Question - What are patches on an EDACS system?

[busaninja]

The EDACS system in Kansas City MO. have patches and I am unsure what a patch is and would like to know.

Following is the talkgroups and their patches I am referrring to:


Police Talkgroups
1296 10-020 All Call
1297 10-021 CENTER
1298 10-022 METRO
1299 10-023 EAST
1301 10-025 NORTH
1302 10-026 SOUTH
1303 10-027 TRAFFIC
1304 10-030 RECORDCK

Police Patch Talkgroups
1897 14-131 Channel 1
1898 14-132 Channel 2
1899 14-133 Channel 3
1900 14-134 Channel 4
1901 14-135 Channel 5
1902 14-136 Channel 6
1903 14-137 Channel 7

I'd appreciate if someone will explain it or link me to a page that explains it.


Thanks

 

[HabboX]

In radio, a patch is to connect one radio system to another temporarily.

On an EDACS system a patch can be enabled by a dispatcher or radio technician to link a conventional VHF or UHF frequency to one of the 800 MHz talkgroups. When the conversation is over, the patch is disconnected.

In an EDACS system, patches will occupy talkgroups very low in the talkgroup numbering range, like 00-001 or very high in the talkgroup numbering range, like 15-157.

I'm not familiar with the system you are monitoring, but the talkgroups that you listed are probably not true patches, but rather "links". A link is basically the same as a patch, in that they connect VHF or UHF band to the 800 MHz trunked system, except that links are permanently connected and don't require a person to patch the radios together every time it is utilized.

 

[n4voxgill]

a patch can also be used to allow one dispatcher to work 2 or more talkgroups. This is very common during emergency siutuations, during meal breaks and during the early morning hours when there are not many calls and a dispatcher is not needed for each talkgroup.

A patch can also be setup during a vehicle chase so that officers don't have to try and change channels on a portable radio, they can keep their eyes and attention on the road.

In both of the above, the patches if it is an 800 systems are among the 800 talkgroups, same for a UHF or VHF system.

 

[ex8010]

Are these mechanical connections, or just computer based settings?

 

[busaninja]

I appreciate the info guys.

Well constructed and easily understood answers.

Once again thank you!

Mike

 

[eyes00only]

In an EDACS system, patches will occupy talkgroups very low in the talkgroup numbering range, like 00-001 or very high in the talkgroup numbering range, like 15-157.

.

How high can An EDACS system go? Could there be a 17-157 or 23-157 talkgroup?

Jerry

 

[HabboX]

15-157 ......

 

[eyes00only]

15-157 ......

Is this the answer to my question, "how high"?

Jerry

 

[HabboX]

Yes ........