They've recently changed the talkgroups to Phase 2 is probably the reason as I don't think the Pro197 can receive Phase 2 P25 systems.
They've recently changed the talkgroups to Phase 2 is probably the reason as I don't think the Pro197 can receive Phase 2 P25 systems.
SRResquire
Member
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2009
- Messages
- 7
Well that certainly sounds plausible...thanks for the info
GTO_04
Member
I've been watching this thread as an outside observer (I don't live in the Chicago area) and curiosity has gotten the better of me. I apologize if this question has been answered already, but I haven't seen it.
Why does the fire department keep switching back and forth between the UHF and 800MHz systems when the interference problem on UHF always seems to come back eventually? In other words, if the 800MHz system works fine as a backup/alternative to UHF, why not just switch to 800MHz permanently? Does the UHF system provide better coverage (when it's working)? Does the 800MHz system not have sufficient capacity for full time use?
Not trying to be an armchair quarterback or critique something I don't know anything about. Just genuinely curious what the reason for all the switching is.
Why does the fire department keep switching back and forth between the UHF and 800MHz systems when the interference problem on UHF always seems to come back eventually? In other words, if the 800MHz system works fine as a backup/alternative to UHF, why not just switch to 800MHz permanently? Does the UHF system provide better coverage (when it's working)? Does the 800MHz system not have sufficient capacity for full time use?
Not trying to be an armchair quarterback or critique something I don't know anything about. Just genuinely curious what the reason for all the switching is.
One word...Change! CFD has never been good with any change, especially when it relates to communications. You should have heard the responses when we went from analog to digital, and they acted as if the world was coming to an end. One of the hold ups is the apparatus radios aren't programmed with the new Zone...well, they thought that until some of the officers decided to check it out and surprise, our rig has it. Then it comes down to programming...the radio shops weren't aware that both 800 and UHF can be programmed to scan separate channels on the same Zone, but I heard that was corrected. The UHF system is built out very well, maybe too well, and some of the receiver sites are getting interference. For 4 days a few weeks ago, they were using the 800 system exclusively without any noticeable issues, "had to get back to the old", and they did. Fires, EMS Plans, Water rescues were all being dispatched.
Unfortunately it's going to take something bad to happen for it to change...the Chicago way I hate to say. An ambulance calling for CPR on their portable unable to know they were heard from inside a house, a Battalion Chief unable to give a initial size-up from in front of the building, and had to get to an apparatus radio to do so, isn't enough...yet. Change...it's a dirty word!
Thanks for the response. I've seen similar resistance to change in smaller organizations so I suppose it shouldn't be a surprise that an agency as large as Chicago Fire would have that issue as well. Come to think of it, I remember visiting Chicago perhaps 15 years ago and being shocked that the fire department was using VHF, and basically two repeaters for the whole city. It seemed pretty archaic at the time.
I would think the brass would be concerned about liability due to an incident similar to what you describe in your last paragraph. The issues with the UHF system seem like a (bad) accident waiting to happen.
I would think the brass would be concerned about liability due to an incident similar to what you describe in your last paragraph. The issues with the UHF system seem like a (bad) accident waiting to happen.
I still know many on CFD, and over the holiday, was sitting around reminiscing with some old friends still on and this was brought up in conversation. The folks on the street just want something that works, and the concern is there. We all agreed that it's going to take an incident unfortunately.
Sometime this morning, Fire-Englewood switched to the 800 system. Fire-Main, EMS-Main and EMS-Englewood remain on the P25 UHF Conventional system at this time. I noticed the cutting out last night and wasn't surprised to hear them on the 800 system this morning. Many were complaining the portables were going through etc. as usual too.
Keep in mind if a scanner is purchased to monitor this system (I recommended a 996P2 for someone), they're using the simulcast site exclusively at this time. The Midway site (which I can monitor), has not seen any of the new CFD talkgroups. Unfortunately, the 996P2 is plagued by the dreaded "simulcast distortion" issue that's been well documented across these forums. Buyer beware..
Keep in mind if a scanner is purchased to monitor this system (I recommended a 996P2 for someone), they're using the simulcast site exclusively at this time. The Midway site (which I can monitor), has not seen any of the new CFD talkgroups. Unfortunately, the 996P2 is plagued by the dreaded "simulcast distortion" issue that's been well documented across these forums. Buyer beware..
Another word that could be used is tradition. There is probably no other career out there that is so based on tradition than firefighting. I have been scanning for almost 50 yrs off and on around the country and the fire service is one of those based on tradition. Though many are moving to simple word descriptions. In my opinion I can see a huge city like Chicago not liking change. I have looked over the radio ID list for all the equipment in Chicago on the departments (buffs) website. I would never be able to remember every number combination for every apparatus in the city. I am sure those numbers probably relate to the older street corner box alarms when radios did not exist. I wonder if would be easier to just ask for the deluge truck or a trench rescue unit with words instead of all the numbers. I would hate to request 2-8-2 when I needed 2-9-2. (just an example) I made those numbers up. Hopefully the radio system will get fixed. I know they are working hard on a fix. Please be safe.
I'm not familiar with the website you're referring to, but I think you're thinking of the much older system when they had to "send in their returns" on the Joker stand when a fire company was available at quarters? No, they don't use that as radio call signs.
Sorry. The list (many pages) was on the Chicago Area Fire website. It seems like a large number of ID'S to try and remember. It's a huge department, it's understandable.
The radio signature are pretty much plain language. The Specialty Units use "number signatures", such as 5-1-5, 2-2-1 etc. are out there, but they call companies on the radio: Truck 1, Squad 1 etc. not 311, 551.
If you're referring to the Radio ID list which if you had them text tagged like:1110017 Engine 1 Apparatus, well yes, it's quite a list.
As of about an hour ago, all CFD Operations are on the P25 800 system. Fire-Englewood has remained on there since Thursday morning.
But, will they stay... is the real question.
Not sure about that. Just to add, all talkgroups are still Phase 2.
Is anyone in the reception area interested in hosting an SDR setup to capture the new Chicago FD Traffic ? I can send ther hardware. Message me.
There's already a Broadcastify Calls node.
Okay - I tried that for the 2-11 and there was no radio traffic captured.
Isn't the fireground channel simplex?
"Probably" whoever is running the feed is using a "non P25/Phase 2 scanner".
Yes they are, but alot of traffic is carried on the dispatch channels.
Last edited:
Similar threads
- Locked
- Locked
