some pics of rehab/comm truck install

IMBEJames · Post by **IMBEJames** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 1:14 pm

Thanks to a little help from Wavetar, I got everything working in my latest install. It's not completely done yet, but I couldnt wait to post at least a couple pics. Ill probably post a link to a TON of pics when we're done in a few weeks.

http://photos.yahoo.com/jreems2

These are of a communications/command center in a 24' International box truck... Like I said, not completely done yet, as it is a very lengthy project. Built starting in July with a bare 24' box by 2 of us.

Let me know what you think of this section so far, Im open to suggestions.

Astro Spectra W4 VHF
CDM1250 VHF and CM300 UHF with RICK for BiDi Xband repeater
Icom IC-M302 marine band with DSC
Kenwood TM-V7A 2m/440

All in 24" Havis consolidator.

All mic's except the Icom are connected through cat5 extensions except the W4, which uses a David Clark interface as an extension. And sorry, no pics yet of the antennas, but all are mounted to the C-channel aluminum on the sides of the roof. the sheet metal is only as thick as a beer can, so the antennas would inevitably be cleaned off by some of our drivers traveling thru underpasses that they shouldnt be (leaving big gaping holes).

I'll also post a link to some pics of the warning system and the rest of the install in the near future in the warning equip. forum.

echelon0911 · Post by **echelon0911** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 6:46 am

Impressive. Your radio console is akin to something I was preparing to build for our mobile command post. However, when it arrived, I saw that it came with mounting plates mounted underneath the cabinets for 4 radios per station. Thus, no table-top solution needed.

What most impresses me is the cleanliness and efficiency of the setup. I imagine this configuration would be very adequate for one operator.

Looking forward to seeing this project as it progresses...

[email protected] · Post by **[email protected]** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:17 am

While its not as pretty as yours.. We just took over one of our served agencies Swat Trucks..

Since our County doesnt have a "command" truck and our RACES group plays alot with them. They are able to use it also..

Some Pics

http://www.pbase.com/kcraces/comm_truck_phase_one

Things the pics may or may not show..

CDM1550LS+
Spectra both UHF and VHF
GTX900MHZ

Plus an assortment of Ham stuff

RadioSouth · Post by **RadioSouth** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 3:59 pm

Darnit, wish I took pic's. a few years back didn't think it was anything exceptional at the time but compared to what I see here maybe it was. The agency I worked for had a command post with 6 operating positions. Each position had VHF Spectra, UHF Spectra, 800 radio, Marine Radio, Scanner, Cell Phone, WireLine Phone, FAX machine. Also had an on-board 800 secure trunking system for on scene ops. along with 100+ portables.

IMBEJames · Post by **IMBEJames** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 9:45 am

Sounds impressive, wish I could have seen that.

We're not in a big enough community too need too much in this truck. We wouldn't even have 100+ people to need 100+ portables. Its actually a multi-purpose truck, with an almost-full kitchen, 4500psi air system, 6kW light tower, 20kW generator, and a bunch of stuff for extended incidents (portable shelters, etc.)

One of the problema we ran into was that the truck wasnt designed for communications/command stuff, and the county just got a brand new mobile command vehicle that is just for communications. So the funding for the fun stuff ( /\/\ ) wasnt given to us. And also, only one operating position.

Its hopefully going to be completely in service by thursday, and more pics will follow that. I also forgot to mention that it also has wireline and cellphone, and FAX as well.

didn't think it was anything exceptional at the time but compared to what I see here maybe it was.

thanks.

IMBEJames · Post by **IMBEJames** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 1:11 pm

Well, its done, for the most part. At least for now. Not too much different about it, except added cellphone/FAX.

The pics added are mostly just general pics of the overall package. Once i get more of the warning system Ill post something in that thread.

Nothing is different since the description I posted, but you'll also see the Will-Burt Nightscan 6kW tower, some pics of the cab, and the 4500psi air system......

http://photos.yahoo.com/jreems2

dpd4703 · Post by **dpd4703** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 6:52 pm

Great job.

I didn't notice a roof mounted A/C. Does it have an A/C for the box? If so, where did you mount it.

IMBEJames · Post by **IMBEJames** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 9:52 pm

Both the Onan generator (hydraulic/PTO) and the ThermoKing are mounted to the underside of the box just under the side doors. We were thinking of putting it on the roof, but the height w/o the unit is already 12'6". And the front of the box was out of the question because of the light tower enclosure.

I think I have a couple pics, if I can find them ill add them to the album I posted. Sorry I forgot to stick them in there before....

And, I'm happy to note, just a day after completing theradio install, we had a "trial by fire" when dispatch was knocked out for a night by a period of heavy wind. We backed up fire/public works dispatch from the apron in front of the fire station. It performed better than I was hoping for, except that I need to change a couple tones in the QC list and a couple other programming things.

thebigphish · Post by **thebigphish** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 7:00 am

that is cutting it rather close for a field test!!! glad to hear that it worked fine.

firegood · Post by **firegood** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 2:43 pm

that thing is sweet, i hope you got shots of it in action.