1. Decide when you will move your department to 12.5 kHz narrowband
channels.
- Remember, Public Safety can no longer use wideband channels and as
of Jan. 1, 2018
- Everyone else must abandon wideband channels as of Jan. 1, 2013.
- Manufacturers will no longer be able to
produce or import wideband radios as of Jan. 1, 2008 neither as
replacements nor new units.
- If another agency gets a narrowband
license and their coverage overlaps your wideband coverage,
you have to correct the interference or stop using the
channel.
2. Create a budget to replace your 25 kHz wideband radios by your
12.5 kHz implementation date.
Remember to budget for Base Stations and Repeaters as well as
portable and vehicle radios.
3. Check your FCC License to see if you are licensed for narrowband
channels already.
- 25 kHz Wideband channels have an Emission Designator of 20K0F3E.
- 12.5 kHz Narrowband channels have an Emission Designator of
11K3F3E.
4. If you are licensed for wideband only, plan to add a narrowband
channel to your license.
Tri-County can handle the application process for you. It takes
about 6 months, and payment is due at the time you give us your order
to do the application. We submit the fees with your application.
Tri-County will provide you with a quote upon your request.
5. At the same time you replace your old radios with narrowband
units, you can consider upgrading to radios with new technology. Ask
your Tri-County representative about these and other options:
- You can "page" a portable or vehicle radio and leaving a flashing
indicator or a beep signal to tell the operator to call you when he
gets back in service. You get an acknowledgement back telling you that
your page has been received in the remote radio.
- If the driver is away from the vehicle, you can also flash
headlights or blow the horn of a vehicle to alert the operator.
- GPS can tell you where all your radio operators are.
- PTT ID gives you a visual ID on each truck that transmits.
- Radio Check lets you make sure a vehicle or portable radio is on
and that its in range.
