New CHP Ford Explorer Setup

[ScannerDude244]

For those interested in this unique multiple radio setup

2013 Ford Explorer SUV Enforcement Vehicle Photos

Thanks wb6nvh for the pics!

 

[DisasterGuy]

The electronics setup certainly doesn't leave much room for gear in the back. Also, while the radio interface surely provides a nice clean installation, I have serious reservations about placing critical in-motion functions such as radios, lights and sirens into a touch screen interface. This is one of the reasons that I can't justify Harris' CH-100 control head on the XG-100m as nice as it is over the CH-721 head. It requires that eyes be taken off the road to operate it rather than being able to go by feel.

 

[ScannerDude244]

The electronics setup certainly doesn't leave much room for gear in the back. Also, while the radio interface surely provides a nice clean installation, I have serious reservations about placing critical in-motion functions such as radios, lights and sirens into a touch screen interface. This is one of the reasons that I can't justify Harris' CH-100 control head on the XG-100m as nice as it is over the CH-721 head. It requires that eyes be taken off the road to operate it rather than being able to go by feel.

I think that the setup wasn't finish yet by all those tools laying .Here is crown vic setup

CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL RADIO 2009

That CVPE is voice control and has heads up display on the windshield

 

[N1XDS]

That is one beautiful radio setup.

 

[b7spectra]

Looking good! I would love to be able to use my laptop to control all of my radio gear in my truck!

 

[fdscan]

Crazy setup.

Very interesting, though.

 

[KI6LWI]

Got to ride in one of the new Interceptor Utility vehicles a few days ago (got into a car accident, responding officer gave me a ride home), that touch screen interface is a really slick setup IMO, gave me some ideas for my own mobile setup. I believe the radio audio is routed through the truck's factory speakers, sound quality is very good. There is also some kind of handsfree mic setup, not sure where the PTT is though, maybe that grip looking thing between the seats? The rack setup in the back makes a lot of noise while driving. The officer also mentioned some of the vehicles having equipment problems, so I'd guess there may be some revisions in the future.

 

[FFPM571]

and California wonders why they are broke...Way over kill

 

[durango5550]

and California wonders why they are broke...Way over kill

My thoughts exactly.....

 

[Kasmus]

There is also some kind of handsfree mic setup, not sure where the PTT is though, maybe that grip looking thing between the seats?

You guessed right: Page 14

 

[DisasterGuy]

I would be curious what the per unit cost for the iForce is. Remember that even a standard CF-31 MDT is going to run around $4,500 and this would replace that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RodStrong]

Just my opinion, but I prefer fully independent radios, sirens, etc. A fancy display that everything depends on is just one more unnecessary thing added to the mix that can fail.

 

[N1XDS]

Here's a 5:10 minute of a officer demoing the iForce.

YouTube

 

[8K10F1E]

It's nice to see they actually installed the lowband antenna with the groundplane in mind. As strange as it looks, you will get the best results with it dead center.

 

[INDY72]

"This video is private, sorry about that" You may want to fix that if your posting it in public open forum. :twisted:

But yeah iForce is in use or testing nationwide. FDNY, certain EMS units in NYC, CHP, and others.

But I do see that there is too much riding on one system. If you do not have a backup option then a small mishap and your whole unit is now just a car again. Radio MUST have a manual backup option and I don't mean JUST an HT. I can see it now, a software glitch and your local rock station is all you hear as your trying to call for backup... Or you hit the radio function and the headlights go nuts?

 

[wuzafuzz]

and California wonders why they are broke...Way over kill

I couldn't agree more. The gadget count and technological prowess are drool worthy. The price tag is outrageous.

All they really need is a good car/SUV with a siren, 1 radio for CHP, warning lights, and a paper ticket book with (gasp!) a pen. Throw some safety gear in the trunk and you're on the road for thousands less per unit.

As for interop, we used to listen to other agencies with scanners and we communicated just fine, even if we were on different bands.