[Repeater-Builder] Re: dispatch centers run through the internet
There is certainly a way to do this, though VOIP, while an option, you will have issues if there are outages. Of course, there can be outages of all types, that will effect everything, no matter what you set up. I am familiar with a large organization that operates just like you would like to. They have multiple dispatch locations. The phones are not 911 phones. This is a private, volunteer organization, and they have three emergency phone numbers. Each location has 3 phone lines (and numbers, I think all different, but you can check with your local POTS to see if you can have several phone lines with the same emergency numbers) They use POTS. All lines roll over to the next if the line is busy. When a new dispatcher comes on shift, they pull the lines, essentially, they dial the phone company number, and enter code/codes to have the calls forwarded to the dispatchers location phones. As for dispatching, that really depends on many factors, at least in my mind it does. What type of system are you using, repeater, simplex. You may even be able to use a tone remote over a POTS line to the radio system. Will you be paging units, and if so, what units? Do your firefighters carry plectrons or two way radios? How will/do you initate a call out? There are a lot of unknowns in your post. Now adays, while there is some difference of opinion regarding the technology and radios, MOTOTRBO might be a choice for a system. There are dispatching softwares that utilize a mobile/base radio to control the system and the individual units. And, you can have a data/command time slot, and an emergency time slot, in a single frequency (assuming you have/can get a frequency) Michael --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Jed Barton j...@... wrote: Hey guys, I am working on a project and am wondering if anyone has done this. Here's the proposal, to setup a dispatch center for an FD, where the dispatchers can sit at home and work the entire thing. This is not a very busy department, that's why they thought it would be good to do it. I've done a lot of research, and it can certainly be done. This obviously brings up a lot of debate for a number of reasons. In looking at it though, the relyability of the net is very good compared to a verizon phone line. Curious if anyone has done something like this before. For the phone system, we'reusing a virtual phone system that has proven relyability. Thanks, Jed
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: dispatch centers run through the internet
Hey Mike, Glad someone sees the light. Email me privately, and i will tell you about it. Thanks, Jed -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of mike.yellin Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 12:03 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: dispatch centers run through the internet There is certainly a way to do this, though VOIP, while an option, you will have issues if there are outages. Of course, there can be outages of all types, that will effect everything, no matter what you set up. I am familiar with a large organization that operates just like you would like to. They have multiple dispatch locations. The phones are not 911 phones. This is a private, volunteer organization, and they have three emergency phone numbers. Each location has 3 phone lines (and numbers, I think all different, but you can check with your local POTS to see if you can have several phone lines with the same emergency numbers) They use POTS. All lines roll over to the next if the line is busy. When a new dispatcher comes on shift, they pull the lines, essentially, they dial the phone company number, and enter code/codes to have the calls forwarded to the dispatchers location phones. As for dispatching, that really depends on many factors, at least in my mind it does. What type of system are you using, repeater, simplex. You may even be able to use a tone remote over a POTS line to the radio system. Will you be paging units, and if so, what units? Do your firefighters carry plectrons or two way radios? How will/do you initate a call out? There are a lot of unknowns in your post. Now adays, while there is some difference of opinion regarding the technology and radios, MOTOTRBO might be a choice for a system. There are dispatching softwares that utilize a mobile/base radio to control the system and the individual units. And, you can have a data/command time slot, and an emergency time slot, in a single frequency (assuming you have/can get a frequency) Michael --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com , Jed Barton j...@... wrote: Hey guys, I am working on a project and am wondering if anyone has done this. Here's the proposal, to setup a dispatch center for an FD, where the dispatchers can sit at home and work the entire thing. This is not a very busy department, that's why they thought it would be good to do it. I've done a lot of research, and it can certainly be done. This obviously brings up a lot of debate for a number of reasons. In looking at it though, the relyability of the net is very good compared to a verizon phone line. Curious if anyone has done something like this before. For the phone system, we'reusing a virtual phone system that has proven relyability. Thanks, Jed
[Repeater-Builder] Re: dispatch centers run through the internet
I believe many of the issues have been addressed. The key is network connectivity and availability. When determining network connectivity you need to be able to subtract one from the number of paths and still have a positive number. One circuit does not make a network. Maybe two. Next is calculating reliability. First start with what you want it to be. Now ask your network providers or equipment suppliers to provide these numbers. If the question cannot be answered with a number. You need to be careful about using this vendor or service provider. Now, as far a protocol of choice, are we talking a replacement for an old Fire Bar or bridge, or are we talking a PSAP. If we are talking a PSAP, the network provider may make this a real easy exercise in that you must be able to talk to the E911 tandem. Keep in mind that due to liability issues, in the past, audible ringing was returned from the PSAP. I expect that this is still the case. When people started suing when no one responded to the emergency, or answered the call. The phone company attorneys asked if the person heard audible ringing, if the answer was yes the telephone network had done its job. Sue the PSAP provider. One final thing to keep in mind is that when you buy the circuits from the telephone company or the 911 network provider, there is usually a special way of tracking all the circuits so that where possible no two circuits wind up in the same cable. Further, as the carrier or provider evolve their network, they maintain the physical separation of redundant circuits. Of course, if you want something done right, periodically auditing how the facility providers provide the circuit should be done. This may be like pushing a rope, but this information should be available.
[Repeater-Builder] Re: dispatch centers run through the internet
Jed, A couple of things: Is this going to impact the Fire Departments ISO (Public Protection Classification Program) rating by dispatching from a residence? Dispatch is 10% of the total ISO/PPCP score. Does your proposed IP based solution meet the requirement of ISO for the potential 10%?See http://www.isomitigation.com/ppc/3000/ppc3002.html for the details. You might want to take a look at NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and use of Emergency Communications systems. If this is the document your AHJ is going to use, I don't see any reasonable way for a residence to meet the requirements. Martin --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Jed Barton j...@... wrote: Hey guys, I am working on a project and am wondering if anyone has done this. Here's the proposal, to setup a dispatch center for an FD, where the dispatchers can sit at home and work the entire thing. This is not a very busy department, that's why they thought it would be good to do it. I've done a lot of research, and it can certainly be done. This obviously brings up a lot of debate for a number of reasons. In looking at it though, the relyability of the net is very good compared to a verizon phone line. Curious if anyone has done something like this before. For the phone system, we'reusing a virtual phone system that has proven relyability. Thanks, Jed
