METCOM

[signguy10]

I haven't heard a peep on METCOM for quite some time. Did this switch to an encrypted channel?

 

[stmills]

METCOM was designed to be a dispatch console to console intercom making use of the data linking not an RF channel. Overtime some Radios were setup with METCOM and when they were affiliated to the system it pushed METCOM onto the RF system. Work has been going on to get METCOM back to a link only system.

 

[signguy10]

So you're saying as radios get reprogrammed and metcom gets removed, its not being affiliated to the towers anymore? It's going to be like an internet only channel or something like that?

 

[stmills]

METCOM will be rare to find on the ARMER radio network. It will continue to operate as a console intercom between METRO PSAPS via the data links of the ARMER system.

 

[signguy10]

That's too bad. That was always a good way to find out about bigger things happening.

 

[mmtstc]

During Operation Safety Net last April/May they had temporarily changed the policy wording on ME Tac 13E and ME Tac 14E to allow non LE PSAPs to have it installed on their consoles as they were using that instead of METCOM to provide PSAP to PSAP communications and also to allow the east and west MACC access as well. I presume this was a stop gap while they ferreted out the portables and mobiles that had METCOM installed still.
Full story is probably deep in the MESB TOC meeting notes.
As far as I can image, the only portables that should have them still are dispatch center back up radios for downtime or during relocation to a backup contingency center.

 

[unclebubba]

I hear traffic on METCOM *maybe* once a week. It is always only dispatch-to-dispatch traffic. And the only things heard are when one agency is requesting assistance from another agency on something. The transmissions are very short. I suppose it’s quicker than calling the other agency by phone.