bezking
Member
ALL posts relating to the NY State OpenSky system need to go here.
Thanks!
Thanks!
NYS OpenSky System Official Thread
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radionerd13669
Useless Contributor
Read the other threads and google it .It is a nys wireless system
Sheriff Joe Gerace named to statewide wireless network advisory committee
http://www.observertoday.com/page/content.detail/id/515808.html?nav=5047
Looks like the OFT Pro-M/A-Com fans got a supporter appointed to the SWN advisory committee. This guy who is very well respected within the law enforcement community, earlier this year released a statement praising the OpenSky system. He was comparing his current conventional non-repeated VHF system to the OpenSky network saying that now his deputies can not only talk from one portable to another countywide they can talk to a portable in Albany, but so can Nextel so it's really no big deal. The difference is (and sometimes it's not different at all) Nextel has some actual coverage and doesn't stop transmitting mid-transmission as it tries to hand off to another tower. In fact Nextel's iDEN is probably closer to being Public Safety grade than OpenSky is and iDEN isn't Public Safety grade. If Sheriff Gerace simply licensed some repeater frequencies and put some repeaters up I'll bet he'd be just as happy if not more pleased than OpenSky because he'd have some actual coevrage. Just my two cents.
http://www.observertoday.com/page/content.detail/id/515808.html?nav=5047
Looks like the OFT Pro-M/A-Com fans got a supporter appointed to the SWN advisory committee. This guy who is very well respected within the law enforcement community, earlier this year released a statement praising the OpenSky system. He was comparing his current conventional non-repeated VHF system to the OpenSky network saying that now his deputies can not only talk from one portable to another countywide they can talk to a portable in Albany, but so can Nextel so it's really no big deal. The difference is (and sometimes it's not different at all) Nextel has some actual coverage and doesn't stop transmitting mid-transmission as it tries to hand off to another tower. In fact Nextel's iDEN is probably closer to being Public Safety grade than OpenSky is and iDEN isn't Public Safety grade. If Sheriff Gerace simply licensed some repeater frequencies and put some repeaters up I'll bet he'd be just as happy if not more pleased than OpenSky because he'd have some actual coevrage. Just my two cents.
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radionerd13669
Useless Contributor
Yippee another person on SWN.I wonder how long it will be before we here anything else from them?
SWN Advisory Meeting
Today at 10:15am the SWN Advisory Council commenced their final meeting for 2008. Dr. Mayberry-Stewart in her opening remarks stated that no decision would be announced about the go or no go on the OpenSky project. After a brief 5 minute opening and roll call an unknown male member of the council made a motion to go into executive session for the reason of discussion which if made public could imperil public safety. The council never reconvened in public session. This worries me as both a resident-taxpayer and a public safety provider. New York is in a state of financial chaos and to make matters worse they are hiding the truth behind this debacle of a radio system. It is time to be open and transparent with the taxpayers of this state. While inside sources at OFT who are bound to remain publicly silent on the matter won't comment, it has been reported that the general consensus here in this thread will become reality. OpenSky is dead in NY. It's only a matter of New York and Tyco (apparently no longer going by M/A-Com) saving face so that both can walk away from the table with some dignity still in tact and not engaged in a costly legal battle.
We the taxpayers of New York by virtue of typical, old fashioned New York good 'ole boy politics were dooped by Al D'Amato's lobbying firm on behalf of M/A-Com - Tyco and now all involved have nothing to show for it but a black eye. This whole thing was a monstrosity from the get go and is an attestation to the decision making abilities of the driving forces behind this project. I highly doubt this will be a learning lesson for the state although it should be. Project 25 is the way to go for true interoperability and public safety communications but I am sure we will refrain from going in that direction once again. This is precisely why the state couldn't sell SWN to the locals. They never cared to seek the locals input and instead chose a top-down approach and the resulting "success" story is the final result. Way to go NYS.
Today at 10:15am the SWN Advisory Council commenced their final meeting for 2008. Dr. Mayberry-Stewart in her opening remarks stated that no decision would be announced about the go or no go on the OpenSky project. After a brief 5 minute opening and roll call an unknown male member of the council made a motion to go into executive session for the reason of discussion which if made public could imperil public safety. The council never reconvened in public session. This worries me as both a resident-taxpayer and a public safety provider. New York is in a state of financial chaos and to make matters worse they are hiding the truth behind this debacle of a radio system. It is time to be open and transparent with the taxpayers of this state. While inside sources at OFT who are bound to remain publicly silent on the matter won't comment, it has been reported that the general consensus here in this thread will become reality. OpenSky is dead in NY. It's only a matter of New York and Tyco (apparently no longer going by M/A-Com) saving face so that both can walk away from the table with some dignity still in tact and not engaged in a costly legal battle.
