OKC Area Scanner Meeting

[dstew67]

In looking at the list of systems and channels, I have a question about the CONV AID system. If a user switches (not scan) say to the Bethany channel, wouldn't this dedicate a repeater as long as that user is on that channel? Just like we talked last night about this issue with the same scenario using the state's mutual aid system, the same thing would happen with the CONV AID system. With all the potential mutual aid channels, we could have a very busy system.

I wonder if this issue has been/will be addressed in training users...

 

[mam1081]

Can you imagine if there are 10 officers on 10 different MA channels ? That ties up 10 of the repeaters, and leaves something like 8 or 9 open for regular traffic (if all of those channels were active at once). This could be possible whe nyou figure how many officers are on duty (or at home listening to other things) at one time.

 

[dstew67]

yep....let's say it's near shift change...you have about 40+ officers per division, all either winding down their shift or not yet in the "zone". A few from each division switch over to a nearby municipality, just to see if there's anything happening near their sector, and viola! dispatch can't put the armed robbery call out. I think that's when the s**t hits the fan, and radio engineers start screaming for SUPVs to tell their officer to "...STAY OFF THE MA CHANNELS!!!!..."

 

[woodyrr]

After looking at the list of channels programmed into the radio posted on the database page, I was about to grit my teeth and tip my hat to MA/COM – until I read the three previous posts. Am I understanding correctly that merely switching a radio to one of the mutual aid channels ties up a repeater whether or not there is any traffic currently being transmitted or received?

 

[KK5FM]

Most trunk systems have a priority feature, where lower-tier talkgroups will be kicked off the system if a higher-tier talkgroup needs the channel, and one isn't available. I would think, in this instance, the (insert smaller municipality here) patch talkgroup would just stop working if an officer needed Hefner air (for example) and the system was maxed out.

 

[dstew67]

switching the channel to the MA channel would tie up a repeater. Using the scan feature would not.

KK5FM, you're probably right that this feature will be enabled...if not now, I'm sure someone will realize it and set it.

 

[woodyrr]

To compound the PD shift change scenario, I surmise that the Fire Department will have the same mutual aid capabilities in their radios and it will work the same way. In the event of a a multi - jurisdiction disaster, which as we all know as a result of tornadoes or wildfires, is not uncommon here, the potential for the system to exceed its capacity appears certain.

 

[fordtruckman]

whens the next meeting

 

[mam1081]

Well, I would imagine we'd have one in February. Anyone want to set a date? The Tuesdays are the 7th, 14th (wouldn't that be sad!), 21st, and 28th. I'm for the 7th if everyone else is ok with that.

Someone had mentioned another place to try to eat. I think it might have been "dbest" - but can't remember. Post with some locations!

 

[fireant]

I like the Chinese Buffett place myself.

fireant

 

[dstew67]

14th (wouldn't that be sad!)

Story of my life!!

Yeah, the 7th is good for (as well as the 14th, unfortunately). Chinese Buffet is good too, but I'm open for something else if everyone wants a change.

 

[warhead2]

skyline is good and cheap

 

[mam1081]

So Feb 7th. People are open for a change, but the last location was good too.

Let's get the location figured out soon!

I'm open for something new (maybe something like around Penn Square Mall (near the interstate, easy to find)), but the last places work well too (quiet and plenty of room).

Maybe when it gets warmer, we can have a RR.com BBQ cookout at a park!

 

[fireant]

The regular place is good for me or anywhere for that matter. The buffett place is nice and quiet.

fireant

 

[dstew67]

Well, unless someone actually has an objection, can we just plan on the Chinese Buffet again? I'm open to something else, but I think we should decide on a place too.

 

[mam1081]

So FEB 7th is a go (NEXT WEEK - not tomorrow). It seems like the Chinese Super Buffet is pretty popular. I'm planning on being there. So will the topic of discussion mostly be the new EDACS? It sounds like there might be some amatuer operators doing a DF (Direction Finding) event soon. Scanner enthusiasts can participate in this also, as you are not required to transmit - just listen. I'm sure there are a lot of other fun things we could talk about too. Maybe we can help you program the new system in your scanner or help you understand how the whole thing works. I might try to get a copy of etrunk running at the meeting just to show everyone how it works if that's something people would like to see.

 

[crayon]

A DF event?? Cool.

 

[CommShrek]

Fox hunt. Interesting.

 

[mam1081]

Everyone ready for this Tuesday?

I guess we'll keep it at the same place, same time.


This Tuesday 2/7 - 7:00 PM, Chinese Super Buffet restaurant (approx. 1150 NW 23rd - on the NE corner of 23rd and Classen).

 

[mam1081]

Oh yea- I should have etrunk up and running on the portable for all those who would like a demo. It's really very interesting if you haven't seen it before.