New Radio System Update

August 19, 2010

Much progress has been made on the new radio system.

Factory acceptance testing was completed in June at the Motorola factory in Schaumburg, Ill.  The tests went very well and the system performed as required by our bid specification.

Once factory acceptance testing was completed our system components were packaged and shipped to the county for installation.

Pittsfield Communications has been extremely busy installing system components at the various transmitter sites.  All sites that have been constructed have been outfitted with new radio equipment. 

New VHF repeaters have been activated at the Edinburg site as part of our VHF system overlay for area within the APA boundaries.  That portion of the system is undergoing coverage testing now.

The current backup communications center at the Municipal Center is being outfitted with the new MCC 7500 consoles and major portions of existing equipment is being relocated as well as new equipment being installed.  It is important to have the backup center operational prior to installing new consoles at the main Communications Center in event we need to relocate some dispatchers during the transition period.  Also we will be using the back up center to conduct coverage testing with field units.

Our tower site called Hadley (Lake Luzerne) is soon to be constructed and should available for equipment by mid September.

Bids are being prepared for the construction of the transmitter site in Clifton Park and should be on the street by early September.

Mt. McGregor is being outfitted with equipment and will be ready for system turn-up.

PURCHASE OF NEW 800 MHz. Radios - Some agencies have been asking about purchasing 800 MHz. radios.  You are cautioned against making any purchases at this time.  We have not completed the entire fleet mapping at this point.  There is a risk you might purchase a radio having been told of certain features that will not necessarily be available on our system.  You are strongly urged to wait until the later part of 2010 to place any orders.