New Chicago OEMC Public Safety - 800 MHz P25

[ChicagoRadio736]

LOL...it's a comedy as everyone tried to figure out the Zone! Harris is working on the consoles again...they'll be back!

And back on 800

Back on 800...the comedy will be back too...LOL!

lol I was just typing this. I'm glad because my UHF T band radio is at home. I only have my VHF/800 radio with me. I work in the Loop can't be without CFD lol

 

[werinshades]

Key-ups and voice testing heard today in the 5170-5179 range, RID's were in the 530xxxx series and the voice testing I heard was in the clear in Phase 2 on 5173, 5174, 5176. The RID's fall in the range used by the Education and Training Center but can't confirm the usage yet. I'm aware they started "gas mask training" at the 701 N. Kilbourn Academy (being called west side academy/new academy depending if CPD or CFD is referring to it).

Unrelated to above, voice testing heard on TGID 7101 this afternoon. Nothing specific, just the old "how do I sound?" RID's were the same as the Department of Finance units.

Also unrelated, as some probably heard, the CFD OEMC consoles switched to the back-up again for about an hour yesterday evening. I've been hearing quite a few companies with radios on the wrong zone still which is why I always post they're better off using portables until an issue is resolved.

On another unrelated item to all the above, a document was just sent out about the emergency button activation problems on fire ground channels. I've been close enough to hear a couple of working fires recently and can confirm it does "lock up" the simplex channel with what I can only describe as a "squawking" sound. I'm guessing it's only getting cleared if the offending radio is turned off and hopefully back on again. This system is not active yet, but the radios are programmed to send a distress signal.

 

[werinshades]

Key-ups and voice testing heard today in the 5170-5179 range, RID's were in the 530xxxx series and the voice testing I heard was in the clear in Phase 2 on 5173, 5174, 5176. The RID's fall in the range used by the Education and Training Center but can't confirm the usage yet.

TGID 5173 (Academy-81)
TGID 5174 (Academy-82)
TGID 5175 (Academy-83)

All self-identified, currently conducting scenario based training (2600 series beats).

 

[werinshades]

TGID 5173 (Academy-81)
TGID 5174 (Academy-82)
TGID 5175 (Academy-83)

All self-identified, currently conducting scenario based training (2600 series beats).

Based on the addresses used, the training was at the police academy on 1300 W. Jackson.

 

[werinshades]

Shortly after 0900 hrs., a "radio tech" was testing on TGID 7101. A reply from an unknown user stated "loud and clear from the 567.". If he was referring to a "location", this is possibly from 567 W. Lake St. which is CTA Headquarters or just using sequential numbers? Something to monitor for the future.

The Department of Water Management was conducting a safety drill today, possibly at their headquarters which was on Pershing Road. TGID's 4001 (previously heard the Filtration Plants on), 4002 (Self-identified as Security-1), 4019 (Self-Identified as B-2) were in use.

Security-1 originally was in Phase 2, then someone must have turned on a Phase-1 radio which reverted the talk group to Phase-1. TGID 4001 was in Phase-1, TGID 4019 was in Phase-2.

Testing also heard on TGID 4018 from the Jardine Filtration Plant on Ohio, and a second user was at the end of Navy Pier. Not sure what to make of all is today, other than some new RID's were scene during the safety drill. 41573xx, 41574xx series were in use at times.

 

[KEVINWSFF819]

Shortly after 0900 hrs., a "radio tech" was testing on TGID 7101. A reply from an unknown user stated "loud and clear from the 567.". If he was referring to a "location", this is possibly from 567 W. Lake St. which is CTA Headquarters or just using sequential numbers? Something to monitor for the future.

The Department of Water Management was conducting a safety drill today, possibly at their headquarters which was on Pershing Road. TGID's 4001 (previously heard the Filtration Plants on), 4002 (Self-identified as Security-1), 4019 (Self-Identified as B-2) were in use.

Security-1 originally was in Phase 2, then someone must have turned on a Phase-1 radio which reverted the talk group to Phase-1. TGID 4001 was in Phase-1, TGID 4019 was in Phase-2.

