COMPREHENSIVE RADIO ANALYSIS REPORT
FINAL REPORT
SUBMITTED SEPTEMBER 2015 TO:
Broward County, Florida
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. 6
2. METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................................................ 6
INITIALIZATION MEETING ............................................................................................................................... 6 USER INTERVIEWS ........................................................................................................................................ 7 WEB SURVEY ............................................................................................................................................... 7 INTEROPERABILITY INTERVIEWS ..................................................................................................................... 7 RADIO SITE SURVEYS ................................................................................................................................... 7 REPORT DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................................................ 7
3. FINDINGS ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
TECHNICAL BASELINE ................................................................................................................................... 8 System Descriptions .......................................................................................................................... 8 Coverage .......................................................................................................................................... 13 Capacity ........................................................................................................................................... 13 Lifecycle Considerations .................................................................................................................. 14 Subscriber Units ............................................................................................................................... 17 Frequencies ...................................................................................................................................... 24 Backhaul Connectivity ...................................................................................................................... 27 Dispatch ........................................................................................................................................... 29 Neighboring Systems ....................................................................................................................... 33
Intra-county Interoperability .............................................................................................................. 35 Summary of Technical Requirements .............................................................................................. 36
OPERATIONAL BASELINE ............................................................................................................................. 37 User Agencies .................................................................................................................................. 37 Summary of Operational Requirements ........................................................................................... 38
4. ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................................................................... 39
COVERAGE................................................................................................................................................. 39 CAPACITY .................................................................................................................................................. 40 SPECTRUM AND FCC LICENSING ................................................................................................................. 42
UHF (450 – 512 MHz) ...................................................................................................................... 42 800 MHz (806 – 860 MHz) ............................................................................................................... 45 700 MHz (769 – 805 MHz) ............................................................................................................... 45 Spectrum and Capacity .................................................................................................................... 47
INTEROPERABILITY ISSUES AND STANDARDS ................................................................................................ 48 Interoperability Continuum ............................................................................................................... 48 Technology on the Interoperability Continuum ................................................................................ 49
SYSTEM LIFECYCLES .................................................................................................................................. 56 RADIO SITES .............................................................................................................................................. 57
Grounding ......................................................................................................................................... 63
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Site Security ..................................................................................................................................... 64 Uninterruptable Power Supplies ....................................................................................................... 64 DC Power Supplies .......................................................................................................................... 64
DISPATCH CONSIDERATIONS ....................................................................................................................... 65 CONNECTIVITY ........................................................................................................................................... 66
Leased Phone Lines ........................................................................................................................ 66 Fiber-optic Networks ........................................................................................................................ 67 Microwave ........................................................................................................................................ 67
ALPHANUMERIC PAGING ............................................................................................................................. 68 FIRE STATION ALERTING ............................................................................................................................. 69
5. ASSESSMENT SUMMARY AND OPTIONS .................................................................................................... 70
SYSTEM FEATURES .................................................................................................................................... 71 System Technology .......................................................................................................................... 71
REDUNDANCY AND SURVIVABILITY ............................................................................................................... 76 MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................................................ 78 COST ESTIMATES ....................................................................................................................................... 80
6. NEXT STEPS .................................................................................................................................................... 86
7. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................................... 86
APPENDIX A – RADIO SITE EVALUATIONS ........................................................................................................ 88
APPENDIX B – FOCUS GROUP SESSION ......................................................................................................... 139
APPENDIX C – INTERVIEWS WITH DISPATCHERS ......................................................................................... 147
APPENDIX D – INTEROPERABILITY PARTNER INTERVIEWS ........................................................................ 150
APPENDIX E – WEB SURVEY USER SUMMARY INPUT .................................................................................. 161
APPENDIX F – WEB SURVEY USER DETAILED INPUT ................................................................................... 166
APPENDIX G – EXISTING COVERAGE MAPS ................................................................................................... 186
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Mission Critical Partners, Inc. (MCP) respectfully submits this Comprehensive Radio Analysis report to
Broward County, Florida (County). The County contracted with MCP to assess its existing 800-
megahertz (MHz) Motorola SmartZone trunked simulcast communications system, microwave system,
fire station alerting system, and alphanumeric paging system, and to determine the best approach for
replacing the systems and improving radio communications within the County.
MCP’s assessment focused on establishing both a technical and operational baseline for the existing
communications systems. The technical baseline is objective and identifies the equipment that is in
place today. To complete the technical baseline, MCP interviewed Broward County technical staff,
surveyed radio sites, inventoried equipment, reviewed Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
licenses, and performed radio system coverage studies. The operational baseline is subjective and
establishes the perspective of first responders regarding the existing communications system. To
complete the operational baseline, MCP conducted a Web survey and focus group interview to gather
input from the first responder agencies within the County. Interviews were conducted with
representatives of the neighboring systems to gather interoperability requirements and determine
pending system upgrades.
The County currently is operating on a ten-site, 28-channel SmartZone simulcast system that operates
on 800 MHz spectrum and serves more than 10,000 subscriber radios. The SmartZone system initially
was installed in 1992 and subsequently was upgraded in 2002. Based on the information gathered,
MCP determined that there are numerous critical issues affecting the current system. These issues
include:
1. The SmartZone system includes numerous components that no longer are supported, including
the prime controller and site controllers. This is mitigated by having a sufficient number of spare
components. Critical components, including Gold Elite consoles and Quantar repeaters, will
reach end-of-life within the next three to five years.
2. The SmartZone system has experienced numerous recent failures that have impaired
communications, including some events lasting several hours in duration. Most of the system-
affecting issues have been contributed to frequency interference (signals interfering and, most
importantly, radio subscribers (maintenance and improper accessories).
3. Maintenance of the existing subscriber radios has been inconsistent. This has led to poorly
tuned radios, causing them to affiliate to the system much more than normal. This begins to
affect reliability, causing outages in the system controller.
4. When the SmartZone system approaches its capacity limit, it results in busy responses during
peak usage periods, primarily reported in the morning and evening.
5. The current system design has single points of failure that can leave first responders with no
way to be dispatched or to communicate for an extended time if a failure does occur. Those
points include the connectivity to the two receive-only sites, maintaining both prime site
controllers at the same location (gap in geodiversity), and single site controllers. Combined with
the reduced reliability of aging components, the overall system is at risk.
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6. The Tadiran CM6 microwave backhaul system has reached end-of-life and needs to be
replaced.
7. The Unipage ultra-high frequency (UHF) T-Band alphanumeric paging system is well past its
period of support and will need to be replaced. The system is operating with significantly
reduced coverage due to equipment failures that cannot be repaired reasonably. The T-Band
frequency currently being used for paging will need to be vacated prior to 2022 (per FCC
mandate), and will therefore need to be replaced with a new frequency.
8. The Zetron Model 26/6 fire station alerting system is an aging technology that does not offer
feature sets consistent with modern fire station alerting systems. The platform is still supported
by Zetron, and thus does not pose an immediate concern. The wireless transmitter is a
Motorola Quantar station that will reach end of life in 2020, and therefore needs replacement.
The T-Band frequency currently being used will need to be vacated prior to 2022, and therefore
will need to be replaced with a new frequency.
9. The SmartZone system has a coverage gap in the Deerfield Beach area and in the western
portion of the county over the Everglades (down Alligator Alley). The system has a gap for in-
building coverage in dense structures throughout the county, including high-rises, schools, and
hospitals.
Based on the results of the technical and operational baselines, MCP determined that the diminishing
support for the existing systems and interference issues are the primary reasons the existing
communications systems will need replacement. Supplementary limitations include coverage and
redundancy, capacity, and the need for additional feature sets. Mitigating or eliminating these
limitations should be the requirement of the selected communications system solution.
The existing SmartZone communications system cannot be upgraded to meet these requirements in its
present configuration. Therefore, a new public safety communications system is required. In addition,
the microwave, fire station alerting, and alphanumeric paging systems will need to be replaced because
they have reached end-of-life.
MCP evaluated all available public safety technologies to determine what solutions are available that
could address the gaps faced by the County. The analysis focused on solutions that would either
maintain or improve radio communications within the County. The evaluated solutions included Project
25 (P25) trunking systems operating with either P25 Phase I and/or Phase II technologies. A
replacement alphanumeric paging system operating in the general public safety frequency pool was
identified as the optimal paging solution to allow users to reuse their existing pagers. An IP-based,
loop-protected microwave system providing a minimum throughout of 150 megabits per second (Mbps),
and connecting all radio sites and dispatch centers, was identified as the ideal backhaul solution.
The first option evaluated by MCP is a 44-channel, P25 Phase I system to accommodate the number of
reported active users on the system. The system must be built into two simulcast cells or geographic
zones to accommodate the increased loading requirement, providing more talk paths than the existing
system can accommodate. An additional 20 percent capacity was included for the roaming that would
take place on these multiple cells or zones. The benefit of a Phase I system is greater capacity for
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Phase I subscribers, allowing fielded XTS/XTL subscribers to be utilized by all agencies until their end
of life. The limitation of a Phase I system is a more complicated infrastructure design, requiring more
antennas and more floor space inside the shelter.
The second option evaluated by MCP is a 19-channel, P25 Phase II system, providing a significant
capacity increase with nine more talk paths than the existing system. The benefit of a Phase II system
is that it maximizes the utilization of each frequency, requires fewer antennas (less loading on tower
structures) and reduces in-shelter floor space requirements (minimizing power consumption, heating,
and the need for additional shelter space). The largest limitation is that all fielded XTS/XTL subscribers
would need to be replaced immediately upon system implementation, providing a significant cost
burden on user agencies. The system also would make interoperability with Phase I subscribers
operated by mutual-aid partners far more challenging.
The third option evaluated by MCP is a 700 MHz, P25 Phase II, hybrid trunked simulcast radio solution
utilizing between 25 and 30 channels across one simulcast cell. This option would replace the end-of-
life components, provide improved coverage through additional radio sites, and improve reliability by
including geo-diverse components and eliminating single points of failure. By implementing a hybrid
system, the infrastructure would support a combination of Phase I frequency division multiple access
(FDMA) traffic and Phase II time division multiple access (TDMA) traffic. This would allow
approximately one-third to half of the system traffic to continue operating in the Phase I mode, enabling
some user agencies to continue using the widely fielded XTS/XTL series subscriber radios, and to
replace those radios with Phase II-compliant radios over the next three to five years. The exact number
of channels will depend on the number of subscriber agencies that will be fully converted to P25 Phase
II operation.
Based on MCP’s calculations, 30 channels are needed to provide a sufficient level of capacity for
Phase I and Phase II subscribers. Coverage would be enhanced through the addition of radio sites,
and capacity would be enhanced through the use of TDMA. The system will provide 36 talk paths,
providing a significant capacity increase from the 27 talk paths available today. At the point that all
subscribers are Phase II compliant, there will be 11 channels that surpass the capacity supported by a
single simulcast cell. At that point, these channels could be configured as a second overlapping
simulcast cell to be utilized for interoperability, data, non-public safety, or other functions that require
overhead capacity.
All of the evaluated options would provide improved coverage through the addition of radio sites with a
delivered audio quality (DAQ) score of 3.4. MCP recommends an in-building coverage requirement for
dense structures throughout the heavily built-up areas of the county. To accomplish this level of
coverage, MCP recommends replacing the Tamarac and Deerfield receive-only sites with full
transmit/receive locations on new towers. Additional towers are recommended in the Hollywood, Fort
Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and North Lake areas, for a total of 14 full simulcast locations to enhance
coverage in user-reported weak coverage areas. A five-channel multicast site is recommended along
Interstate 75 to provide improved coverage in the western half of the county over the Everglades,
providing a total of 15 sites.
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Regardless of the option selected, backhaul, paging, and fire station alerting replacements will remain
the same.
In addition to the primary communications systems, the County should consider enhancing its backup
capabilities to support communications in the event that the primary system becomes impaired or
overloaded. Recommended resources include a mobile communications platform with a combination of
transportable repeaters, gateways, cache radios, and control station-equipped workstations. Buildout
of the proposed grant-funded Region 7 Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF) 700 MHz
system will provide Broward County with backup capabilities that deliver limited in-street coverage (but
no in-building coverage) in addition to enhancing interoperability. MCP recommends enhancing the
RDSTF system to include four (4) total locations, providing in-street portable and a limited amount of in-
building coverage. In addition, MCP recommends adding additional fixed conventional repeaters at
locations spread throughout the County to provide backup capabilities in the event of a complete
backhaul failure.
Further, MCP recommends that user agencies on the Broward County system execute agreements
with the independent system operators in the County to allow system access in the event that the
County system is impaired or overloaded. In order to improve the effectiveness of these resources, as
well as any other regionally fielded resources, a comprehensive training-and-exercise program is
recommended for first responders and dispatch personnel.
Cost estimates, based on budgetary pricing, have been developed for each option. These costs are
inclusive of radio site electronics equipment, backhaul network, tower site facilities (i.e., tower and
shelter modifications), paging system, fire station alerting, vendor services, and backup systems. The
cost estimates are intended to be conservative to account for variability during procurement. The table
below summarizes the estimated costs for each system option.
Table 1 – Estimated System Cost Overview
System Option Description Total Infrastructure
Price
Option 1 700/800 MHz P25 Phase I $54,405,175
Option 2 700 MHz P25 Phase II $40,631,800
Option 3 700 MHz P25 Hybrid $44,127,050 to
$47,014,550
The number of repeaters needed for either Phase I or Phase II is the main factor that affects costs.
Upon selecting the desired system option, the County should budget the appropriate funds based on
the cost estimates provided. MCP recommends a procurement strategy that allows for the separate
procurement of system components, including radio, microwave, paging, and site development.
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Splitting the procurement will yield greater cost savings by reducing the amount of subcontracting
required by a single prime vendor.
Based on the age of the SmartZone system, replacement is recommended as soon as reasonably
possible. The Broward County system is the primary backup for all other systems in the county in the
event of major failures of those systems.
The typical implementation period for a radio system is 18 to 24 months. Consequently, given the
necessary planning and procurement tasks, it may be two years before a new system is implemented
and operational. With the challenges faced by the existing system, time is of the essence. The
estimated completion date for all users migrated to the new system is the second quarter of 2018. The
new system will contain a one-year warranty that will not require any maintenance fees to be paid, with
the exception of tower leases, until approximately the second quarter of 2019.
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1. INTRODUCTION
The Broward County radio communications system is a countywide network that serves most public
safety agencies within the County, with the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Coral Springs, and
Plantation operating their own systems. The system is manufactured by Motorola and operates in the
800 MHz frequency band.
The system began its evolution in 1992 as a six-site, 20-channel SmartNet system. Since then the
system has received numerous upgrades with the agencies incrementally joining the system including
Deerfield, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Plantation. The expansion included radio sites to add
additional coverage and the addition of radio channels to improve capacity. With those additional
agencies, the system evolved to the current state of eight transmit and receive sites, 28-channel
SmartZone system with two additional receive only sites. In 2012, the County’s central controller
reached end-of-life. In order to extend the life of the system, the County entered into a leasing
agreement with Motorola Solutions to operate on a hosted master site (HMS) located in the company’s
manufacturing facility in Plantation.
The system is now facing numerous imminent end-of-support dates for critical components. Most
notably, the site and prime controllers no longer are supported, and the system consoles and repeaters
will be approaching end-of-life within the next three to five years. Supporting systems, including the
microwave backhaul system, the fire station alerting system, and the alphanumeric paging system have
all reached end-of-life as well. Based on the number of components that soon will reach end of life and
the substantial investment that would be required to further extend the life of the system, the County
determined that a system replacement is necessary.
The County hired Mission Critical Partners Inc. (MCP) to assist with the replacement of the radio,
microwave, paging, and fire station alerting systems. Specifically, MCP will assess the existing system,
evaluate user needs for the new system, and conduct a competitive procurement for a new Project 25
(P25) system to replace the County’s existing radio system, as well as its microwave, paging, and fire
station alerting systems.
2. METHODOLOGY
This section provides a description of MCP’s approach for assessing the various Broward County
communications systems.
INITIALIZATION MEETING
An initial meeting was held with Broward County personnel on May 28, 2015. During the meeting, the
project team reviewed the scope of work, agreed on content that would be contained in the deliverables
and established a project schedule. Dates were established for staff interviews, site surveys, a Web
survey, and the Communications Council and Radio Advisory Board meetings.
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USER INTERVIEWS
MCP attended a join public safety users meeting with representatives from law enforcement and
fire/EMS agencies on July 15, 2015. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the plans and gather
feedback from various agencies regarding the existing communications systems, and to understand the
requirements for the new communications system.
WEB SURVEY
A Web survey was developed—with input from Broward County personnel—to obtain feedback from
each public safety agency within the County. Specifically, the survey was distributed to all first
responders within the County in order to acquire user feedback— above and beyond the data that was
gathered during the focus group sessions—regarding the communications systems,. Users unable to
attend the focus group sessions were able to utilize the Web survey to provide their feedback.
INTEROPERABILITY INTERVIEWS
Interoperability interviews were conducted with all of the jurisdictions that surround Broward County, in
order to evaluate the interoperable capabilities that should be maintained and where interoperability
can be improved. Additional information was gathered regarding pending migration plans for
neighboring systems, in order to ensure that interoperability solutions are implemented that would
accommodate any planned upgrades.
RADIO SITE SURVEYS
Radio site surveys were conducted to inventory the existing system infrastructure, assess the condition
of the existing facilities and evaluate their ability to support new or upgraded equipment in the future.
Radio site surveys were conducted starting in June 2015 and continued through July 2015. Current
Broward County radio sites and dispatch facilities were surveyed.
REPORT DEVELOPMENT
MCP developed this radio assessment report based on the information collected. The report is divided
into six primary sections: Introduction, Methodology, Findings, Analysis, Assessment Summary and
Options, and Next Steps. The Findings section details all of the information gathered regarding the
current system, and includes technical and operational baselines. The Analysis section includes a
description of available radio communications technology and how it could be utilized to the benefit of
Broward County. The Assessment Summary and Options section includes MCP’s options for updating
the County’s radio communications system with an improved system targeted to addressing the
County’s needs. The Next Steps section includes the goals of the functional design and next steps for
the procurement of the system.
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3. FINDINGS
This section of the report is split into two primary sections: the technical baseline and the operational
baseline. The technical baseline identifies technical information gathered regarding the existing
system, including equipment inventories, components, and other related information. The operational
baseline identifies input from system users regarding the performance of the existing system, as well as
the needs for the new communications system.
TECHNICAL BASELINE
The technical baseline identifies factual and objective information gathered regarding the existing
communications system. Information has been provided for each of the four primary system
components included within the study: the 800 MHz trunked radio system; the microwave network; the
alphanumeric paging system; and the fire station alerting system.
System Descriptions
800 MHz Trunked Radio System
The 800 MHz trunked radio system is the primary means of communications for first responders
operating on the Broward County regional radio system. The system is comprised of eight transmit-
and-receive radio sites, with two additional receive-only locations. All of the sites are arranged in a
single simulcast cell, with 28 total channels. These channels allow for 27 concurrent talkgroup calls,
with the remaining channel utilized for the control channel. The system operates primarily in analog
mode, although five channels have been implemented with both analog and ASTRO Digital capability.
The simulcast prime controller and system management terminals are located at the Broward County
public safety building (PSB). The PSB previously housed the system’s master site; however, the
master site was removed once the County migrated to the Motorola P25 HMS. The Broward County
simulcast cell is interfaced to the HMS through a SmartX gateway. All of the radio systems in Broward
County are interfaced to the HMS, including those in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Plantation, and
Hollywood. This configuration allows for wide-area talkgroups that are available on each of the various
systems throughout the County.
While Motorola now hosts the master site, the remaining devices are Model 6809 controllers. There is
a backup co-located prime controller, but no backup site controllers. Each of the remote radio sites
with transmit and receive capabilities are nearly identical. All sites, with the exception of two receive
only tower sites (Deerfield and Tamarac), include a total of 28 Quantar transmit/receive repeaters, four
separate 10-channel combiners feeding four transmit antennas, and two separate 24-port receive
multicouplers connected to two receive antennas. A tower-top amplifier (TTA) is located on each
receive antenna line. The repeaters are connected directly to the local Model 6809 site controller.
Motorola TeNSr channel banks are utilized to interface site traffic to the microwave network.
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The system’s Master Site or “Core” location utilizes Motorola Quantro repeaters in place of Quantars
due to the higher output power offered by the Quantro repeaters, which is needed to provide greater
countywide coverage in the event of a system failure. Meanwhile, the receive-only sites utilize a
combination of Quantar receivers and AstroTac receivers. However, the receive-only sites do not have
combiners or transmit antennas, and interface to leased circuits rather than the microwave network.
Figure 1 below displays the various locations on the trunked radio system.
Figure 1 – Broward County 800 MHz Trunked Radio System Sites
Microwave
A loop-protected Tadiran CM6 microwave network provides primary system backhaul. The Tadiran
microwave equipment was manufactured by California Microwave and sold and labeled by Motorola at
the time the equipment was installed; however, the equipment is now produced by Microwave
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Networks. The microwave system utilizes the digital Time Division Multiplex (TDM) method to transmit
and receive radio signals. The microwave links all operate in the 6 gigahertz (GHz) band, and utilize 8-
foot microwave dishes. Neither Motorola nor Microwave Networks supports the Tadiran microwave
equipment, so the availability of support and spare parts is limited.
The network topology is arranged in a reversible dual-loop configuration, with the northern and
southern loops connected through the PSB. With the exception of the PSB site, a failure at any
location will not result in a loss of connectivity. Figure 2 below depicts the microwave network
topology.
Figure 2 – Broward County Microwave System Sites
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Alphanumeric Paging System
The County’s alphanumeric paging system is used as a backup dispatch system for various agencies
within the County. The system operates on the Post Office Code Standardization Advisory Group
(POCSAG) platform, and utilizes a UHF T-Band frequency. The system includes five radio frequency
(RF) sites arranged in a simulcast configuration. The paging controller is a Motorola Unipage terminal
located at the PSB. The transmitters are Motorola PURC5000 stations that have been out of
manufacturer support since before 2007. Backhaul between the remote paging sites and the paging
terminal is provided over the microwave network.
The paging system is interfaced directly to the County’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
Separate CAD inputs are provided from each of the County’s three dispatch centers. Pages are
generated using information generated directly into the CAD system. No interface is provided between
the paging system and the dispatch console system.
The paging terminal and base station transmitters all are well beyond the vendor support period. At the
time the study was conducted, only two paging transmitter locations were operational. The system has
not been narrowbanded; the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) required that all land mobile
radio systems operating between 150 MHz – 174 MHZ and 421 - 512 MHz to convert to 12.5 kHz-wide
channels from 25 kHz-wide channels by January 1, 2013, but excepted T-Band users. Nevertheless,
the T-Band channel on which the Broward County paging system currently operates will need to be
replaced prior to 2022, which is mandated by the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2012. The system is
not supported by a maintenance contract.
Figure 3 below depicts the paging system’s transmitter locations.
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Figure 3 – Broward County Paging System Sites
Fire Station Alerting
The County maintains a fire station alerting system that is used for dispatching firefighters residing at
fire stations. When a particular fire station is dispatched, the fire station alerting system sends a
wireless signal that activates various sirens and lights at the appropriate station.
The alerting system is based on the Zetron Model 6 and Model 26 platforms. When the CAD system
recommends a fire station for dispatch, a signal is sent to the Zetron Model 6 unit, which encodes a
frequency shift keying code unique to the station to be dispatched. The signal then is sent to a
Motorola Quantar repeater for transmission of the wireless signal. Control stations located at each fire
station receive the wireless signal. When a station receives an appropriate FSK signal, the Model 26
station unit activates the lights and sirens for that specific station.
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Zetron Model 6 and Model 26 devices have been replaced with newer IP-based systems, and the
Motorola Quantar repeater platform will reach end-of-life by 2020. Meanwhile, the wireless portion of
the system, similar to the paging system, also operates on the UHF T-Band, so the frequency will need
to be switched prior to 2022, as mandated by federal legislation.
Coverage
Radio system coverage is the most critical aspect of any communications system. Understanding the
coverage provided by the existing systems is critical for determining the coverage that must be
provided by their replacement systems. MCP has analyzed coverage utilizing a combination of
coverage propagation modeling and user input to gain a complete understanding of how the system
performs. This section summarizes MCP’s findings pertaining to objective propagation modeling.
800 MHz System Coverage
The 800 MHz system utilizes ten simulcast locations, with two of those locations being receive-only
locations. The system initially was designed to provide in-building coverage for portable radios
throughout the populated portions of Broward County. The original system was designed for 95
percent coverage within the County for 15 dB medium buildings with a DAQ score of 3.0. During the
original system design 15-20 years ago, population was much less than it is today. The system was
not designed to provide high levels of coverage in the Everglades, which covers approximately half of
the County’s geographic area.
Capacity
Capacity on the existing 800 MHz trunked system is based on the maximum number of simultaneous
talkgroup calls. The current system operates in a single simulcast cell with 28 channels that support 27
concurrent talkgroups. When a talkgroup call is placed that exceeds the maximum number, the call is
placed in a busy queue. Once a channel becomes available, the talkgroup is given access to the
system and the call goes through.
While the system as a whole supports up to 27 concurrent talk paths, only five channels on the system
are configured for digital operation. Digital operation is required for encryption or interoperability with
digital primary systems, such as that used by the City of Hollywood. The digital-capable channels can
be dynamically assigned to either analog or digital talkgroups. The channels are set as a low priority
for analog talkgroup assignments, so they will not be assigned to an analog talkgroup unless all other
analog-only repeaters are active. A digital talkgroup call that exceeds the number of available digital
channels will be placed in the busy queue.
Based on observations of the ZoneWatch terminal, the system approaches the 27-channel capacity
limit more often than preferred in random observations conducted during the assessment.
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Significant system busies have been noted when school busses are on the road, due to the additional
system load that they create.
Motorola engineers also have identified that a large number of users attempting to access the system
has caused an effect known as “throttling” in the Model 6809 site controller. When access requests
exceed the capacity of the controller’s buffer, the controller denies further affiliation attempts until the
buffer is cleared. This results in system busy tones and/or “NO COMMS” error messages received by
radios attempting to access the system.
Lifecycle Considerations
Lifecycle considerations are one of the driving factors regarding the need for replacing the County’s 800
MHz system and the supporting paging, fire alerting, and microwave systems.
Radio equipment vendors typically will manufacture a product for somewhere between five and ten
years. After the equipment is no longer manufactured, the company will continue to support the
product with spare parts, repair services, and technical support for an additional five to seven years.
Once that support period expires, the manufacturer will support the product based on best effort, but
will not guarantee the availability of spare parts or technical expertise to resolve any issues that occur.
Parts and services may be available from third parties; however, such avenues of maintaining
equipment are not reliable and may be cost prohibitive. The longer a system component goes beyond
its lifecycle, the more likely the component will fail and the less likely the parts and expertise will be
available to repair the component.
With most of the Broward County system components being more than 15 years old, many of the
components already are past their support dates. The remaining components will be approach end-of-
life within the next several years.
MCP completed a detailed review of critical components within the system, and confirmed the end-of-
life dates associated with each component. Table 2 below identifies the implications of those end-of-life
dates.
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Table 2 – Broward County Radio System End-of-Life Implications
Component End of Life Date Implication
6809 Prime Site Controller December 31, 2009 The prime controllers coordinate traffic
between all radio sites. Failures of the
primary and backup prime controllers
will result in a complete loss of system
functionality. Failure of a controller at
any single radio site will result in a loss
of coverage from that site.
Digitac Comparator December 31, 2018 Votes audio from the different tower
sites. A failure of any one component
will result in the channel being taken off
the air across the system.
Efratom GPS December 31, 2009 A failure of this component will result in
a loss of coverage from the impacted
site. The County mitigated the risk by
having sufficient spares.
Quantar Repeater December 31, 2020 Primary repeater platform used across
the system. A failure of a repeater will
result in the channel being taken off the
air across the system.
Gold Elite Console System December 31, 2018 Primary dispatch console platform used
at each of the three primary County
public safety answering points
(PSAPs). A failure may impact
individual positions, individual
channels, or the entire center.
Tadiran CM6 Microwave December 31, 2009 The system can accommodate the
failure of any single microwave radio
due to the loop configuration. A loss of
multiple units on a ring will result in one
or multiple sites going off the air. The
County mitigated the risk by having
sufficient spares.
