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Mixed Mode System, Digital vs. Analog
Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 4:39 pm
by chiefhal3
I need some info from those in the know. I understand the difference between digital, specifically Astro 25 CA, vs. analog 800 trunking. What I don't understand is the affect or requirements of these on the system. Does the system require any additional resources to support analog if it is primarily digital? If the system is already operating in mixed mode is there any good reason to discontinue analog and transition those units to digital? Does operation of analog radios take up any more resources of the system than the equivalent operation of digital radios?
Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 6:32 pm
by FMROB
I think that having a mixed mode system would be a asset rather than a hinderance. While for example "your agency" may have all digital equipped radios (i.e. xts, astro saber) another mutual aide agency, or neighboring agency may be running analog equipment (i.e. spectra, mtx) So the ability to have a common talkgroup that would be non-digital would be as I would say key.
If you say that it is specifically an analog 800 trunked system are there ever going to be other users that do not require astro (P25), such as public works, fire talkgroups, OEM, etc. So why force the managing municipality to purchase equipment that is twice the intial cost for dump trucks or grounds crews to talk to each other.
You also mention that "Does the system require any additional resources to support analog if it is primarily digital?" Well, most likely no. I would assume that if you are digital, and correct me if I am wrong that you most likely are running Moto Quantars. At that point it would most likely be a programming issue of the radios and controlling equipment???? (some one else should also chime in on this who is familiar with 800)
The agency by me has a type II smartnet system with the ball park of 100 talk groups and about a dozen digital (astro) talkgroups for PD stuff. It seems to work well. The dets. such as homicide, narcs, surv., upper brass are on astro and the towns, villages, county services, fire/rescue etc are running analog.
Just some food for thought. Rob