SC FRES channels
defiant154, Wed Nov 25 2020, 04:13pm

Hey folks,
I've been looking for updated information concerning the new FRES channels that are going to be in use soon. My understanding is that there will be multiple groups for each town including 10 in brookhaven. I was also told that FRES will have 10 frequencies (5 east, 5 west) for fireground use by the fire departments. They have been staggered so that neighboring departments won't be interfering with each other. Any information would be appreciated.
I apologize I see there is a thread already discussing this. You can delete this post.
Will check for updates on other post
.

Re: SC FRES channels
RADIOTECH, Wed Nov 25 2020, 04:45pm

Yes. Every township (1 dedicated to Fire Island) has a certain number of talk groups. A couple (Huntington) are active, most are not yet. It remains to be seen how FRES is going to want these talk groups utilized & which ones FRES will monitor 24/7, as there is little chance that they can monitor them all effectively. My guess is that they'd only monitor 1 talk group per township? Just a guess.

In addition to the new township talk groups, FRES & Medcom still have their own talk groups as well which are active.

This link is the radio layout from FRES [link]






Re: SC FRES channels
defiant154, Wed Dec 09 2020, 11:55pm

Just want to say thanks to you folks here. I'm learning a lot about the changeover to the p25 system. I have some knowledge, but many of you are way above my pay grade. I currently run 2 scanners on my feed. I want to keep my feed up to the task. I'm replacing my old BCT15 with a BCD996P2 and your posts are very helpful. I'm keeping the BCT15x for the UHF segment of my feed.

Re: SC FRES channels
Chieftaz, Sat Dec 19 2020, 06:28pm

Does anyone know the SC FRES West UHF dispatch frequency and PL?

Re: SC FRES channels
nyscan00, Sat Dec 19 2020, 08:42pm

FRES Paging West is 462.9875 CSQ

Re: SC FRES channels
innokuous1, Thu Jan 14 2021, 02:00pm

This link is the radio layout from FRES [link]
(Courtesy of RADIOTECH)

I'm trying to match up the TG ID's from the RR Database [link] under
"County Fire Talkgroups" to the above mentioned PDF radio layout.

The majority of those are obvious to me but I do have questions.

When looking at the PDF template in Zones; Fire West 1, Fire Cent 2, Fire East 3, FRES 5 and EMS 6
the first TG in each Zone is labeled "FRES." What is the TG ID for that?

When comparing the PDF template Alpha Tags in Zone "FRES 5" and the RR Database
I end up with the following TG ID questions;

FRES (already asked-what is the TG ID?)
FRESOPS 1 (what is the TG ID? No similar Alpha Tag in RR Database)(edited on 1/16/21, disregard this question, it's wrong)
FRESOPS 2 (what is the TG ID? No similar Alpha Tag in RR Database)
FRESOPS 3 (TG ID 167 as per RR Database)
FRES PAGE-E (TG ID 10503 as per RR Database)
FRES PAGE-W (TG ID 10501 as per RR Database)
FRES COMMAND (TG ID 161 as per RR Database)

Then, when I compare the RR Database to the PDF template, I end up
with the following questions;

FRES Dispatch , TG ID 85 (what does that correlate to on the PDF template?)
FRES OPS, TG ID 163 (what does that correlate to on the PDF template?) (edited on 1/16/21 because of a typo, to change TGID 183 to 163)






Re: SC FRES channels
Dave3825us, Thu Jan 14 2021, 03:32pm

Its confusing because a few of the alpha / description tags listed on the p25 system seem to differ from what they are / were on the SmartZone system

The first pic shows on the left what's listed on SmartZone and what's listed on p25 on the right.

I have some submissions to make regarding Suffolk county but my son is using the pc with all my notes for remote learning so its taking longer than expected. @w2lie and GTR8000, I will link to this post when I submit about the tags and descriptions..

tg 165 is not listed on p25 system yet but is active as shown in second pic of Unitrunker hits. Also, keep in mind that the system is still transitioning and will not be complete for some time






Re: SC FRES channels
defiant154, Fri Jan 15 2021, 03:32pm

I set up my 996P2 at work to play with it a bit. I was able to pick up transit system radio traffic on the new P25, 800 side. I finished programming it with the TGIDs for FRES and brought it back home. Since then I have had no activity from FRES on that or the p252 ,700 MHZ. The old 800 is still very active . This is a snapshot of my hits over the last several days. Is anybody getting activity on the new systems with FRES



Re: SC FRES channels
Dave3825us, Fri Jan 15 2021, 07:26pm

Fres is fairly active on p25 system (site 4) pretty much daily.. Today mainly tg 85 and 167 have been most active from looking am my logs.

