Batboard

Hi all

I was wondering what the methods are to simulcast (4) individual ajacent SmartNET systems/locations by circuit based T1 or similar. The radios don't need to roam like SmartZONE, they can switch sites manually. I believe Broward county FLA system is designed this way. Please help me identify what stuff I need to do this.

Thanks
Steve

By the way the repeaters are a mix of older MSF 5000's and Quantar stations. Standard smartnet controller (s), telephone interconnect, etc. ...

I'm moving this to the infrastructure forum because, well that's where it belongs. It's related to your other thread, which I've already chimed in on. Maybe DAN562 has some knowledge which could help you...I don't think it can be done without the appropriate proprietary Motorola hardware/software/engineering.

Todd

Ok I got the info from Motorola. have any of you ever heard of a PrimeSite Controller, Tensor by Zohne T1 channel bank, and RESC cards? Apparently this is what I need, but now to figure out what goes at which site (s) Any help is appreciated.

Steve

In order to simulcast the 4 systems they will need to have the same frequencies at each site.

For simulcasting you need a Zhone channel bank at each site and use DSM II cards for the alanog audio path. At the prime site the channel bank (or channel banks, depending on how many channels) will need to be set up for extended broadcast. You'll also need GPS receivers (such as Trak 9100) at each site to make sure the simulcast launch times are in sync. Each of the 4 remote trunked sites would need to be converted from standalone to remote site controller.

From what you've said it sounds like you want to multicast instead of simulcasting. If they are 4 seperate systems (different frequencies) then multicasting is a LOT cheaper.

Some systems do multicasting by using permanent patches in the Centracom consoles or dedicated radios for each talkgroup they want to patch.

Best bet is to have Moto get involved as they can provide the engineering and project integration needed to ensure the system is done correctly.

First off, Broward County FL. is a true SmartZone system. Hollywood and Deerfield Beach are 2 seperate sites off the controller and is not a pieced together system.

As to doing what you are trying to do, Rocket said it best, get Motorola involved as they can provide the engineering support that is required. It isn't a simple task by any means.

My two bits worth:
If channels are not a concern the "Multicast" system is called AMSS
(Automatic Multiple Site Select.)

The control channel is typically low power, and only one control channel per site is used. A second station is used for hot stand by for control station redundancy.

The site is selected by the subscriber unit, locking on the best control channel.

Audio phasing is not a problem, as there is no overlap of coverage on a frequency.
A receiver voting system is used mainly as an audio switching and distribution.

This system requires a master controller, with an interface card to connect it to the "Remote Site Controllers" as well as the "Co Site controller"
All controllers must have the same version firmware.

It has been a few years since I built one of these, and my manuals are 5,000 miles away at the moment.

Yes, we have a 2-site AMSS system in the city here. Works very well, nice & slick. There is however, a ton of hardware required to make it work. Not to mention a digitac (or equivalent) for every voice channel if you are using consoles in the system.

Todd

Well...The systems I am linking are actually very far apart. Boston, West Palm Beach, Miami, Denver. My device takes the naitive t1 of the AMSS/Simul/Multicast system's added hardware and tunnels them over the public PSN (Packet Switched Network) i.e. the internet. I dont think power of the Control Channels will be an issue except for the sites in West Palm and Miami, but thats 50 miles apart and I don't think there will be any overlap. Anyways, i'm slowly working on this one because there is a whole lot of retrofitting that needs to occur other than my links and thats on their end (Motorola.)

Ah, so you're only looking at replacing the physical links between the sites, as opposed to providing hardware/software to pysically integrate standalone sites.

Todd

Yes, but because they (the dealer/SMR) are not upwardly inclined with time they asked me to figure out the whole thing. Naturaly I'm not going to sell them all the Motorola-to-get-to-t1 side, since they are a dealer they are going to order it themselves and try to save a few bucks by installing it. Something tells me I'll have to do the whole thing but we will cross that bridge when we get to it. I opened a ticket with Motorola Systems Group and talked to the people who build the systems, mocked up, right before they go out the door. Thats how I found out about the PrimeSite Controller, RESC cards, Zhone t1 channel bank, etc., etc. Anyways I'll keep you guys posted as to what is going on. The other thing that could happn is they could ditch the whole thing and sell their spectrum to Nextel/Sprint. That would suck for me.