Quantro Base Station December 31, 2009 Quantro base stations are utilized at
the Core radio site. A failure of any
one station will take the channel off the
air across the entire simulcast cell.
PURC5000 Base Station No longer supported Base station platform used on the
alphanumeric paging system.
Equipment failures already have
occurred with no spare parts or support
available. The County advised users in
2012 to migrate to commercial based
paging.
Mission Critical Partners | 16
Component End of Life Date Implication
Unipage Terminal No longer supported Single unit responsible for controlling
the alphanumeric paging system. A
failure will result in loss of the paging
system.
T-Bar Automatic Switch December 31, 2009 The T-Bar switch allows for the handoff
from primary to backup components.
This switch is utilized between the
primary and backup prime controllers.
A failure of this component will prevent
the handover to occur in the event of a
failure to the primary prime controller.
Siemens Channel Banks December 31, 2009 The majority of channel banks in the
system are Motorola TeNSr units. A
pair of Siemens channel banks are
utilized to connect the Tamarac site to
the prime site. A failure of this unit will
impact that one radio site. The County
mitigated the risk by having sufficient
spares.
Badger Monitor System December 31, 2009 The Badger monitoring system is used
to monitor radio site environmental
alarms, such as site temperature,
generator tests, and
heating/ventilating/air-conditioning
(HVAC) failures. A failure of this
component will result in the inability to
monitor events that could damage
equipment.
MCS2000 Mobile Radio No Longer Supported No Longer Supported
MTS2000 Portable Radio No Longer Supported No Longer Supported
Astro Spectra Mobile Radio No Longer Supported No Longer Supported
XTS3000 Portable Radio No Longer Supported No Longer Supported
XTS1500 December 31, 2019 Limited support and availability for flash
upgrades to P25 Phase I ONLY by
December 31, 2015
XTS2500 December 31, 2019 Limited support and availability for flash
upgrades to P25 Phase I ONLY by
December 31, 2015
XTS5000 December 31, 2018 Limited support and availability for flash
upgrades to P25 Phase I ONLY by
December 31, 2015
XTL1500 December 31, 2019 Limited support and availability for flash
upgrades to P25 Phase I ONLY by
December 31, 2015
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Component End of Life Date Implication
XTL2500 December 31, 2019 Limited support and availability for flash
upgrades to P25 Phase I ONLY by
December 31, 2015
XTL5000 December 31, 2018 Limited support and availability for flash
upgrades to P25 Phase I ONLY by
December 31, 2015
Subscriber Units
800 MHz Trunked System
Subscriber units represent a critical component of the Broward County communications system. With
the average mobile or portable radio ranging in price from $4,000 to $6,000 per unit, the investment
made in subscriber units often is near the cost invested in the system infrastructure.
Subscriber radios on the County system vary greatly in vintage and model number. All subscriber
radios operating on the system were manufactured by Motorola. This is due to the proprietary
SmartZone technology on the existing system, which prevents third-party manufacturers from making
compatible radios. Some radios date back to the original installation in the early 1990s. Some of these
models include the MCS2000 and MTS2000 series radios. However, the majority of radios on the
system are from the XTS/XTL series that was widely deployed during the 2000s. Some agencies have
purchased newer APX series mobiles and portables, which are capable of P25 Phase II operations.
Subscriber radio purchases, ownership, and maintenance are the responsibilities of the user agencies
on the County system. Agencies have replaced radios over time based on their individual needs and
subscriber replacement cycles. The only standard for subscriber radios on the existing system is that
they must support 800 MHz SmartZone trunking. The County does not have any responsibilities
pertaining to subscriber equipment.
The existing subscriber radios are not consistently maintained to the same level of standards for all
users. This has led to poorly tuned radios causing them to affiliate to the system much more than
normal. This begins affecting reliability causing outages in the system controller. A preventative
maintenance program for subscriber radios will help maintain the radios to consistent standards to
avoid negative impacts to system reliability.
As the County looks to implement a P25 system, many fielded radios will need to be upgraded or
replaced. Many of the older fielded radios are no longer supported and cannot be upgraded to P25.
Moreover, there are radios that are upgradeable to P25 Phase I, but not Phase II. The system
migration path selected by the County ultimately will determine the subscriber radios that will need
replacement. In addition to core hardware functionality, compatibility with P25 systems is dependent on
the software options enabled in each radio. For most agencies, there is no clear record of whether their
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P25-compatible radios were provided with the P25 features enabled. This will need to be provided by
each end agency to completely determine the technical and financial impact.
MCP reviewed subscriber inventory sheets from most agencies operating on the County system.
Based on the total radio count from those individual inventories, MCP estimates that 10,427 primary
subscriber radios are on the system, including 7,328 portable radios and 3,099 mobile radios. In
addition to these units, MCP estimates there are an additional 3,000 to 4,000 subscriber radios
programmed with the ability to access the Broward County system for interoperability purposes.
Table 3 below summarizes the primary subscriber radios on the Broward County system by agency and
model number.
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Table 3 – Broward County Subscriber Radio Inventory
Agency
Portable Radios Mobiles Unknown Radios
MTS 2000
Saber
XTS 3000
XTS 1500
XTS 2500
XTS 5000
APX 4000
APX 6000
APX 7000
MCS 2000
MAXTRAC
Spectra
XTL 1500
XTL 2500
XTL 5000
APX 4500
APX 6500
APX 7500
Broward County Schools 173 35 197 31 190 4 1 422 1,289 47 1
Broward County Department of Detention 16 478
Broward County Fire 58 455 76 9 2 1 393
Broward County Sheriff's Office 318 38 1,426 235 1 2 48 24 27 9
Coconut Creek Police 26 27 14 95 36 29 42 4
Broward County Local Government 126
Dania Local Government 7
Davie Fire 9 6 51 84 7 15 3 26 36 7
Davie Police 226 3 2 1 50
Hallandale Fire 2 57 2 19
Hallandale Police 1 150 1 3 1
Hillsboro Beach Police 2 15 5
Lauderhill Fire 22 7 54 2 4 31 2
Lauderhill Police 150 21
Lighthouse Point Police 1 1 36 2
Lighthouse Point Fire 3 6 3 5 4
Lauderdale by the Sea Fire 39 12 7 3
Margate Fire 61 3 1 1 6 4
Margate Police 15 4 164 4 10 8
Miramar Fire 55 190 2 20 13 4 14
Miramar Police 1 5 24 143 62 76 1 2 18 5
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Agency
Portable Radios Mobiles Unknown Radios
MTS 2000
Saber
XTS 3000
XTS 1500
XTS 2500
XTS 5000
APX 4000
APX 6000
APX 7000
MCS 2000
MAXTRAC
Spectra
XTL 1500
XTL 2500
XTL 5000
APX 4500
APX 6500
APX 7500
North Lauderdale Fire 5 26 9 6 6
Oakland Park Fire 16 21 21 2 4 12
Pompano Beach Fire 1 165 8 13 34 4
Pembroke Pines Fire 27 119 18 5 32
Pembroke Pines Police 94 303 65 17 7 53 1 35
Seminole Fire 40 1 1 4 25 2
Sunrise Fire 19 22 85 4 11 4 11 22
Sunrise Police 4 163 171 4 1 6 7
Sea Ranch Lakes Police 4 25 1
Tamarac Fire 43 45 3 12 2 27 2
Total 916 5 64 176 317 3,564 190 1,398 698 555 5 112 1,318 170 707 0 155 56 21
Table legend:
Radios that are not upgradeable to P25 and will need to be replaced
Radios that are upgradeable to P25 Phase I, but not to Phase II
Radios that are upgradeable to P25 Phase I and Phase II
Radios of unknown make and model
.
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MCP has included a description of each radio model documented to be in use on the Broward system,
as follows:
Portable Radios
MTS2000 – MTS2000 portable radios are older series 800 MHz trunked
Motorola radios that were sold during the 1990s. These radios likely
date back to the original installation. These radios have reached end-of-
life and are no longer supported by the manufacturer. These radios are
not upgradeable to P25 and will need to be replaced.
Saber – Saber portable radios are older series 800 MHz trunked
Motorola radios that were sold during the late 1990s. Only a few of
these radios were documented to be in use on the system. These
radios have reached end-of-life and are no longer supported by the
manufacturer. These radios are not upgradeable to P25 and will need to
be replaced.
XTS3000 – XTS3000 portable radios are older series 800 MHz trunked
Motorola radios that were sold during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Only a few of these radios were documented to be in use on the system.
These radios have reached end-of-life and are no longer supported by
the manufacturer. These radios are not upgradeable to P25 and will
need to be replaced.
XTS1500 – XTS1500 portable radios are 800 MHz trunked Motorola
radios that were sold primarily during the 2000s. The XTS1500 series
was designed as a lower tier of trunked radios with more limited feature
sets compared to higher-tier models in the XTS line of portable radios.
These radios are no longer being manufactured but are still supported
by the vendor. These radios are upgradeable to P25 Phase I, but not to
Phase II.
XTS2500 – XTS2500 portable radios are 800 MHz trunked Motorola
radios that were sold primarily during the 2000s. The XTS2500 series
was designed as a mid-tier trunked radio. These radios are no longer
being manufactured but are still supported by the vendor. These radios
are upgradeable to P25 Phase I, but not to Phase II.
XTS5000 – XTS5000 portable radios are 800 MHz trunked Motorola
radios that were sold primarily during the 2000s. The XTS5000 series
was designed as a high-tier trunked radio. These radios are no longer
being manufactured but are still supported by the vendor. These radios
are upgradeable to P25 Phase I, but not to Phase II.
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APX4000 – APX4000 portable radios are 800 MHz trunked Motorola
radios in current production. The APX4000 series is designed as a low-
tier radio with fewer feature sets when compared with other radio
models in the APX series. These radios are upgradeable to P25 Phase
I and Phase II.
APX6000 – APX6000 portable radios are 800 MHz trunked Motorola
radios in current production. The APX6000 series is designed as a mid-
tier radio within the APX series. These radios are upgradeable to P25
Phase I and Phase II.
APX7000 – APX7000 portable radios are 800 MHz trunked Motorola
radios in current production. The APX7000 series is designed as a high-
tier radio within the APX series, offering more feature sets when
compared with other models. Most notably, the APX7000 is a multiband
radio that can support operation in either the VHF or UHF bands, in
addition to the 700/800 band. These radios are upgradeable to P25
Phase I and Phase II.
Mobile Radios
MCS2000 – MCS2000 mobile radios are older series 800 MHz trunked
Motorola radios that were sold during the 1990s. These radios likely
date back to the original installation. These radios have reached end-of-
life and are no longer supported by the manufacturer. These radios are
not upgradeable to P25 and will need to be replaced.
MAXTRAC - MAXTRAC mobile radios are older series 800 MHz trunked
Motorola radios that were sold during the 1990s. These radios likely
date back to the original installation. These radios have reached end-of-
life and are no longer supported by the manufacturer. These radios are
not upgradeable to P25 and will need to be replaced.
Spectra - Spectra mobile radios are older series 800 MHz trunked
Motorola radios that were sold during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Only a few of these radios were documented to be in use on the system.
These radios have reached end-of-life and are no longer supported by
the manufacturer. These radios are not upgradeable to P25 and will
need to be replaced.
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XTL1500 – XTL1500 mobile radios are 800 MHz trunked Motorola
radios that were sold primarily during the 2000s. The XTL1500 series
was designed as a lower-tier of trunked radios with more limited feature
sets compared with higher-tier models in the XTL line of mobile radios.
These radios are no longer being manufactured but are still supported
by the vendor. These radios are upgradeable to P25 Phase I, but not to
Phase II.
XTL2500 – XTL2500 mobile radios are 800 MHz trunked Motorola
radios that were sold primarily during the 2000s. The XTL2500 series
was designed as a mid-tier trunked radio. These radios are no longer
being manufactured but are still supported by the vendor. These radios
are upgradeable to P25 Phase I, but not to Phase II.
XTL5000 – XTL5000 mobile radios are 800 MHz trunked Motorola
radios that were sold primarily during the 2000s. The XTL5000 series
was designed as a high-tier trunked radio. These radios are no longer
being manufactured but are still supported by the vendor. These radios
are upgradeable to P25 Phase I, but not to Phase II.
APX4500 – APX4500 mobile radios are 800 MHz trunked Motorola
radios in current production. The APX4500 series is designed as a low-
tier radio with fewer feature sets when compared with other radio
models in the APX series. These radios are upgradeable to P25 Phase
I and Phase II.
APX6500 – APX6500 mobile radios are 800 MHz trunked Motorola
radios in current production. The APX6500 is designed as a mid-tier
radio within the APX series. These radios are upgradeable to P25
Phase I and Phase II.
APX7500 – APX7500 mobile radios are 800 MHz trunked Motorola
radios in current production. The APX7500 series is designed as a
high-tier radio within the APX series, offering more feature sets when
compared with other models. Most notably, the APX7500 is a multiband
radio that can support operation in either the VHF or UHF bands, in
addition to the 700/800 band. These radios are upgradeable to P25
Phase I and Phase II.
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Paging Subscribers
Paging subscribers for the alphanumeric paging system vary by model and vintage. Paging
subscribers are the responsibility of each agency. Paging subscribers must meet the POCSAG
standard in order to be compatible with the County’s infrastructure. The current paging system
operates in the UHF T-Band.
The County’s existing paging infrastructure is at end-of-life and will need to be replaced. The new
system must be compatible with existing fielded POCSAG subscribers to ensure that replacement units
are not necessary. Because the UHF T-Band must be vacated, an alternate UHF frequency must be
identified in the public safety UHF general band. MCP reviewed the inventory of paging subscribers
and determined compatibility with UHF frequencies in the general public safety pool (450 to 470 MHz).
The primary pager model utilized throughout the County is the Apollo AL-A25 Gold. The AL-A25 Gold
pager supports operation from 450 MHz to 473 MHz. This operational range will accommodate UHF
channels that fall within the general public safety paging pools. Assuming an alternate UHF frequency
can be identified, the County should be able to switch frequencies out of the T-Band without requiring
agencies to purchase new pager units. MCP confirmed with the pager manufacturer that the
subscribers can accommodate an alternate channel in the desired band. A pager retune will be
required to reconfigure each unit. During the transition, the old and new paging systems will need to be
operated in parallel until all units can be retuned to the new frequency and system.
Frequencies
The following sections detail frequency considerations for each of the Broward County systems:
800 MHz Trunked System
The 800 MHz trunked system utilizes twenty-eight 800 MHz frequencies. Based on the current
Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) design, these channels provide a total of 27 concurrent
talk paths, plus one active control channel.
The new system will require either 700 MHz or 800 MHz frequencies for operation. Depending on the
specific design that the County chooses for implementation, it is likely that some reuse of the existing
800 MHz channels will be required.
While there are 28 channels operating on the system, only 21 are licensed to Broward County. The
Broward County School Board holds the license for the remaining seven channels. Depending on the
system usage ultimately decided upon by the School Board, the seven channels licensed to them may
or may not be available for use on the new system.
The County has reported interference issues occurring on the existing frequencies, which may render
certain channels undesirable for use in the new system. Further, if co-channel agencies have short-
Mission Critical Partners | 25
spaced to the County’s existing tower sites, it may prove difficult for the County to license additional
tower sites.
While all of the County’s frequencies are in the 800 MHz band, the channels are split between the
National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee (NPSPAC) range (851 – 854 MHz) and the
interleaved range (854 – 861 MHz). Channels in the NPSPAC band are subject to regional planning
and Region 9 must approve modifications. Channels in the interleaved range are subject to specific
rules enforced by certified public safety frequency coordinators.
In order to evaluate the presence of likely interferers or the ability to modify licenses in the future to add
additional radio sites, MCP conducted frequency searches on each of the County’s 800 MHz
frequencies. Table 4 below summarizes the nearest co-channel and 12.5 kHz adjacent-channel
incumbent agencies.
Table 4 – Broward County 800 MHz Frequencies Evaluation
Frequency Call Sign(s) Closest Co-Channel
(km)
Closest Adjacent-
Channel (km)
851.1875 WQBC532, WQBC531
(School Board)
N/A N/A
851.6875 WQBC532, WQBC531
(School Board)
N/A 42 (WPCJ404)
852.0375 WQBC532, WQBC531
(School Board)
182 N/A
852.7125 WQBC532, WQBC531
(School Board)
182 77
853.0625 WQBC532, WQBC531
(School Board)
N/A 42 (WPCJ404)
853.1875 WQBC532, WQBC531
(School Board)
158 101
853.7625 WQBC532, WQBC531
(School Board)
N/A 42
854.4625 KNJH368, WQAV305 140 N/A
855.2375 KNJH368, WQAV305 127 N/A
855.5625 KNJH368, WQAV305 155 N/A
855.6625 KNJH368, WQAV305 173 N/A
856.4875 KNJH368, WQAV305 140 N/A
856.7375 KNJH368, WQAV305 157 N/A
857.1875 KNJH368, WQAV305 N/A N/A
857.3625 KNJH368, WQAV305 N/A N/A
857.4875 KNJH368, WQAV305 140 N/A
857.7375 KNJH368, WQAV305 157 N/A
857.9875 KNJH368, WQAV305 157 N/A
858.3625 KNJH368, WQAV305 N/A N/A
858.4875 KNJH368, WQAV305 153 N/A
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Frequency Call Sign(s) Closest Co-Channel
(km)
Closest Adjacent-
Channel (km)
858.7375 KNJH368, WQAV305 157 N/A
858.9875 KNJH368, WQAV305 157 N/A
859.3625 KNJH368, WQAV305 N/A N/A
859.4375 KNJH368, WQAV305,
WNPH750
140 N/A
859.4875 KNJH368, WQAV305 140 N/A
859.7125 KNJH368, WQAV305 69 N/A
859.7375 KNJH368, WQAV305 157 N/A
859.9875 KNJH368, WQAV305 157 N/A
Based on its review of co-channel and adjacent-channel incumbents, MCP identified that the 859.7125
MHz frequency is licensed co-channel to the City of West Palm Beach. Based on the distance between
the systems it is not likely that the frequency can be shared without causing destructive interference.
Meanwhile, three frequencies licensed to the School Board were identified that are adjacent-channel to
the system operated by the City of Coral Gables. Based on the current SmartZone system and
Enhanced Digital Access Communications System (EDACS) operated by Broward County and Coral
Gables respectively, the 20 kHz channel bandwidth likely will cause interference. Once both of these
systems have been converted to P25, the likelihood of interference occurring will be reduced greatly.
Paging System
The alphanumeric paging system operates on the UHF T-Band frequency. Based on the implications
of the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2012, the frequency will need to be vacated prior to 2022. With a
replacement of the system planned, an alternate frequency will need to be identified in the general
public safety pool (450 to 470 MHz) to allow reuse of the existing pagers. The channel was excluded
from the narrowbanding mandate because it is in the T-Band.
The license shows that only two locations are operating under the license, even though the channel
actually operates at four sites in a simulcast configuration. There is currently a freeze on any licensing
changes in the T-Band, so a correction of the license will not be possible.
Fire Station Alerting System
The fire station alerting system operates on the UHF T-Band frequency. This frequency also will need
to be vacated prior to 2022 due to the implications of the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2012. With a
replacement of the system planned, an alternate frequency will need to be identified in the general
public safety pool (450 to 470 MHz) to allow reuse of the existing pagers.
Mission Critical Partners | 27
Microwave
The microwave system operates in the licensed 6 GHz frequency band. Separate licenses are held for
each fixed location. The microwave links will need to be reevaluated for the new system design. While
some links might be reused within the new design, it is likely that new sites will require updating the
microwave design and the associated path frequencies.
Of the available licensed microwave bands, the 6 GHz band has the longest wavelength and therefore
requires the largest microwave dishes. A reduction in dish sizes may be necessary if the County
converts any paths to the 10 GHz or 11 GHz frequency bands.
Backhaul Connectivity
The County’s microwave system utilizes Tadiran CM6 microwave radios powered by 48-volt, direct
current (DC) power supplies. Each radio site includes a minimum of two microwave radios to allow
continued operation in the event of a failure to any one radio. The system is arranged in a loop
configuration, which can account for the loss of any one microwave path due to rain fade or a
component failure, without impacting data flow over the network.
The microwave system is based on a circuit-switched platform supporting DS1, DS3, and STS-3
connections, with up to 155.52 Mbps of throughput per link. Motorola TeNSr channel banks are utilized
to multiplex the various radio traffic sources to the microwave system.
Figure 4 below depicts the microwave paths utilized by the Broward County system.
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Figure 4 – Broward County Microwave Paths
Modern P25 networks operate on IP-based platforms. While IP networks can be configured to operate
over legacy circuit-switched microwave links, an extra interface is required and additional latency is
added. Regardless of whether the existing microwave system technically could support a P25 system,
the system is no longer supported by the manufacturer and will need to be replaced.
Backhaul to the HMS in Plantation is provided utilizing redundant leased Synchronous Optical
Networking (SONET) connections from the prime site located at the PSB. Connectivity is provided from
the HMS to each of the regional dispatch centers utilizing redundant leased circuits. Figure 5 below
summarizes the overall system connectivity.
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Figure 5 – Broward County Backhaul Connectivity
Dispatch
Dispatch centers served by the Broward County communications systems include three regional
consolidated PSAPs serving most public safety agencies within the county; however, the cities of Coral
Springs and Plantation operate their own PSAPs.
The consolidated centers are located in Sunrise, Pembroke Pines, and Coconut Creek. The following
sections provide detailed information regarding each of the centers.
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Central Dispatch (Sunrise)
Figure 6 – Central Electronics Banks Equipment and Control Stations
Central Dispatch is the largest of the three regional consolidated PSAPs, serving portions of the
Broward Sheriff’s Office, the City of Fort Lauderdale, and numerous other municipalities. The center
operates on Motorola CENTRACOM Gold Elite dispatch consoles. The Central Electronics Bank (CEB)
located in an adjacent equipment room provides control for the console system. The CEB is interfaced
to the HMS utilizing a Motorola Gold Elite gateway to compensate for the varying signal formats and
baud rates between the P25 IP master site and the legacy Gold Elite console system. The center
operates 24 Gold Elite dispatch console positions.
The equipment room has 17 backup consolettes, including ASTRO Spectra and XTL5000 models.
Most of the backup consolettes connect to legacy systems that have since been replaced, and are
Mission Critical Partners | 31
therefore not functional. Two consolettes connect to talkgroups on the Palm Beach County system for
public safety interoperability between the two counties.
The center dispatches for the City of Fort Lauderdale, which currently operates a SmartNet system and
is in the process of implementing a P25 system tied to the HMS. If the County elects to implement a
solution that does not require use of the Motorola HMS, a solution will be necessary to provide console
connectivity for the Fort Lauderdale dispatch positions located at the center.
North Dispatch (Coconut Creek)
Figure 7 – Central Electronics Bank Equipment
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The Coconut Creek dispatch center serves portions of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, and various
municipalities operating in the northern portion of the County. The center operates on Motorola
CENTRACOM Gold Elite dispatch consoles. The Central Electronics Bank (CEB) located in an
adjacent equipment room provides control for the console system. The CEB is interfaced to the HMS
utilizing a Motorola Gold Elite gateway to compensate for the varying signal formats and baud rates
between the P25 IP master site and the legacy Gold Elite console system. The center operates 21
Gold Elite dispatch console positions.
The equipment room has 12 backup consolettes, including ASTRO Spectra and XTL5000 models. The
backup consolettes are programmed to the center’s dispatch talkgroups for operation in the event radio
consoles are inoperable.
South Dispatch (Pembroke Pines)
Figure 8 – Central Electronics Bank Equipment
Mission Critical Partners | 33
The Pembroke Pines dispatch center serves portions of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, and various
municipalities operating in the southern portion of the County. The center operates on Motorola
CENTRACOM Gold Elite dispatch consoles. The Central Electronics Bank (CEB) located in an
adjacent equipment room provides control for the console system. The CEB is interfaced to the HMS
utilizing a Motorola Gold Elite gateway to compensate for the varying signal formats and baud rates
between the P25 IP master site and the legacy Gold Elite console system. The center operates 18
Gold Elite dispatch console positions.
The equipment room has 12 backup consolettes, including ASTRO Spectra and XTL5000 models. The
backup consolettes are programmed to the center’s dispatch talkgroups for operation in the event radio
consoles are inoperable.
The center dispatches for the City of Hollywood, which operates an ASTRO Digital system tied to the
HMS. If the County elects to implement a solution that does not require use of the Motorola HMS, a
solution will be necessary to provide console connectivity for the Hollywood dispatch positions.
Logging Recorder
Each dispatch center operates a Replay Systems logging recorder that records both radio and
telephony traffic. The audio interface to the 800 MHz trunked system records traffic on a per-talkgroup
and per position configuration.
Once a new P25 system is installed, a new interface will be required for the radio system. These
interfaces typically allow a direct IP connection between the trunked system and the logging recorder.
A specialized programming interface will be required to connect the Replay Systems recording system
to the radio system. Radio recording can be accomplished in this manner utilizing a single recorder at
a centralized location.
Neighboring Systems
Interoperability with neighboring radio systems is critical to the operations of first responders. This
section details the systems operated by neighboring agencies and any pending migration plans for
those systems.
City of Hollywood
The City of Hollywood has a three-site, 800 MHz simulcast system that operates in a mixed mode
configuration with public safety exclusively on digital. The system is tied to the Motorola HMS. While
roaming (on wide area resources only) is technically possible between the Hollywood system and the
County infrastructure, this method of interoperability should not be practiced in order to preserve
capacity on the County system. Rather, because the County infrastructure adequately covers the City
of Hollywood for most interoperable events, interoperability occurs on the County system.
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The Hollywood system, like the County system, includes components that are at end-of-life and will
need to be replaced. The City currently utilizes Broward County’s system for interoperability and back
up in case of a City system failure for public safety users only. While the County is responsible for the
system equipment, the City is responsible for the towers, antennas, and ancillary systems (UPS,
generators, HVAC, etc.). No plans exist at this time for replacement of the City system. Dispatch is
provided for Hollywood by the County’s South Regional Dispatch Center.
City of Coral Springs
The City of Coral Springs recently implemented an 800 MHz P25 Phase I Motorola trunked system tied
to the HMS. Coral Springs subscribers are Motorola units programmed with Broward County
talkgroups. Interoperability between County system users and Coral Springs users occurs on the
County’s interoperability talkgroups. The City currently utilizes Broward County’s system for back up in
case of a City system failure. Those radios that are P25 capable on the County system are not yet
programmed to access the City system. Coral Springs operates its own dispatch center. Control
station connectivity between the County regional’s PSAPs and the Coral Springs system has not been
configured.
City of Plantation
The City of Plantation currently utilizes Broward County’s system for interoperability and back up in
case of a City system failure. Plantation intends to continue to utilize the countywide interoperability
talkgroups after the County’s new system is implemented.
The City is in the process of purchasing and implementing a new single-site, P25 Phase II system tied
to the Motorola HMS. Estimated completion is first quarter 2016. Future discussion regarding the
implementation of an ISSI connection will have to be directed to Motorola Solutions; however, the HMS
does have an ISSI server available for use.
Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County operates a legacy Motorola SmartZone 3.0 countywide trunked system. Cross
programming of the Broward interoperability talkgroups is provided on the Palm Beach system, with an
Interlocal agreement (ILA). Users on the Broward system have radios programmed with talkgroups on
the Palm Beach system based on need. Palm Beach County is in the process of procuring a new P25
system to replace its end-of-life infrastructure. Broward County also has radio consolettes programmed
to Palm Beach County’s public safety interoperability talkgroups for communications back to Broward
County’s dispatch center.
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County recently implemented a countywide P25 Phase I, 800 MHz system manufactured
by Harris Corporation. The system replaces the County’s aging 800 MHz Harris EDACS system.
Mission Critical Partners | 35
Interoperability is accomplished between users on the Broward and Miami-Dade systems utilizing
conventional interfaces. Miami-Dade has one control station configured to talk to a Broward County
talkgroup for the police department. Broward County has four talkgroups set up on their system for
Miami-Dade fire to come onto the County system. Miami-Dade fire also has the County’s MEDCOM
talkgroups ten, eight and five available. While some subscriber radios on the Broward system are P25
capable, none have been programmed on the Miami-Dade system at this time. Cross programming of
the two systems will be readily available for all subscribers once the Broward system is converted to
P25.
