. I'd like to understand the system a little better as a fairly regular user of it.

Motorola does offer some free online courses, you will need to register or already have a Motorola On Line account to get access.

https://www.motorolasolutions.com/content/dam/msi/docs/learn/north-america-training-catalog.pdf

On page 33 of this training catalog is AST1038 ASTRO 25 IV&D System Overview. This is a free online class that is a high level overview of the system used by MARCS.