Out Of Range 800 Comm's

[Freqed]

I came across 2 TPD units on I-44 last Thursday in Missouri between Springfield and Joplin. They were using Talkaround to talk between themselves. My questions is, since they were out of range of the Main Computer would they have been able to talk to each other on their normal dispatch channels ( A,D or G) or would they have been dead in the water without being able to connect to the main radio computer.

 

[okla-lawman]

They could use talk around or itac freqs only. The 800 spread spectrum
system is totally controlled by the computer out of range and that is what your radio says and makes a nasty tone if you even try to key up.

 

[fast2okc]

:!: This is the reason I believe the Oklahoma City planners have made a huge mistake choosing EDACS over Motorola. A Tulsa officer can leave Tulsa and drive anywhere within the state coverage area and use his radio as if he was at home. By contrast an OKC officer will have NO radio communication when his radio cannot receive a control signal from the OKC computer.

Interoperability is not the biggest problem with the system--virtually any radio can be "patched" to another radio. Communication within OKC will be possible if the parties involved have some knowledge of how the system works. However, once outside of the coverage area, the officer will be carrying a very expensive brick.

--FAST 2

 

[fireant]

I agree oklahoma city could have easily with went the smartnet system but chose not too which as you stated is a huge mistake almost makes you wonder if someone may get a kick back off the edacs system much like sometime back one of the fire cheifs getting kick backs by persuading oklahoma city to buy fire trucks from a particular company. I know after the Rominger incident the whole purpose was to be able to communicate with others and stop something like that from happening again but you right on they is a very expensive brick once you get out of the coverage area wonder if they will keep one of their old frequencies to communicate if this happens just a thought

fireant

 

[K5MAR]

FWIW, a friend who was on the "inside" (but just barely) of the proposal discussion in OKC told me that the M/A-Com proposal offered more to the city than the Motorola proposal, in terms of capabilities, sites, etc. Apparently the "infamous" Motorola ego was out in full force, the reps didn't display any interest in negotiating a more favorable package. Whereas M/A-Com was willing and eager to work with the city to fine-tune their offer. I also have no doubt (which my friend was unable to confirm or deny) that the unscanability of M/A-Com was a factor in the deal.

But it still sucks!

Mark S.

 

[fireant]

So how will oklahoma cities edacs system make contact with say ohp on a motorola system or is this even possible??

fireant

 

[foster_006]

I've noticed a fair share of OKC patrol cars with cb's in them!

 

[K5MAR]

So how will oklahoma cities edacs system make contact with say ohp on a motorola system or is this even possible??

fireant

OKC's new dispatch center will be able to patch their EDACS system to the state SmartZone system, and the reverse, on selected talkgroups. They possibly may have the NPSPAC/ITAC frequencies in the unit radios also, which would allow direct communications.

Mark S.

 

[okla-lawman]

OKC's new dispatch center will be able to patch their EDACS system to the state SmartZone system, and the reverse, on selected talkgroups. They possibly may have the NPSPAC/ITAC frequencies in the unit radios also, which would allow direct communications.

Mark S.[/quote]

Yeah that is what they told us about being able to patch with Broken Arrow. It took years before we had a sucessful patch and it is still an iffy propisition. It not quick nor easy.

 

[n5bew1]

Ok folks I will bite....what is a "NPSPAC/ITAC?
Thanks Ken KC5OU

 

[K5MAR]

Ok folks I will bite....what is a "NPSPAC/ITAC?
Thanks Ken KC5OU

I knew I should have included the link! FYI, on the home page, on the left, in the Radio Features box, is the link "Common Frequencies". At the bottom of the list after clicking on that, is "Common Public Safety Frequencies". That will take you here:
http://www.radioreference.com/modules.phpname=Content&pa=showpage&pid=32

NPSPAC stands for National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee. A Google on NPSPAC radio turned by 900+ possibles, if you want to know more.

Mark S.

 

[K5MAR]

OKC's new dispatch center will be able to patch their EDACS system to the state SmartZone system, and the reverse, on selected talkgroups. They possibly may have the NPSPAC/ITAC frequencies in the unit radios also, which would allow direct communications.

Mark S.

Yeah that is what they told us about being able to patch with Broken Arrow. It took years before we had a sucessful patch and it is still an iffy propisition. It not quick nor easy.

Why, the PTB's in OKC have assured everybody there won't be any problems doing this. Are you suggesting they might not know what they are talking about? Perish the thought!

Mark S.

 

[okla-lawman]

salesman hype maybe??? I am personal friends with the supervisor at BAPD who was in charge of purchasing the new radios. He and the troops wanted the motorola system. When he voiced that opinion the City manager complianed to the chief that he was being uncooperative. So they all shut up. It appears that it is getting easier and more consisten to patch. I remember the first time they did a planned combined sot training exercise...they never did get them to patch.

 

[jcs162]

Being a transplanted Okie I visit here now and then to see what all is going on back home in the RF enviroment. I have been watching the OK City migration to EDACS It will be interesting to see if it goes like the one down here in San Antonio did. Actually a lot of the questions I have seen being asked were already covered in the Texas postings. You might find it enlightening to go to the Texas forums and read the evolution and birthing pains of the San Antonio system. And as to the subject of out of area coms, found an interesting item in the archives of Ericsson press releases about the Oklahoma City system:

"We are anxious to begin deployment of M/A-COM's EDACS communications network for the citizens and officials of Oklahoma City," said John Vaughan, vice president, M/A-COM. "Oklahoma City clearly understands the need for advanced radio communications, not just in the realm of public safety, but in all departments where critical communications are required. Our EDACS solution is a natural fit for the demanding specifications that Oklahoma City placed on this project, and includes components and technology that ensure their communications needs will be met for many years to come.

The addition of this new system to the existing M/A-COM systems installed and owned by Oklahoma Gas & Electric, based in Oklahoma City, and American Electric Power, based in Tulsa, will mean that ~90% of the state of Oklahoma will be covered by 800 MHz EDACS radio service. "

The last paragaph was of particular interest. Since they mention that it will be a part of the AEP/OG&E state wide system that would mean that OK City units can have pretty much state wide communications capabilities depending on how the talkgroups are configured and linked. Wonder if other departments looking at communications upgrades might find this an idea to watch, after all a state wide commnications system would be great for inter-agency operation. Might be the start of something.

 

[N_Jay]

. . . . I also have no doubt (which my friend was unable to confirm or deny) that the unscanability of M/A-Com was a factor in the deal. . . . . .

Wish I was telepathic also! :twisted:

 

[K5MAR]

It's a learned skill!

Mark S.