Collier County
Collier County is in the process of implementing a countywide P25 Phase I, 800 MHz system
manufactured by Harris Corporation to replace its aging EDACS system. Interoperability between the
counties typically occurs on mutual-aid repeaters. Subscriber radios historically have not been able to
be cross-programmed due to the proprietary technologies operated by both counties. Cross
programming of talkgroups will be available once both systems have completed their migrations to P25.
City of Miami
The City of Miami operates a legacy Motorola 800 MHz simulcast system. Subscriber radios are cross-
programmed between Broward County and City of Miami subscriber radios. The City currently is
evaluating options for the replacement of its system with a new P25-compliant system.
City of Miami Beach
The City of Miami Beach operates a legacy Motorola 800 MHz simulcast system. While the systems
are compatible, talkgroups currently are not programmed between Broward County and Miami Beach.
The City is exploring funding options to replace its aging system with a P25-compliant system.
City of Hialeah
The City of Hialeah operates a legacy Motorola 800 MHz, 10-channel SmartNet 3.1 simulcast system.
While the systems are compatible, talkgroups currently are not programmed between Broward County
and Hialeah. The City is exploring funding options to replace its aging system with a P25-compliant
system.
Intra-county Interoperability
Interoperability within Broward County is primarily conducted on the County’s communications system
because the system has both the capacity and coverage footprint required. Specific talkgroups have
been defined for interoperable events, and are the primary talkgroups utilized for events involving
multiple jurisdictions. In some instances, agency-specific talkgroups are utilized for multiagency
Mission Critical Partners | 36
response. The regional interoperability channels are the primary talkgroups shared with neighboring
agencies outside of Broward County for interoperability purposes.
In addition to the regional interoperability talkgroups, dispatchers in certain circumstances may patch
together two talkgroups in order to interconnect various agencies, utilizing the Florida Interoperability
Network (FIN).
Summary of Technical Requirements
Based on the factual objective information gathered by MCP, the following list summarizes technical
requirements for the County’s radio communications system:
Numerous system components already have reached end of life, the most critical of which are
the Model 6809 prime and site controllers. Numerous other critical components will reach end-
of-life in the near future, including the Gold Elite dispatch consoles and the Quantar repeaters.
With reduced system reliability due to age and a limited availability of support and spare parts,
components replacement is necessary to refresh the system infrastructure.
Several recent events occurred that resulted in the system failing to handle the traffic load of the
subscriber base, which in turn resulted in dropped calls and failed call attempts. Motorola
attributed the issues to the controllers failing to have the processing power needed to manage
the system load due to the high amount of affiliations that are occurring because of improperly
maintained subscribers.
Several portable in-building coverage gaps were identified. Additional radio sites are necessary
to fill in these gaps.
Portable outdoor coverage gaps were identified in the western half and Northeast section of the
county. An additional tower site is necessary to fill coverage within these areas.
The system regularly approaches its capacity limits of 27 concurrent talkgroup calls. Additional
capacity is necessary within the new system to account for current capacity levels and future
growth.
The microwave system has reached end-of-life, and should be replaced with a native IP system
that will integrate with a new IP-based P25 system.
There is a substantial number of fielded subscriber radios that are not P25 Phase II-capable.
Any non-P25 Phase I-capable subscriber will need to be replaced.
There is a substantial number of fielded subscriber radios that are P25 Phase I-capable but not
Phase II-capable. These radios may be upgraded to operate on the new system if a Phase I
solution is implemented, but will need to be replaced if a Phase II only solution is implemented.
The alphanumeric paging is well past its end-of-life, and is barely operating with only limited
functionality. A system replacement is required immediately to ensure continuous delivery of
the paging service.
The County’s radio sites have been well maintained. Additional structural studies will need to
be executed to validate that the towers can handle the load of both the existing equipment and
the new equipment during the transition period.
Mission Critical Partners | 37
Most of the County’s existing radio shelters are in good condition. However, grounding and
HVAC upgrades should be required at some locations.
Most of the existing shelters have sufficient space to accommodate equipment for the new
system. However, some equipment will need to be configured in a temporary manner until the
old system can be decommissioned. Electrical loads and HVAC concerns need to be calculated
to determine further risks of having existing and new systems operating simultaneously.
Several frequencies were identified that pose a high risk of causing or receiving interference.
Replacement channels will be necessary, along with additional channels to support added
capacity if a P25 Phase I system is implemented.
The County dispatches for the cities of Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. A dispatch solution
must be implemented that can integrate with both the new County system, the Fort Lauderdale
P25 system, and the legacy Motorola Hollywood system.
The logging recorder will need to be integrated with the new P25 system.
The paging system will need to be integrated with the County’s CAD system.
The fire station alerting system will need to be integrated with the County’s computer aided
dispatch software.
OPERATIONAL BASELINE
The operational baseline describes various user groups and feedback regarding the system. The
purpose of the operational baseline is to determine the needs that the current communications system
satisfies and those that it does not. Using this information, a set of requirements is established that
defines what features the new communications system must provide.
This section includes a summary of the agencies that utilize the Broward County radio system,
feedback collected regarding the system during interviews with end-users and interoperability partners,
feedback collected regarding the system from Web surveys and MCP’s assessment of the most-critical
system concerns that should be addressed in an improved or new communications system.
User Agencies
The Broward County regional communications system serves all public safety agencies in the county
with the exception of the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Coral Springs, and Plantation. While all
other municipalities are on the system, some have law enforcement and fire/EMS services provided by
the Broward Sheriff’s Office. In addition to public safety responders, the system supports several
County and municipal government operations, as well as operations for the Broward County School
Board. Table 5 below summarizes user agencies on the system.
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Table 5 – Broward County Communications System User Agencies
Broward County Schools Lighthouse Point Fire
Broward County Department of Detention Lauderdale by the Sea Fire
Broward County Fire Margate Fire
Broward County Local Government users* Margate Police
Broward County Sheriff's Office Miramar Fire
Coconut Creek Police Miramar Police
Broward County Local Government North Lauderdale Fire
Dania Local Government (Ocean Rescue) Oakland Park Fire
Davie Fire Pompano Beach Fire
Davie Police Pembroke Pines Fire
Deerfield (Ocean Rescue) Pembroke Pines Police
Hallandale Fire Seminole Fire
Hallandale Police Sunrise Fire
Hillsboro Beach Police Sunrise Police
Lauderhill Fire Sea Ranch Lakes Police
Lauderhill Police Tamarac Fire
Lighthouse Point Police
*Broward County is migrating all County Local Government agencies to a local government only radio
system by end of 2015.
Summary of Operational Requirements
The following list summarizes issues identified by system users or interoperability partners that need to
be considered with the design of the system:
Coverage – The existing system does not adequately penetrate dense buildings, including high-
rises, schools, and hospitals. A greater level of in-building coverage should be considered to
account for current buildings and future growth. Coverage also needs to be improved in the
western half of the County (Interstate-75 and Everglades), and in Deerfield Beach (NE section
of County).
Capacity – Capacity issues were noted by most user groups on the system. Capacity on the
system needs to be improved. Many of the capacity issues are a result of subscriber issues, i.e.
high number of affiliations and inefficient use of frequencies. In addition, users on other systems
have the capability to roam to the Broward County system that starts utilizing channels on both
systems.
Reliability – The system has suffered from numerous outages related to subscribers that have
reduced confidence in the system. The new system must include added redundancy or
capability in design to avoid similar issues.
Maintenance – Many agencies indicated that they do not have a preventive maintenance
program for subscribers. Poorly maintained subscribers will contribute to the perception of poor
Mission Critical Partners | 39
system coverage and performance. A preventive maintenance program is needed for all
subscriber radios on the system.
Paging – Users of the paging system desire improved reliability, improved coverage back to
original design levels, and continued support of the existing system until the point that the new
system is installed.
Fire Station Alerting – Users had few complaints regarding the fire station alerting system.
Requests were made for the new system to be backward compatible with the existing system.
The system should support a flexible platform to allow stations to implement a variety of “bells
and whistles” according to their needs.
Dispatch – Talkgroup capacity needs to be expanded to allow access to all possible tactical
talkgroups that may be assigned.
Data functionality – Numerous features were identified as important or critical that require data
functionality, including GPS, OTAR, and OTAP.
Interoperability gaps were primarily with agencies on other systems, including State and Federal
agencies. User training is necessary in the new system for both end users and dispatch
personnel to review available and new interoperability capabilities. This would include when and
how to use different talkgroups and other resources such as FIN.
Opportunities were identified with interoperability partners for improved connectivity now that
most systems are migrating to P25 and cross-programming of systems will be available
Various subscriber radio esthetic features were identified as important to some agencies,
including specialized knobs, screens, colors, etc.
4. ANALYSIS
In order to establish a direction for the Broward County radio network, an analysis must be completed
that reviews industry standards and trends, and determines which technologies will most benefit the
Broward County user community. This section explores the various components and technologies that
will determine the recommended specifications for Broward County.
COVERAGE
Coverage in Broward County was documented by MCP using a combination of radio propagation
studies and feedback provided by system users (see Appendices E and F for user comments). MCP
uses EDX SignalPro to conduct the studies by using the industry standard TSB-88 documents for as
accurate studies as possible for public safety. Radio propagation studies indicate that the current
system provides a high level of both mobile and portable outdoor coverage throughout the County’s
population center. However, portable outdoor coverage is unreliable throughout most of the western
half of the county over the Everglades. Portable in-building coverage was evaluated at on street and
15 dB of attenuation for medium-rated buildings and is located in Appendix G.
Mission Critical Partners | 40
The in-building studies indicate that numerous areas exist that experience unreliable coverage on the
existing analog system that appears as “noisy” or “scratchy” transmissions to users. Because every
building is different, these studies do not guarantee that the radio system will cover any particular
building. Conversely, buildings closer to tower sites will receive signal levels stronger than the
minimum threshold on any particular study. Based on the in-building coverage studies, the portions of
the county with the weakest coverage include the cities of Deerfield, Davie and Tamarac, as well as the
western portions of Weston and Miramar.
User feedback confirmed coverage problems within the areas identified in the propagation studies. In
addition to these areas, numerous coverage gaps were identified in dense structures, such as high-rise
buildings, hospitals and schools. Because these coverage problems are localized to specific buildings,
it is likely that these coverage gaps are the result of building density. In areas where these in-building
coverage problems are concentrated, it may be realistic to add a radio site or sites. However, it is not
realistic to expect that sites can be added to every building. Once the new system is installed,
coverage should be reevaluated in problematic buildings. If the coverage issues persist, Bi-Directional
Amplifiers (BDAs) should be considered to improve in-building coverage.
It is MCP’s opinion that a greater coverage requirement is necessary along the eastern border of the
county, where high-rise buildings are most prevalent. Additional in-building coverage is required in the
cities of Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Finally, coverage improvements are needed in the Deerfield
Beach area and in the western half of the county over the Everglades, along I-75.
Based on these requirements, MCP recommends the following coverage enhancements:
1. Replace receive-only sites in Deerfield and Tamarac with full simulcast transmit/receive sites
2. Add additional simulcast radio sites in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale to provide greater in-
building penetration and ocean-front coverage
3. Add additional sites along the coast in the North Lake and Pompano Beach areas to provide
greater in-building penetration and ocean-front coverage
4. Add a multicast site with five channels along I-75 in the western portion of the county
This approach would result in 14 simulcast, transmit and receive sites and one multicast site, for a total
of 15 sites. MCP will confirm the estimated number of radio sites during the design phase.
CAPACITY
Based on radio inventories, the Broward County system supports more than 10,000 subscriber radios
from primary users on the system. In addition to the primary users, there are several thousand
additional units that access the system for interoperability purposes, including regular access by in-
county users from the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Plantation and Coral Springs.
With 28 channels in the existing system, 27 active conversations can be supported at any given point in
time. Feedback from radio system administrators indicates that the system regularly approaches its
Mission Critical Partners | 41
capacity limit. User feedback confirms that busy signals are received on the system; however, users
often cannot discern between a busy tone and a deny tone.
Feedback provided by the radio system administrator indicates that the School Board is one of the
heaviest users on the system. The system is busiest in the mornings and afternoons when school
busses are active.
Because trunked systems dynamically assign frequencies to active channels, capacity is defined as the
probability that the system will not have an available frequency to accommodate a talkgroup request,
resulting in the subsequent queuing of the call. Erlang C calculations can determine the appropriate
number of channels for a trunked system based on the number of active users, the average number of
calls per hour, and the average duration of each call.
Based on the user survey results provided in Appendix F, MCP evaluated the GoS based on the
reported number of active number of radio users that are on shift at any one point in time. This provides
an approximate 4,848 active users with an average of five calls per hour and an average duration of
four seconds. Table 6 below summarizes the results of the Erlang C calculations for the 4,848 active
users.
Table 6 – Erlang C Calculations Reported
System Erlangs
# Of Users Average
Call Duration
# of Calls per Hour
Acceptable Queued Call
Delay (in seconds)
Maximum # of Voice
Channels
26.93 4,848 4.0 5.00 1.0 30
Number of Voice
Channels
Probability Call
Request Blocked
Average Queue Depth
Average Call Delay
Queued Call Delay
(in seconds)
Arbitrary Call Delay
% Calls Exceeding Acceptable Queued Call
Delay
36 0.07 0.19 0.03 0.10 0.01 0.7%
35 0.09 0.32 0.05 0.13 0.01 1.3%
34 0.14 0.51 0.08 0.17 0.02 2.3%
33 0.19 0.84 0.12 0.22 0.04 4.1%
32 0.26 1.37 0.20 0.28 0.07 7.3%
31 0.35 2.31 0.34 0.36 0.13 12.6%
30 0.46 4.06 0.60 0.46 0.21 21.5%
29 0.60 7.87 1.17 0.60 0.36 36.0%
28 0.78 19.61 2.91 0.77 0.59 59.5%
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Consequently, additional capacity is required in order to: limit future busies; accommodate increased
interoperability access from neighboring agencies migrating to P25; account for increased surge
capacity; and account for the potential addition of Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood users. Additional
capacity can be accomplished through multiple simulcast cells (or zones) if a P25 Phase I design is
implemented, or through the implementation of time division multiple access (TDMA) technology with a
P25 Phase II design. Capacity would be increased because TDMA provides two talk paths for every
one frequency.
SPECTRUM AND FCC LICENSING
Frequency acquisition is one of the most challenging, time consuming, and uncertain aspects of any
radio system implementation. In many cases, the availability of frequencies can dictate the frequency
band in which a system is constructed.
This section addresses the strengths and weaknesses of each available public safety frequency band,
as well as the frequency availability in each band.
UHF (450 – 512 MHz)
The UHF frequency band covers the range from 450 MHz to 512 MHz. The upper portion of the band
(470 to 512 MHz) encompasses the UHF T-Band that Broward County currently utilizes for its paging
and fire station alerting systems. The lower portion of the band (450 to 470 MHz) includes the general
public safety and industrial/business frequency pools. UHF band is heavily utilized in the region by
municipal public works systems, including the MOTOTRBO system implemented by Broward County.
The UHF band provides fixed offsets between transmit and receive frequencies, thus supporting the
use of repeater systems.
As indicated previously, the federal government has mandated that agencies vacate the T-Band prior to
2022 as a condition of the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2012. No information has been provided that
would indicate public safety agencies will be provided relief for systems operating in the T-Band. Most
recently, the FCC has prioritized portions of the 700 MHz band for agencies vacating the T-Band. MCP
is aware of several agencies around the country that already are taking action to move operations out
of the T-Band and to the 700 MHz band at their own expense. These changes require complete
system overhauls involving subscriber unit and infrastructure replacements.
Based on the pending requirement to vacate the T Band, the ideal option for the paging and fire station
alerting systems would be to find UHF channels in the 450 to 470 MHz general public safety pool. An
alternate frequency would ensure that the County does not need to consider another upgrade within the
next five to seven years, would allow for the reuse of existing subscribers, and would permit a phased
cutover where both the existing and new systems could operate in parallel until the new system is
constructed.
Mission Critical Partners | 43
MCP conducted a frequency search of the UHF public safety pool frequencies and identified the
channels listed in Table 7 below for consideration. MCP notes that many of these channels already are
licensed to municipalities in Broward County. Consequently, the County would need to work with these
agencies to identify which channels are not in use and could be repurposed for the paging or fire station
alerting systems.
Table 7 – Potential UHF Frequencies for Use by Broward County
Frequency (MHz) Closest Incumbent Closest Co-Channel
Excluding Incumbent (km)
453.0250 Pembroke Pines Fire
Rescue (WPGV944) 127
453.125 Pembroke Pines Fire
Rescue (WPGV944) 78
453.1625 City of Oakland Park
(WQRJ623) 71
453.1875 Cooper City
(WQGF266) 95
453.2250 Broward Sheriff’s Office
(WPUI538) 33
453.2625 City of Pembroke Pines
(WQHI932) 33
453.2875 City of Coral Springs
(WPUE349) 61
453.3000 Broward County
(WQVQ763) 34
453.3375 Broward County
(WQVQ763) 78
453.4750 Pembroke Pines Fire
Rescue (WPGV944) 42
453.4875
City of Pompano Beach
Utilities Department
(WPGI658)
43
453.5625 Broward County
(WQVQ763) 54
453.5875 Broward County
(WQVQ763) 35
453.6000 Broward County
(WQVQ763) 35
453.6375 Broward County
(WQVQ763) 33
453.6875 City of Coral Springs
(WPJZ727) 52
453.7375 Broward County
(WQVQ763) 33
Mission Critical Partners | 44
Frequency (MHz) Closest Incumbent Closest Co-Channel
Excluding Incumbent (km)
453.7500 Broward Sheriff’s Office
(WPUI537) 27
453.7625 City of Pembroke Pines
(WQJG980) 59
453.7750 City of Sunrise
(KRA368) 72
453.8375 Broward County
(WQVQ763) 33
453.8750
The School Broward of
Broward Count, FL
(KNBL836)
61
453.9000 City of Sunrise
(KRA368) 33
453.9125 City of Hallandale
Beach (WPHJ772) 34
453.9500 South Broward Hospital
District (WPUH654) 55
453.9625 City of Miramar
(WPAU930) 34
460.0500 City of Fort Lauderdale
(KNCM867) 76
460.1000 City of Fort Lauderdale,
(KNCM867) 131
460.1250 City of Fort Lauderdale
(KNCM867) 45
460.0500 City of Fort Lauderdale
(KNCM867) 76
460.5500 Broward County
(WQVQ763) 33
460.5750 City of Lauderhill
(WRU991) 53
460.5875 Broward County
(WPKT964) 112
460.6000 City of Margate
(WPLY494) 131
460.6125 Broward County
(WPKT964) 142
460.6250 Pembroke Pines Fire
Rescue (WPWD481) 45
460.6375 Broward County
(WPTK964) 99
Mission Critical Partners | 45
Based on MCP’s evaluation of these frequencies, the two that would be best for the fire station alerting
and paging systems are 460.5875 MHz and 460.6125 MHz. Both of these channels already are
licensed to Broward County and are clear with sufficient co-channel spacing to operate with minimal
risk of causing interference. In the event that these channels cannot be used, the 460.6375 MHz
frequency, also licensed to Broward County, likely could be licensed. The next best alternatives are
460.6 MHz (licensed to the City of Margate), 453.025 MHz (licensed to Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue),
and 460.1 MHz (licensed to the City of Fort Lauderdale).
800 MHz (806 – 860 MHz)
Frequencies in the 800 MHz band are pre-paired for repeater operations, with mobile frequencies 45
MHz below the base frequencies. The frequencies are assigned in two licensing pools: the interleaved
band, which is governed by frequency coordination rules (854–860 MHz); and the NPSPAC band,
which is governed by regional planning committees (851–854 MHz). The 800 MHz band is heavily
encumbered and frequency acquisition will be more limited.
The 800 MHz frequency band is the band used by the current trunking system. This frequency band
has been widely deployed throughout the region, and is used by most of the primary trunked
communications systems in south Florida.
Broward County is licensed for 22 channels in the 800 MHz band, 21 of which are sufficiently clear to
be relicensed for the new communications system. There are seven additional channels in use by the
County that are licensed to the Broward County School Board that are sufficiently clear to be used
within the new system.
However, based on how highly encumbered the 800 MHz band is, it is not likely that additional 800
MHz channels could be secured to support increased capacity.
700 MHz (769 – 805 MHz)
Frequencies in the 700 MHz band are pre-paired for repeater operations, with mobile frequencies 30
MHz above the base frequencies. The 700 MHz frequency band provides the most likely source of
spectrum for Broward County. The band is not heavily encumbered and frequency assignments
already have been made to Broward County. Twenty-five 25-kHz channel blocks in this band are
assigned for use within the County. Of those 25 channels, MCP identified applications submitted by
Broward County to Region 9 for 20 channels. Those channels show an approval date of January 25,
2011, by the RPC, but do not appear to ever have been licensed. A frequency search confirms that
those channels are still available should Broward County choose to implement them. Table 8 below
summarizes the 700 MHz channel allotments for use in Broward County.
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Table 8 – 700 MHz Frequencies Available for Use in Broward County
Class Bandwidth Channel Base Frequency
Mobile Frequency
Notation
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 41-44 769.262500 799.262500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 53-56 769.337500 799.337500 RDSTF Project Reserved
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 89-92 769.562500 799.562500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 129-132 769.812500 799.812500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 133-136 769.837500 799.837500 RDSTF Project Reserved
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 169-172 770.062500 800.062500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 241-244 770.512500 800.512500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 289-292 770.812500 800.812500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 329-332 771.062500 801.062500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 357-360 771.237500 801.237500 RDSTF Project Reserved
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 369-372 771.312500 801.312500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 409-412 771.562500 801.562500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 417-420 771.612500 801.612500 RDSTF Project Reserved
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 457-460 771.862500 801.862500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 497-500 772.112500 802.112500 RDSTF Project Reserved
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 533-536 772.337500 802.337500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 573-576 772.587500 802.587500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 617-620 772.862500 802.862500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 661-664 773.137500 803.137500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 709-712 773.437500 803.437500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 757-760 773.737500 803.737500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 821-824 774.137500 804.137500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 861-864 774.387500 804.387500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 901-904 774.637500 804.637500 Application Pending
General Use Voice 25.0KHz 945-948 774.912500 804.912500 Application Pending
Use of the 700 MHz frequency band requires systems to operate with digital modulation and to have
radios that are capable of accessing the 700 MHz interoperability channels in the P25 conventional
mode. There were limitations previously that required systems to operate with a 6.25 kHz channel
efficiency by 2018, which would require P25 Phase II systems with TDMA capabilities. This
requirement has since been eliminated by the FCC, allowing the use of Phase I FDMA systems for the
foreseeable future.
Mission Critical Partners | 47
Spectrum and Capacity
Based on the heavy loading levels on the existing 28-channel system and the potential for increased
user groups on the system from the cities of Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, a substantial increase in
capacity is recommended. Based on the design options provided, the capacity increase will be
accomplished through the addition of channels if a Phase I design is selected, or through conversion to
TDMA if a Phase II design is selected.
The maximum number of conversations supported by a single Phase I simulcast cell is 29 for a
maximum 30 RF channels. The maximum number of conversations supported by a single Phase II
simulcast cell is 36 for a maximum 19 RF channels. When more than maximum channels exist on any
one cell, there is a higher probability that collisions can occur, which would result in subscribers being
denied access to the system. The alternative approach to expanding capacity beyond a single
simulcast cell is to construct a separate simulcast cell with the same geographic footprint. This
approach essentially requires building a separate system with identical site locations and coverage
footprint. An overlapping simulcast cell design is not recommended due to reduced trunking efficiency
from splitting the channels, and the potential for cross-zone roaming between the two cells.
Assuming a P25 Phase I design, 44 channels will be required for the primary zone and an additional
five for the multicast site totaling 49 channels. The County could reasonably secure 20 channels in the
700 MHz band allocated for use to Broward County in the National Public Safety Telecommunications
Council (NPSTC) Computer Assisted Pre-coordination Resource and Database (CAPRAD). The
remaining 29 channels would be pulled from the County’s pool of 20 licensed 800 MHz channels that
have sufficient co-channel spacing from incumbents. This still leaves an additional nine channels
required to build the system yet to be identified. This introduces a risk factor to acquire all the channels
necessary. This approach would require a combination of 700 MHz and 800 MHz antenna systems to
accommodate repeaters operating in both frequency bands. Combiners and antennas are available
that cover both bands, so this is a challenge that can easily be overcome but it will severely impact the
equipment at the sites and loading on the towers. Likewise, a hybrid design with 35 channels would
require the use of both 700 and 800 MHz spectrum.
If a P25 Phase II design is selected, then 19 frequencies will be required for the primary zone and an
additional five for the multicast site totaling 24 channels. For this approach, migration entirely to the
700 MHz band would be recommended for the primary zone. Migration to 700 MHz entirely would
greatly simplify the cutover process since none of the existing channels would be utilized on the new
system. This would allow both the old and new systems to remain entirely functional for an extended
period of time, allowing users adequate time to cut over their operations.
License modifications will be required regardless of the option selected. Acquiring the 700 MHz
channels will require filing of an application with the Region 9 RPC. An application previously was
submitted by Broward County in 2010 for 20 channels. The application was approved by the Region 9
RPC, but the County was not allowed to proceed due to the build out requirements. These channels
still appear to be clear and Broward County still should be able to license them.
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Modification of the County’s 800 MHz allotments will require filing with a certified public safety
frequency coordinator. All of the channels fall within the 800 MHz interleaved pool and therefore
approval through the RPC is not required. Radio sites can be added on these channels as long as they
are separated by more than 113 kilometers (km) from other co-channel incumbent licensees. Twenty
of the County’s 21 licensed channels will satisfy this requirement.
Meanwhile, alternate channels are needed for the alphanumeric paging system and for the fire station
alerting system if a wireless triggering solution is implemented. MCP identified two UHF channels in
the general public safety pool that are licensed for low-power, mobile-only usage, and which are clear
enough to support the paging and fire station alerting systems. MCP confirmed that these channels are
used by the Broward Sheriff’s Office for special weapons and tactics (SWAT) operations. MCP
recommends repurposing these channels for the paging and fire station alerting systems, and licensing
alternate channels for SWAT operations.
The microwave system operates on the licensed 6 GHz frequency band. This frequency band is
recommended for continued use due to its resistance to rain fade. Once the microwave design is
finalized, a filing will need to be made with a certified microwave coordinator.
INTEROPERABILITY ISSUES AND STANDARDS
One of the primary goals of any communications systems is to provide interoperability for emergency
response personnel. MCP’s assessment of interoperable communications in the County is based on
the Interoperability Continuum developed by the federal SAFECOM program and adopted by the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the national standard for evaluating interoperable
communications. The Interoperability Continuum provides a basis for planning both tactical
interoperable communications programs and strategic initiatives to improve interoperable
communications. Federal grant programs that provide funding for interoperable communications
initiatives use the goals and standards encompassed in the Interoperability Continuum.
The information that follows provides a foundation for MCP’s approach to assessing interoperable
communications.
Interoperability Continuum
Interoperability planning should be based on the principles developed by the SAFECOM program—
including the Interoperability Continuum, which is depicted in Figure 9 below—for achieving effective
communications interoperability.
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Figure 9 – SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum
The Interoperability Continuum was established to depict the core facets of interoperability, according
to the stated needs and challenges of the emergency response community. It will aid emergency
responders and policymakers in their short- and long-term interoperability efforts, as they plan and
implement interoperability solutions.
Making progress in all aspects of interoperability is essential, because the elements are
interdependent. Therefore, to gain a true picture of a region's interoperability, progress along all five
elements of the Interoperability Continuum must be considered together. For example, when a region
procures new equipment, that region should plan training and conduct exercises to make the best use
of that equipment.
Technology on the Interoperability Continuum
Since this assessment is based primarily on radio technology, MCP focused on how current and future
technologies might support effective interoperability for first responders within Broward County.
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Although technology is a critical tool for improving interoperability, it is not the sole driver of an optimal
solution. Success in each of the other elements is essential to the proper use and implementation of
technology, and should drive its procurement. Technology is highly dependent upon existing
infrastructure within a region. Multiple technology solutions may be required to support large events.
