CommentsThis is the place where we comment on things that just don't fit anywhere else. We've been in business for a long, long time. Some of what we know has long been forgotten by others. Some of the things we are learning, we would like to share. Here we go.......
Are digital radios suitable for use by firefighters?
may have heard some of the negative press concerning problems with digital radios failing to perform when needed for firefighting activities. It all started with 9/11. More recently, several users have noted "problems" associated with the use of digital 2-way radios - even the death of a firefighter was reported to be partially attributable to the use of digital radios. We think it's time to set the record straight. Let's start with the facts.
EVERY incident, at least to the best of our knowledge, involved 800 MHz trunked radio systems using a proprietary format - not P25, not IDAS, not MotoTRBO, not VHF, and not UHF. Anyone who has been in the communications business for more than a week KNOWS the 800 MHz has poor building penetration. Ever tried using a Nextel at the mall? To compound the problem, the systems in question were all trunked systems that are known to fail in a disaster situation. In Birmingham, AL an accident at the Intersection of two Interstate highways created a major problem when an 18 wheeler exploded.
At that time, the City of Birmingham used SouthernLinc (same technology as Nextel) for first responders. There were so many responders on the scene that the system literally shut down. This was a site specific incident involving 800 MHz trunked technology. The fact that the radios happened to be digital had nothing to do with anything. They could have been 800 MHz trunked analog radios and the result would have been the same.
It appears that all of the reported "failures" involved a proprietary operating system produced by a single manufacturer, so the issue obviously does not deal with ALL digital radios - just those in the 800 MHz band utilizing trunking operation and a proprietary operating system.
Some of the "studies" revealed that digital radios apparently faithfully reproduce every sound they hear. Isn't that what a radio is supposed to do? Is there some kind of "smarts" in analog radios that suppresses extraneous noise, like an air pack alarm while letting the voice go through? I've only been in the business for the better part of 50 years, and I have never seen such technology. The plain truth is that digital sounds better than analog - regardless. If you don't believe it, do a side by side comparison of two analog radios tested against two digital radios and draw your own conclusions.
So, what's the reason for this negative publicity? Frankly, 800 MHz radios do not have good building penetration but that issue can be overcome by the use of in-building amplifiers, training, and procedures. Building penetration has NOT been a problem with either VHF or UHF digital radios. So there must be another reason - can you guess what it is?
In three words - RESISTANCE TO CHANGE! Most of us don't like change. We say we do, but when the time comes to make the change, we resist. However, it has nothing to do with what we think or how we feel. ALL communications is going to digital and it's coming very quickly. It's already come with cell phones. Does anyone want to go back to analog cell phones? By the end of 2008, digital TV will be mandatory, and radio stations all over the USA are switching to digital. Have you ever heard an AM radio station broadcasting in a digital format? If you haven't, you are in for a very pleasant surprise!
There are a lot of people that don't want to make the change to digital 2-way. The fact is that the change WILL be made. When we switch from 25 to 12.5 kHz, we will quickly learn that digital works a lot better on the narrower bandwidth. At 6.25 kHz, analog doesn't work at all! We can listen to the naysayers if we wish, but it isn't going to change a thing. Digital 2-way radio isn't coming - IT'S HERE, and I can tell you for a fact that the benefits far outweigh the alleged "problems".
My favorite General, George Patton, is often credited with coining the term Lead, follow, or get out of the way. (The actual originator was Thomas Paine), but regardless of who said, or says, it - the fact doesn't change. When the time comes to move forward. You can lead, follow, or get out of the way. We've made our choice, how about you?
Is there a difference between public safety and commercial communications requirements?
To be sure, there are significant differences in the needs of public safety and commercial users. Come of our competitors are attempting to take one technology and apply it as a one size fits all approach. Initially, it looks like a good deal - pricing only slightly more than analog, a full digital feature set, and a proven and reliable manufacturer. There is only one small problem and that is that this product was never intended for public safety use! Don't take my word for it! Review the
Technology Review section of this web site and in particular the referenced MotoTRBO white paper. Then go to
www.info4u.us/dcom.pdf for an evaluation of the different technologies and the real story on which is best and for whom.
A comment or two about FCC licensingAn earlier mention was made about our astonishment concerning the actions of opinions relating to the views of others that do not agree with our own. It never ceases to amaze me that some folks continue on the wrong path even when they KNOW that what they are doing is wrong. Here are a few examples.....
A fire department user recently purchased a MotoTRBO system (apparently unconcerned about the fact that it would be incompatible with his other radios and had no provision for paging) without modifying his FCC license to allow digital operation (An existing FCC license has to be modified for digital operation if not already authorized). With this knowledge, the user blissfully proceeded to install the digital radio system with absolutely no regard for the fact that the department, the city, and the taxpayers were being placed in harm’s way with the potential of large fines by the FCC, even license forfeiture, and possible imprisonment. Go figure!
Yet another department entered into a lease agreement for a new digital radio system based on the utilization of a half dozen new VHF frequencies that had not even been applied for. Apparently, the supplier advised them that getting a half dozen new VHF channels was no problem even thought they were in a major metropolitan are where a neighboring department had been waiting for over a year just to get ONE additional frequency. The bid called for delivery and installation within 45 days. Do you think they got a license in 45 days? This department proceeded on the advice of a vendor rather than checking with the FCC or the responsible coordinator. Is this a problem ready to happen? No - it's already happening!
I can't tell you how many departments we know of that have purchased 100 watt repeater stations when their FCC license clearly states that they are limited to 50 watts. Even when presented with the facts, they chose to proceed in blatant disregard for the authority of the FCC. Is the FCC a paper tiger? You'll find out when they come to see you. I rate it second only to an IRS audit and potentially (from a financial viewpoint), WORSE than an IRS audit.
One of the most misunderstood issues relating to FCC compliance is the use of FRS, GMRS, and MURS license free channels for use by public safety agencies for administrative and tactical use. Without getting into detail, I'll just put it this way. FRS can only be used on channels 1-7 for full power (4/5 watt) use when the user is LICENSED to operate under the rules of GMRS. Channels 7-14 can only be used when operating a radio INCAPABLE of operating at more than a half watt (500 mW) and utilizing a fixed, non-removable antenna.
Is a public safety or commercial user eligible to apply for a GMRS license? The answer is absolutely NOT. The use of GMRS frequencies is for personal use only - period, end of discussion!
So what about the VHF MURS channels? Can a public safety user put them in their radio for administrative or tactical unlicensed use? Yes IF the radio is FCC approved and certified for Part 95 operation with a maximum output power not the exceed 2 watts. The 151 MHz channels must operate in the narrow band mode whereas the 154 MHz channels can be operated at either wide or narrow band.
So is there anybody out there operating at 5 watts on all 5 MURS channels? If so, welcome to the rising number of others who are in violation of the FCC Rules! And lastly, how many of you announce your call signs, either in voice or code at FCC required intervals? Didn't know about that requirement? Perhaps you should be talking so someone who DOES know the Rules, preferably someone like us rather than the guy who may come to visit that drives a black Ford and introduces himself as a representative from the enforcement division of the FCC. In the meantime, you want to review the information available at
www.mursradios.com. We think you may find the information to be of interest!
