Vsp

[ks4ui]

Wait a minute, thought I once read that the VSP had the V-Tac channels programmed into their radios. V-tac channels consist of VHF narrowband analog and digital talk around channels.

 

[DrWhoVa]

It's possible. I checked one STARS tower, in Mineral, and according to the database, they're licensed for P25 and analog narrowband.

 

[loco-lee]

According to the VSP mobile radio channel layout that was published in the CHM newsletter when STARS came online, they have the VTAC/VCALL channels in their radios but I haven't found a Trooper yet who would know how to use them if he needed to.

 

[N4FTN]

The V-Call/V-Tac channels are in every STARS radio system wide. And, the 700/800MHz national interop channels (NPSPAC) channels are in every STARS portable. The programmed capability is there.

The problem from my perspective is that STARS Management, Systemwide, has failed to put into practical use protocols for the use of the wide variety of Interop channels and frequencies available to STARS users. Like others have mentioned, the only folks who understand those channels intended use are "radio" guys like scanner enthusiasts, hams, radio-techs, etc. The average user is clueless.

The further problem in my view is that this situation is common in all of the sizable systems I've had any contact with. The whole interoperable plan post-911, in practical day-to-day use, just hasn't come together as intended, expected or required...............

 

[loco-lee]

The further problem in my view is that this situation is common in all of the sizable systems I've had any contact with. The whole interoperable plan post-911, in practical day-to-day use, just hasn't come together as intended, expected or required...............

So from an post-911 plan perspective the intent of the NIFOG and NIPSC channels are to provide a calling channel and working channels for major incidents and disasters. In those cases, end users are told what channel to find and use on a radio.

From a boots on the ground Law Enforcement perspective, until I can be driving across the USA in my patrol car (for example on an extradition, etc.) and see another patrol car from some strange jurisdiction I am not famailir with on the side of the road in distress and I'll know exactly what interop channel to call him on to see if he is okay... until that process is perfected, we don't have a real boots on the ground interop capability.