On the p25 system, what site are you monitoring? 4 or 6? Site 3 (700mhz) does not really have anything going on yet so if your scanning those freqs, that's why .

If your scanning site 4, you should see some of the fres tg's as being active. I cant speak for site 6 as I don't really listen to it. I am in Islip Terrace and site 4 suites my needs.

I am not very familiar with that model scanner but I know it has location based scanning. So if I may ask, what town is work in and what town is home in?

I would look at the range settings in your scanner programming. If it has service types, make sure fire related types are on. I do not use location based on my scanner for Suffolk county. I have them in a favorite list with the range set to the max.



Re: SC FRES channels
mikey224, Sat Jan 16 2021, 12:25am

innokuous1 The "FRES TEMPLATE" that you are referring to is the Layout of the programming of the APX8000 radios that the County has authorized use to each Dept. I had originally posted in the other thread on this topic. There are 16 channels capable per zone within the radio, Channel 1 in the Zones that are labeled "FRES" is the FRES Dispatch channel. It is just programmed in those zones repetitively. Currently it is being used by Depts that have their own dispatchers just calling FRES to confirm the recipt of alarm and when the Dept goes "28" or back in service from the alarm. "FRES Command" is used by the FRES Employees "FR-", Fire-Coordinators "FC-" and County Fire Marshals "FM-" The only FRES OPS channel that is currently being used is OPS 3 with some Dept's that do not have their own dispatchers, similar to the old days on lowband. The 700mhz system is up and on the air but not currently in use. If you look at the Post I made in another thread in the forum Suffolk FRES P25 you will see the info that I provided, which is 100% accurate, as I have a contact in FRES. There are many plans in the future for FRES on both the 700 and 800 systems, its just a matter of time when and if it will be implemented. Also in regards to the Radio Reference Database keep in mind that the info you see there and the names and titles are subject to how the Database Admins post it. It may not be labeled or titled exactly how each individual agency labels or titles their channels, but it is close enough and not an mistake by the admins. Some new Talkgroups or frequencies are found by running monitoring searches and recording transmissions, then going back and listening and figuring out who the user is unless the Admin has a "reliable source" and can confirm the user. I spent 10 years in the radio business before making a career move, 23 years in the Fire Service. Radios are still a hobby and some side work, I do still have many contacts and resources and try to provide some help and info when I have the time and can...

Here is the Thread [link]

Oh and something else to mention and keep in mind that on Radiorefernce when you look at the Suffolk P25 page, not all of the Talkgroups have been added yet. Most, if not all of the Talkgroups that are on the Type II system are active on the P25 system, to add them to your radio just take the type II TGid and divide it by 16, that will give you the P25 TGid. Add the ones you don't see on RR to your radio under the P25 system and you will hear them.

Re: SC FRES channels
Dave3825us, Sat Jan 16 2021, 01:41pm

mikey224 wrote ...

Most, if not all of the Talkgroups that are on the Type II system are active on the P25 system, to add them to your radio just take the type II TGid and divide it by 16, that will give you the P25 TGid. Add the ones you don't see on RR to your radio under the P25 system and you will hear them.


And if your on the p25 system and you see a unknown talk group pop up," multiply" that by 16 and it will give you the equivariant on the SmartZone system.


Re: SC FRES channels
defiant154, Sat Jan 16 2021, 08:06pm

Thanks Dave(and Mike) . I'm still learning here so bear with me . An update to my last post, I am picking up p25 transmissions on TGIDs 85 (fres1) and 167 (ops3). I'm not up to speed on how to identify what site I'm listening to but I'm going to say Yaphank tower, comparing RSSI values to other known frequencies. (I am not using location based scanning that I'm aware of) I do have all the TGIDs from RR programmed in accordingly to their respective systems. I have the main control channels and the alternates as well. I currently have p25 standard trunk as my system although p25 one freq. is an option. Don't know if it makes a difference. I am picking up transmissions. I just wanted to know if anyone was getting more from the p25 than I was.