The Interoperability Continuum identifies five levels of technology from least effective to most effective:
Swap radios—Swapping radios or maintaining a cache of standby radios is an age-old solution
that is time-consuming, management-intensive, and may provide only limited results due to
channel availability
Gateways—Gateways retransmit across multiple frequency bands providing an interim
interoperability solution as agencies move toward shared systems. Gateways, however, are
inefficient in that they require twice as much spectrum because each participating agency must
use at least one channel in each band per common talk path, and because they are tailored for
communications within the geographic coverage area common to all participating systems
within the region
Shared channels—Interoperability is promoted when agencies share a common frequency
band, air interface (analog or digital) and are able to agree on common channels. However, the
general frequency congestion that exists across the United States can place severe restrictions
on the number of independent interoperability talk paths available in some bands
Proprietary shared systems, and standards-based shared systems—Regional shared systems
provide the optimal solution to interoperability. While proprietary systems limit the user's choice
of product with regard to manufacturer, standards-based shared systems promote competitive
procurement and a wide selection of products to meet specific user needs. With proper
planning of the talkgroup architecture, interoperability is provided as a byproduct of system
design, thus creating an optimal technology solution
Swapping Radios (Radio Caches)
Swapping radios, by maintaining radio caches, is one way to provide interoperability among agencies
jointly responding to an incident. Radio caches allow on-scene responders from all agencies to swap
incompatible radios. This allows all responders to use a common, compatible set of radios. For a radio
cache to be an effective shared resource, it should have the following characteristics:
Be fully charged and maintained, ready for deployment at all times
Include extra charged batteries for extended deployments
Provide personnel to transport the radios to the incident scene
Provide technicians for on-scene support during the deployment
Provide check-out and tracking procedures during the incident to assure that the radios are
properly returned to the cache following the incident
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Radio caches are maintained by several agencies within Broward County. In addition to in-county
caches, deployable assets equipped with radio caches are operated by numerous agencies in south
Florida that are available to any requesting agency.
Radio caches represent one of the primary tools available in Broward County to support interoperability
with agencies operating in the VHF or UHF frequency bands, with radios not properly programmed to
operate on the Broward County system, or with no radios at all. They represent the most reliable way
to establish communications when no other radio infrastructure is present. However, the use of radio
caches as the sole method to achieve interoperability is not desired. Properly maintaining a radio
cache and assuring that radios are always ready to be used is labor intensive and time consuming.
Also, users of cache radios may not be familiar with the equipment or the system. In addition,
resources are limited to the number of cache radios, which typically is insufficient in the event of a
major disaster when many users must operate on a neighboring system.
While it certainly would be desirable to eliminate the need to maintain two radio platforms to provide
mutual-aid communications with neighboring jurisdictions, it is important to point out that interoperable
gateways require overlapping coverage from both systems to be effective. It is likely that this
requirement will not be met when users are responding to another jurisdiction in order to provide
mutual-aid. For this reason, cache radios can be an effective tool when other interoperability solutions
are not available. During a major disaster, emergency response agencies from all over the state or
country may respond. During these events, all aspects of the interoperability continuum become
critical, including cache radios.
Interoperable Gateways
Gateway systems provide connections between two or more radio networks, allowing users on one
network to communicate with users on other networks. For example, a group of users on an 800 MHz
channel used by Agency A can be connected to a group of users on a VHF channel used by Agency B.
The interconnection is created when two or more radio channels or voice paths are connected to each
other via a gateway device, such as a console patch.
Gateway systems can be configured to support any number of channels. Using gateway systems,
usually through a dispatch console, a dispatch operator can select the appropriate channels to
interconnect. With many gateways, multiple interconnect sessions involving distinct groups can be
established at any given time by the gateway operator. The maximum number of simultaneous
interconnect sessions in progress depends on the gateway system.
Gateway systems typically are used in regions where there is overlapping coverage of participating
radio communications systems. For example, two agencies responding to an incident can have
channels from their respective communications networks interconnected; however, this is only useful if
the coverage area of each network includes the incident location. An agency must be able to access its
own communications network. Thus, the service areas for a gateway system generally are restricted to
the overlapping service area of all participating agencies.
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Mobile gateways refer to field-deployable devices that can be used to enhance tactical interoperability.
Mobile gateways are the most useful when agencies do not have overlapping coverage and must
respond to a localized event, such as a rural brush fire. The gateway allows for the interconnection of
simplex channels in different frequency bands, and permits localized interoperability within the limited
coverage area of the gateway transmitters and antenna systems. The problem with these systems is
the time delay associated with deploying the equipment and training limitations due to the infrequent
use of equipment.
There are numerous gateway systems available in Broward County. The most commonly used
gateway is the Gold Elite dispatch consoles operated at the consolidated Broward County PSAPs.
Most neighboring systems have talkgroups tied to the console system through conventional gateways,
allowing dispatchers to patch those talkgroups to talkgroups on the Broward County system. This
patching solution is effective where there is overlapping coverage, particularly along the borders
between Broward County and either Miami-Dade or Palm Beach counties. There are numerous
deployable gateways maintained by various agencies throughout the county.
In addition to gateways within the County, the State of Florida operates a network of MOTOBRIDGE
gateways connected to various systems and interoperability repeaters throughout the state. The
Florida Interoperability Network (FIN) provides a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) access portal
where agencies can establish patches, remotely monitor station traffic, and activate repeaters that are
otherwise left in the receive-only mode.
While gateway systems can be an effective tool in certain circumstances, there are also challenges with
gateway use. If too many channels are patched together, the result may be a single congested channel
that is not operationally useable and which utilizes a large number of system resources. Also, patches
typically can be removed only by the original creator. If someone forgets to disable a patch,
communications can be impaired once the need is diminished.
While gateways are an effective method to establish interoperability, they are not the ideal method due
to the need for overlapping coverage and the loading of channels in multiple systems. However,
situations certainly exist where patching is an effective interoperability tool. Consequently, continued
use of patching systems would be an effective part of the solution to meet the interoperability needs of
Broward County users.
Shared Channels
Shared channels refer to common frequencies that have been established and are programmed into
radios to provide direct interoperable communications among disparate agencies. In order to use this
option, all user radios must be capable of operating on the same frequency band with the same
modulation scheme. Shared channels and shared systems are the only types of interoperable
communications equipment that are always available, because no third-party intervention or
overlapping system coverage is necessary.
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Shared 8CALL and 8TAC frequencies in the 800 MHz band are deployed throughout Florida, and are
accessible by any 700/800 MHz-capable subscriber radio, regardless of manufacturer. Most subscriber
radios are programmed with these channels. These mutual-aid repeaters are used in circumstances
where responding units within the coverage footprint of a repeater do not have compatible systems or
overlapping coverage for gateway usage. The Florida Mutual Aid (MAFLA) frequency (854.6375 MHz)
is another shared mutual-aid channel that is available statewide.
While these shared channels provide an excellent resource for interoperability across the state, the
available capacity in any given area is extremely limited. As agencies migrate to P25, the need for
interoperability repeaters is diminished. However, there still will likely be scenarios where responding
units have 700/800 MHz radios that are not properly programmed to access the local systems. In these
circumstances, mutual-aid repeaters still will be required.
Proprietary Shared Systems
Proprietary shared systems refer to the use of a common technology among multiple agencies that is
proprietary to a specific vendor. Examples of proprietary systems include the Motorola SmartZone
system currently operated by Broward County. Multiple users operating with a proprietary technology
have the ability, with proper permission, to access the talkgroups and features of the system. This has
been the common mode of achieving interoperability for agencies within Broward County for many
years. Seamless interoperability is available provided that all users are using the same proprietary
technology in the same frequency band.
Proprietary systems have the inherent limitation of being specific to an individual vendor. Use of
proprietary systems as a regional interoperability solution requires the consensus of all stakeholders on
the vendor and technology to implement. Individual agencies that choose to operate proprietary
solutions without the consensus of interoperability partners within the region create an interoperability
scenario that is limited to a gateway solution. Even if that consensus is achieved, regional proprietary
systems limit the capabilities of users from outside the region to communicate.
Interoperability has been limited between users of Motorola and Harris systems in south Florida for
many years due to proprietary technologies, requiring the use of gateways or mutual-aid repeaters to
establish interoperability. Most of these proprietary systems either have already been replaced or will
be replaced in the near future with standards-based P25 systems.
In the present public safety radio market, proprietary systems are not recommended as an
interoperability solution. Proprietary systems became popular during the advent of trunking systems in
the 1980s and 1990s. However, with the development of P25, proprietary systems are less desirable
given their inherent interoperability limitations and vendor restrictions.
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Standards-based Shared Systems
Standards-based shared systems involve the implementation of a common standards-based
technology. P25 is an example of a standards-based technology.
By implementing standards-based shared systems, radio users have the flexibility to purchase
equipment from different vendors and still maintain shared communications on trunking architecture.
This allows users from different agencies to access shared talkgroups on neighboring systems in much
the same way that shared channels are used. However, shared system access in this case provides
the guest user access to the wide-area coverage, security and other feature sets provided by trunked
systems. In addition, trunked systems are better able to manage system loading and capacity, and are
thus better able to accommodate an influx of interoperability traffic. Because these systems are
standards-based, it is more likely that users responding from outside the region that have radios based
on a common standards-based technology will be able to operate on the system.
The only interoperability limitation of standards-based shared systems concerns the frequency band.
When users operate in disparate frequency bands, the only solutions available to allow cross-band
communication are gateways or multiband radios.
Most agencies in the region either have already implemented P25 systems or are in the process of
implementing such systems. As additional agencies convert to P25, there are opportunities for shared
talkgroup programming that was previously not possible. Examples of agencies with which Broward
County will experience increased interoperability include Miami-Dade County and Collier County.
Along with shared talkgroup programming, P25 offers additional features such as the ISSI that can be
further leveraged to enhance interoperability.
The system being proposed for Broward County is a standards-based shared system.
Interoperability Requirements
With the implementation of P25, there are opportunities to implement additional features and
capabilities that did not exist on the previous system. The expansion of cross-system programming into
Broward County subscriber units provides immediate capability to users. Cross-system programming
exists today for the agencies within Broward County and within the Palm Beach and City of Miami
systems. However, cross-system programming previously has never been available with the
neighboring systems operated by Miami-Dade and Collier Counties due to proprietary technologies
from a non-Motorola manufacturer. With these agencies in the process of implementing P25 systems,
there are increased opportunities for system sharing. In specific, cross-system programming can be
supported with the following agencies:
City of Fort Lauderdale
City of Plantation
City of Coral Springs
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Miami-Dade County
Palm Beach County
City of Miami
City of Miami Beach
City of Hialeah
Collier County
Depending on the subscriber vendor selected, programming may or may not be possible with the City
of Hollywood as long as it remains on a legacy Motorola platform. The APX subscriber radios operated
by Hollywood can however operate on whatever P25 platform the County chooses to implement.
Channel sharing is available for the Broward County Zones 12 and 14, which cover the countywide
interoperability channels. Broward should confirm with the other system managers which talkgroups
would be most appropriate to program.
In addition to cross-system programming, the County can purchase an ISSI for connecting to the
Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County 800 MHz systems. The ISSI will enable shared cross-system
talkgroups, and system-to-system roaming, if that specific feature is implemented. Once system-to-
system roaming is implemented, talkgroups could be implemented that will operate anywhere within the
three-county area. At the point that this feature becomes available, the region should consider
implementing region-wide talkgroups that can be used for cross-border events, police chases, prisoner
transports, or other events that traverse multiple systems.
In addition to the ISSI, the implementation of the Console Subsystem Interface (CSSI) component of
the P25 standard provides an interface to various console systems in the region to the Broward County
system. The CSSI will enable connected console systems to access any authorized talkgroups on the
Broward County system without requiring control stations for each channel. The following PSAPs are
recommended for CSSI connectivity, at a minimum:
1. HMS-connected agencies (Plantation, Coral Springs)
2. Miami-Dade County Law Enforcement
3. Miami-Dade County Fire
4. Palm Beach County
MCP recommends that the County proceed with implementing the Regional Domestic Security Task
Force (RDSTF) 700 MHz overlay system as a standalone trunked P25 Phase I location. This system
will provide some backup capability to the Broward County system in the event of a system failure, and
provide an alternate means to communicate for responders that do not have access to the primary
Broward County system. However, procurement of this system must be expedited in order to have
funds expended before they expire at the end of 2015.
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MCP recommends that the County continue to maintain 800 MHz repeaters on the national 800 MHz
interoperability calling and tactical channels, as well as the Florida MAFLA channel. There are
additional opportunities to simulcast the MAFLA and NPSPAC interoperability channels to simplify their
use and provide improved coverage. The repeaters currently operated by Broward County are
MSF5000 or Quantar stations that will need to be replaced.
When the system is replaced, agencies operating radio caches and gateways will need to ensure that
all radios are updated with the new Broward County programming information. Replacement
subscriber radios may be retained for use as cache radios in the future. However, older MTS/MCS
series, Astro Spectras, XTS3000 radios will not support P25; therefore, they likely will be used in the
future only on the conventional interoperability channels, or in the simplex mode.
SYSTEM LIFECYCLES
Two-way radio equipment always has had a replacement lifecycle. The lifecycles of today’s robust,
feature-rich radio systems particularly have been impacted by rapidly advancing and changing
technologies. Replacement cycles may vary based on factors such as the need for new technology
and general wear and tear. Once equipment reaches the end-of-life, it is time to upgrade that
equipment. Table 9 below shows lifespan expectations.
Table 9 – Equipment Lifespan
Facility Equipment Lifespan
Building 20-30 Years
Towers 30-50 Years
Generators and Transfer Switches 10-15 Years
HVAC and Shelter Components 7-10 Years
UPS 7-10 Years
UPS Batteries 2-4 Years
Microwave Equipment Lifespan
Digital Microwave Equipment and Antennas 10-15 Years
Radio Equipment Lifespan
Base Stations and Antennas 10-15 Years
Network and Control Equipment 10-15 Years
System Software 2-3 Years
IP-Based Operation Equipment 5-7 Years
Subscriber Equipment Lifespan
Mobile Radios 6-8 Years
Portable Radios 5-7 Years
Vehicular Repeaters 6-8 Years
Consoles 10-12 Years
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Much of the radio infrastructure equipment in use within Broward County is approximately 15 years old,
which is past the end of typical replacement periods. Consequently, this equipment already has begun
to suffer from higher failure rates and the risk of obsolescence from the equipment vendor. Subscriber
radios vary in age greatly depending on the replacement cycles of the various user agencies.
Subscriber unit obsolescence is primarily driven by vendor lifecycles and compatibility with modern
systems. While mobile and portable units in the XTS/XTL family may already be 7 to 10 years old
(towards end of life), these units still will operate on the new system if a Phase I solution is
implemented. In contrast, the County’s dispatch consoles have passed their recommended lifespan
and are approaching the end of vendor support.
The supporting facilities—including shelters, towers, backup power systems, and HVAC systems—are
in some instances 23 years old, dating back to the original system installation. The towers and shelters
have been maintained well and should support the new system with some minor upgrades. However,
backup power systems range in age and condition, and will require some replacements. Meanwhile,
HVAC systems have been serviced regularly, and were noted to be in good working order for the most
part. However, heat-dissipation calculations will need to be determined once equipment vendors are
selected to ensure that the systems are adequately sized. Some replacements will be required based
on older units that were noted to be operating poorly.
RADIO SITES
MCP evaluated radio sites to determine what upgrades are necessary to support the additional
equipment. Based on a 44-channel, P25 Phase I design, it is anticipated that the system would require
six racks of repeaters, a single rack of control equipment and multicouplers, two racks of combiners,
and two racks of microwave equipment, for a total of eleven racks. There is more than ample space at
each radio site to accommodate this equipment after the old system is decommissioned. The
challenge will be configuring the sites during the cutover to handle both systems simultaneously.
If a Phase II system is implemented, it is anticipated the repeaters could be confined to three racks, and
the combiners to one rack, for a total of seven equipment racks. The antenna count would be reduced
to two transmit and two receive.
The following sections detail findings required to each radio site.
Coconut Creek
MCP documented room for five to six additional equipment racks in the current configuration. If a
Phase I solution is implemented, additional space will be necessary to accommodate the old and new
equipment simultaneously. One option to address this challenge would be to replace the microwave
system first, and then proceed with the radio equipment installation. This would free up three to four
equipment racks to make room for the additional equipment. Alternatively, there is room onsite for a
temporary trailer or shelter, if necessary, to support swing equipment until the old equipment is
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decommissioned. Once the old equipment is decommissioned, the new equipment can be positioned
in the ideal location within the shelter.
The primary antenna entry port is at capacity within the shelter. The secondary port has room to
accommodate the antennas for the new system. Some minor upgrades to the grounding system will be
required, including adding a tower ground bar for feed lines to be grounded at the base of the tower.
The internal ground system is a five-point system that should be considered for conversion to a single-
point system per the latest revision of Motorola R56, Standards and Guidelines for Communications
Sites. The generator recently was replaced and should accommodate the new equipment.
A tower-loading study will be required to ensure that the tower can handle the load of both the old and
new system antennas simultaneously. The study should be conducted at both the Class 2 and Class 3
levels, with and without the existing equipment, in order to determine if the tower will pass at a Class 2
rating during the transition period, and pass at Class 3 after the old equipment has been
decommissioned. This is largely dependent on how many antennas will be required for the system
selected.
Core
MCP documented room for six to seven additional equipment racks in the current configuration. If a
Phase I solution is implemented, additional space will be necessary to accommodate the old and new
equipment simultaneously. One option to address this challenge would be to replace the microwave
system first, and then proceed with the radio equipment installation. This would free up three to four
racks to make room for the additional equipment. Alternatively, there is room on-site for a temporary
trailer or shelter, if necessary, to support swing equipment until the old equipment is decommissioned.
Once the old equipment is decommissioned, the new equipment can be positioned in the ideal location
within the shelter.
The primary antenna entry port is at capacity within the shelter. If ports cannot be freed up by
identifying unused lines, a secondary entry port will be required. Some minor upgrades to the
grounding system also will be required, including adding a tower ground bar for feed lines to be
grounded at the base of the tower. The internal ground system is a multipoint system that should be
considered for conversion to a single-point system per the latest revision of Motorola R56. The
generator recently was replaced and should accommodate the new equipment.
The shelter’s HVAC system was noted to be performing poorly. Because the site utilizes larger and
higher-power Quantro stations instead of Quantar stations, heat generation is higher and air circulation
is poorer. Replacement of the HVAC system should be considered to provide additional cooling within
the shelter.
A tower-loading study will be required to ensure that the tower can handle the load of both the old and
new system antennas simultaneously. The study should be conducted at both the Class 2 and Class 3
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levels, with and without the existing equipment, to determine if the tower will pass at a Class 2 rating
during the transition period, and pass at Class 3 after the old equipment has been decommissioned.
Davie
MCP documented plenty of available floor space at this site, which should be sufficient to handle all of
the equipment for either a Phase I or Phase II design. Once the old equipment is decommissioned, the
new equipment can be positioned in the ideal location within the shelter.
The primary antenna entry port is at capacity within the shelter. If ports cannot be freed up by unused
lines, a secondary entry port will be required. Some minor upgrades to the grounding system also will
be required, including adding a tower ground bar for feed lines to be grounded at the base of the tower.
The internal ground system is a multipoint system that should be considered for conversion to a single-
point system per the latest revision of Motorola R56. Access was not available to the onsite Baldor
generator. The unit is estimated to be 10 years old and should be inspected to ensure that it is still
operating to design specifications.
The shelter’s HVAC system was noted to be performing poorly. An inspection of the HVAC system
should be conducted to ensure that it is properly cooling to rated levels and will accommodate the load
provided by the new equipment.
A tower-loading study will be required to ensure that the tower can handle the load of both the old and
new system antennas simultaneously. The study should be conducted at both the Class 2 and Class 3
levels, with and without the existing equipment, to determine if the tower will pass at a Class 2 rating
during the transition period, and pass at Class 3 after the old equipment has been decommissioned.
Markham Park
MCP documented room for three additional equipment racks in the current configuration. Additional
space will be necessary to accommodate the old and new equipment simultaneously. One option to
address this challenge would be to replace the microwave system first, and then proceed with the radio
equipment installation. This would free up three to four equipment racks to make room for the
additional equipment. Alternatively, a vacant shelter exists onsite that could be used to house
equipment for the new system temporarily. Once the old equipment is decommissioned the new
equipment can be positioned in the ideal location within the shelter.
The primary antenna entry port is at capacity within the shelter. If ports cannot be freed up by
identifying unused lines, a secondary entry port will be required. Some minor upgrades to the
grounding system also will be required, including adding a tower ground bar for feed lines to be
grounded at the base of the tower. The internal ground system is a single-point system that is
compliant with the latest revision of Motorola R56. The generator recently was replaced and should
accommodate the new equipment.
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The surrounding tree line was noted to be approximately 100 feet, near the height of the microwave
dishes. Raising the height of the dishes for the new microwave system should be considered, to
ensure clearance of the tree line and to accommodate future growth.
A tower-loading study will be required to ensure that the tower can handle the load of both the old and
new system antennas simultaneously. The study should be conducted at both the Class 2 and Class 3
levels, with and without the existing equipment, to determine if the tower will pass at a Class 2 rating
during the transition period, and pass at Class 3 after the old equipment has been decommissioned.
Playa Del Mar
MCP documented room for two additional equipment racks in the current configuration. Additional
space will be necessary to accommodate the old and new equipment simultaneously. One option to
address this challenge would be to replace the microwave system first, and then proceed with the radio
equipment installation. This would free up three to four equipment racks to make room for the
additional equipment. Alternatively, an empty portion of the equipment room could be built out to
handle additional equipment during the transition period. However, an additional HVAC unit likely
would be necessary to provide adequate cooling in this portion of the room. Once the old equipment is
decommissioned, the new equipment can be positioned in the ideal location within the shelter.
The primary antenna entry port is at capacity within the equipment room. If ports cannot be freed up by
identifying unused lines, a secondary entry port will be required. The internal ground system is a
single-point system as recommended by R56. There is no onsite generator in the event of a prolonged
power outage. A generator is recommended, if the building owner will allow it. If a generator cannot be
placed on the rooftop, a larger UPS unit is recommended to provide continued operation over a greater
time period.
Antennas are mounted on the equipment room roof, and are therefore not a concern for loading. There
is room for additional antennas at the rear of the equipment room, facing the ocean. While this location
is not ideal for coverage, it will be acceptable for a temporary configuration until the old system can be
decommissioned. At that point, antennas should be relocated to the side of the equipment room that
faces land. To the extent possible, horizontal isolation should be added between the transmit and
receive antennas, as 700 MHz channels provide a smaller separation between transmit and receive
frequencies, and are therefore more susceptible to transmitter/receiver desense.
Points of America
MCP documented limited room for additional equipment racks in the current configuration. Additional
space will be necessary to accommodate the old and new equipment simultaneously. One option to
address this challenge would be to replace the microwave system first, and then proceed with the radio
equipment installation. This would free up three to four equipment racks to make room for the
additional equipment. There is an adjacent equipment room that could be built out to handle additional
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equipment during the transition period. Once the old equipment is decommissioned, the new
equipment can be positioned in the ideal location within the shelter.
The primary antenna entry port is at capacity within the equipment room. If ports cannot be freed up by
identifying unused lines, a secondary entry port will be required. The internal ground system is a
single-point system. The main ground lead is wrapped around the building before it reaches building
ground, which is not ideal. A more-direct path to the ground should be investigated. The primary
ground lead is bonded to a water main with a painted ground lead. The ground lead should be stripped
of paint before being bonded. There is no onsite generator in the event of a prolonged power outage.
A generator is recommended, if the building owner will allow it. If a generator cannot be placed on the
rooftop, a larger UPS unit is recommended to provide continued operation over a greater time period.
Antennas are mounted on the roof of the equipment room, and are therefore not a concern for loading.
There is room for additional antennas in between the existing antennas. To the extent possible,
horizontal isolation should be added between the transmit and receive antennas, as 700 MHz channels
provide a smaller separation between transmit and receive frequencies, and are therefore more
susceptible to transmitter/receiver desense.
Channel 2
MCP documented plenty of room for additional equipment racks in the current configuration. The
current layout should accommodate the additional equipment for either a Phase I or Phase II design.
The primary antenna entry port is at capacity within the shelter. The secondary port has four available
slots for additional antennas. If a Phase II design is selected, additional ports will need to be freed up,
or another entry port will be required. Some upgrades to the grounding system will be required as well,
including adding a tower ground bar for feed lines to be grounded at the base of the tower. The primary
equipment room ground lead wraps around the building before reaching ground, which is not ideal.
Consequently, a direct path to the subterranean grounding system should be added. The master
ground bar does not connect directly to ground, but rather connects to the equipment room grounding
halo. A ground lead was found from the master ground bar that was never connected to outside
ground. The internal ground system is a four-point system that should be considered for conversion to
a single-point system per the latest revision of Motorola R56. The generator recently was replaced and
should accommodate the new equipment.
An abandoned shelter was inspected onsite for potential use. The shelter shows significant
environmental decay and is not suitable for renovation. MCP recommends that this shelter be
demolished. The onsite building includes space that is currently being used for equipment storage.
This facility is not cooled and is openly exposed to pest entry. This space could be utilized for an
additional storage room or office space. If the building will be inhabited, significant upgrades would be
required, including insulating and adding dry wall to much of the building, and adding a suitable HVAC
system.
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A tower-loading study will be required to ensure that the tower can handle the load of both the old and
new system antennas simultaneously. The study should be conducted at both the Class 2 and Class 3
levels, with and without the existing equipment, to determine if the tower will pass at a Class 2 rating
during the transition period, and pass at Class 3 after the old equipment has been decommissioned.
Miramar
MCP documented room for four additional equipment racks in the current configuration. Additional
space will be necessary to accommodate the old and new equipment simultaneously. One option to
address this challenge would be to replace the microwave system first, and then proceed with the radio
equipment installation. This would free up three to four equipment racks to make room for the
additional equipment. Alternatively, a vacant shelter exists onsite that could be utilized to house
equipment for the new system temporarily. Once the old equipment is decommissioned, the new
equipment can be positioned in the ideal location within the shelter.
The primary antenna entry port is at capacity within the shelter. If ports cannot be freed up by
identifying unused lines, a secondary entry port will be required. Some minor upgrades to the
grounding system also will be required, including adding a tower ground bar for feed lines to be
grounded at the base of the tower. The internal ground system is a single-point system that is
compliant with the latest revision of Motorola R56. The generator is 14 years old and likely will need
replacement in the near future.
A tower-loading study will be required to ensure that the tower can handle the load of both the old and
new system antennas simultaneously. The study should be conducted at both the Class 2 and Class 3
levels, with and without the existing equipment, to determine if the tower will pass at a Class 2 rating
during the transition period, and pass at Class 3 after the old equipment has been decommissioned.
EMS
The EMS site is used primarily as a backup site and for ancillary systems that require good coverage
from a single site location that would not otherwise fit in the heavily loaded Core site. The EMS site is
not used as a trunked location due to its close proximity to the Core site.
The site includes ample space to accommodate additional equipment. The occupied floor space
primarily is used by an inoperable backup system with MSF5000 stations that can be removed if
necessary.
The UPS and generator at this location recently were replaced and should have sufficient capacity to
handle the new equipment.
There were signs of pest entry at the time of the inspection. The shelter should be sealed and treated
for insects.
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Deerfield
The Deerfield location is a receive-only site on a leased tower. There is no room in the existing shelter
to accommodate additional equipment, and no room onsite for temporary equipment during a transition.
Space may be available near the base of the tower if an additional shelter is required.
MCP recommends converting the site in the Deerfield area to a transmit/receive location at a taller
tower site. Therefore, the existing location ultimately would be abandoned.
Tamarac
The Tamarac location is a receive-only site. There is no room in the existing shelter to accommodate
additional equipment, although there is room for an additional shelter if authorized by the Tamarac
Police Department. The current shelter and tower are not suitable for mission-critical applications and
should be abandoned. A full transmit/receive location on a different tower should be pursued.
Public Safety Building
The Public Safety Building previously served as the hub for the existing system, housing the master
site, prime site, and County dispatch. The master site and County dispatch since have been removed
from the building, leaving only the prime site.