We the taxpayers of New York by virtue of typical, old fashioned New York good 'ole boy politics were dooped by Al D'Amato's lobbying firm on behalf of M/A-Com - Tyco and now all involved have nothing to show for it but a black eye. This whole thing was a monstrosity from the get go and is an attestation to the decision making abilities of the driving forces behind this project. I highly doubt this will be a learning lesson for the state although it should be. Project 25 is the way to go for true interoperability and public safety communications but I am sure we will refrain from going in that direction once again. This is precisely why the state couldn't sell SWN to the locals. They never cared to seek the locals input and instead chose a top-down approach and the resulting "success" story is the final result. Way to go NYS.
iamhere300
Member
From Urgent Communications, formerly mobile radio technology
NEW YORK 'STILL EVALUATING' TESTS ON STATEWIDE NETWORK
Dec 18, 2008 10:17 AM, By Donny Jackson
A governing body overseeing the build-out of New York’s statewide wireless network (SWN) yesterday took no action regarding the future of the massive project being built by Tyco Electronics M/A-COM.
After issuing a letter of default to M/A-COM that cited 19 deficiencies in the first phase of the network—covering the areas of Erie and Chautauqua counties—the company said it addressed the deficiencies that applied to the contract. From Nov. 6 to Nov. 21, the state conducted an internal systems integration test, but the state is not ready to release the results yet, New York CIO Melodie Mayberry-Stewart said via webcast prior to the SWN Advisory Council’s closed executive session.
“We’re still evaluating the results of these tests and, as of this date, we have drawn no final conclusion regarding a decision on the future of SWN,” Mayberry-Stewart said.
Under the state’s original timetable, the systems integration test would have been completed on Nov. 18. In addition, the evaluation of the test was supposed to be completed in time for an operational test—involving public-safety users—to be conducted beginning on Dec. 3. The operational test will be conducted only if the state is satisfied with the results of the systems integration test, according to state sources.
Given the lengthier evaluation period, any operational testing would be done in 2009, according to sources close to the project.
For Tyco Electronics M/A-COM, the outcome of the tests is critical. If the state does not accept the first phase of the SWN network, it has the right to nix the $2 billion contract and not pay Tyco Electronics M/A-COM, which already has spent more than $50 million on the project and has secured a $100 million performance bond.
NEW YORK 'STILL EVALUATING' TESTS ON STATEWIDE NETWORK
Dec 18, 2008 10:17 AM, By Donny Jackson
A governing body overseeing the build-out of New York’s statewide wireless network (SWN) yesterday took no action regarding the future of the massive project being built by Tyco Electronics M/A-COM.
After issuing a letter of default to M/A-COM that cited 19 deficiencies in the first phase of the network—covering the areas of Erie and Chautauqua counties—the company said it addressed the deficiencies that applied to the contract. From Nov. 6 to Nov. 21, the state conducted an internal systems integration test, but the state is not ready to release the results yet, New York CIO Melodie Mayberry-Stewart said via webcast prior to the SWN Advisory Council’s closed executive session.
“We’re still evaluating the results of these tests and, as of this date, we have drawn no final conclusion regarding a decision on the future of SWN,” Mayberry-Stewart said.
Under the state’s original timetable, the systems integration test would have been completed on Nov. 18. In addition, the evaluation of the test was supposed to be completed in time for an operational test—involving public-safety users—to be conducted beginning on Dec. 3. The operational test will be conducted only if the state is satisfied with the results of the systems integration test, according to state sources.
Given the lengthier evaluation period, any operational testing would be done in 2009, according to sources close to the project.
For Tyco Electronics M/A-COM, the outcome of the tests is critical. If the state does not accept the first phase of the SWN network, it has the right to nix the $2 billion contract and not pay Tyco Electronics M/A-COM, which already has spent more than $50 million on the project and has secured a $100 million performance bond.
K2KOH
Silent Key
Another reason to tell Paterson to go crap in his hat when he comes to state workers looking for the 3% raise giveback. Big waste of money which the state allegedly doesn't have.