Re: SC FRES channels
defiant154, Sat Jan 16 2021, 08:11pm

Sorry Dave, didn't answer your question. I'm in Manorville.

Re: SC FRES channels
mikey224, Sat Jan 16 2021, 09:45pm

defiant154 I dont mind helping you get set up correctly.... What Scanner are you using? And yes the P25 is working perfectly, I am only monitoring the P25 system and it is crystal clear, much better than the Type II system. From your location in Manorville I would only program Site 4 (800mhz) and Site 3 (700mhz). Enter the control channels:
851.1625
852.4250
852.6750
852.7375
774.15625
773.65625
772.91875
772.28125
Make sure you have the system set for P25x2 TDMA
Set You Band Plan 851.00625 6.25khz, 851.0125 12.5khz, 762.00625 6.25khz, 762.00625 12.5khz
Be sure to only enter the P25 Talkgroup ID's not the Type II ID's
If this is all correct you are good to go. What I would do is delete the Type II System and info you have programmed and make sure you enter all the info correctly for the P25 system. You should see Bars on your Signal Strength meter even if you dont hear any Transmission, this is the Data from the Control Channel. If you dont you may just be in a weak signal area and may need an outside antenna. Let me know how you make out...... Mike


Re: SC FRES channels
defiant154, Mon Jan 18 2021, 11:44pm

Mike
Using a BCD996P2. I have the correct control frequencies for the 800 side. The 700 side the scanner rounds up the last digit. I have the correct TGIDs in decimal format. The old 800 type 2 is crystal clear always but the p25 sounds muffled from time to time.. I am using proscan if that matters. I input the band plans that you listed. My only p25 options are what I put in my last post.

Re: SC FRES channels
mikey224, Tue Jan 19 2021, 12:12am

I would put money on it that it’s the 996. I had a BCD536HP and a Homepatrol 2 and they both stunk on P25! Your best bet is to upgrade to an SDS200, it’s technology is far superior than the 996 on P25 Digital Simulcast systems. It has a better digital signal processor amongst other technology. Put your 996 up for sale on eBay or radioreference, it will sell for a reasonable price, then keep your eyes open for an SDS200 on eBay or radioreference. They are on there all time and also amazon. I grabbed one on amazon for $525 don’t know if it was a mistake or a 24 hour sale but by the next day it was back to full price. And the muffled sound that you are referring to is Digital Simulcast Distortion.... There’s really no way around that except by upgrading to an SDS model.

Re: SC FRES channels
Dave3825us, Tue Jan 19 2021, 01:35am

I have a bcd436hp and after some tweaking, also the same tweaking you can do with the 996, you should be able to make the audio sound better. Let me ask, your in Manorville and you mentioned it was working good where you work. Do you work in Manorville also?

Anyway, here is an easier to read manual for your radio [link]

And here is a specific link to the p25 optimization for your radio derived from the above link [link]









Re: SC FRES channels
defiant154, Wed Mar 24 2021, 01:34am

I'm going to try the tweak. It doesn't look like smartzone is going away any time soon until all the county radios are upgraded. I'll stick with my 996p2 for now. It's been working fine. I appreciate all the input. You can check out my feed and let me know if there is anything you find that needs to be corrected.

Re: SC FRES channels
Dave3825us, Wed Mar 24 2021, 11:23am

Which feed is yours? Link goes to all the feeds.

Re: SC FRES channels
defiant154, Wed Mar 24 2021, 09:54pm

[link]

Re: SC FRES channels
EastIslipFD161, Mon Apr 12 2021, 05:09am

Sounds like FRES East Paging is active. Heard them activate E Moriches for a RSF on Sunday

Re: SC FRES channels
nyscan00, Mon Apr 12 2021, 12:21pm

Did you hear this on the p25 system or UHF frequency ?

Re: SC FRES channels
EastIslipFD161, Tue Apr 13 2021, 04:31am

UHF

Re: SC FRES channels
EastIslipFD161, Tue Apr 13 2021, 04:33am

If it’s on P25 it will be on UHF. P25 is just a simulcast. Minitor pagers aren’t 700/800 band. With that being said the simulcast is intermittent for now

Re: SC FRES channels
RADIOTECH, Wed Apr 14 2021, 03:31am

Is FRES truly using UHF paging east, or is low band 46.46 patched to it for testing purposes?