The building serves no critical need to house the system moving forward or to provide RF coverage.
Consequently, MCP recommends that this location not be utilized for future radio equipment other than
for control stations utilized in-building by the Sheriff’s Office. The existing equipment should be
decommissioned once cutover has been completed to the new system. Any existing conventional
resources will be relocated to the optimum site identified in the design phase.
Grounding
MCP inspected the above-ground grounding systems at each of the County’s existing radio sites. Most
sites appeared to have acceptable grounding systems, with in-shelter grounding completed to Motorola
R56 standards in most circumstances. However, some issues were noted across the system, including
a lack of a tower ground bus bar at the base of the tower at some sites. Some additional issues were
identified at the Channel 2 location.
Previous grounding issues were discussed at the Core location, which had suffered from numerous
lighting strikes that caused equipment damage. MCP could find no immediate grounding deficiencies
that would cause the level of damage experienced. There was evidence that the subterranean
grounding system recently had been excavated.
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Several sites were identified with four- and five-point grounding systems, as opposed to the single-point
in-shelter grounding system recommended in the latest release of Motorola R56. MCP recommends
that the grounding systems be updated to single-point at the time the new system is installed.
Site Security
Site security is critical, especially with copper theft from radio sites being a fairly common occurrence.
Copper theft can result in deactivation of equipment at a particular site, or result in less-detectable
disruption of the site’s grounding system, which can jeopardize technician and equipment safety.
Barbed wire fencing and lighting at all radio tower sites is appropriate. If copper theft becomes a
recurring problem, a higher level of security is recommended. Examples of higher security levels
include onsite cameras, higher fencing, and/or motion-activating lighting.
Uninterruptable Power Supplies
A UPS system is typically used to power radio equipment for typically 30 minutes until the facility or
equipment generator is able to start and provide backup power. Radio equipment is at risk of system
crashes upon the loss of power, even if the generator starts immediately. A sudden loss of power could
result in permanent damage to radio equipment.
Every site included a properly used UPS to handle the equipment load. However, the run-time
estimators on many UPS display showed a run time of several minutes. MCP understands that the run-
time predictions are not always accurate. Ideally, UPS units will provide enough capacity to run
equipment for several hours in the event power fails to switch to the onsite generator.
Most sites were equipped with older-model Best Ferrups UPS units. Based on the age of these units,
replacement is recommended with a DC power supply.
DC Power Supplies
Direct current (DC) power supplies are an alternate form of backup power to UPS units. DC power
plants include a combination of rectifiers, inverters, and battery banks to provide a -48 V power source
for DC-compliant equipment. Modern radio infrastructure typically can be purchased with either the
alternating current (AC) or DC option. Compared to AC, DC power eliminates a single point of failure,
and is less expensive to maintain due to the ability to purchase off-the-shelf batteries. A DC power
plant is required for the microwave system, so the plant easily could be expanded to accommodate
additional radio equipment.
For Broward County to implement DC power as the primary power source, existing breakers would
need to be rewired to interface with the DC power source. The primary challenge is how to handle
existing equipment that is AC-based. DC sources can utilize inverters to power AC equipment;
however, the power conversion is not very efficient.
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Some sites were identified as having new UPS units. It is preferred that a single solution with DC
power to be implemented at all sites due to ease of maintenance and portability of spare parts and field
replacement units. If DC power is implemented, some of these newer UPS units may be minimally
used. Each site will be independently reviewed to accommodate the approximate four racks. The sites
have space available for the final design. Temporary relocation of equipment and shelters have been
accounted for in the case they are needed.
DISPATCH CONSIDERATIONS
Interviews and site inspections were completed at each of the County’s three primary dispatch centers.
Each center operates Motorola CENTRACOM Gold Elite console systems that will need to be replaced.
Dispatch representatives identified multiple desirable features sets for the replacement console
systems.
These features include:
1. Unit private call
2. Interoperability with tribal units
3. Access to all talk groups
4. Call alert (radio page)
5. Touchscreen consoles
6. Instant recall recorder (IRR)
7. Console-originated text messaging/instant messaging
8. Intercom between positions and centers
9. Light pole for dispatcher status
10. Unit ID and alias
11. Ability to change, add, delete talkgroup patches at any console, rather than just the one that set
it up
12. Talkgroup menu search by talkgroup name
13. Buttons for alert tones
14. Storm plans
15. Standardized programming for backup portables and consolettes
16. Busy-channel marker tone
17. Clear-to-talk indication/tone for fire station alerting
18. Knox box tones
19. Activity reports
20. Untethered headsets
21. Indication of patch originator
Most of these features typically can be accommodated through current-market console systems. Some
additional features, including light bars at each position, are independent of the radio system. Other
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capabilities, such as access to all talkgroups and radio programming configurations are settings
dependent, and do not rely on the console system.
The primary challenge with the replacement console system is how the system will interface with the
new Broward County P25 system, the Fort Lauderdale Motorola P25 system, and the legacy Hollywood
Motorola system. P25 systems have the ability via the CSSI to interface with third-party consoles that
are CSSI-compliant with minimal loss of functionality. While this will permit an interface to the Fort
Lauderdale system, the legacy Hollywood system cannot be interfaced to a third-party console via the
CSSI. Alternatives to direct IP connectivity include the use of consolettes, which require many units to
interface all possible talkgroups and would provide reduced functionality compared with a direct IP
solution.
In addition, the existing Replay Systems logging recorder will need to be updated to allow recording of
radio traffic with the new system. The application programming interface (API) also will need to be
licensed to allow a direct IP interface to the recorder from the selected radio system vendor. The new
system will support centralized logging compared with the PSAP-specific logging performed today.
CONNECTIVITY
Typically, connectivity for a public safety communications network is comprised of one or a combination
of the following:
Leased telephone lines
Fiber-optic cables
Wireless links (e.g., microwave or RF links)
In most situations, connectivity is a combination of analog and digital circuits that carry voice, data and
control tones between the radio consoles and network of radio communication sites.
Backhaul on the existing Broward County network is provided primarily by microwave links, with leased
fiber and copper circuits utilized for master site and dispatch center connectivity.
Leased Phone Lines
Leased telephone lines are the simplest form of backhaul connectivity. To interconnect two radio sites,
or a radio site and a PSAP, an agency may lease a copper pair or T1 line from the local telephone
company. A single T1 line is typically capable of supporting the bandwidth requirements of a small to
moderately sized trunked system, while a two-wire circuit only can support a single voice channel. By
leasing the T1 line for a monthly fee, the user has guaranteed bandwidth on the network. The specific
fee depends on the length of the connection. T1 lines are subject to the reliability of the public switched
telephone network (PSTN), which utilizes a combination of copper wires and other media, such as fiber.
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Broward County currently depends on leased telephone circuits for connectivity between the HMS and
the three PSAPs. Additional leased circuits are utilized to provide connectivity between the HMS and
the two receive-only sites in Deerfield and Tamarac. These leased circuits to the dispatch centers have
been used since late 2014, when the County agencies migrated to the consolidated PSAPs. These
circuits have been configured to provide redundant paths between each PSAP and the HMS. While
these circuits have proven to be acceptable for the time being, a more reliable form of backhaul to the
dispatch centers is desired.
Fiber-optic Networks
Fiber-optic cables provide the highest bandwidth of any medium available today. Extensive fiber-optic
networks, however, are not heavily implemented for various reasons:
Single points of failure within a fiber network require the use of redundant network
paths to mitigate the loss-of-service risk
Running new fiber-optic cable is very expensive and not typically justified solely for a
radio project
Bandwidth on a fiber system can support many broadband data systems—far more
than is necessary for a radio system
Fiber-optic networks that have been implemented primarily are found in major
metropolitan areas
Fiber-optic infrastructure is very expensive, and is certainly in excess of what is required to run a
trunked radio system. Typically, radio systems may be piggybacked on existing municipal or leased
fiber networks. There are extensive fiber networks in Broward County that could be leased if
necessary. However, it is difficult to guarantee the reliability of a leased network, regardless of the
medium. A leased synchronous optical network (SONET) is the current backhaul medium between the
HMS and the prime site at the PSB. This link includes redundant paths that should be able to
accommodate a single-point-of-failure configuration. However, network control is not within Broward
County’s authority or oversight.
Microwave
Microwave networks provide a means to wirelessly connect radio sites and dispatch facilities.
Bandwidth on a microwave network is typically greater than or equal to a leased T1 line. Microwave
networks are an excellent alternative where no fixed-line infrastructure is present. In addition, a
microwave network can be owned entirely by the agency, will not require the monthly fees of leased T1
or fiber lines, and restoration to service is within the control of the County. Microwave networks,
however, do have disadvantages that can be mitigated.
Microwave networks are not subject to reliability concerns resulting from line breakage, but are subject
to wireless phenomenon such as rain fading. Good design will mitigate this hazard. In addition,
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microwave dishes may be misaligned in high winds, potentially impacting link connectivity. Good
design that requires a higher wind-speed survival rating will mitigate this hazard.
Microwave network capacity is generally higher than the bandwidth requirements for radio systems.
The additional bandwidth provides options for other data applications on the network.
Microwave links are used on the existing system to provide connectivity between the prime sites and all
radio sites. Microwave has proven to be a reliable backhaul method for the County to date.
Replacement of the existing microwave system is required due to the age and supportability of the
equipment. When the replacement system is installed, backhaul connections should be considered to
include each of the regional PSAPs and any added tower sites, in order to eliminate dependence on
leased circuits altogether.
MCP recommends a complete replacement of the existing Tadiran CM6 microwave system with a new
IP-based microwave system providing a minimum of 99.999 percent reliability. The system should be
loop-protected to eliminate any single points of failure. Backhaul routing should be installed that
operates on the multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) platform, in order to allow dynamic routing to run
on microwave and alternate mediums, including fiber and copper connections to be utilized as backups.
Continued use of the 6 GHz band is recommended for its resistance to rain fade.
MCP recommends that the microwave cutover be completed in advance of the system cutover. In
order to accomplish this, the microwave system must provide backward compatibility to the circuit-
switched protocols used by the existing Tadiran CM6 microwave system. Replacing the microwave
system first will provide additional room in each equipment shelter and minimize risk during cutover of
the P25 system.
In addition, microwave connectivity should be provided to each of the tower locations and the three
County dispatch centers. Microwave paths will be evaluated for a loop configuration during the design
phase. Any locations that do not have two viable paths should be connected with hot-standby
locations. Paths to dispatch centers initially will be modeled with roof-mounted microwave dishes. If
the roof of each building does not provide sufficient clearance of obstructions, then tower sites will be
considered.
The network should provide a minimum of 150 Mbps of throughput on each link. This capacity will
provide room for the radio traffic and plenty of overhead to accommodate additional traffic, such as a
redundant path for PSAP-to-PSAP connectivity. Likewise, existing backhaul links connecting PSAPs
can be incorporated into the MPLS network to provide a backup path for radio traffic.
ALPHANUMERIC PAGING
The alphanumeric paging system is utilized by various law enforcement and fire agencies across
Broward County. The system is based on the POCSAG encoding format that utilizes a single analog
channel to pass data wirelessly from the dispatch centers to the remote users. The POCSAG format is
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still the industry standard for alphanumeric paging; therefore, a modern replacement system can be
purchased that will allow the users to continue using existing pagers.
The system in its current configuration includes four simulcast radio sites. Of those radio sites, only two
are operational due to base station equipment failures. The paging equipment is ancient by technology
standards, and well beyond its support period. Replacement of the system is recommended
immediately to prevent the loss of service altogether.
The primary challenge with replacing the paging system is finding a solution that will allow field users to
continue to operate on their existing Apollo AL25 Gold pagers. The existing paging system operates on
a UHF T-Band channel that will need to be vacated prior to 2022. Reuse of this paging channel would
require a subsequent system modification at the point that the channel would need to be vacated.
MCP confirmed with the equipment manufacturer that the fielded pagers can be retuned to operate on
frequencies in the 450 to 470 MHz range, which includes general public safety pool channels. Several
channels were identified that are candidates for replacing the current T-Band channel. In addition to
ensuring that the system channel will not need to be vacated, a replacement channel would allow the
County to operate both systems concurrently, providing time for users to retune their pagers without
disrupting service.
Paging messages are generated directly from the County’s CAD system. This level of functionality
needs to be maintained. Once a vendor for the new paging system is selected, the API will need to be
licensed between the paging vendor and the CAD vendor to allow this capability to continue.
The current paging system includes a single controller, the failure of which would result in the entire
system being disabled. MCP recommends redundant controllers for the new system—such controllers
allow the system to continue to operate in the event of a failure to any one controller—for the new
system to eliminate a single point of failure.
The alphanumeric paging system is only partially operational, and in danger of a failure that will disable
the system entirely. MCP recommends that this system be replaced as soon as possible to ensure
continued service for first responders.
MCP evaluated coverage for the existing four-site design, and determined that the existing site
placement provides adequate in-building coverage throughout the populated areas of Broward County.
FIRE STATION ALERTING
Users indicated that they generally were happy with the capabilities offered by the existing fire station
alerting system. Specific features that were identified include the ability to implement buttons in the
bunk rooms to display the apparatus to which a user is assigned, and color light displays. In addition,
the Zetron Model 26/6 system still is supported by the manufacturer, and replacement parts continue to
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be readily available. However, two primary system components will need to be addressed: the
transmitting repeater system and the frequency.
The fire station alerting transmitter is a Motorola Quantar station located at the PSB. The Quantar
repeater platform will reach end-of-life in 2020, and therefore needs to be replaced. In addition, the fire
station alerting signal utilizes a narrowband analog waveform, and therefore a multitude of transmitters
can be utilized to serve this purpose. With the PSB serving no critical radio functions moving forward, it
is recommended that the fire station alerting transmitter be relocated to the EMS tower site, with a
backup location at the Core tower site. These locations should provide coverage levels sufficient to
serve receivers at fire stations throughout the county, and provide geographic diversity in the event of a
failure to either station or location.
The frequency of the system will need to be updated as well, in order to comply with the
aforementioned federal government’s T-Band mandate prior to 2022. A candidate UHF frequency in
the general public safety pool has been identified that can serve this purpose. Reconfiguration will
require the reprogramming of control station radios at each fire station. To simplify the process, control
station radios should be programmed with the new channel in advance. When the new base stations
are activated, users at each fire station will change the control station to the new channel, providing a
cutover process with minimal risk.
5. ASSESSMENT SUMMARY AND OPTIONS
Based upon MCP’s findings concerning the existing system, user feedback regarding requirements for
a new system, and analysis of existing technologies and trends, MCP has provided options to address
the communications system issues faced by Broward County. This section outlines the specific system
design alternatives for the new system. Following the completion of the assessment phase of the
project, a design phase will take place where specifics are applied to the design alternatives.
Based on MCP’s assessment of the existing system and user feedback, the following criteria have been
defined as the top priorities of the new system:
Replace existing 800 MHz SmartZone trunked system with a new, modern, standards-based
P25 system
Improve coverage through the addition of radio sites
Improve capacity through the expansion of channels or the conversion to P25 Phase II TDMA
Improve reliability by eliminating single points of failure
Replace the aging microwave system with a new system that will connect all radio sites and
dispatch centers on the new system
Upgrade existing towers, shelters, and backup power systems to support new equipment
Repurpose frequencies prone to interference
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Implement a dispatch solution that will provide increased capabilities and ease of use to
dispatchers, as well as seamlessly integrate with the various City and County radio systems that
are dispatched from the regional PSAPs
Establish a maintenance plan that includes preventive maintenance for both the system and
subscriber units
Replace the paging system infrastructure with a new system that offers improved reliability,
uses a non-T-Band channel, and allows for the reuse of existing pagers
Replace the fire station alerting system with a new system that offers improved reliability, uses a
non-T-Band channel, and provides agencies with additional interface and zone-expansion
options
Migration of supporting conventional resources (NPSPAC, MAFLA, etc.) to supported platforms.
SYSTEM FEATURES
System Technology
It is MCP’s assessment that the system end of life, capacity and coverage are far and above the main
critical aspects of the Broward County communications system that must be addressed. MCP has
identified design options that satisfy the majority of requirements identified by system users.
MCP has identified a P25 trunking system as the only viable system option for Broward County. The
design alternatives are based primarily on whether the system will operate in the P25 Phase I, P25
Phase II, or hybrid modes. All design options will include equivalent coverage requirements.
The sections that follow identify the different technology options that MCP believes would satisfy the
needs of B County system users.
Option 1 – 700/800 MHz P25 Phase I Trunked Simulcast System
A P25 Phase I trunked simulcast system will satisfy the majority of requirements defined by system
users. Most notably, the system will replace aging components that have reached end-of-life, providing
a more modern and reliable platform for first responders in Broward County. The platform will be
flexible to accommodate additional radio sites for increased coverage, and provide the ability to add
channels for increased system capacity.
The maximum number of RF channels available in a single simulcast cell is 30, allowing for a 29 talk
paths once the control channel is considered for P25 Phase I FDMA. This option allows the County to
expand capacity on the primary simulcast cell to this number of talk paths to resolve some capacity
issues that exist with the existing 28-channel system but does not provide room for future growth or
provide room for users that may join the system from either Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood. To
accommodate the peak times when Broward County Schools are active, additional simulcast cells or
geographic zones will have to be reviewed to reach the 36 talk paths required for reported active users.
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In the design phase, the exact configuration would be analyzed for optimum performance. When the
second simulcast cell or zone is incorporated in the new system, this requires additional RF channels to
accommodate roaming above the 29 talk paths. MCP estimates approximately 20 percent roaming
depending on the final configuration. This places the total number of RF channels at 44 across the two
cells or zones.
Compared with alternate design options, a Phase I system would require more frequencies and base
stations. Both the County’s existing 800 MHz channels and CAPRAD-allotted 700 MHz channels would
need to be licensed to support the system. It is estimated that four equipment racks would be required
to accommodate this number of repeaters, the same number of racks occupied by the existing system
repeaters. The primary benefits of a Phase I system are the flexibility for end users to upgrade their
current XTS/XTL subscriber radios to operate on the new system, which would avoid radio
replacements. However, the most notable limitation is that flash upgrades to P25 are only available
until the end of 2015 and are already at their end of life replacement cycle. The system will offer
seamless compatibility with Phase I interoperability subscribers from Fort Lauderdale, as well as
neighboring agencies in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. In addition, a Phase I system would
offer additional fallback capacity if the system were to revert to the failsoft mode, and only result in the
loss of one channel if only a repeater failure were to occur.
Table 10 below summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of this option.
Table 10 – 700/800 MHz P25 Phase I Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths Weaknesses
Reuse of existing XTS/XTL subscriber units Increased infrastructure cost for base stations
Flexibility to accommodate Phase I subscribers from
interoperability agencies without risk to capacity
Required licensing or acquisition of 49 frequencies
with 9 frequencies not yet identified.
Improved coverage through radio site addition Increased space requirements for base stations
Improved capacity with two cells/zones through
channel expansion up to 60 channels or 58 talk paths
Cutover would require channels from the existing
system
Flexibility to use overhead capacity for data
applications such as GPS, OTAP and OTAR
Roaming introduced to the system that requires
additional base stations and tightly managed fleet
mapping
Improved interoperability with other agencies
migrating to P25 (Miami-Dade, Collier)
Cost of flash upgrading subscribers that have a short
lifecycle, then new P25 Phase II subscribers will be
required
Slightly improved coverage compared to Phase II
design
Increase in loading of towers
Access to all channels during failsoft scenarios
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Option 2 – 700 MHz P25 Phase II Trunked Simulcast System
A P25 Phase II trunked simulcast system would offer the same levels of coverage and feature sets
offered by a Phase I system. The primary difference between this option and a Phase I system is the
use of TDMA, which would provide two talk paths for every one frequency.
Consequently, a Phase II design could offer a different level of capacity with 36 talkpaths, which would
require only 19 channels and provide a single simulcast cell design. This approach would result in
savings from reduced infrastructure and lower physical space requirements. The reduced number of
base stations would result in fewer antennas, thus reducing tower loading. Based on the available 700
MHz channels, the County would have the ability to vacate the 800 MHz band altogether, providing
access to primarily unused spectrum free of interference. Moving to the 700 MHz band also would
allow the existing and new systems to operate entirely in parallel, thus providing a more seamless
cutover approach.
Conversely, a Phase II system would not inherently provide backward compatibility to Phase I
subscribers. Existing XTS/XTL series subscribers would need to be replaced with Phase II-compliant
radios. While there is a large number of fielded XTS/XTL radios, MCP notes that these radios no
longer will be supported by the manufacturer after 2019, with some models reaching end-of-life in 2018.
Many of these units were noted to be more than ten years old, thus being more susceptible to failures.
Even if all user agencies on the Broward County system purchase Phase II subscribers, Phase I
interoperability still be required from Fort Lauderdale users and users from neighboring counties.
Based on equipment lifecycles, it could be five to seven years before most Phase I subscribers are
phased out completely.
In order to support backward compatibility with Phase I subscribers during the transition, certain
channels would need to be configured to handle Phase I talkgroups. Because each Phase I talkgroup
now occupies the station that normally would support two Phase II talkgroups, a high number of Phase
I talkgroups active on the system will quickly drive down system capacity. Restrictions would need to
be placed on the number of Phase I talkgroups and the number of repeaters in the simulcast cell that
can support Phase I backward interoperability.
With the number of talk paths restricted to 36, construction of a Phase II system with more than 19
repeaters at each site would result in stations that could not be accessed much of the time. At some
point in the future, when all subscribers are Phase II-capable, the stations would lay dormant.
One example of an approach that balances the need for Phase I interoperability on a Phase II system
would be to allow five channels to operate in the Phase I mode, ensuring that the remaining 13
channels available for voice communications remain in the Phase II mode, providing 26 talk paths. The
five Phase I-capable repeaters could dynamically carry Phase II traffic if a Phase I talkgroup call was
not active. The system would carry between 31 and 36 maximum talk paths depending on the number
of active Phase I talkgroup calls, still providing a significant capacity improvement compared with the
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existing system. The primary limit would be that the system could not support a surge of Phase I
talkgroup calls.
Table 11 below summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of this option.
Table 11 – 700 MHz P25 Phase II Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths Weaknesses
Reduced infrastructure cost for base stations XTS/XTL series radios would need replacement
Approximately half the number of required frequencies More limited backward compatibility with Phase I
talkgroups
Ability to have backward compatibility with Phase I
subscribers through use of dynamic base stations
Phase I talkgroups would occupy two resources
instead of one
Improved coverage through radio site addition Failsoft only would provide 19 channels, as compared
with 37 in a Phase I design
Improved capacity through channel expansion from 27
to 36 talk paths
The number of Phase I capable talkgroups and users
would need to be tightly controlled through
administrative and operational policies to ensure
capacity is maintained at designed levels
Flexibility to use overhead capacity for data
applications such as GPS, OTAP and OTAR
Improved interoperability with other agencies
migrating to P25 (Miami-Dade, Collier)
Reduced space requirements in equipment shelters
Option 3 – 700/800 MHz P25 Phase II Hybrid Trunked Simulcast System
A P25 Phase II hybrid trunked simulcast system would operate similarly to the Phase II option, but with
additional channels to support the prolonged use of Phase I subscribers by some agencies. This would
allow a phased migration to Phase II as the remaining agencies with Phase I subscriber units replace
their radios over time.
The hybrid design assumes that at least two-thirds (67% percent) of the subscriber units on the system
could be converted to Phase II, accounting for 6,933 units. This equates to 3,232 report active
subscribers during the busy hour. Using 3,232 active users as a reference point, a 1 percent GoS can
be achieved for this number of users with 26 Phase II talk paths and using 1,616 active users (33
percent), a 1 percent GoS can be achieved with 16 Phase I talk paths. To achieve this capacity, the
system would need 30 total channels.
Alternatively, the number of Phase I-capable channels can be reduced if the number of fielded Phase I
subscribers from primary agencies can be further reduced. For these purposes, MCP has considered
an alternative design utilizing 25 total channels. This approach would require most primary agencies to
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operate in the P25 Phase I mode, but allow additional capacity to support Phase I traffic from
interoperability users and dual-system dispatch from the City of Fort Lauderdale.
As additional XTS/XTL subscribers are replaced, additional channels can be configured for Phase II
operation. Ultimately, at the point that all Phase I subscribers are phased out, 19 channels can be
converted for exclusive Phase II operation, providing the maximum allowable capacity of 36 talk paths.
At this point, there will be between six (6) and 11 additional channels that cannot operate on the
primary simulcast cell due to the maximum number of talk paths being reached. In order to benefit from
these channels, a separate simulcast zone will be required. These channels then could be configured
in a separate cell specifically allocated for interoperability purposes, for data applications, or for non-
public safety traffic such as that generated the School Board.
Table 12 below summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of this option.
Table 12 – 700 MHz P25 Phase II Hybrid Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths Weaknesses
Allows extended use of Phase I subscribers by some
user agencies and interoperability partners
Cost of flash upgrading subscribers that have a short
lifecycle, then new P25 Phase II subscribers will be
required
Balance between Phase I and Phase II options Phase I talkgroups would occupy two resources
instead of one
Infrastructure in place for second overlay system once
Phase II conversion complete
Potential for minimally used channels after Phase II
conversion is completed
Ability to have backward compatibility with Phase I
subscribers through use of dynamic base stations
Increased infrastructure cost for base stations
Improved coverage through radio site addition Cutover would require channels from the existing
system
Improved capacity through channel expansion Increase in loading of towers
Flexibility to use overhead capacity for data
applications such as GPS, OTAP and OTAR
Increased space requirements for base stations
Improved interoperability with other agencies
migrating to P25 (Miami-Dade, Collier)
Some XTS/XTL series radios would need replacement
The 6 to 11 additional channels available after
complete Phase II transition can be repurposed for
additional sites
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REDUNDANCY AND SURVIVABILITY
Reliability of the existing 800 MHz system is a major performance gap, with extended outages reported
by many system users. Indeed, there are several performance gaps with the existing system that the
new design will correct, which will greatly enhance network reliability.
Most notably, MCP recommends a design with no single point of failure across the entire network. This
includes geographically separated master sites and prime sites, as well as co-located redundant
components for all network equipment, site controllers and ancillary equipment. MCP further
recommends that the master sites be housed at dispatch centers, and that the prime sites be housed at
radio sites, in order to provide optimum capabilities in the event of a backhaul failure. Locations for this
equipment will be explored during the design phase.
A major worry with the existing system concerns the system failure events, reported by Motorola, that
occurred because the Model 6809 controllers could not keep up with the level of system traffic. The
issue is exacerbated by frequent affiliation attempts from subscriber radios that are not maintained
properly. The new system will be designed properly to handle the capacity load; however, it is critical
that subscriber radios are maintained properly to ensure that they do not cause a negative impact on
system operation.
In addition to the resiliency built into the primary communications system, backup capabilities are
recommended in the event of a partial or complete failure to the primary communications system.
MCP’s recommendation regarding backup communications is based on a comprehensive approach
that provides the appropriate capabilities based on various levels of possible system failures.
Aside from individual component failures that may impact individual channels and not the overall
operation of the system, the most likely service-impacting failure to occur is the loss of communication
to an individual tower site. These failures may result from copper theft, lightning strikes, wind events,
and various other circumstances. Not knowing exactly when and where these types of failures may
occur, or the number of radio sites that may be impacted, requires a combination of fixed backup and
deployable communications capabilities in order to provide the most flexible way to address these types
of outages.
A fixed solution provides the best operational solution for backup scenarios because no setup time is
required before users can access those systems. However, in order for a fixed backup solution to be
effective, it must not rely on the same shared infrastructure or connectivity that is utilized by the primary
system. Otherwise, a failure that affects the primary system also could affect the backup system. In an
ideal scenario, user agencies on the Broward County system could work out agreements with the Fort
Lauderdale, Plantation, and Coral Springs systems to allow access to those systems in the event of a
failure to the Broward County system. These systems rely on separate radio sites and backhaul
networks, and therefore would not necessarily be affected by events that could compromise the County
system. Because of the limited capacity offered by the systems, however, the backup scenarios would
require consolidation of Broward talkgroups so as not to overwhelm those systems.
