[Scan-DC] New radio discipline in DC? <John M. Nash>

[Glenn Morris]

With the Motorola trunked system unless the controller assigns a radio
talking rights, no one can talk. This means only one radio is allowed to
speak rather than the free-for-all that rules conventional systems. The only
way to interrupt a assigned talker is to punch the emergency button which
causes the controller to assign the "in-trouble" radio the highest priority
over everyone but the dispatcher.

The tone heard immediately prior to talk authorize is the time it takes for
the radio and controller to negotiate the "channel" assignment. In emergency
mode there is no pre-talk tone heard.

In a properly configured smart-net trunked system, a dispatcher can call
units based on their location and status rather than having to make general
"any unit in the area of..." type calls. Usually this is done automatically
however the dispatcher can dial the unit(s) wanted and assign them directly.

This could be the reason for the new radio discipline you are noticing.

Glenn Morris

>>>>>>>>

From: "John M. Nash" <j.m.nash@verizon.net>
To: <scan-dc@mailman.qth.net>
Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2003 09:20:59 -0400
Subject: [Scan-DC] MPD P25

Good morning.  I do appreciate David Schoenberger's report on MPD's new
digital system.  I am surprised on how fast DC implemented the switchover
with very little fanfare.

I finally got the system programmed on my BC785D last night based on Dave's
reporting. I wonder if they will establish talkgroups to replace the
Citywide, SOD, and the old Command/Station channels.

I am also surprised on the radio discipline now being employed between
officers and dispatchers.  There seems actually to be actual dispatching
going on as opposed to the "free wheeling" approach taken before when units
would cut each other off, assignments were given to any unit that would
answer, and a general rudeness and chaotic situation ruled.

Regards,

John Nash
McLean VA