Re: SC FRES channels
defiant154, Wed Apr 14 2021, 01:20pm

From what i understand FRES is not finished with the build out yet. Possibly middle summer before they start to use it. Testing is possible. I didn't log anything for the East Moriches call unit it was reactivated by Center Moriches on EMFD UHF ops. FYI Eastport is also activated on that frequency.

Re: SC FRES channels
mikey224, Wed Apr 14 2021, 01:31pm

FRES has been using Paging West 462.9875 for a few months now, it’s is Simulcast on 46.46 and also with some Depts that have their own UHF Paging Frequency, after testing and when everything is complete and all the Depts have switched away from low band pagers, my understanding is that 46.46 will be gone forever. The East UHF frequency is not in use yet due to interference from Nassau as they page on this frequency as well. Also take note that the Radioreference listing for the P25P2 700mhz Paging Talkgroups are reversed West is 10503 and East is 10501, I have to submit a submission correction just haven’t gotten around to it.

Re: SC FRES channels
Dave3825us, Wed May 26 2021, 05:16pm

Found this while searching something else. Its from 2019 and did not see it posted on this site.




Re: SC FRES channels
RADIOTECH, Wed May 26 2021, 05:48pm

I wonder if Rocky Point is on east or west. Fax in unclear and their Dist is on the borderline of the zones.

Re: SC FRES channels
defiant154, Fri Jun 16 2023, 01:38pm

FRES is testing East paging this morning with tones and voice.

Re: SC FRES channels
defiant154, Fri Jun 16 2023, 03:03pm

It's been a while since I posted, my apologies. Thanks for all of your help. The issue is well known at this point with the 996 /536/436 concerning simulcast distortion. Dave I just started looking into tweaking the p25 threshold, hopefully I can improve the audio quality. Had a long chat with Uniden back during my last post, unfortunately, they wouldn't take back the 996 for credit towards and SDS model because it was already 6 months since purchase. Eventually an SDR type radio will be in the future.
I've learned a bit since then, still learning. Radio Reference has a lot of information but I'm looking for more local stuff.
So far this is what I have
Site 4 No issues
Site 3 Great signal not a lot of traffic for FRES, keeping missing transmissions to try and tweak p25
Site 9 Nothing active on my end.
I've noticed the closest transmitters are Yaphank for site3 and Eastport for site 9.
If anyone has anything more, it would be greatly appreciated.
I've made some internet and hardware improvements, so, the Pine Barrens Feed should be better


Re: SC FRES channels
defiant154, Mon Dec 04 2023, 05:46pm

Update: I have the sds200 online. I have it programmed for FRES transmissions(firecom only) . The 996P2 is now programmed for individual department UHF frequencies. This is the Traffic I am receiving so far on the sds200

Site 4 P25 800 Simulcast
FRES dispatch
FRES OPs

Site 3 p25 700 West Simulcast
Smithtown 1
Riverhead 1
Riverhead 2 (ems)

462.9875 Paging West
463.1875 Paging East - Mastic only so far
46.46 Paging

If anyone is receiving anything else. I would appreciate the input.

Re: SC FRES channels
Dave3825us, Tue Dec 05 2023, 11:56am

What I see used. Not all are daily.

Site 4
Fres Disp
Fres Ops 1
Fres Ops 2
Fres Ops 3
Fres Command
Fres Command Patch (20161) (sometimes carries traffic not carried on 161)
Fres HazMat (not daily but used)
Fres Watch (Hospitals roll call )
Huntington 1
Huntington 2






Site 3
Huntington 3,4 & 5 Last used, October 2023
Islip 2 (used by 5x depts)
Smithtown 1
Riverhead 1 & 2




Re: SC FRES channels
defiant154, Tue Dec 05 2023, 06:35pm

I have had Islip 1 on, just turned Islip 2 on. Thanks for that
On the Motorola system, used to have TGIDs 2544,2896 for FRES as well listed as FRES2 and FRES3 believe they were quiet before the switchover to P25.
I understand Mastic Beach is next for UHF East paging, then Center Moriches.


Re: SC FRES channels
Dave3825us, Wed Dec 06 2023, 02:27am

Really have no clue what they are doing anymore. Seems Port Jefferson Ambulance is operating on P25 tg 131, ALS Call, tg 2096 on Smartzone.

And P25 tg 83, ALS 4 - Med Comm MCI 1, or 1328 on Smartzone has been nothing but Fres consoles talking to county Fire Marshals encrypted.