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In addition to these systems, a standalone backup trunked system is recommended to provide wide-
area portable in-street coverage. The RDSTF 700 MHz system is an already-identified, grant-funded
project that provides an alternative that would both enhance interoperability and provide backup
capabilities to the County. This system would provide a 3-channel trunked system primarily intended to
service the Interstate 95 (I-95) corridor, complementing similar systems in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach
counties. Implementing this system utilizing P25 Phase II technology and expanding it to 7 channels,
the system would provide 12 talkpaths for backup operations by agencies on the County system. The
grant project provides funding to support a single radio site, which would provide primarily mobile
coverage and some portable in-street coverage through the populated areas of Broward County. MCP
recommends that this primary site be located at the EMS tower site, which is not planned for use in the
primary system and thus would have a better chance of being functional in the event of a failure to the
primary system. To build upon this grant-funded project to expand coverage, MCP recommends
adding additional simulcast sites located at the EMS, Coconut Creek, and Davie locations. These sites
will provide portable in-street coverage and some in-building coverage. To complement the primary
microwave backhaul network at these locations, a redundant Ethernet connection is recommended to
provide alternate pathing in the event there is failure of the microwave network.
In addition to the fixed trunked backhaul network, conventional stations provide fixed capabilities that
continue to operate independent of any connectivity requirements. The NPSPAC interoperability
channels dispersed throughout the county meet this need, although these stations primarily are
intended for backup purposes and provide a limited amount of capacity. Adding additional stations will
provide another level of fixed backup capabilities without requiring a substantial investment. It is
recommended that two additional conventional stations be placed at the EMS, Coconut Creek, Channel
2, and Davie locations.
Deployable communications capabilities, including portable gateways, sites on wheels, transportable
repeaters, and cache radios are essential for establishing communications in ad-hoc environments in
the event of widespread infrastructure failures. While there are regional assets with these capabilities,
none are owned and operated by Broward County. This is significant because priority for usage is
received by the owner agency. Consequently, Broward County should consider acquiring mobile
communications assets to better serve its user agencies. It is further recommended that a
comprehensive continuity-of-operations plan (COOP) be developed across the County to identify
standard operating procedures (SOPs) and priorities for all interoperability resources. The COOP
should include regular training and exercises for both system users and dispatchers. The following list
indicates the recommended technology for the communications trailer:
Graphical user interface (GUI)-based gateway system
Rack-mounted radios in VHF (1), UHF (1), and 700/800 MHz (8) bands
Two (2) 700 MHz conventional repeaters
Two (2) spare 700 MHz repeaters to be installed at radio sites as needed
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Cache of 700/800 MHz radios (retired XTS/XTL series) totaling 50 units, in addition to bank
chargers and spare batteries
Vehicular repeater system
4G commercial air card for local Wi-FI and backup backhaul
For each of these systems, access must be provided back to the three regional dispatch centers to
allow dispatchers to access these respective systems. For the backup trunked system, IP backhaul
should be established between the prime EMS site and the three dispatch centers using a combination
of microwave and Ethernet. For the fixed and mobile conventional stations, control stations will be
required to provide connectivity to each of the dispatch centers.
The following table summarizes cost estimates for the recommended backup capabilities.
Table 13 – P25 Phase I Preliminary Cost Estimate
Backup Capabilities Cost Estimate
Expansion of RDSTF Trunking System $1,484,000
Conventional Interoperability Stations $296,800
Mobile Communications Trailer $637,000
Backup Capabilities Total $2,417,800
Equally important as the backup capabilities are the accompanying governance, SOPs, training,
exercises, and usage plans to ensure that these resources are utilized effectively during a system-
failure situation. These plans must include dispatch procedures and personnel, because contingency
plans in the event of system failures are initiated first and foremost at the dispatch level. MCP
recommends that these details be developed as part of a comprehensive COOP.
MAINTENANCE
Proper maintenance of a communications system is critical to ensure that the equipment continues to
operate as it was designed, and to ensure the full life of the equipment is realized. System
maintenance can be broken down into several levels, i.e., infrastructure, subscriber and software
maintenance.
Based on the limited number of County personnel available to maintain the system, MCP recommends
that the County pursue a comprehensive maintenance package. The maintenance and software costs
are estimated at approximately three to five percent of the infrastructure total cost. Software should be
refreshed every two or three years to maintain reliability and security. The package should include the
following elements:
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1. Onsite infrastructure response for critical failures within two hours
2. Infrastructure repair for failed components, County will need to have a sparing level that will
allow for immediate replacement while the defective component is repaired.
3. Remote system monitoring and technician dispatch
4. Technical support
5. System software and security updates
6. Yearly preventive maintenance for all system infrastructure
There is currently no comprehensive maintenance plan for subscriber units. Many instances have been
reported where fielded subscribers are significantly out of tune. Out-of-tune subscribers perform poorly,
and often experience issues that are perceived as poor system coverage. These units also place
unnecessary strain on the system infrastructure. Consequently, MCP recommends implementation of a
mandatory preventive maintenance program for all primary subscriber radios on the Broward County
system. This program should include a retune of subscribers at least once every other year. Above
and beyond preventive maintenance, agencies may choose to implement extended warranties or
subscriber repair plans.
Software subscriptions ensure that equipment is maintained with the latest available software releases.
The updates fix bugs within the network software, and expand feature sets that were not available with
previously releases. Typically, vendor support is tied to system release levels. The current standard
for supportability of a release level is about five years. Updates are therefore required once every five
years to ensure that systems have the proper technical support and resources available to resolve
issues should they occur. Regular software update plans are offered that include any required
hardware upgrades to accommodate the software update. This approach is recommended to ensure
that the county does not experience any unanticipated upgrade costs.
MCP recommends that the County include within its specifications package a requirement for vendors
to provide a complete 15-year, cost-of-ownership quote for system maintenance. This approach
ensures that maintenance costs are competitively bid, and not negotiated at a later point once a vendor
already has been awarded the contract. In addition, maintenance costs can vary greatly from vendor to
vendor. Consequently, vendor selection should be based on the total system cost over the life of the
system, not just the initial purchase price.
MCP anticipates the County will require an increase in staff to accommodate the new technology,
increased radio sites, and the need for IP backhaul technical expertise. In addition, there are multiple
operational changes in the system that will require additional training and standard operating
procedures. Over the implementation of the new system, these operational changes may also require
additional staff.
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COST ESTIMATES
MCP has developed preliminary cost estimates based on the system options identified. These
estimates will be further refined during the design phase once specific design considerations are more
finalized. Estimates have been provided for both all three-system options.
Option 1 700 MHz P25 Phase I Trunked Simulcast System includes the following considerations:
1. 14 total simulcast transmit/receive locations
a. One 5-channel multicast site along I-75 in the western portion of the county
b. Construction of two new 300-foot tower sites in Tamarac and Deerfield
c. Lease of four additional locations
2. Total of 44 available talk paths across two simulcast cells or zones
3. Construction of 100-foot towers at each dispatch center
4. Geographically diverse, redundant system controllers and prime sites
5. New console systems to replace each existing dispatch position
6. ISSI for connectivity to HMS, Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County
7. CSSI connectivity to HMS/Fort Lauderdale, Miami-Dade Police, Miami-Dade Fire, Palm Beach
8. Replacement microwave system
9. Replacement alphanumeric paging system
10. Replacement fire station alerting system
11. An additional $16,880,400 for subscribers is expected over the next 5-7 years when replacing
XTL/XTS models
Tables 14 below summarize the estimated cost for each of the Option 1:
Table 14 – P25 Phase I Preliminary Cost Estimate
Budgetary Cost Estimate
Site/RF Equipment $29,709,000
Backhaul Network $3,200,000
Physical Infrastructure $4,900,000
Project Management, Engineering and
Implementation $12,287,925
Contingency $1,890,450
Backup Systems $1,780,800
Communications Trailer $637,000
Infrastructure Total $54,405,175
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Site/RF Equipment
55%
Backhaul Network
6%
Physical Infrastructure
9%
PM, Engineering, & Implementation
23%
Contingency3%
Backup Systems
3%
Communications Trailer
1%
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Option 2 700 MHz P25 Phase II Trunked Simulcast System includes the following considerations:
1. 14 total simulcast transmit/receive locations
2. One 5-channel multicast site along I-75 in the western portion of the county
3. Construction of two new 300-foot tower sites in Tamarac and Deerfield
4. Lease of four additional locations
5. Total of 36 available talk paths (19 base stations)
6. Construction of 100-foot towers at each dispatch center
7. Geographically diverse, redundant system controllers and prime sites
8. New console systems to replace each existing dispatch position
9. ISSI for connectivity to HMS, Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County
10. CSSI connectivity to HMS/Fort Lauderdale, Miami-Dade Police, Miami-Dade Fire, Palm Beach
11. Replacement microwave system
12. Replacement alphanumeric paging system
13. Replacement fire station alerting system
14. All subscribers are replaced
Tables 15 below summarize the estimated cost for each of the Option 2:
Table 15 – P25 Phase II Preliminary Cost Estimate
Budgetary Cost Estimate
Site/RF Equipment $19,692,000
Backhaul Network $3,200,000
Physical Infrastructure $4,900,000
Project Management, Engineering and Implementation
$9,032,400
Contingency $1,389,600
Backup Systems $1,780,800
Communications Trailer $637,000
Infrastructure Total $40,631,800
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Option 3 700 MHz P25 Hybrid Trunked Simulcast System includes the following considerations:
1. 14 total simulcast transmit/receive locations
2. One 5-channel multicast site along I-75 in the western portion of the county
3. Construction of two new 300-foot tower sites in Tamarac and Deerfield
4. Lease of four additional locations
5. Total of 42 available talk paths (30 base stations)
6. Construction of 100-foot towers at each dispatch center
7. Geographically diverse, redundant system controllers and prime sites
8. New console systems to replace each existing dispatch position
9. ISSI for connectivity to HMS, Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County
10. CSSI connectivity to HMS/Fort Lauderdale, Miami-Dade Police, Miami-Dade Fire, Palm Beach
11. Replacement microwave system
12. Replacement alphanumeric paging system
13. Replacement fire station alerting system
14. An additional $8,511,600 for subscribers is expected over the next 5-7 years when replacing
XTL/XTS models
15. Alternate pricing included for 25-channel system, providing approximately 42 available talk
paths
Site/RF Equipment
49%
Backhaul Network
8%
Physical Infrastructure
12%
PM, Engineering, & Implementation
22%
Contingency (5% of system
cost)3%
Backup Systems
4%
Communications Trailer
2%
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Tables 16 below summarize the estimated cost for each of the Option 3:
Table 16 – P25 Phase II Hybrid Preliminary Cost Estimate (30 Channels)
Budgetary Cost Estimate
Site/RF Equipment $24,334,000
Backhaul Network $3,200,000
Physical Infrastructure $4,900,000
Project Management, Engineering and Implementation
$10,541,050
Contingency $1,621,700
Backup Systems $1,780,800
Communications Trailer $637,000
Infrastructure Total $47,014,550
Site/RF Equipment
52%
Backhaul Network
7%
Physical Infrastructure
10%
PM, Engineering, & Implementation
22%
Contingency (5% of system
cost)4%
Backup Systems
4%
Communications Trailer
1%
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Table 17 – P25 Phase II Hybrid Preliminary Cost Estimate (25 Channels)
Budgetary Cost Estimate
Site/RF Equipment $22,234,000
Backhaul Network $3,200,000
Physical Infrastructure $4,900,000
Project Management, Engineering and Implementation
$9,858,550
Contingency $1,516,700
Backup Systems $1,780,800
Communications Trailer $637,000
Infrastructure Total $44,127,050
It should be noted that it is common to expect actual competitive prices to be discounted below the
budgetary cost estimates provided above. However, these levels are recommended for budgeting
purposes to ensure that sufficient contingency funds are available.
Site/RF Equipment
50%
Backhaul Network
7%
Physical Infrastructure
11%
PM, Engineering, & Implementation
22%
Contingency (5% of system
cost)4%
Backup Systems
4%
Communications Trailer
2%
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6. NEXT STEPS
MCP has identified the available feature sets and provided options to the County regarding possible
system solutions. Working with its stakeholders, the County and MCP should focus on the specific
desired feature sets and decide on a system option to pursue.
Based on these decisions, MCP will develop a comprehensive system design document. The
functional design should accomplish the following goals:
Define specific coverage requirements and geographical bounded areas
Identify candidate locations for new tower sites and validate that the coverage requirements are
satisfied by those locations
Identify locations for critical infrastructure, including master site and prime site locations
Identify specific feature sets that will be implemented
Identify preliminary cutover plans
Identify specific site-by-site requirements to be incorporated into the specifications
Complete preliminary FCC license filings
Complete preliminary tower-loading studies
Once the design phase has been completed, MCP will confirm the design with the County and project
stakeholders. Once confirmed, MCP will incorporate the aspects of the design into a functional
specification that will be utilized for the procurement of the systems.
7. CONCLUSION
MCP completed a comprehensive analysis of the 800 MHz trunked, paging, fire station alerting, and
microwave systems operated by Broward County. MCP confirmed that these systems are based on
platforms and equipment that have all reached end-of-life or will do so in the near future. Based on
these criteria, as well as other deficiencies identified by system users, MCP recommends replacement
of these systems.
MCP gathered feedback from system users—which is contained in the appendices that follow this
section—regarding improvements and feature sets that the replacement systems could offer that would
improve the level of service provided to system users. Improved coverage, capacity and reliability were
the most requested areas of improvement. Based on those requirements and additional needs stated
by users, MCP surveyed available technologies and identified three options for the County: a P25
Phase I system, a P25 Phase II system, and a Phase II Hybrid system that allows a phased migration
of subscribers.
These options offer substantial improvements to coverage and capacity, and offer the majority of the
feature sets desired by system users. The primary difference between the options is that the Phase I
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solution allows agencies to upgrade their existing subscriber equipment, but requires more base
stations, and therefore more room within equipment shelters and more antennas on each tower. While
the Phase I option has increased costs for fixed infrastructure, the Phase II option has significantly
higher costs for replacement subscriber units. A third hybrid option requires the replacement of some
Phase I subscribers, but allows the majority of Phase I subscribers to be phased out and converted to
Phase II operation over time.
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Appendix A – Radio Site Evaluations
Radio sites are a vital extension of the radio system in that they provide a secure space to house the
equipment that provides communications to first responders. They also provide protection from natural
and manmade threats in order to allow communications equipment to run at optimum performance.
Radio sites are also an important factor when designing a new communications system, as it relates to
site reliability, availability and function.
Using Motorola R56, Standards and Guidelines for Communications Sites as a resource, our team
evaluated the equipment installation and site maintenance practices to determine the level of reliability
based on site configuration. Broward County utilizes ten tower sites for the primary trunked system.
Additional locations with radio equipment include the Public Safety building and the EMS tower site.
The County owns all of its tower sites, with the exception of the Points, Playa, and Deerfield locations.
The leased sites require monthly payments, but do not require regular site maintenance.
The County uses its own shelters at all radio tower locations. The Point of America and Playa Del Mar
locations are leased building tops, with radio equipment located in equipment rooms on the building
roofs. All ten sites have most of the same equipment at each site. Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
and generator equipment are maintained through a maintenance service contract.
The sections that follow describe with more detail MCP’s findings at each radio site.
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COCONUT CREEK
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Table 1 below outlines key radio site information regarding the Coconut Creek site.
Table 1 – Coconut Creek Radio Site Information
Tower Specification Details
Coordinates 26°18'10"N, 80°11'45"W
Address 5150 Regency Lakes Drive, Coconut
Creek, FL 33073
Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) # 1041869
Tower height 400 feet
Structure type Self-Supporting Lattice
Tower manufacturer Pirod
Tower condition Good – constructed in 2004
UPS model Best Ferrups X 2
Generator model and capacity Generac 60 KW Diesel with 300 Gallon
Tank
Shelter type Prefabricated
Shelter condition Good
Shelter dimensions 20 feet x 30 feet (approximate)
Site alarming Badger
Tower owner Broward County
Lease None
Table 2 below outlines radio equipment located at the Coconut Creek site.
Table 2 – Coconut Creek Radio Equipment
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Site Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Assign voice calls to
appropriate repeater.
Communicate with prime
controller.
Repeater Motorola Quantar 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.2375 Trunking Channel 2
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.5625 Trunking Channel 3
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.6625 Trunking Channel 4
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.4875 Trunking Channel 5
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.7375 Trunking Channel 6
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.1875 Trunking Channel 7
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.3625 Trunking Channel 8
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.4875 Trunking Channel 9
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Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.7375 Trunking Channel 10
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.9875 Trunking Channel 11
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.3625 Trunking Channel 12
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.4875 Trunking Channel 13
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.7375 Trunking Channel 14
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.9875 Trunking Channel 15
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.3625 Trunking Channel 16
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4375 Trunking Channel 17
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4875 Trunking Channel 18
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7125 Trunking Channel 19
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7375 Trunking Channel 20
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.9875 Trunking Channel 21
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.1875 Trunking Channel 22 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.6875 Trunking Channel 23 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.0375 Trunking Channel 24 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.7125 Trunking Channel 25 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.0625 Trunking Channel 26 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.1875 Trunking Channel 27 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.7625 Trunking Channel 28 (License
held by school board)
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 1
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 2
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 3
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 4
24-Port
Multicoupler TXRX 52351-63 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 1
24-Port
Multicoupler TXRX 52351-63 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 2
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6665 MHz Coconut Creek to Playa Del
Mar
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6685 MHz Coconut Creek to Core
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
GPS Reference TRAK 9100 N/A GPS reference for simulcast
timing
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Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Paging Transmitter Motorola PURC5000 UHF Alphanumeric simulcast paging
transmitter
8TAC92 Motorola MSF5000 852/807.0125 8TAC92 interoperability
repeater
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852.7125 Datatac Channel 1 (Not in use)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852.7375 Datatac Channel 2 (Not in use)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852.8125 Datatac Channel 3 (Not in use)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 860.4375 Datatac Channel 4 (Not in use)
Key points regarding the Coconut Creek site are as follows:
The shelter is shared with the City of Coral Springs P25 Phase I system
The County’s MOTOTRBO UHF system is co-located in the shelter
There is room for 5-6 additional equipment racks in the current configuration
There will be room for at least five additional equipment racks once the legacy system is
decommissioned
The primary antenna entry port is at capacity. There is additional capacity on the second
antenna entry port installed for the Coral Springs system
There is no tower ground bus bar. Antenna lines are grounded directly to the tower using
ground kits
60-foot to 80-foot trees are located on all sides of the tower
Shelter five-point ground with halo in good condition
There is physical room on the tower to accommodate additional antennas
The generator recently was replaced. Manufacture date is January 22, 2015
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CORE
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Table 3 – Core Radio Site Information
Tower Specification Details
Coordinates 26°08'56.8"N, 80°11'44.2"W
Address 1725 NW 31st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) # 1041902
Tower height 300 feet
Structure type Self-Supporting Lattice
Tower manufacturer Rohn
Tower condition Good – Evidence of significant
structural enhancements
UPS model Powerware/Eaton 9170 x 2
Generator model and capacity Generac 2000 80 kW
Shelter type Prefabricated
Shelter condition Good
Shelter dimensions 22 feet x 32 feet (approximate)
Site alarming Badger
Tower owner Broward County
Lease None
Table 4 below outlines radio equipment located at the Core site.
Table 4 – Core Radio Equipment
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Site Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Assign voice calls to
appropriate repeater.
Communicate with prime
controller.
Repeater Motorola Quantro 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1
Repeater Motorola Quantro 855/810.2375 Trunking Channel 2
Repeater Motorola Quantro 855/810.5625 Trunking Channel 3
Repeater Motorola Quantro 855/810.6625 Trunking Channel 4
Repeater Motorola Quantro 856/811.4875 Trunking Channel 5
Repeater Motorola Quantro 856/811.7375 Trunking Channel 6
Repeater Motorola Quantro 857/812.1875 Trunking Channel 7
Repeater Motorola Quantro 857/812.3625 Trunking Channel 8
Repeater Motorola Quantro 857/812.4875 Trunking Channel 9
Repeater Motorola Quantro 857/812.7375 Trunking Channel 10
Repeater Motorola Quantro 857/812.9875 Trunking Channel 11
Repeater Motorola Quantro 858/813.3625 Trunking Channel 12
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Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Repeater Motorola Quantro 858/813.4875 Trunking Channel 13
Repeater Motorola Quantro 858/813.7375 Trunking Channel 14
Repeater Motorola Quantro 858/813.9875 Trunking Channel 15
Repeater Motorola Quantro 859/814.3625 Trunking Channel 16
Repeater Motorola Quantro 859/814.4375 Trunking Channel 17
Repeater Motorola Quantro 859/814.4875 Trunking Channel 18
Repeater Motorola Quantro 859/814.7125 Trunking Channel 19
Repeater Motorola Quantro 859/814.7375 Trunking Channel 20
Repeater Motorola Quantro 859/814.9875 Trunking Channel 21
Repeater Motorola Quantro 851/806.1875 Trunking Channel 22 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantro 851/806.6875 Trunking Channel 23 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantro 852/807.0375 Trunking Channel 24 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantro 852/807.7125 Trunking Channel 25 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantro 853/808.0625 Trunking Channel 26 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantro 853/808.1875 Trunking Channel 27 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantro 853/808.7625 Trunking Channel 28 (License
held by school board)
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 1
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 2
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 3
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 4
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 52351-63 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 1
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 52351-63 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 2
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6605 MHz Core to PSB (North Loop)
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6665 MHz Core to PSB (South Loop)
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6625 MHz Core to Markham Park
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6685 MHz Core to Coconut Creek
Channel Bank Motorola
TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
Channel Bank Motorola
TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
GPS Reference TRAK
9100 N/A GPS reference for simulcast
timing
Paging Transmitter Motorola
PURC5000 UHF Alphanumeric simulcast paging
transmitter
Mission Critical Partners | 96
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
8TAC94 Motorola
MSF5000 853/808.0125 8TAC94 interoperability
repeater
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852.7125 Datatac Channel 1 (Not in use)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852.7375 Datatac Channel 2 (Not in use)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852.8125 Datatac Channel 3 (Not in use)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 860.4375 Datatac Channel 4 (Not in use)
Key points regarding the Core site are as follows:
The site is referred to as “core” because it is centrally located within the County’s population
center and provides the best overall single-site coverage in the event connectivity is lost and the
system reverts to failsoft
The site serves as a hub for the northern and southern microwave loops
The repeaters at this site are Motorola Quantro stations with dual amplifiers. Quantro stations
are used because they have an output power of 150 watts, allowing better single-site coverage
in the event the system reverts to single-site operation. Each Quantro station occupies a
cabinet that occupies one half of an equipment rack
There is limited space in the shelter due to extensive floor space occupied by the Quantro
stations
There is room for approximately six to seven additional equipment racks in the current
configuration. Additional equipment racks can be added if existing equipment is consolidated
and the Datatac repeaters are decommissioned
The site is co-located with the Broward County Transit system based on the MTR3000 platform
The FBI has conventional equipment located in the shelter
The shelter HVAC system was noted to be performing poorly. Numerous fans are placed
throughout the shelter
The current shelter entry port is at capacity. An additional port will need to be added or existing
feed lines will need to be removed to support additional feed lines
There is no tower ground bar on the tower. Feed lines are grounded directly to the tower
There are insufficient spare power outlets on the equipment racks. There is additional room on
the breakers to accommodate additional outlets
The generator was manufactured in 2015 and is in good condition
Mission Critical Partners | 97
DAVIE
Mission Critical Partners | 98
Table 5 – Davie Radio Site Information
Tower Specification Details
Coordinates 26°03'55.5"N, 80°20'19"W
Address 4501 SW 142nd Avenue, Davie, FL
Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) # 1041870
Tower height 315 feet
Structure type Self-Supporting Lattice
Tower manufacturer Pirod
Tower condition
Good – Structural studies demonstrate
passed structural at TIA222 Rev G
Class III
UPS model Powerware 18 kVA x 2
Generator model and capacity Baldor 100 kW
Shelter type Prefabricated
Shelter condition Good
Shelter dimensions 20 feet x 30 feet (approximate)
Site alarming Larse
Tower owner Broward County
Lease None
Table 6 below outlines radio equipment located at the Davie site.
Table 6 – Davie Radio Equipment
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Site Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Assign voice calls to
appropriate repeater.
Communicate with prime
controller.
Repeater Motorola Quantar 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.2375 Trunking Channel 2
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.5625 Trunking Channel 3
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.6625 Trunking Channel 4
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.4875 Trunking Channel 5
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.7375 Trunking Channel 6
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.1875 Trunking Channel 7
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.3625 Trunking Channel 8
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.4875 Trunking Channel 9
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.7375 Trunking Channel 10
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.9875 Trunking Channel 11
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.3625 Trunking Channel 12
Mission Critical Partners | 99
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.4875 Trunking Channel 13
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.7375 Trunking Channel 14
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.9875 Trunking Channel 15
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.3625 Trunking Channel 16
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4375 Trunking Channel 17
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4875 Trunking Channel 18
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7125 Trunking Channel 19
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7375 Trunking Channel 20
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.9875 Trunking Channel 21
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.1875
Trunking Channel 22
(License held by school
board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.6875
Trunking Channel 23
(License held by school
board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.0375
Trunking Channel 24
(License held by school
board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.7125
Trunking Channel 25
(License held by school
board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.0625
Trunking Channel 26
(License held by school
board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.1875
Trunking Channel 27
(License held by school
board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.7625
Trunking Channel 28
(License held by school
board)
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 1
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 2
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 3
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 4
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 1
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 2
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6835 MHz Davie to Markham Park
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6615 MHz Davie to Miramar
Channel Bank Motorola
TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
Mission Critical Partners | 100
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Channel Bank Motorola
TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
GPS Reference TRAK
9100 N/A GPS reference for simulcast
timing
Paging
Transmitter
Motorola PURC5000 UHF
Alphanumeric simulcast
paging transmitter
Repeater Motorola
Quantar 852.7125 Datatac Channel 1 (Not in
use)
Repeater Motorola
Quantar 852.7375 Datatac Channel 2 (Not in
use)
Repeater Motorola
Quantar 852.8125 Datatac Channel 3 (Not in
use)
Repeater Motorola
Quantar 860.4375 Datatac Channel 4 (Not in
use)
Key points regarding the Davie site are as follows:
There is plenty of floor space in the shelter to support additional equipment
The shelter is shared with the PURC5000 paging system and the four-channel Datatac system
There is no ground bar on the tower. Feed lines are grounded directly to the tower
The shelter entry panel is at capacity. A new entry panel will be necessary to support additional
feed lines
It was noticeably hot inside the shelter. The HVAC system should be serviced and considered
for replacement
There was evidence of pest entry inside the shelter. The shelter should be sealed and treated
for insects
Access was not available to the Baldor generator
Mission Critical Partners | 101
MARKHAM PARK
Mission Critical Partners | 102
Table 7 – Markham Park Radio Site Information
Tower Specification Details
Coordinates 26°08'43"N, 80°20'44"W
Address 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, FL,
33326
Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) # 1229026
Tower height 415 feet
Structure type Guyed
Tower manufacturer Pirod
Tower condition Good – Structural studies demonstrate
passed structural at TIA222 Rev G
UPS model Powerware PW9170 18 kVA x 2
Generator model and capacity Generac 80 kW Diesel
Shelter type Prefabricated
Shelter condition Good
Shelter dimensions 12 feet x 32 feet (approximate)
Site alarming Larse
Tower owner Broward County
Lease None
Table 8 below outlines radio equipment located at the Markham Park site.
Table 8 – Markham Park Radio Equipment
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Site Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Assign voice calls to
appropriate repeater.
Communicate with prime
controller.
