Monday, September 26, 2005
your FEEDBACK ! counts
TGIM…
So, what’s wrong with that ?
Just think, you have a WHOLE new week of radio problems, hitting the emergency button by mistake, hearing 911 say “10-9”, having your radio tell you the system is busy or that you are out of range of the nearest (working) tower site… and all that other bull-happy-ha-ha !
What the hell, it’s Monday so why limit this whole thing to 800 Mhz today ? With Bear Caves Low Band Tower being up and down more than a Duncan Yo-Yo plus the site in North Huntingdon doing the same thing you might not even know there is a disaster in your area and you can sleep like a baby all night long ! Isn’t that precious !
Before I forget, I posted a few new audio files on the web site for your listening pleasure on Saturday so if you didn’t have a chance to listen and download them you can do so when the boss isn’t looking.
Remember and don’t always forget… these audio files are FREE for the picking.
I was extremely pleased this weekend to receive a few NEW emails from readers of this Blah-g.
PERHAPS all of my time and effort into opening some eyes within Westmoreland County (WC) on this flawed communications system has not been wasted.. or better yet, maybe PEOPLE ARE OPENING THEIR OWN EYES without my help and seeing just how bad it really is.
So without further a do-do, and without making anyone lose their jobs ( all emails remain anonymous ) here we go with YOUR REAL feedback:
“I work in EMS in WC and for all the TAC channels we have now and all the fu_king money we spent for this stupid ass system, you would think you would be able to get through to 911. I’m glad that we have a call taker in station that I can talk to on VHF because 911 can't hear me on 800. The best is when you have a shitty call and you are with your patient, and your handy dandy portable 800mhz radio is beeping out of range when you need additional resources. But now I have to walk to my ambulance to try to talk to 911 on my mobile 800. HAHAHA!!! They don't answer me again!!! So my call taker at the station will call for additional help. We don't get a kick back from the county when they don't answer us. I want a county car just for putting up with these idiots.“
“I wonder why Mutual Aid has there own bank of dispatch and TAC channels? I'm sure that they have some sort of super power over the 911 management team to get this taken care of.“
“There is just more and more bull shit about this whole 800 system that I think is garbage. State of the art my ass.“
”The North Huntingdon Township fire companies are not even on the 800 system yet - but yet their warranties run out I believe in November. A maintenance plan is available on the radios but it is at an astronomical cost - they want a price per radio per month. It's almost like a cell phone repair plan. The cost per month to do ALL of the radios in some stations is about the same as buying a brand new portable every 3 months. Another subject of interest - surrounding areas to North Huntingdon Township (Sewickely Twp, Penn Twp, North Irwin Borough, and Irwin Borough) are on the system. Mutual Aid to these areas can only be done through portables. The base radios and mobile radios in these trucks exist - but they are NOT PROGRAMMED. Basically they are useless. Some of the companies just had them finally put in last month. They just suck up power when on. I don't understand why the county is doing this. Thanks for reading”
“I know your not a firefighter but I came across a website that I thought might be of interest to you and that is www.firefighterclosecalls.com they actually have a handful of stories about different radio failures not in Westmoreland Co but in other states around the USA . You will see the link on the home page .”
“If the IC (Incident Commander) of a fire scene wanted to have simplex communications at a fire ground, then they could have the interior crews switch to Channel 16 in their portables, as this is the designated "talkaround" channel for every portable. The ability IS already there. I don't think that making ALL of the fire tac channels simplex is the answer, as there are many types of calls that could benefit from the use of repeaters. As far as the TAC channels go, there are other places around the area that utilize a similar setup, with some slight differences. Allegheny County 911-North Zone (formerly Newcom) is an example. There are approximately 40 Fire companies for that region which operate on a conventional UHF system, with the companies being designated as either a "North" comapny, or a "South" company. All departments get dispatched on "Fire 1". The only trafic on this channel comes from the dispatch and no one else. Units always respond on their designated channel-"Fire 2" for North Co.'s, and "Fire 3" for South Co.'s. Once on scene they are assigned one of 4 fireground channels by dispatch. I'm not sure how true this is, but that's the way I was told it was supposed to be originally for Westmoreland--units were to respond and communicate with dispatch on the "Zone X Command" talkgroup, and then switch to a Fire TAC talkgroup ONLY after they got on scene. If it were like that, then at least it would be a little more consistant, as units would know to initially acknowledge/respond on their designated "Zone Command" talkgroup, depending on which zone of the county the department would happen to be in.” (BLAH-GER COMMENT: Thanks, however that is what CountyWide TAC Channels are for. Simplex should always be used on the fire grounds as I have been stressing AND has been backed up by most fire chiefs AND Homeland Security.)