Testing also heard on TGID 4018 from the Jardine Filtration Plant on Ohio, and a second user was at the end of Navy Pier. Not sure what to make of all is today, other than some new RID's were scene during the safety drill. 41573xx, 41574xx series were in use at times.

I'm new to the page but not new to cpd channels.. I am not familiar with what is TGID7101 is.

 

[werinshades]

I'm new to the page but not new to cpd channels.. I am not familiar with what is TGID7101 is.

Talk Group ID. Used on Trunking Systems.

Trunking Basics - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

 

[werinshades]

Shortly before 0900 Hrs. today, "Tech-1" and "Tech-2" were performing radio checks on TGID 7101/Phase 2/in the clear. "Tech-2" just "left the shop and now at Washington and Racine", (120 N. Racine?) while "Tech-2" was on 111th St. following the bus line". Both reported loud and clear transmissions. RID's 50508xx range.

Based on the locations and the conversations, it would be safe to assume TGID's 7101 and 7102 will be affiliated with the CTA.

I normally don't follow the CTA very closely, but a little research dug up this article: CTA move to West Side opens 120 N. Racine up for development

They'll be moving operations to Lake & Pulaski including the communications per the article.

 

[Premises2972]

Shortly before 0900 Hrs. today, "Tech-1" and "Tech-2" were performing radio checks on TGID 7101/Phase 2/in the clear. "Tech-2" just "left the shop and now at Washington and Racine", (120 N. Racine?) while "Tech-2" was on 111th St. following the bus line". Both reported loud and clear transmissions. RID's 50508xx range.

Based on the locations and the conversations, it would be safe to assume TGID's 7101 and 7102 will be affiliated with the CTA.

I normally don't follow the CTA very closely, but a little research dug up this article: CTA move to West Side opens 120 N. Racine up for development

They'll be moving operations to Lake & Pulaski including the communications per the article.

I believe the location by Racine is their control center, where the rail dispatchers live

 

[werinshades]

Shortly before 0900 Hrs. today, "Tech-1" and "Tech-2" were performing radio checks on TGID 7101/Phase 2/in the clear. "Tech-2" just "left the shop and now at Washington and Racine", (120 N. Racine?) while "Tech-2" was on 111th St. following the bus line". Both reported loud and clear transmissions. RID's 50508xx range.

Based on the locations and the conversations, it would be safe to assume TGID's 7101 and 7102 will be affiliated with the CTA.

I normally don't follow the CTA very closely, but a little research dug up this article: CTA move to West Side opens 120 N. Racine up for development

They'll be moving operations to Lake & Pulaski including the communications per the article.

Had to step away to perform my civic duty but let the recording run on the scanner.

I can confirm these were the CTA Radio Technicians performing citywide grid testing paying special attention to CTA bus and rail lines. There was an issue in CTA Blue Line O'Hare station mentioned with a radio showing out of range and one of the Techs voiced his surprise because it's in use by O'Hare already. In addition, the Diversey Blue Line station was mentioned that would have to be looked into. Probably programming issues.

Another conversation involved the Red Line construction project and the "old" system not having coverage southwest of 103rd Stony Island transmitter site. It was mentioned "we should be on the city's system by then, so shouldn't be an issue."

Grid testing on Lake Shore Drive, downtown, and all the way out in Hegewisch where all the bus lines run it was mentioned.

Tech-2 was testing from inside the "120 building" (120 N. Racine) and both were very impressed with the audio quality. Yesterday "the 567" was mentioned, which is 567 W. Lake I'm sure now.

TX-8 (RID 9150008) heard testing with the OEMC in the north suburbs (Evanston/Northbrook area) this afternoon. Possible that the CTA L trains will be using this system shortly since the UHF-T band frequencies license lapsed and A-Beep jumped on them? Purple and Yellow Lines are in that area.