Repeater Motorola Quantar 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.2375 Trunking Channel 2
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.5625 Trunking Channel 3
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.6625 Trunking Channel 4
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.4875 Trunking Channel 5
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.7375 Trunking Channel 6
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.1875 Trunking Channel 7
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.3625 Trunking Channel 8
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.4875 Trunking Channel 9
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.7375 Trunking Channel 10
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.9875 Trunking Channel 11
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.3625 Trunking Channel 12
Mission Critical Partners | 103
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.4875 Trunking Channel 13
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.7375 Trunking Channel 14
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.9875 Trunking Channel 15
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.3625 Trunking Channel 16
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4375 Trunking Channel 17
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4875 Trunking Channel 18
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7125 Trunking Channel 19
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7375 Trunking Channel 20
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.9875 Trunking Channel 21
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.1875 Trunking Channel 22 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.6875 Trunking Channel 23 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.0375 Trunking Channel 24 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.7125 Trunking Channel 25 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.0625 Trunking Channel 26 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.1875 Trunking Channel 27 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.7625 Trunking Channel 28 (License
held by school board)
10-Port Combiner TXRX 37445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 1
10-Port Combiner TXRX 37445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 2
10-Port Combiner TXRX 37445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 3
10-Port Combiner TXRX 37445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 4
16-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 1
16-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 2
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6675 MHz Markham Park to Davie
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6785 MHz Markham Park to Core
Channel Bank Motorola
TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
Channel Bank Motorola
TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
GPS Reference TRAK 9100 N/A GPS reference for simulcast
timing
Mission Critical Partners | 104
Key points regarding the Markham Park site are as follows:
The site is the most western site within the system, providing primary coverage of the western
half of the county
There is an immediately adjacent tower owned by the State of Florida
An abandoned shelter is located on the compound. It may be possible for the County to take
possession of the shelter
Room was identified to potentially support 3 additional equipment racks
The tree line is close to 100 feet in each direction and is close to obscuring the microwave path.
Heights should be verified on the surrounding trees. Trees should be cut if an obstruction is
likely in the near future
The shelter is shared with numerous supporting systems, including a five-channel MOTOTRBO
system operated by the City of Sunrise, MED5 and MED 10 repeaters, a four-channel Kenwood
NXDN system, a VHF control station tied to the Seminole Nation FD, and a West Palm Beach
Civil Air Patrol station
There are plenty of additional outlets to support additional equipment
There is physical space on the tower to support additional antennas
Structural studies conducted in 2014 show the tower passing at TIA222 Rev G
Mission Critical Partners | 105
DEERFIELD
Mission Critical Partners | 106
Table 9 – Deerfield Radio Site Information
Tower Specification Details
Coordinates 26°19'11.6"N, 080°05'55.5"W
Address 300 NE 2nd Street, Deerfield, FL
Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) # N/A
Tower height 200 feet
Structure type Self-Supporting Lattice
Tower manufacturer Rohn
Tower condition
Could not inspect. Good according to
2013 report from Kirms
Communications.
UPS model Emerson 15 KVA
Generator model and capacity None present
Shelter type Prefabricated
Shelter condition Fair
Shelter dimensions 12 feet x 16 feet (approximate)
Site alarming
Tower owner AT&T
Lease Leased from AT&T.
Table 10 below outlines radio equipment located at the Deerfield site.
Table 10 – Deerfield Radio Equipment
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Site Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Assign voice calls to
appropriate repeater.
Communicate with prime
controller.
Receiver Motorola Quantar 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1
Receiver Motorola Quantar 855/810.2375 Trunking Channel 2
Receiver Motorola Quantar 855/810.5625 Trunking Channel 3
Receiver Motorola Quantar 855/810.6625 Trunking Channel 4
Receiver Motorola Quantar 856/811.4875 Trunking Channel 5
Receiver Motorola Quantar 856/811.7375 Trunking Channel 6
Receiver Motorola Quantar 857/812.1875 Trunking Channel 7
Receiver Motorola Quantar 857/812.3625 Trunking Channel 8
Receiver Motorola Quantar 857/812.4875 Trunking Channel 9
Receiver Motorola Quantar 857/812.7375 Trunking Channel 10
Receiver Motorola Quantar 857/812.9875 Trunking Channel 11
Receiver Motorola Quantar 858/813.3625 Trunking Channel 12
Mission Critical Partners | 107
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Receiver Motorola Quantar 858/813.4875 Trunking Channel 13
Receiver Motorola Quantar 858/813.7375 Trunking Channel 14
Receiver Motorola Quantar 858/813.9875 Trunking Channel 15
Receiver Motorola Quantar 859/814.3625 Trunking Channel 16
Receiver Motorola Quantar 859/814.4375 Trunking Channel 17
Receiver Motorola Quantar 859/814.4875 Trunking Channel 18
Receiver Motorola Quantar 859/814.7125 Trunking Channel 19
Receiver Motorola Quantar 859/814.7375 Trunking Channel 20
Receiver Motorola Quantar 859/814.9875 Trunking Channel 21
Receiver Motorola Quantar 851/806.1875 Trunking Channel 22 (License
held by school board)
Receiver Motorola Quantar 851/806.6875 Trunking Channel 23 (License
held by school board)
Receiver Motorola AstroTac 852/807.0375 Trunking Channel 24 (License
held by school board)
Receiver Motorola AstroTac
852/807.7125 Trunking Channel 25 (License
held by school board)
Receiver Motorola AstroTac
853/808.0625 Trunking Channel 26 (License
held by school board)
Receiver Motorola AstroTac
853/808.1875 Trunking Channel 27 (License
held by school board)
Receiver Motorola AstroTac
853/808.7625 Trunking Channel 28 (License
held by school board)
16-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 1
16-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 2
Mission Critical Partners | 108
Key points regarding the Deerfield site are as follows:
The site is a receive-only location on the 800 MHz system
Site shelter is located in a small enclosure on the side of the Deerfield Police Department.
There is a long distance between the County shelter and the tower
There is no microwave connectivity to the site. Backhaul is provided by a leased T1 circuit
There is no on-site generator
The shelter is at capacity. The existing equipment will need to be removed if the existing shelter
is used for the new system
There is no room within the current compound for a new shelter. Access to the base of the
tower was not provided, and therefore MCP could not assess if there is room for an additional
shelter at that location
There is little room on the tower for additional antennas. Because this site is currently used in
the receive-only mode, there are only two antennas on the tower. It is unknown whether the
tower could accommodate the additional antennas to make this location a full transmit/receive
site
Water damage was identified inside the shelter that impacted a number of the Quantar
receivers. The County indicated that the leak had been repaired
One of the HVAC units looks to have been replaced. The second HVAC unit looks like the
original shelter unit
There is room on the shelter entry panel to accommodate additional feed lines
23 of the receiver stations are Motorola Quantars, while the other five are AstroTac receivers.
Mission Critical Partners | 109
PLAYA DEL MAR
Mission Critical Partners | 110
Table 11 – Playa Del Mar Radio Site Information
Tower Specification Details
Coordinates 26°10'34.3"N, 80°05'54.7"W
Address 3600 Galt Ocean Drive, Ft. Lauderdale,
FL
Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) # N/A
Tower height 280 feet
Structure type Building
Tower manufacturer N/A
Tower condition
Good – Antennas mounted on
equipment room located on roof of high-
rise condominium
UPS model BEST Ferrups 18 kVA x 2
Generator model and capacity None
Shelter type Equipment Room
Shelter condition Good
Shelter dimensions Approximately 30’ x 20’ (odd-shaped
equipment room)
Site alarming Badger
Tower owner Playa Del Mar
Lease Room leased from Playa Del Mar
Table 12 below outlines radio equipment located at the Playa Del Mar site.
Table 12 – Playa Del Mar Radio Equipment
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Site Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Assign voice calls to
appropriate repeater.
Communicate with prime
controller.
Repeater Motorola Quantar 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.2375 Trunking Channel 2
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.5625 Trunking Channel 3
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.6625 Trunking Channel 4
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.4875 Trunking Channel 5
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.7375 Trunking Channel 6
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.1875 Trunking Channel 7
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.3625 Trunking Channel 8
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.4875 Trunking Channel 9
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.7375 Trunking Channel 10
Mission Critical Partners | 111
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.9875 Trunking Channel 11
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.3625 Trunking Channel 12
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.4875 Trunking Channel 13
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.7375 Trunking Channel 14
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.9875 Trunking Channel 15
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.3625 Trunking Channel 16
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4375 Trunking Channel 17
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4875 Trunking Channel 18
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7125 Trunking Channel 19
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7375 Trunking Channel 20
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.9875 Trunking Channel 21
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.1875 Trunking Channel 22 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.6875 Trunking Channel 23 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.0375 Trunking Channel 24 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.7125 Trunking Channel 25 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.0625 Trunking Channel 26 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.1875 Trunking Channel 27 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.7625 Trunking Channel 28 (License
held by school board)
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445G 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 1
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445G 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 2
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445G 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 3
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445G 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 4
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 1
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 2
Microwave Tadiran
CM6 6645 MHz Playa Del Mar to Public Safety
Building
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6665 MHz Playa Del Mar to Coconut Creek
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
GPS Reference TRAK 9100 N/A GPS reference for simulcast
timing
Mission Critical Partners | 112
Key points regarding the Playa Del Mar site are as follows:
The site is located on the rooftop of the Playa Del Mar condominium
There are two spare entry ports for additional feed lines. An additional entry panel will be
needed if more than two addition feed lines are needed
There are 12 free ports on the existing combiner system and 20 free ports on the multicoupler
The equipment room is an odd shape with numerous obstructions on the floor that prevent
effective use of floor space. There is a section of the equipment room that is currently vacated
and may be built out to accommodate additional equipment. Air flow in that section of the room
was noted to be poor. Upgrades to the HVAC system may be necessary if that section of the
room is to be used
Transmit and receive antenna are located at the same height with limited horizontal separation.
This configuration is not ideal due to the risk of transmitters overloading nearby receivers.
Testing should be conducted to ensure there is proper isolation between the antenna systems
There is room for additional antennas on the roof of the equipment room. However, there is not
space on the side of the shelter facing the County. Coverage from the site may be reduced
during cutover if the existing system antennas are moved to the far side of the equipment to
allow room for the new antennas
There is no generator on-site. The UPS units only provide a limited runtime
The ground lead from the equipment room Master Ground Bar to the building ground has a
bend. Ideally this should be a straight connection with no bends
Mission Critical Partners | 113
POINTS OF AMERICA
Mission Critical Partners | 114
Table 13 – Points of America Radio Site Information
Tower Specification Details
Coordinates 26°05'46"N, 80°06'26"W
Address 21100 S Ocean Lane, Ft. Lauderdale,
FL
Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) # N/A
Tower height 250 feet
Structure type Building
Tower manufacturer N/A
Tower condition
Good – Antennas mounted on
equipment room located on roof of high-
rise condominium
UPS model BEST Ferrups 18 kVA x 2
Generator model and capacity None
Shelter type Equipment Room
Shelter condition Good
Shelter dimensions Approximately 10’ x 20’ (odd-shaped
equipment room)
Site alarming Larse
Tower owner Points of America
Lease Crown Castle
Table 14 below outlines radio equipment located at the Points of America site.
Table 14 – Points of America Radio Equipment
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Site Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Assign voice calls to
appropriate repeater.
Communicate with prime
controller.
Repeater Motorola Quantar 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.2375 Trunking Channel 2
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.5625 Trunking Channel 3
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.6625 Trunking Channel 4
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.4875 Trunking Channel 5
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.7375 Trunking Channel 6
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.1875 Trunking Channel 7
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.3625 Trunking Channel 8
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.4875 Trunking Channel 9
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.7375 Trunking Channel 10
Mission Critical Partners | 115
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.9875 Trunking Channel 11
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.3625 Trunking Channel 12
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.4875 Trunking Channel 13
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.7375 Trunking Channel 14
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.9875 Trunking Channel 15
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.3625 Trunking Channel 16
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4375 Trunking Channel 17
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4875 Trunking Channel 18
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7125 Trunking Channel 19
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7375 Trunking Channel 20
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.9875 Trunking Channel 21
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.1875 Trunking Channel 22 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.6875 Trunking Channel 23 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.0375 Trunking Channel 24 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.7125 Trunking Channel 25 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.0625 Trunking Channel 26 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.1875 Trunking Channel 27 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.7625 Trunking Channel 28 (License
held by school board)
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445G 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 1
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445G 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 2
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445G 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 3
10-Port Combiner TXRX 57445G 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 4
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 1
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 2
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6775 MHz Points of America to Channel 2
Microwave Tadiran
CM6 6695 MHz Points of America to Public
Safety Building
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
GPS Reference TRAK 9100 N/A GPS reference for simulcast
timing
Mission Critical Partners | 116
Key points regarding the Points of America site are as follows:
The site is located on the rooftop of the Points of America condominium
There are two spare entry ports for additional feed lines. An additional entry panel will be
needed if more than two addition feed lines are needed
There are 12 free ports on the existing combiner system and 20 free ports on the multicoupler
The primary equipment room is at capacity. A second equipment room has space available for
additional equipment
There are numerous antennas located on the roof of the equipment room. There should be
room for additional antennas, however isolation between transmit and receive antennas must be
maintained
The equipment room ground lead from the Master Ground Bar undergoes numerous bends
before reaching the building ground. The connection to building ground is made with both the
water valve and the ground lead painted, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the
connection
There is no generator onsite. The UPS units only provide a limited runtime
Mission Critical Partners | 117
CHANNEL 2
Mission Critical Partners | 118
Table 15 – Channel 2 Radio Site Information
Tower Specification Details
Coordinates 25°58'50.2"N, 80°11'45.6"W
Address 3300 SW 52nd Ave, Pembroke Pines,
FL
Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) # 1028034
Tower height 390 feet
Structure type Guyed
Tower manufacturer Unknown
Tower condition
Good – Structural study completed in
2015 indicates site passed at TIA222
Rev G
UPS model BEST Ferrups 18 kVA x 2
Generator model and capacity Tradewinds Marathon 97 kW
Shelter type Equipment Room
Shelter condition Fair
Shelter dimensions Approximately 40’ x 40’ (estimated)
Site alarming Larse
Tower owner Broward County
Lease N/A
Table 16 below outlines radio equipment located at the Channel 2 site.
Table 16 – Channel 2 Radio Equipment
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Site Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Assign voice calls to
appropriate repeater.
Communicate with prime
controller
Repeater Motorola Quantar 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.2375 Trunking Channel 2
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.5625 Trunking Channel 3
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.6625 Trunking Channel 4
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.4875 Trunking Channel 5
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.7375 Trunking Channel 6
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.1875 Trunking Channel 7
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.3625 Trunking Channel 8
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.4875 Trunking Channel 9
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.7375 Trunking Channel 10
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.9875 Trunking Channel 11
Mission Critical Partners | 119
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.3625 Trunking Channel 12
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.4875 Trunking Channel 13
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.7375 Trunking Channel 14
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.9875 Trunking Channel 15
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.3625 Trunking Channel 16
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4375 Trunking Channel 17
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4875 Trunking Channel 18
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7125 Trunking Channel 19
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7375 Trunking Channel 20
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.9875 Trunking Channel 21
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.1875 Trunking Channel 22 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.6875 Trunking Channel 23 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.0375 Trunking Channel 24 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.7125 Trunking Channel 25 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.0625 Trunking Channel 26 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.1875 Trunking Channel 27 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.7625 Trunking Channel 28 (License
held by school board)
10-Port Combiner TXRX 52351-A1 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 1
10-Port Combiner TXRX 52351-A1 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 2
10-Port Combiner TXRX 52351-A1 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 3
10-Port Combiner TXRX 52351-A1 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 4
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 1
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 2
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6585 MHz Channel 2 to Miramar
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6615 MHz Channel 2 to Points of America
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
GPS Reference TRAK 9100 N/A GPS reference for simulcast
timing
Paging
Transmitter
Motorola PURC5000
471.0875
MHz
Alphanumeric simulcast paging
transmitter
Mission Critical Partners | 120
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
8TAC93 Motorola
MSF5000 852/807.5125 8TAC93 interoperability
repeater
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852.7125 Datatac Channel 1 (Not in use)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852.7375 Datatac Channel 2 (Not in use)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852.8125 Datatac Channel 3 (Not in use)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 860.4375 Datatac Channel 4 (Not in use)
Repeater Motorola GTR8000 MED5 MED5 repeater
Repeater Motorola GTR8000 MED10 MED10 repeater
Key points regarding the Points of Channel 2 site are as follows:
The site is located on an old television transmitter tower. The equipment room is built on to a
larger building previously occupied by the television company
The portion of the building not utilized for the equipment room is largely vacant and used for the
storage of old radio equipment. This portion of the building is not cooled and would require
significant renovations if it were to be used for operating equipment, office space, or another
purpose
Based on the age and condition of the building, an inspection is recommended to ensure the
equipment room is properly sealed and the roof is in good condition
There is no ground bar on the tower. Feed lines are grounded directly to the tower
The external ground bar on the outside of the shelter has a ground lead that does not go
straight down to ground. The ground lead is routed around the building before termination
An adjacent shelter is located on the property that is unoccupied. After inspection, it was
determined that the shelter is not salvageable and should be demolished
The ground lead from the master ground bar inside the shelter does not direct straight down, but
rather bends and exits the equipment room at another location
There is plenty of floor space within the equipment room to accommodate additional equipment
The site is co-located with the MOTOTRBO public works system
The tower is an older style guyed tower with 3 anchored bases rather than a single base. This
configuration limits the ability of the tower to switch to absorb forces
Structural studies completed in 2015 show that the tower passed at the TIA222 Rev G for the
antennas associated with the UHF public works system
Mission Critical Partners | 121
TAMARAC
Mission Critical Partners | 122
Table 17 – Tamarac Radio Site Information
Tower Specification Details
Coordinates 26°12'43.4"N, 080°16'20.5"W
Address 7515 NW 88th Ave, Tamarac, FL
Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) # N/A
Tower height 100’
Structure type Monopole
Tower manufacturer Rohn
Tower condition
Fair – Extremely lightweight monopole
that cannot likely support additional
loading
UPS model Best FERRUPS 18 kVA x2
Generator model and capacity None present
Shelter type Custom building
Shelter condition Fair
Shelter dimensions 10 feet x 8 feet (approximate)
Site alarming None
Tower owner Broward County
Lease Property owned by Tamarac PD.
Table 18 below outlines radio equipment located at the Tamarac site.
Table 18 –Tamarac Radio Equipment
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Site Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Assign voice calls to
appropriate repeater.
Communicate with prime
controller.
Receiver Motorola Quantar 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1
Receiver Motorola Quantar 855/810.2375 Trunking Channel 2
Receiver Motorola Quantar 855/810.5625 Trunking Channel 3
Receiver Motorola Quantar 855/810.6625 Trunking Channel 4
Receiver Motorola Quantar 856/811.4875 Trunking Channel 5
Receiver Motorola Quantar 856/811.7375 Trunking Channel 6
Receiver Motorola Quantar 857/812.1875 Trunking Channel 7
Receiver Motorola Quantar 857/812.3625 Trunking Channel 8
Receiver Motorola Quantar 857/812.4875 Trunking Channel 9
Receiver Motorola Quantar 857/812.7375 Trunking Channel 10
Receiver Motorola Quantar 857/812.9875 Trunking Channel 11
Receiver Motorola Quantar 858/813.3625 Trunking Channel 12
Mission Critical Partners | 123
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Receiver Motorola Quantar 858/813.4875 Trunking Channel 13
Receiver Motorola Quantar 858/813.7375 Trunking Channel 14
Receiver Motorola Quantar 858/813.9875 Trunking Channel 15
Receiver Motorola Quantar 859/814.3625 Trunking Channel 16
Receiver Motorola Quantar 859/814.4375 Trunking Channel 17
Receiver Motorola Quantar 859/814.4875 Trunking Channel 18
Receiver Motorola Quantar 859/814.7125 Trunking Channel 19
Receiver Motorola Quantar 859/814.7375 Trunking Channel 20
Receiver Motorola Quantar 859/814.9875 Trunking Channel 21
Receiver Motorola Quantar 851/806.1875 Trunking Channel 22 (License
held by school board)
Receiver Motorola Quantar 851/806.6875 Trunking Channel 23 (License
held by school board)
Receiver Motorola AstroTac 852/807.0375 Trunking Channel 24 (License
held by school board)
Receiver Motorola AstroTac
852/807.7125 Trunking Channel 25 (License
held by school board)
Receiver Motorola AstroTac
853/808.0625 Trunking Channel 26 (License
held by school board)
Receiver Motorola AstroTac
853/808.1875 Trunking Channel 27 (License
held by school board)
Receiver Motorola AstroTac
853/808.7625 Trunking Channel 28 (License
held by school board)
16-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 1
16-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 2
Mission Critical Partners | 124
Key points regarding the Tamarac site are as follows:
The site is a receive-only location on the 800 MHz system
The shelter and tower are located on a small hill on the back of the Tamarac Police Department.
There is no fence surrounding the tower and shelter. Limited access is provided at the entrance
to the Tamarac Police Department parking lot
The tower is a lightweight monopole that is unsuitable for a mission critical radio system
The building is a custom building that lies on uneven grade. The building shows signs of pest
entry, and is unsuitable for critical infrastructure
There is no microwave connectivity to the site. Backhaul is provided by a leased T1 circuit
There is no on-site generator
The shelter is at capacity and is unsuitable for a mission critical radio system
There is an adjacent heavy-duty monopole immediately behind the equipment shelter
The HVAC units are residential grade window units not designed for critical infrastructure
Twenty-three (23) of the receiver stations are Motorola Quantars, while the other five are
AstroTac receivers
Due to the odd nature of the equipment shelter, tower, and uneven ground, it is unclear whether
the subterranean grounding system is in good order. Testing of the grounding system is
recommended if the site is to continue to be used
A new tower and shelter is recommended if the location is to continue to be utilized
Mission Critical Partners | 125
MIRAMAR
Mission Critical Partners | 126
Table 19 – Miramar Radio Site Information
Tower Specification Details
Coordinates 25°57'31.6"N, 80°20'18.2"W
Address 14401 SW 55th Street, Miramar, FL
Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) # 1233374
Tower height 315 feet
Structure type Self-Supporting Lattice
Tower manufacturer Pirod
Tower condition Good – Structural studies demonstrate
passed structural at TIA222 Rev G
UPS model Powerware PW9170 18 kVA x 2
Generator model and capacity Generac 100 kW Diesel
Shelter type Prefabricated
Shelter condition Good
Shelter dimensions 12 feet x 32 feet (approximate)
Site alarming Badger
Tower owner Broward County
Lease None
Table 20 below outlines radio equipment located at the Miramar site.
Table 20 – Miramar Radio Equipment
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Site Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Assign voice calls to
appropriate repeater.
Communicate with prime
controller.
Repeater Motorola Quantar 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.2375 Trunking Channel 2
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.5625 Trunking Channel 3
Repeater Motorola Quantar 855/810.6625 Trunking Channel 4
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.4875 Trunking Channel 5
Repeater Motorola Quantar 856/811.7375 Trunking Channel 6
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.1875 Trunking Channel 7
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.3625 Trunking Channel 8
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.4875 Trunking Channel 9
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.7375 Trunking Channel 10
Repeater Motorola Quantar 857/812.9875 Trunking Channel 11
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.3625 Trunking Channel 12
Mission Critical Partners | 127
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.4875 Trunking Channel 13
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.7375 Trunking Channel 14
Repeater Motorola Quantar 858/813.9875 Trunking Channel 15
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.3625 Trunking Channel 16
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4375 Trunking Channel 17
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.4875 Trunking Channel 18
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7125 Trunking Channel 19
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.7375 Trunking Channel 20
Repeater Motorola Quantar 859/814.9875 Trunking Channel 21
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.1875 Trunking Channel 22 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 851/806.6875 Trunking Channel 23 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.0375 Trunking Channel 24 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 852/807.7125 Trunking Channel 25 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.0625 Trunking Channel 26 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.1875 Trunking Channel 27 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola Quantar 853/808.7625 Trunking Channel 28 (License
held by school board)
10-Port Combiner TXRX 37445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 1
10-Port Combiner TXRX 37445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 2
10-Port Combiner TXRX 37445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 3
10-Port Combiner TXRX 37445-K 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 4
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 1
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 2
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6775 MHz Miramar to Davie
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6745 MHz Miramar to Channel 2
Channel Bank Motorola
TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
Channel Bank Motorola
TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from site
controller to microwave
GPS Reference TRAK 9100 N/A GPS reference for simulcast
timing
Mission Critical Partners | 128
Key points regarding the Miramar site are as follows:
The site is located on the back of a County community center. Access is provided by a small
road/sidewalk running between the baseball fields
There is room for three to four additional equipment racks in the current configuration. There
will be more room once the current equipment is decommissioned
There are 20 free multicoupler ports and 12 free combiner ports
The tower is in good condition, having passed structural studies conducted at TIA222 Rev G
within the last two years
There is room on the tower to support additional antennas
Site grounding was in overall good condition. The subterranean grounding system was not
inspected and resistance measurements were not conducted
Microwave waveguide pressure readings were at 0 psi at the time of inspection. The microwave
dehydrator and waveguides should be inspected for proper operation and air leaks.
Mission Critical Partners | 129
EMS
Mission Critical Partners | 130
Table 21 – EMS Radio Site Information
Tower Specification Details
Coordinates 26°9'14.2"N, 80°10'37.9"W
Address 3150 NW 26th Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) # 1041903
Tower height 420 feet
Structure type Guyed
Tower manufacturer Pirod
Tower condition Good – Structural studies demonstrate
passed structural at TIA222 Rev G
UPS model Mitsubishi M2033CP 50 kVA x 2
Generator model and capacity Generac 180 kW Diesel
Shelter type Prefabricated
Shelter condition Good
Shelter dimensions 23 feet x 30 feet (approximate)
Site alarming MOSCAD panel, unsure of usage
Tower owner Broward County
Lease None
Table 22 below outlines radio equipment located at the EMS site.
Table 22 –EMS Radio Equipment
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Site Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Assign voice calls to
appropriate repeater.
Communicate with prime
controller.
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 855/810.2375 Trunking Channel 2
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 855/810.5625 Trunking Channel 3
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 855/810.6625 Trunking Channel 4
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 856/811.4875 Trunking Channel 5
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 856/811.7375 Trunking Channel 6
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 857/812.1875 Trunking Channel 7
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 857/812.3625 Trunking Channel 8
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 857/812.4875 Trunking Channel 9
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 857/812.7375 Trunking Channel 10
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 857/812.9875 Trunking Channel 11
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 858/813.3625 Trunking Channel 12
Mission Critical Partners | 131
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 858/813.4875 Trunking Channel 13
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 858/813.7375 Trunking Channel 14
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 858/813.9875 Trunking Channel 15
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 859/814.3625 Trunking Channel 16
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 859/814.4375 Trunking Channel 17
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 859/814.4875 Trunking Channel 18
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 859/814.7125 Trunking Channel 19
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 859/814.7375 Trunking Channel 20
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 859/814.9875 Trunking Channel 21
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 851/806.1875 Trunking Channel 22 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 851/806.6875 Trunking Channel 23 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 852/807.0375 Trunking Channel 24 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 852/807.7125 Trunking Channel 25 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 853/808.0625 Trunking Channel 26 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 853/808.1875 Trunking Channel 27 (License
held by school board)
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 853/808.7625 Trunking Channel 28 (License
held by school board)
10-Port Combiner TXRX 59492-C2 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 1
10-Port Combiner TXRX 59492-C2 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 2
10-Port Combiner TXRX 59492-C2 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 3
10-Port Combiner TXRX 59492-C2 851-860 MHz Transmit Antenna 4
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 1
24-Port
Multicoupler
TXRX 42-86-91082-24 806-815 MHz Receive Antenna 2
Repeater Motorola GTR8000 UHF MED5
Repeater Motorola GTR8000 UHF MED8
Repeater Motorola GTR8000 UHF MED10
Mission Critical Partners | 132
Key points regarding the EMS site are as follows:
The site is not utilized as a simulcast site on the 800 MHz system
The site originally was designed to function as a backup trunked system in the event of a failure
to the primary system 800 MHz system using the same frequencies and MSF5000 repeaters.
The system never functioned as anticipated. The antennas tied to the backup system have
subsequently been removed
The site has newer UPS and Generator units with very high capacity
There is plenty of floor space to support additional equipment. Much more space will be
available if the backup system is decommissioned
There were signs of pest entry inside the shelter. The shelter should be sealed and treated for
insects
The generator was in the alarm mode when we arrived on site
The site is co-located with the County public works system
The site is in close proximity to the core site, and is centrally located within the County
populated area
Two Motorola PTP300 microwave units are located inside the shelter. It was reported that
these units were used for a Motorola demonstration at some point in the past, but were never
removed
Power still was connected to the MSF5000 units, despite antennas being disconnected. Power
should be removed from these units to save on utility costs
Mission Critical Partners | 133
PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
Mission Critical Partners | 134
Table 23 – Public Safety Building Radio Site Information
Tower Specification Details
Coordinates 26°07'20.7"N, 80°10'38.7"W
Address 2601 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale,
FL
Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) # N/A
Tower height 180 feet
Structure type Monopole
Tower manufacturer Unknown
Tower condition Good based on visual inspection.
