Tolland Area Dispatching

[y10kiscoming]

I know theres a couple people here in the Tolland area, so I thought I would ask...

I am looking into getting a job that combines my #1 hobby (computers, with a concentration in software programming) with my #2 hobby (scanners, 2-way radio, etc).

My first thoughts have been dispatching, radio service, etc.

Even with my limited listening capabilities (a non-800mhz, non-trunking scanner) I can see all sorts of problems (with solutions) that would benefit both the public safety agenies in the area as well as the public that they serve. As a side note, I plan on getting an amateur radio license in the near future.

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions or information relating to these kinds of jobs. I am young and willing and ready to learn.

I'm sorry that this post is a bit personal and "not exactly radio related", but like they say... if you have a question... ask it.. because chances are someone else wants to know the answer too.

For this topic, I would prefer a PM rather than a reply, but if you think it would benefit everyone, feel free to do both.

-Mark

 

[slammed]

Well it may not be the best advice but there is an ad in the reminder for a dispatcher for the local cab company 860-244-9999
they are in manchester

Thats a good place to get experience

 

[dittrimd]

I have a couple thoughts on the subject. Tolland Dispatch or TN is a great dispatch center. They service 14 towns, 22 member agencies and a population of over 155,000. They have recently renovated their dispatch center and have a new CAD by New World Systems. They have three dispatching positions which are staffed fully on first shift and two positions are staffed on second and third shift. They are fully EMD capable and also are the CMED for Rockville and Johnson hospitals. The dispatchers primarily do just that dispatching. For the most part they do not directly support the communications infrastructure as far as maintenance and repair. They will perform testing in support of these activities. Some of the dispatchers have a detailed knowledge of the radio system in Tolland County and have identified technical problems in the operation of the system. Other dispatchers have little interest in radios and primarily know how to operate their console. They all do an excellent job and as a member of a department who uses them feel they provide and excellent service. They have a chief dispatcher who is also excellent and manages all of the day to day issues of the dispatch center.

As far as radio planning and system implementation that is primarily assigned to the radio committee who is comprised of people from the member agencies. I am a part of this committee and we are all volunteers. We spend a tremendous amount of our time developing plans and implementing radio system changes. We also address the many day to day problems with the current radio system. One of our biggest difficulties at TN is that we own very little of the counties infrastructure. Over the years TN has become relianant on the member agencies and their towns as well as other dispatch centers to build and maintain infrastructure for their use as well as allow TN to use it. This becomes a problem when TN wants to implement a county wide radio system change. We have to ask permission of the owners to change the system. My hope is that we can begin to change this situation and become a true service provider for our member agencies. Money is obviously our biggest challenge as well as obtaining useable RF particularly in the UHF band.

As far as finding a paying job as you described it is difficult. Most of the regional dispatch centers are non-profit organizations that are severely under funded in my opinion. Particularly in the area of capital acquisitions for radio infrastructure. Since the state is not making any efforts to build a state wide system to support public safety, particularly fire and EMS then it is up to the rest of us to do so.

If you truly wanted a career in communications I would look to a radio supplier and service company. There are opportunities to work in the shop servicing all sorts of radio equipment or get a truck and do field work. Most of the newer radio systems are programmed and maintained throught computer software. I have contemplated this myself as I am a radio and computer hobbyist but unfortunately I have a great job as an engineer and could not afford the pay cut. So I will continue my volunteer efforts at my department, my town and my county in an effort to improve communications systems.

Best of luck in your search.

Mark

 

[PJH]

Eh... New World Systems CAD. Not really that bad, but a PITA at times!

Boat is still out on that one.

 

[PJH]

To expand on the above...

Programming radios and the such is about 1/10th of 1% of a radio tech's job. Depending on who you work for, and what you end of specializing in should you pursue a career in that direciton, you will either be out installing radios in fleets, climbing towers or being called out at 2am for a problem 80 miles aways from your house.

As appealing as a radio job is to some, the life of the two-way tech isn't that great. Just ask most of them in the job. The deal with all of the public safety employee's (who ask 1,000,000 questions while they are trying to work), underpaid, deal with the sales guys who promised the customer something that isn't possible, high RF (read not that healthy) enviroments, job secuirty, etc. Did I mention the long 2am drive in the snow across the state?

Being a dispatcher in most places doesn't mean that your going to be in charge or maintaining a radio system. They MIGHT have input, but either way, its still job that requires the use of the radio, but not in maintaining it.

Other than that, if your really desire a career in the field, it would be best to go for an electronics/computer science degree/major at a college and get in on the manufacturing side (Motorola, MA/COM, Nokia etc). There you can design all sorts of neat stuff.

 

[cg]

also, some people are able to make careers out of hobbies but keep in mind that when you HAVE to go to work and deal with idiots, you may end up hating your hobbies. Sometime it is better to work in an unrelated field and use the hobbies to relax.


chris