“You have a very nice site. I also dislike the 800 radios I think it was a waste of money.”
“Just wanted to know if you were listening Saturday early afternoon not exactly sure of the time, I only caught part of the Transmission but what I did ways disturbing, This isn't regarding 911 but what the 800 mhz was supposed to do. The Avonmore Jubilee began this weekend, and to try to have a joint operation County wide Tach 12 was too be used to communicate among the services. Well some loud mouth crybaby doesn't play well with others he felt it wasn't needed and advised 911 dispatch he wasn't going to do the switch to Tach 12 and remain on his dispatch channel to of course delay any response. Well why the hell have any county wide Tach channels then, unless you enjoy clusters, not sure who the moron was but he needs a little education it seems. Well enough of my sandbox wasn't sure if you were listening and your thoughts on the subject. Thanks and Take care.” (BLAH-GER: I was listening.)
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN and HUMANS ALIKE: I am thrilled that you are reading this Blah-g and you are as horrified as I am the way this 800 MEGA HURTZ System was slapped together. I know for a fact that these emails are from people frustrated BECAUSE THEY USE THIS DAMN TIN CAN SYSTEM, so 911 Management… WC Commissioners, Motorola, Staley Communications TAKE NOTICE !
I wouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t a march on the courthouse on of these days by the Fire, EMS and Police Officers, and it won’t be to give out ANY AWARDS !!! How about for a refund, or maybe exchange all those pretty lookin' radios for ones that work ?
If this were New Years I would have one wish. That would be for a full time technical director at the 911 center (you know, one with an FCC First Class Radio License that understands how emergency communications systems work and someone with a ton of common sense) and new jobs for all of the current employees (whether it be hired or elected) that helped design and waste our tax dollars putting this commugifcatusis system together.
I could care less what job they land just so it has absolutely NOTHING to do with the protection of my life or property. Then bring in a new EXPERIENCED crew to run our county.
Make an IQ test mandatory !
Is that more than one wish ??
DECODED,
K3SAM
http://800.k3sam.com - website
news@k3sam.com - tips and comments or if you just feel like throwing up
Quote of the day from Talk Group 1, Public Safety Secure Communications Channel used by Management: "Quakel Pipfuss Bey Fartmeself Yaka Yahak Blah-ger Poopruns MickityMuck Moneiforme Quakel Pipfuss Ficklegrass Papsmear Fartfuckle Againda"
So, what’s wrong with that ?
Just think, you have a WHOLE new week of radio problems, hitting the emergency button by mistake, hearing 911 say “10-9”, having your radio tell you the system is busy or that you are out of range of the nearest (working) tower site… and all that other bull-happy-ha-ha !
What the hell, it’s Monday so why limit this whole thing to 800 Mhz today ? With Bear Caves Low Band Tower being up and down more than a Duncan Yo-Yo plus the site in North Huntingdon doing the same thing you might not even know there is a disaster in your area and you can sleep like a baby all night long ! Isn’t that precious !
Before I forget, I posted a few new audio files on the web site for your listening pleasure on Saturday so if you didn’t have a chance to listen and download them you can do so when the boss isn’t looking.
Remember and don’t always forget… these audio files are FREE for the picking.
I was extremely pleased this weekend to receive a few NEW emails from readers of this Blah-g.
PERHAPS all of my time and effort into opening some eyes within Westmoreland County (WC) on this flawed communications system has not been wasted.. or better yet, maybe PEOPLE ARE OPENING THEIR OWN EYES without my help and seeing just how bad it really is.
So without further a do-do, and without making anyone lose their jobs ( all emails remain anonymous ) here we go with YOUR REAL feedback:
“I work in EMS in WC and for all the TAC channels we have now and all the fu_king money we spent for this stupid ass system, you would think you would be able to get through to 911. I’m glad that we have a call taker in station that I can talk to on VHF because 911 can't hear me on 800. The best is when you have a shitty call and you are with your patient, and your handy dandy portable 800mhz radio is beeping out of range when you need additional resources. But now I have to walk to my ambulance to try to talk to 911 on my mobile 800. HAHAHA!!! They don't answer me again!!! So my call taker at the station will call for additional help. We don't get a kick back from the county when they don't answer us. I want a county car just for putting up with these idiots.“
“I wonder why Mutual Aid has there own bank of dispatch and TAC channels? I'm sure that they have some sort of super power over the 911 management team to get this taken care of.“
“There is just more and more bull shit about this whole 800 system that I think is garbage. State of the art my ass.“
”The North Huntingdon Township fire companies are not even on the 800 system yet - but yet their warranties run out I believe in November. A maintenance plan is available on the radios but it is at an astronomical cost - they want a price per radio per month. It's almost like a cell phone repair plan. The cost per month to do ALL of the radios in some stations is about the same as buying a brand new portable every 3 months. Another subject of interest - surrounding areas to North Huntingdon Township (Sewickely Twp, Penn Twp, North Irwin Borough, and Irwin Borough) are on the system. Mutual Aid to these areas can only be done through portables. The base radios and mobile radios in these trucks exist - but they are NOT PROGRAMMED. Basically they are useless. Some of the companies just had them finally put in last month. They just suck up power when on. I don't understand why the county is doing this. Thanks for reading”
“I know your not a firefighter but I came across a website that I thought might be of interest to you and that is www.firefighterclosecalls.com they actually have a handful of stories about different radio failures not in Westmoreland Co but in other states around the USA . You will see the link on the home page .”