Latest On Ma/com Contract
A spokeswoman for the New York Statewide Wireless Network (SWN) said the state is still evaluating tests completed in November, and a decision on whether to move forward with the $2 billion Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems contract likely won’t come until the first quarter of the new year.
http://radioresourcemag.com/newsArticle.cfm?news_id=3701
A spokeswoman for the New York Statewide Wireless Network (SWN) said the state is still evaluating tests completed in November, and a decision on whether to move forward with the $2 billion Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems contract likely won’t come until the first quarter of the new year.
http://radioresourcemag.com/newsArticle.cfm?news_id=3701
Is this OpenSky?
Take a look at this post, made by an LEO with the York Area Regional PA Police Department:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We switched over to our new radios over a month ago. The county spent 36 MILLION dollars to upgrade us frmo our old VHF ( 155 mhz) band. The radios are MA/COM and to say that it has worked well is a joke.
We are now in the 500 mhz band ( 800 wasn't avail here) and after a years testing in which we were told we will have 95+ % coverage in the county...we are having a terrible time.
There are dropped transmissions , lost transmissions, GARBLED transmissions , digitized voices that make it hard to understand what is being said. It is truly pathetic how BAD these radios work compare to our old ones. It is common that a conversation is carried between dispatch and a car and the rest of us dont hear it. ( and we are in the same dept ) . We constantly have to call officers our our side channel ( just as bad) to try to see if they are aware that they are being called.
Fortunately, we had to keep our old radios because they have the siren and PA built into them. They still work GREAT ( with their known limitations) and are ultra reliable. We resort having to use them to make sure we can talk but only on the side channel.
They have been to our PD several times to re-program the radios. They have taken down one of the 22 towers ( antennas) that they added for this system. They have told us that the " best and the brightest" are working on this problem.
Finally they are claiming that the signal is trying to be grabbed by different towers at the same time causing the problems.
All I can say is if your agency has ANY plans to go to a trunked system , especially one designed by MA/COM...do some investiagtion on your own as to the problems that are out there with current systems , like ours.
This was done all in the name of interoperability.
http://forums.realpolice.net/showthread.php?p=984089&posted=1#post984089
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He says it is P25 and in the 500 MHZ band; which Opensky is not; yet the problems sound surprisingly similar and I know PA is putting in Opensky also. Is M/A-COM making TWO P.O.S. systems?
Take a look at this post, made by an LEO with the York Area Regional PA Police Department:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We switched over to our new radios over a month ago. The county spent 36 MILLION dollars to upgrade us frmo our old VHF ( 155 mhz) band. The radios are MA/COM and to say that it has worked well is a joke.
We are now in the 500 mhz band ( 800 wasn't avail here) and after a years testing in which we were told we will have 95+ % coverage in the county...we are having a terrible time.
There are dropped transmissions , lost transmissions, GARBLED transmissions , digitized voices that make it hard to understand what is being said. It is truly pathetic how BAD these radios work compare to our old ones. It is common that a conversation is carried between dispatch and a car and the rest of us dont hear it. ( and we are in the same dept ) . We constantly have to call officers our our side channel ( just as bad) to try to see if they are aware that they are being called.
Fortunately, we had to keep our old radios because they have the siren and PA built into them. They still work GREAT ( with their known limitations) and are ultra reliable. We resort having to use them to make sure we can talk but only on the side channel.
They have been to our PD several times to re-program the radios. They have taken down one of the 22 towers ( antennas) that they added for this system. They have told us that the " best and the brightest" are working on this problem.
Finally they are claiming that the signal is trying to be grabbed by different towers at the same time causing the problems.
All I can say is if your agency has ANY plans to go to a trunked system , especially one designed by MA/COM...do some investiagtion on your own as to the problems that are out there with current systems , like ours.
This was done all in the name of interoperability.
http://forums.realpolice.net/showthread.php?p=984089&posted=1#post984089
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He says it is P25 and in the 500 MHZ band; which Opensky is not; yet the problems sound surprisingly similar and I know PA is putting in Opensky also. Is M/A-COM making TWO P.O.S. systems?
iamhere300
Member
This is NOT an open sky system, it is a P25 system as stated. It is made by Ma/Com however.
