[Scan-DC] Arlington Digital

[Andrew Clegg]

This morning when I drove to work, Arlington was still using its analog 
system. Tonight on my way home, listening on my analog-only BC246T, it is 
apparent that Arlington began (sometime today, as predicted) using its 
digital system, and simulcasting the PD dispatch channel on the analog 
system. The dispatcher side sounds pure analog, while the field units sound 
like simulcast from digital. They probably patch the dispatch audio directly 
into the analog system, instead of simulcasting it from the digital channel. 
I have noticed, however, that the dispatcher's transmissions on the analog 
system is often partially cut off, sometimes at the beginning and sometimes 
at the end of the transmissions. Kind of annoying.

Interestingly, listening to PD channel 1E (the records channel), that one 
sounds pure analog, in both directions. Are they using multiple radios in 
their vehicles, or some strange hybrid of digital and analog channels?

At the moment, there is a large fire contingent dispatched to a street 
somewhere near my apartment (which is not unusual -- lots of false alarms in 
nearby apt buildings). What is unusual is that I have heard nothing on the 
analog fire channels. I wonder if they are not simulcasting the fire 
channels at the moment?

Anyone else discover any interesting things so far?

Cheers,
Andy