Eaton Fire converts to all-digital communication

The clarity, flexibility and dependability of modern, 800 MHz digital radio communications is now in use by the Eaton Fire Department.  We have just purchased and put into service, 13 portable 800 MHz radios.  These radios will replace its outmoded VHF system.  The system was put into service in cooperation with Weld County Dispatch on Friday, November 26, 2004. The old VHF system will not be abandoned completely because we have still have to communicate with smaller fire departments who do not have the resources to buy and utilize the 800 MHz technology. Unfortunately, home VHF scanners owned by many members of the general public will not be able to receive the 800 MHz signal rendering them obsolete. The VHF scanners will pick up the initial page out of the fire department by Weld County Dispatch. After the page out, the fire department automatically goes to the 800 MHz Dispatch channel to inform them of status and get their assigned fire ground channel. 

Communications on the 800 MHz band has been around for about 15 plus years.   It has become the system of choice for emergency agencies throughout the country because of its greater clarity and carrying distance.

About a decade ago, the system began to assume the status of a national standard when the capability to digitally multiplex radio signals was added.  The Eaton Fire Protection District was limited to only a few VHF channels, and now will have many, 800-MHz fire ground channels, or “talk groups,” at its disposal.  This means that administrators, dispatchers and firefighters won’t have to “talk over” or interrupt each other during multiple emergencies in other fire districts in the county.  When called to an emergency as mentioned previously, Eaton Fire will be assigned a fire ground channel “talk group” by Weld County Dispatch when they go in route to the scene.    

The advantages of the 800 MHz digital radio system doesn’t stop there.  Here are some reasons why:

¨      In any emergency requiring auto mutual aid assistance, Eaton Fire emergency personnel will now be able to speak with other local emergency agencies (Union Colony Fire / Rescue) immediately and easily. 

¨       A “panic button” occupies a prominent position on the new portable radios that emergency personnel will carry.  In an extreme emergency – trapped in a fire or etc., for example – a firefighter can press the panic button and his or her communications will go straight to the Weld County dispatcher, who can summon rescuers.

¨      The digital programmability of 800 MHz gives emergency administrators the ability to assign a channel to a specific incident.  This channel can then be monitored by all local and assisting agencies working the incident, leaving the dispatch channel free to continue its function.

¨      “Dead spots,” where communication is impossible due to distance from the tower, physical obstructions and etc., constantly plagued the our old VHF system.  So Far, Eaton Fire District personnel have tested the new 800 MHz and have discovered no dead spots, even in the most remote areas of the district.

The Eaton Fire Protection District doesn’t expect 800 MHz communications to become obsolete any time soon.  It occupies a part of the radio spectrum that enhances the clarity of communications, 800 MHz has so far demonstrated that it is a solid platform for the continuing digital communications revolution.