Another Open Sky Problem
I am posting this because NY is deploying Open Sky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXFkYGsFJmM
I am posting this because NY is deploying Open Sky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXFkYGsFJmM
increasingly doubtful
There has been no official word out of New York state, but it’s becoming
increasingly doubtful that the first phase of the statewide wireless network
(SWN) built by Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems (formerly M/A-COM) passed the
system integration tests that were completed on Nov. 21.
http://urgentcomm.com/policy_and_law/commentary/ma-com-new-york-0106/
There has been no official word out of New York state, but it’s becoming
increasingly doubtful that the first phase of the statewide wireless network
(SWN) built by Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems (formerly M/A-COM) passed the
system integration tests that were completed on Nov. 21.
http://urgentcomm.com/policy_and_law/commentary/ma-com-new-york-0106/
Blind Sided?
AURORA -- Last month, city leaders selected the Virginia-based M/A-Com company to build the city's new $16 million public safety communications system, which they hope to have ready when the new police station opens in January of 2010.
But some of those same leaders now say they wish they had been better informed about M/A-Com's track record in New York before voting on the project, which would replace the current police, fire and emergency management radio system.
M/A-Com, a division of Tyco Electronics, was contracted in 2005 to build a $2 billion statewide wireless network in New York. The first phase of that network was meant to cover two western New York counties and was to be completed by December 2006.
http://tinyurl.com/8vcokh
AURORA -- Last month, city leaders selected the Virginia-based M/A-Com company to build the city's new $16 million public safety communications system, which they hope to have ready when the new police station opens in January of 2010.
But some of those same leaders now say they wish they had been better informed about M/A-Com's track record in New York before voting on the project, which would replace the current police, fire and emergency management radio system.
M/A-Com, a division of Tyco Electronics, was contracted in 2005 to build a $2 billion statewide wireless network in New York. The first phase of that network was meant to cover two western New York counties and was to be completed by December 2006.
http://tinyurl.com/8vcokh
threats to sue New York State
ALBANY -- The company seeking to build a $2 billion statewide emergency wireless communications system has ratcheted up its threats to sue New York State if it is not given the go-ahead to build the network beyond Erie and Chautauqua counties.
M/A-COM, growing frustrated by the delay in a decision from Albany whether to expand the system statewide, fired off a lawsuit-threatening letter to top state officials Friday, warning of the legal ramifications if it does not get the broader contract to build the system in the rest of the state, according to several sources.
M/A-COM and the Paterson administration declined to provide a copy of the letter.
http://tinyurl.com/9tm5xf
ALBANY -- The company seeking to build a $2 billion statewide emergency wireless communications system has ratcheted up its threats to sue New York State if it is not given the go-ahead to build the network beyond Erie and Chautauqua counties.
M/A-COM, growing frustrated by the delay in a decision from Albany whether to expand the system statewide, fired off a lawsuit-threatening letter to top state officials Friday, warning of the legal ramifications if it does not get the broader contract to build the system in the rest of the state, according to several sources.
M/A-COM and the Paterson administration declined to provide a copy of the letter.
http://tinyurl.com/9tm5xf
radionerd13669
Useless Contributor
Well I am no legal person but it would seem to me that NYS has the overall say.How can ma/com tell nys they have to move forward.
D
DaveNF2G
Guest
No court should allow the suit to be filed, but judges are lawyers, so....
It irritates me that officials in various states and counties can claim to have been surprised by problems with a radio system after they decide to buy it. Somebody is not doing their job. The information is out there. Hobbyists know about the issues, why not the people who are spending our taxes?
It irritates me that officials in various states and counties can claim to have been surprised by problems with a radio system after they decide to buy it. Somebody is not doing their job. The information is out there. Hobbyists know about the issues, why not the people who are spending our taxes?
I am posting this beacuse if problems in York co Pa with Ma/com
In a Dec. 24 e-mail, Eric Bistline told county police chiefs that because of ongoing problems with York County 911's new radio system, the county might have to return to the old system as a last resort.
Bistline, who is York County's director of emergency services, also wrote that he has told M/A-COM, the new system's manufacturer and installer, to develop a plan to move the county back to the old system.
http://tinyurl.com/7lu8cq
Also check out the comments section below the article.
In a Dec. 24 e-mail, Eric Bistline told county police chiefs that because of ongoing problems with York County 911's new radio system, the county might have to return to the old system as a last resort.
Bistline, who is York County's director of emergency services, also wrote that he has told M/A-COM, the new system's manufacturer and installer, to develop a plan to move the county back to the old system.
http://tinyurl.com/7lu8cq
Also check out the comments section below the article.
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