It would appear, I was on to something here. CTA Radio Technicians are not employed by the OEMC, so they are performing their own grid testing. So far, I've only heard TGID's 7101 and 7102 tested in regards to CTA. I'm "speculating" more will be in use when they go live on the city's system in the future.

 

[Premises2972]

Had to step away to perform my civic duty but let the recording run on the scanner.

I can confirm these were the CTA Radio Technicians performing citywide grid testing paying special attention to CTA bus and rail lines. There was an issue in CTA Blue Line O'Hare station mentioned with a radio showing out of range and one of the Techs voiced his surprise because it's in use by O'Hare already. In addition, the Diversey Blue Line station was mentioned that would have to be looked into. Probably programming issues.

Another conversation involved the Red Line construction project and the "old" system not having coverage southwest of 103rd Stony Island transmitter site. It was mentioned "we should be on the city's system by then, so shouldn't be an issue."

Grid testing on Lake Shore Drive, downtown, and all the way out in Hegewisch where all the bus lines run it was mentioned.

Tech-2 was testing from inside the "120 building" (120 N. Racine) and both were very impressed with the audio quality. Yesterday "the 567" was mentioned, which is 567 W. Lake I'm sure now.


It would appear, I was on to something here. CTA Radio Technicians are not employed by the OEMC, so they are performing their own grid testing. So far, I've only heard TGID's 7101 and 7102 tested in regards to CTA. I'm "speculating" more will be in use when they go live on the city's system in the future.

Wow, looks like CTA is going to OEMC 800 if this plan goes through...

 

[Paul-W]

Wow, looks like CTA is going to OEMC 800 if this plan goes through...

Had to step away to perform my civic duty but let the recording run on the scanner.

I can confirm these were the CTA Radio Technicians performing citywide grid testing paying special attention to CTA bus and rail lines. There was an issue in CTA Blue Line O'Hare station mentioned with a radio showing out of range and one of the Techs voiced his surprise because it's in use by O'Hare already. In addition, the Diversey Blue Line station was mentioned that would have to be looked into. Probably programming issues.

Another conversation involved the Red Line construction project and the "old" system not having coverage southwest of 103rd Stony Island transmitter site. It was mentioned "we should be on the city's system by then, so shouldn't be an issue."

Grid testing on Lake Shore Drive, downtown, and all the way out in Hegewisch where all the bus lines run it was mentioned.

Tech-2 was testing from inside the "120 building" (120 N. Racine) and both were very impressed with the audio quality. Yesterday "the 567" was mentioned, which is 567 W. Lake I'm sure now.


It would appear, I was on to something here. CTA Radio Technicians are not employed by the OEMC, so they are performing their own grid testing. So far, I've only heard TGID's 7101 and 7102 tested in regards to CTA. I'm "speculating" more will be in use when they go live on the city's system in the future.

I am curious to know how long the CTA has been in their current HQ? I know years ago they had their command and control center along with the bus and rail dispatchers located at the Merchandise Mart. Also, years ago the CTA used Motorola radios only. Now they use Kenwood radios. I was in the city last week and I had to switch buses and trains at the Jefferson Park transit center and I noticed the bus supervisors using Kenwood radios. Im a bit surprised that they use Kenwood considering how other city agencies use Motorola.

 

[werinshades]

Wow, looks like CTA is going to OEMC 800 if this plan goes through...

I'd say it's a pretty safe bet it's going to happen at some point, the only thing left to do is document confirmed TGID's and match them with users.

 

[werinshades]

I am curious to know how long the CTA has been in their current HQ? I know years ago they had their command and control center along with the bus and rail dispatchers located at the Merchandise Mart. Also, years ago the CTA used Motorola radios only. Now they use Kenwood radios. I was in the city last week and I had to switch buses and trains at the Jefferson Park transit center and I noticed the bus supervisors using Kenwood radios. Im a bit surprised that they use Kenwood considering how ot

I don't know how long they've been there, but I linked an article where they'll be moving everything to a brand new facility at Lake & Pulaski.

As far as radios go, if the radios they purchased are P25 Trunking capable, they'll be probably using them on the city's 800 system. If not, might be borrowing radios until they purchase what they need.