“If the IC (Incident Commander) of a fire scene wanted to have simplex communications at a fire ground, then they could have the interior crews switch to Channel 16 in their portables, as this is the designated "talkaround" channel for every portable. The ability IS already there. I don't think that making ALL of the fire tac channels simplex is the answer, as there are many types of calls that could benefit from the use of repeaters. As far as the TAC channels go, there are other places around the area that utilize a similar setup, with some slight differences. Allegheny County 911-North Zone (formerly Newcom) is an example. There are approximately 40 Fire companies for that region which operate on a conventional UHF system, with the companies being designated as either a "North" comapny, or a "South" company. All departments get dispatched on "Fire 1". The only trafic on this channel comes from the dispatch and no one else. Units always respond on their designated channel-"Fire 2" for North Co.'s, and "Fire 3" for South Co.'s. Once on scene they are assigned one of 4 fireground channels by dispatch. I'm not sure how true this is, but that's the way I was told it was supposed to be originally for Westmoreland--units were to respond and communicate with dispatch on the "Zone X Command" talkgroup, and then switch to a Fire TAC talkgroup ONLY after they got on scene. If it were like that, then at least it would be a little more consistant, as units would know to initially acknowledge/respond on their designated "Zone Command" talkgroup, depending on which zone of the county the department would happen to be in.” (BLAH-GER COMMENT: Thanks, however that is what CountyWide TAC Channels are for. Simplex should always be used on the fire grounds as I have been stressing AND has been backed up by most fire chiefs AND Homeland Security.)
“You have a very nice site. I also dislike the 800 radios I think it was a waste of money.”
“Just wanted to know if you were listening Saturday early afternoon not exactly sure of the time, I only caught part of the Transmission but what I did ways disturbing, This isn't regarding 911 but what the 800 mhz was supposed to do. The Avonmore Jubilee began this weekend, and to try to have a joint operation County wide Tach 12 was too be used to communicate among the services. Well some loud mouth crybaby doesn't play well with others he felt it wasn't needed and advised 911 dispatch he wasn't going to do the switch to Tach 12 and remain on his dispatch channel to of course delay any response. Well why the hell have any county wide Tach channels then, unless you enjoy clusters, not sure who the moron was but he needs a little education it seems. Well enough of my sandbox wasn't sure if you were listening and your thoughts on the subject. Thanks and Take care.” (BLAH-GER: I was listening.)
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN and HUMANS ALIKE: I am thrilled that you are reading this Blah-g and you are as horrified as I am the way this 800 MEGA HURTZ System was slapped together. I know for a fact that these emails are from people frustrated BECAUSE THEY USE THIS DAMN TIN CAN SYSTEM, so 911 Management… WC Commissioners, Motorola, Staley Communications TAKE NOTICE !
I wouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t a march on the courthouse on of these days by the Fire, EMS and Police Officers, and it won’t be to give out ANY AWARDS !!! How about for a refund, or maybe exchange all those pretty lookin' radios for ones that work ?
If this were New Years I would have one wish. That would be for a full time technical director at the 911 center (you know, one with an FCC First Class Radio License that understands how emergency communications systems work and someone with a ton of common sense) and new jobs for all of the current employees (whether it be hired or elected) that helped design and waste our tax dollars putting this commugifcatusis system together.
I could care less what job they land just so it has absolutely NOTHING to do with the protection of my life or property. Then bring in a new EXPERIENCED crew to run our county.
Make an IQ test mandatory !
Is that more than one wish ??
DECODED,
K3SAM
http://800.k3sam.com - website
news@k3sam.com - tips and comments or if you just feel like throwing up
Quote of the day from Talk Group 1, Public Safety Secure Communications Channel used by Management: "Quakel Pipfuss Bey Fartmeself Yaka Yahak Blah-ger Poopruns MickityMuck Moneiforme Quakel Pipfuss Ficklegrass Papsmear Fartfuckle Againda"