 

[Paul-W]

I don't know how long they've been there, but I linked an article where they'll be moving everything to a brand new facility at Lake & Pulaski.

As far as radios go, if the radios they purchased are P25 Trunking capable, they'll be probably using them on the city's 800 system. If not, might be borrowing radios until they purchase what they need.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Premises2972]

I am curious to know how long the CTA has been in their current HQ? I know years ago they had their command and control center along with the bus and rail dispatchers located at the Merchandise Mart. Also, years ago the CTA used Motorola radios only. Now they use Kenwood radios. I was in the city last week and I had to switch buses and trains at the Jefferson Park transit center and I noticed the bus supervisors using Kenwood radios. Im a bit surprised that they use Kenwood considering how other city agencies use Motorola.

Yeah CTA is a Kenwood shop, according to a FOIA request I did, they bought about 400 replacement portables about a year ago (Total was about $250,000)
I'm curious where they are going to dig up the several million dollars to buy all new P25 radios (Their current UHF portables only to FMN/DMR/NXDN),

 

[werinshades]

Yeah CTA is a Kenwood shop, according to a FOIA request I did, they bought about 400 replacement portables about a year ago (Total was about $250,000)
I'm curious where they are going to dig up the several million dollars to buy all new P25 radios (Their current UHF portables only to FMN/DMR/NXDN),

Probably should have thought about that before they let the license expire and now operating an unlicensed system...LOL!

They need to vacate the frequencies and whatever they need to do, they'll figure it out and I won't worry about it, just document and report anything new I hear. Citywide 1's 800 patch and CFD could have direct access via radio to CTA control if they set it up that way, on another positive note

 

[Premises2972]

Probably should have thought about that before they let the license expire and now operating an unlicensed system...LOL!

its insane to think that one careless mistake might have lead to a chain reaction causing CTA to spend millions on a radio system that (from what I think) is working mostly fine.

They need to vacate the frequencies and whatever they need to do, they'll figure it out and I won't worry about it, just document and report anything new I hear. Citywide 1's 800 patch and CFD could have direct access via radio to CTA control if they set it up that way, on another positive note

Or maybe CTA could just hand CPD/CFD a portable....you know, the old fashioned way? LOL

 

[werinshades]

its insane to think that one careless mistake might have lead to a chain reaction causing CTA to spend millions on a radio system that (from what I think) is working mostly fine.

Or maybe CTA could just hand CPD/CFD a portable....you know, the old fashioned way? LOL

As I said, they'll figure it all out. The only thing I know, is what I heard today and posted for anyone else who might be interested and will leave it there.

 

[ChicagoRadio736]

Had to step away to perform my civic duty but let the recording run on the scanner.

I can confirm these were the CTA Radio Technicians performing citywide grid testing paying special attention to CTA bus and rail lines. There was an issue in CTA Blue Line O'Hare station mentioned with a radio showing out of range and one of the Techs voiced his surprise because it's in use by O'Hare already. In addition, the Diversey Blue Line station was mentioned that would have to be looked into. Probably programming issues.

Another conversation involved the Red Line construction project and the "old" system not having coverage southwest of 103rd Stony Island transmitter site. It was mentioned "we should be on the city's system by then, so shouldn't be an issue."

Grid testing on Lake Shore Drive, downtown, and all the way out in Hegewisch where all the bus lines run it was mentioned.

Tech-2 was testing from inside the "120 building" (120 N. Racine) and both were very impressed with the audio quality. Yesterday "the 567" was mentioned, which is 567 W. Lake I'm sure now.


It would appear, I was on to something here. CTA Radio Technicians are not employed by the OEMC, so they are performing their own grid testing. So far, I've only heard TGID's 7101 and 7102 tested in regards to CTA. I'm "speculating" more will be in use when they go live on the city's system in the future.

I'm willing to bet all my radios the two TGs being tested will be the CTA North and South bus Supervisors channels. I'm so sure of it I'm already tagging my scanners. LOL