UPS model Building UPS
Generator model and capacity Building Generator
Shelter type
Multiple equipment rooms (prime site,
paging controller, microwave,
monopole)
Shelter condition
Equipment rooms range from good to
fair. Access not heavily constricted to
critical infrastructure rooms. Monopole
equipment room is very small.
Shelter dimensions Equipment rooms range in size.
Site alarming Location for central BADGER alarm
panel
Tower owner Broward County SO
Lease None
Table 24 below outlines radio equipment located at the Public Safety Building site.
Table 24 – Public Safety Building Radio Equipment
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Prime Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Control simulcast traffic
countywide. Interfaced with
hosted Master site.
Backup Prime
Controller Motorola 6809 N/A
Control simulcast traffic
countywide. Interfaced with
hosted Master site.
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 854/809.4625 Trunking Channel 1, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 855/810.2375 Trunking Channel 2, sites 1-8
Mission Critical Partners | 135
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 2, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 855/810.5625 Trunking Channel 3, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 3, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 855/810.6625 Trunking Channel 4, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 4, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 856/811.4875 Trunking Channel 5, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 5, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 856/811.7375 Trunking Channel 6, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 6, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 857/812.1875 Trunking Channel 7, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 7, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 857/812.3625 Trunking Channel 8, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 8, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 857/812.4875 Trunking Channel 9, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 9, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 857/812.7375 Trunking Channel 10, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 10, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 857/812.9875 Trunking Channel 11, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 11, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 858/813.3625 Trunking Channel 12, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 12, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 858/813.4875 Trunking Channel 13, sites 1-8
Mission Critical Partners | 136
Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 13, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 858/813.7375 Trunking Channel 14, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 14, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 858/813.9875 Trunking Channel 15, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 15, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 859/814.3625 Trunking Channel 16, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 16, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 859/814.4375 Trunking Channel 17, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 17, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 859/814.4875 Trunking Channel 18, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 18, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 859/814.7125 Trunking Channel 19, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 19, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 859/814.7375 Trunking Channel 20, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 20, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 859/814.9875 Trunking Channel 21, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 21, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 851/806.1875 Trunking Channel 22, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 22, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac 851/806.6875 Trunking Channel 23, sites 1-8
Voter Motorola SECURENET
Digitac Trunking Channel 23, sites 9-10
Voter Motorola Astrotac
3000 852/807.0375 Trunking Channel 24, sites 1-10
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Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Voter Motorola Astrotac
3000 852/807.7125 Trunking Channel 25, sites 1-10
Voter Motorola Astrotac
3000 853/808.0625 Trunking Channel 26, sites 1-10
Voter Motorola Astrotac
3000 853/808.1875 Trunking Channel 27, sites 1-10
Voter Motorola Astrotac
3000 853/808.7625 Trunking Channel 28, sites 1-10
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Coconut
Creek
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Coconut
Creek
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Miramar
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Miramar
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Davie
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Davie
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Channel 2
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Channel 2
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Core
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Core
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Points
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Points
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Playa
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Playa
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Markham
Park
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Markham
Park
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Tamarac
Channel Bank Motorola TeNSr/800 N/A Multiplex traffic from Deerfield
System status
monitor Motorola Systemwatch N/A Monitor system activity
System Reporting Genesis Genwatch N/A Generate system usage reports
and statistics
Alarm Panel Badger Badger N/A Receive system environmental
alarms
Dispatch
Controller Motorola
Central
Electronics
Bank (CEB)
N/A
Supports 1 remaining console
position at the PSB and spare
parts
Paging Controller Motorola Unipage N/A Unipage controller for County
alphanumeric paging system
Paging Controller Zetron 640A N/A Not in use
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6805 MHz PSB to Playa Del Mar
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Equipment Type Make Model Frequency Usage
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6765 MHz PSB to Core
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6825 MHz PSB to Core
Microwave Tadiran CM6 6855 MHz PSB to Points of America
Repeater Motorola MSF5000 854.6375
MHz MAFLA Repeater
Repeater Motorola Quantar MRC Medical Resource Channel
Repeater
Repeater Motorola Quantar 471.0825
MHz Fire Station Alerting Transmitter
Key points regarding the Public Safety Building site are as follows:
The location originally hosted the master site for the system. The site now connects to the
hosted master site at the Motorola facility in Plantation via a SmartX gateway
The site hosts the prime site for the countywide simulcast cell. The prime controllers and voters
reside at this location
The system management, system watch, Genwatch, and BADGER panels all reside in a room
immediately adjacent to the prime controllers and voters
The BADGER alarm panel runs on a Windows 98 PC
The Sheriff’s Office dispatch center was located adjacent to the prime controller equipment
room prior to the PSAP consolidation
The Unipage controller is located in an adjacent equipment room to the prime controllers. The
controller is extremely old by inspection
A Zetron 640A paging controller is rack mounted next to the Unipage controller. The Zetron
controller is not in operation
A single Gold Elite console position is in operation in the equipment room. There are several
racks of CEB equipment that are available for spare parts
A separate equipment room on the roof of the building houses the microwave radios
A separate equipment room on the ground floor houses radio equipment for the MAFLA and
MRC stations. The equipment room is cluttered and extremely space limited
At the time of inspection, the backup controller was in operation. Status was not available on
the primary controller, although it appeared to be in working condition
The County has no intention of having any radio equipment at the PSB following cutover to the
new system
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Appendix B – Focus Group Session
Police, Fire and EMS Meeting – July 15, 2015
Attendees: In alphabetical order by organization/city.
Name Organization Name Organization
Eric Caudwell Broward County Sheriff Jorge Hernandez Pembroke Pines Fire
Michael Kane Broward County Fire Andrew Texiera Pembroke Pines Fire
Tim Keefe Broward County Fire Jose Vargas Pembroke Pines Police
Ryan Marken Coconut Creek Police Barry Stearns Plantation Fire
Gary Gray City of Fort Lauderdale Chester Bolton Pompano Fire
Karl Maracotter City of Fort Lauderdale Enrique Torres Sea Ranch Lakes
Mark Ellis Hallandale Beach Fire Mario Leiva Seminole Tribe
Gregg Paglianuto Hallandale Beach Fire Brian Swartout Seminole Tribe
Sonia Quinones Hallandale Beach Police Tim Lanham Seminole Tribe Fire
Christoph St. Luce City of Hollywood Mary Negrey Seminole Tribe Police
Jeff Levy Lauderhill Fire John McNamara Sunrise Fire
Rick Donahue Margate Fire John Brooks Sunrise Police
John Savaiko Miramar Police David McCann Sunrise Police
Key points noted during the focus group session with fire and EMS personnel follow.
System Coverage
Coverage problems exist in high rises and parking garages throughout Broward County but specifically
along the coast where they expect 30 or more new high-rise towers in the next five years.
Implementing fire code based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for the interim,
would like to see building penetration improved without secondary systems.
Hospitals and schools are two leading causes of communications failures in this County. Most
hospitals experience poor radio communications and once the crews get 20 feet inside the building,
they lose communications. There were users that expressed a desire to use simplex channels for fire
ground operations because the simplex is considered a more secure way for users to assure
communication. However, other users would like to see a system that would not require use of a
simplex channel on a regular basis. Beyond the capabilities of technology, this involves operational
policy.
In a dynamic event – active shooter – users found out they had no coverage inside the
schools. Even if using simplex channels, mutual aid units do not know what those
channels are. Schools are primary shelters as well and field personnel have no
communications with their staff.
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The school board is responsible for providing adequate radio coverage for public safety
users rather than the County and if not, to have Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDAs)
purchased and installed.
Active incidents involving bordering agencies is challenging when responders do not
have communications with bordering agencies. There are console connections with
Aventura, Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue, however, users specifically mentioned,
Miramar and Miami Gardens. This is amplified when staff cannot get the Florida
Interoperability Network (FIN) console to work properly due to inadequate education for
end users.
In addition to system design, initial and on-going user training is critical to maximize
system capabilities for effective incident management in these scenarios.
Because of all the high-rises, even on the beach in an open area, users stated they are not getting
coverage on the sand or out into the ocean for the marine units (1-2 miles, state boundary 3 miles).
Some users indicated more issues around the North East area of the County where the tower site is
receive only. Fort Lauderdale gave the Coast Guard one of their radios, which is in the Coast Guard’s
communications center. Broward County has also provided the Coast Guard with the mutual aid
resources (zones 14 and 12).
Fort Lauderdale expressed they have a very serious concern about in-building coverage, including
lower floors such as parking garages. Fort Lauderdale has numerous BDAs installed and stated they
are nothing but a pain.
For signal penetration, considering how a building is constructed (i.e., low-e glass used in windows
(which is a metallic film) or a home constructed with stucco mesh on the walls) is more important than
the type of building (i.e., high-rise). The key to maximizing signal penetration is to build systems with
enough street level coverage first, and then build capacity. Increased street coverage means more
sites.
MCP is conducting an independent coverage study, looking at the whole county and the delivered
signal to the street. The number of transmit/receive sites needed will be considered in the new system
design.
Big Cypress Reservation experiences coverage issues when utilizing 800 MHz Med Com system.
Coverage issues do not happen often and there is a Very High Frequency (VHF) backup system in
place. However, spare vehicles do not have these radios. There are Broward County radios in the
vehicles in Big Cypress but it would be good to have access to Broward County’s primary system.
Seminole Tribe primarily uses Broward County system, but there is a 5-10 minutes wait after entering
the Broward County area to be in range to get access to system.
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There are coverage concerns out West along alligator alley. Weston law enforcement units around
mile marker (MM) 37 experience coverage loss - MM 40 on a good day - but the Broward County
boarder goes all the way to MM52.
Users expressed the need for coverage into Dade County.
Building enough infrastructure for penetration comes down to cost – possibly $1 Million per site. With
the building codes in south Florida, even cellular service does not work in all buildings, and needs
amplification.
BDAs are great options until a building is compromised or service is needed outside of buildings where
BDAs do not help. It could be more challenging to get Government buildings to put boosters and
transmitters than private owned high rises.
Because there are needs for both new and existing buildings, users may want to consider portable
repeaters for fire ground operations. Vehicle repeaters programmed to automatically turn on and
switch from a trunked system to a conventional system are another option. An in-vehicle dual band
repeater achieves two goals―dispatch and on-scene communications (ability to do PAR and
recording).
In theory, there can be trunked systems for main operations and then conventional systems for tactical
purposes; however, in order for conventional systems to repeat, two infrastructures are needed. For
tactical purposes, users would like to evaluate the cost of two systems. Putting the simplex channel in
the radio is less expensive; however, you need to have frequencies available.
When designing systems, engineers try to look at redundancy in engineering the system. Another
consideration is building the towers to meet the wind load and keeping everything tightened down –
microwave dishes – to achieve 99.999% reliability and resiliency.
In addition to Cells on Wheels (COWs) considered for redundancy, additional frequencies and having
assigned frequencies per region in the event of a radio system failure are also being considered.
System Capacity
The users expressed that they experience a high number of system busies.
Because the school board is still on the primary system, and therefore during the school
year the number of system busies is worse in the morning and afternoons when school
buses are on the road
Multiple major incidents such as a pursuit and SWAT incident and then a structure fire
resulted in multiple busies. Field users get frustrated and keep trying to access the
system which further exacerbates that problem.
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Users expressed that there are too many non-public safety users on the system. They asked if a new
system would reduce the number of voice channels if governmental users, i.e. the school board, are
taken off the system.
There are currently 27 talk paths and users want to maintain or maximize the number of talk paths in a
new system. Broward County’s intent is not to minimize talk paths.
System usage is quite reliant on user devices. Issues occur when user devices are
Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) only and not Time Division Multiple Access
(TDMA), which will throttle the system down
A combined system can be designed for both. It will be a joint effort―infrastructure and
subscribers
To maximize system coverage and capabilities, purchasing and maintaining end users
radios―mobile and portable subscriber units―with the appropriate accessories is
essential
Currently subscribers exceed system capabilities, but in the future, the system will
exceed subscriber unit capabilities. Users expressed a desire for the County to allocate
funding to help agencies with subscriber needs
Users noted that it is difficult to determine if denial of access to the system is the results of a coverage,
capacity, or interference situation because the “bonking” sound is the same for all situations.
Suggest speaking to manufacturer and ask them to assign different tone to each of
those events
Operations
Users asked if the Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF) 700 MHz regional system could be
used as a backup once it is functional. Broward County responded that this is one of the options being
evaluated for that purpose.
Numerous systems have a mix of 700/800 channels but for multiple bands to work, the infrastructure
needs to be in place to support the subscribers.
Need to provide a product that is seamless to the end user and not one that has been pieced together.
Users expressed they think we can do better than patching and bridging dynamic events.
Collectively on the user end, they have done many work-arounds, patches, coming off
trunked systems. Users stated they need simple ease of use overall but also need to
improve response to low frequency events that occur 364 days after annual training.
Public Safety should have priority over nonpublic safety at all times, however, users still want
communication with non-critical personnel even if they move off the main system – public works, school
buses, etc.
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Users wanted to know if the system included tactical channels that are conventional, could you add a
fifth channel that was just for local government that was not repeated so it would not interfere?
If frequencies are available, could look at it, but it will likely be expensive
Need for GPS – mandatory item in the infrastructure. End user will need to ensure subscriber units can
accommodate it.
Over the Air Programming (OTAP) – is a need to help update the subscriber units. Users understand it
takes up system resources but users think the system needs to be built that way.
Currently have kiosks for portables but that does not help for mobiles
It needs to be fire fighter and officer proof – Wi-Fi capable during roll call so it is
seamless to the user
Currently two databases need to be touched when making updates to radio aliases. Users want to
make it easier to change the alias for the radio and to make database updates.
When discussing incident management/accountability an example of new technology was given where
using simulation of a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR). The incident commander pressed a
button in the command vehicle, and the only response needed from field personnel was to “key” the
radio. This turned the unit green on the board while anyone not keying stayed red. This is a capability
that the user expressed could be good to have.
The County would provide the infrastructure and capacity while implementing these
types of features would be up to the individual agency
Biometrics capability over the life span of a 30-year radio system would be desirable.
Can the system be designed to be digital on a main channel and revert to analog on a tactical? Yes,
this is a radio programming issue with a lot of that being mandated by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC). For example, for 700 MHz systems the FCC is mandating that those systems be
TDMA and digital to maximize the use of the band.
Fire users expressed they are not supporters of a digital system for fire ground operations. A user
mentioned there is a recent report from a respected fire association supporting digital fire ground
operations that should be reviewed.
Interoperability
Capability for mutual aid with state and Federal agencies is required.
Stated desire for permanent patching to accommodate interop with Federal agencies
(e.g. United States Coast Guard (USCG), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), etc.
Aviation
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Forestry (they are all VHF, red, white, blue), Coast Guard, customers, border patrol. Many federal
agencies are running APX 7000s and have programmed some talk groups in them.
Simplex is not always efficient and really only good for point to point, peer to peer for fire ground, so still
need another talk path.
Could make a single zone with all the mutual aid talk groups in it that an agency knows it needs.
The emergency operations center (EOC) will have access to zones 14 and 12 and
NPSPAC 800 MHz
All agencies should have Palm Beach County mutual aid channels in their radios. To do this, all
agencies need to have a signed memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Palm Beach County.
In Miami-Dade for interoperability and coverage, they are all on handheld radios. There needs to be an
ability to communicate with the local agencies. Agencies stated they have tried to foster relationships
with those agencies but they want to be reciprocal.
For Miami-Dade, agencies wanting to interoperate need a Harris or P25 radio. Miami-
Dade Fire side is Motorola UHF
Broward County does have relationships with all of local agencies
Need reciprocity for ID sharing with Miami-Dade. Broward County does have cross
system activation of IDs.
The 700 MHz overlay project may help but users were skeptical
Paging Coverage
Users acknowledged that paging companies are going out of business and it is the County’s preference
to control its own paging system.
The paging system would have its own coverage area, which would be at least the County.
Users advised there are many coverage gaps, maybe 50% of the units are receiving pages on a regular
basis, and that is because they are at an incident near the Core site.
Currently one out of four County paging system sites are operational
Bands are so congested may need to go to other bands VHF, 900 MHz, etc.
For staff that live in Palm Beach County, the radios work but not the pagers. Users would like pager
coverage outside Broward County to accommodate those employees.
Check and see if there are statewide frequencies
Pager works with current Ultra High Frequency (UHF) system but also has a cellular
number attached to it so if staff go outside the coverage area it goes with the employee.
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It also works with the current Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, which can also
send a text to a smart phone
Currently pagers receive address and a couple of lines from CAD but they do not get updates. Users
would like to have the ability to get updates and text messaging from dispatch into the radio.
Users asked about possibility of using radios to accept pages for another level of back
up. They acknowledged there is value to receiving text messages but were not keen on
being able to send messages
Some agencies are opposed to paging through the P25 system.
Fire Station Alerting (FSA)
Goal for fire station alerting is to be radio frequency (RF) based with internet protocol (IP) back up.
Recommend two level signaling – one RF and one IP.
When central dispatch puts fire stations that do automatic aid (e.g. Hallandale) on a call, they only hear
south dispatch voice, but they are not being dispatched by south, they are being dispatched by central.
Users advised there are times when you have good or no audio so lighted display capabilities are
desired. For example, distinct colors, lighted displays, and screens can give them the call information
that would improve situational preparation.
Users discussed how color light displays and other features have been available for
years, and want to look at new features that track time factors such as count down
timers and displays in the apparatus bays. Times can be captured in other ways, but
users just want the display.
Users discussed bunkroom alerting capabilities including a switch or button in the bunkroom so they
can indicate what apparatus they are on that day
Some fire stations/departments have their staff rotate so they are not in the same station
or assignment every day
This functionality can be built into the system but all the station functionality will be the
agencies responsibility
Broward County advised that the current inter-local demark is to the station and everything from the
door into the building is the agency responsibility.
The Inter-local Agreement (ILA) includes FSA. Broward County has the core and
infrastructure to alert, and then everything else is the responsibility of the end agency
Users stated in their opinion the ILAs need modification and changes in the demark
Currently use T1 lines for multi company dispatch, but those are going away to IP. If agencies want
Ethernet as a primary then that can be looked at.
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Users noted the need for lead-time from County to agencies so that they can prepare their budgets.
Users want the system to be backward compatible for agencies to be able to budget and
migrate. Some agencies have 80-90 plus stations
Agencies see some push back from the cities to replace their alerting system, when they
have an existing Zetron that is functioning
The County noted that implementation will not be easy but they want to make sure the core meets user
requirements with the options.
Additional Comments
Users wanted to confirm if the system recommendations would include recommendations for subscriber
units. Assistance is needed in this area to assist in leveraging limited funds.
MPC provides vendor neutral specification requirements for subscriber units and then it
is the users responsibility to procure that quality level of units
Users requested the County publish a buyer’s guide of acceptable radios
Users indicated that there needs to be greater discussion on project governance, however, they
expressed appreciation for the effort to maintain transparency and keep partners engaged in
developing what the new system will be. Some thought more agencies might have attended if they
knew it was going to be as in-depth and open as it was.
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Appendix C – Interviews with Dispatchers
Held June 9-11, 2015
Key points noted during the focus group session with dispatch staff follow.
Coconut Creek (North) Dispatch noted several issues:
Frequent system outages
Intermittent “no audio but ID”
Unit ID and alias not appearing
Radios not programmed with all talkgroups
Consoles configured for certain talkgroups only
There is too much clutter at each dispatch position from the various mice, keyboards, and
microphones required for each of the console screens. Touchscreens would help alleviate this
clutter
Coverage problems were noted in the following areas
o Western areas (Weston/Davie)
o Northern Pompano
o Lauderdale by the Sea
Dispatch can’t communicate with the Coral Springs or Plantation centers
o MARS is required
Dispatchers at this center indicated that it would be beneficial if the new system provided these
features:
Console-originated text messaging/IM
Intercom between positions and centers
Light pole for dispatcher status
Instant recall recorder in console
Unit ID and alias
Ability to change, add and delete talkgroup patches at any console, rather than just the one that
set it up
Event talkgroups in addition to tactical talk groups
Talkgroup menu search by talkgroup name
Buttons for alert tone
Storm plans
Talkgroup alias and number
Touchscreen
Standardize programming for backup portables and consolettes
Busy Channel Marker tone
Clear-to-talk indication/tone for FSA. Now alert status only on CAD screen
Knox tones
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Sunrise (Central) Dispatch noted several issues:
Coverage – Deerfield Beach ICW to ocean
Coverage – Heavy structures
Coverage – Pompano, Ft. Lauderdale, Parkland, Everglades
Need access to all talkgroups, including those that are primarily utilized at different centers
Standardize subscriber templates – users get lost and dispatchers do not have a guide to tell
them where to go
Log-off/log-on an issue
Too many mice
Missing talkgroups in an incident
There are many subscriber IDs that appear with no associated alias
Dispatchers at this center indicated it would be beneficial if the new system provided these features:
Access to all talkgroups
Call alert
Private call to units
Interoperability with tribal units
Use for more than three alert tones and a wider selection of tones
Light stack at each position to report status
Instant recall recorder
Search function for talkgroups
Touchscreens to eliminate clutter on desks
Pembroke Pines Dispatch noted several issues:
Inbound call ID display but no audio
System going into site trunking reverts to consolettes
Several instances noted where the radio system was down for substantial periods of time
Tethered headsets
Noisy inbound calls
Not enough training on the radio system – mostly on the job
There is no way to identify a unit when only the subscriber ID appears, but no alias
Dispatchers can’t access tactical channels used primarily by other dispatch centers
Patches only can be modified by the position that created the patch
Static appears on headsets – this appears to be locally generated interference rather than poor
radio coverage
Microphone jacks stick out too far and are often loose
Dispatchers at this center indicated it would be beneficial if the new system provided these features:
Activity report
Touchscreen
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Fewer mice
Light stack
Access to all system talkgroups
Intercom between centers
Ability to add/modify a patch – at the supervisor level
Indication of who initiated the patch
Untethered headsets
Buttons for alert tones
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Appendix D – Interoperability Partner Interviews
MCP conducted interviews with numerous interoperability partners to solicit feedback regarding
interoperability and the communications system. Interviews were conducted either onsite or by
telephone.
City of Coral Springs
Responses from City of Coral Springs representatives are summarized below.
Coral Springs has its own three-site system tied to a Motorola HMS and currently plans to
remain there
The City indicated the following regarding interoperability:
o Console access to Broward County talkgroups through the HMS. This will need to be
addressed if the County goes to its own core
Has Zones 12 & 14 programmed in subscribers
Has neighboring jurisdiction talkgroups programmed in user radios
North Lauderdale
Tamarac
Coconut Creek
Margate
Control stations with NPSPAC 8Call and 8TAC channels in console with patch capability
Control stations with Palm Beach Commons in console with patch capability
Has Command Bus with mobiles installed
City of Fort Lauderdale
Responses from City of Fort Lauderdale representatives are summarized below.
Fort Lauderdale is moving forward with a stopgap solution in anticipation of Broward County
putting in a good full-coverage network
o P25 – 3 sites that should provide the in-city coverage needed
o Fort Lauderdale is licensed for 26 channels, with only 12 moving to the new system
o Eventually will migrate more channels over
o Systems will run in parallel and plan to stay tied to the HMS
The City indicated no desire to pursue P25 Phase II for multiple reasons
o Subscribers would need to be replaced
o No additional failsoft channels in Phase II
o Signal quality issues on Phase II – additional receive antennas needed
City seriously would consider joining the County master site if the County implements a
Motorola solution
o If County will have their own master site – County will need network management
access to it
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APX radio that could do MOTOTRBO, VHF/UHF/700 MHz
Ability to manage users – dispatch from anywhere; may be changes to that
Representatives indicated the following information regarding system coverage:
Needs in-building
City completed study to compare coverage deficiencies on both systems
New system strongly encouraged to have in-building coverage everywhere; not sure if
City will have a radio system at some point
Process started with County board of rules and appeals to develop countywide
bidirectional amplifier (BDA) ordinance
Concerns with going Phase II – limited talk paths, failsoft, etc.
Limited value to Phase II:
o Trouble to marry to other resources
o Failsoft – City/County went into failsoft many times
o Lightning storms – base station failures result in loss of 2 talk paths
Problems on wide-area talk groups
SmartX possible concern – causing reliability issue
o Problems started happening after SmartX migration
o SmartX only can handle 64 talkgroups at one time
The City indicated the following regarding interoperability:
Not sure if they have access to Broward Sheriff’s Office talkgroups
o Everything secret with Broward Sheriff’s Office talkgroups
Interoperability agreements are an informal understanding rather than formally
developed
Zone 14 – available to police or fire
Zone 12 – available to fire but they said they need more
County did not want to run a patch to teletype
Frequencies for MERS trailer – using channels out of their system; MSF5000s and
Model 6809 controllers
Two trunked systems – analog MTC3600, GTR8000s on P25; could go on 700 MHz
Mutual-aid as needed – agreements in place; everybody does what is needed to get the
job done
o Deployables
Fort Lauderdale has the regional deployable cell on wheels (COW)
The City stated that some entities are not happy with how dispatch is done today
o Maybe some pullback from regional dispatch plan
o Ability to make those changes and incorporate into the system design
o Need to be able to accommodate end-user requirements
o County wanted to pull out of inter-local agreements (ILAs) without input from end-users
City of Hialeah
Responses from City of Hialeah representatives are summarized below.
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The current City of Hialeah system is:
o SMARTNET 3.1
o 10-channel 800 MHz
o Three sites, adding 4th
o Upgrade to P25 on hold for budget; Motorola bid winner
o Approximately 1,200 subscriber radios
o All subscribers are P25 ready
The City indicated the following regarding interoperability:
o Hialeah currently has 16 interoperability talkgroups available for Broward County to
program
Suggests all 3 systems exchange ID activations; current ID system is a mess
EMS needs hospital talkgroup for Cleveland and 2 hospitals on Broward County system
Does not use Broward County system for mutual-aid
Investigations in Broward County – swap radios
No ILA/memorandum of understanding (MOU) in place
Needs Broward IDs and system key
o Deployables:
Vehicle with all bands, 40-foot mast, ACU1000 installed
Suitcase repeaters for police, fire, and public works
o Broward County has not provided mutual-aid to Hialeah within the last 13 years
o Cross-programming of subscribers between Hialeah and Broward County is desired
o The regional 700 MHz P25 overlay system may be beneficial for wide-area
interoperability
City of Hollywood
Responses from City of Hollywood representatives are summarized below.
Hollywood manages its own radios, towers, and antennas; however, the County owns the
repeaters
o Nine frequencies per site – not managed at all
o Three sites – only time the City communicates with the County to address infrastructure
o ASTRO Digital – only agency
o County code plug needs to be followed – creates a problem for fire
o Three sites – 9 channel simulcast at all sites – 1 site is receive only
o Looking for City to purchase repeaters – Quantars
o No discussions to date concerning a P25 migration
o Fire 139 radios, police 400+; not all work
o Fire – 97 in use, police 250-275 in use
o Local government – Almost 400 radios in use
o Wanted local government to go to MOTOTRBO system – City turned it down
o Parking enforcement – not on county system – moved them under the police department
for City of Fort Lauderdale – same thing with Park rangers – no ID changes
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o APX7000XE and APX4000 – all radios in use over a year now
o Serious lack of backup capability – if City systems go away, where does the backup
system go?
o City manager will not allow City to buy new radios
o Several hundred potentially available spare radios from Hollywood
o No budget for radio upgrades
o Would like to have separate backup system in event of failure to primary system
The City indicated the following regarding coverage:
o Coverage worked fine – issue with Scott mask speak easy – working with special
microphones – problem with digital, mainly
o Coverage testing on County system – repeater on the beach – was a problem on the
City channel
o Working on making East site transmit and receive
o BSO/MERS
o Hollywood – City hall 50 foot, up to 100 feet to get coverage
o Station 74 – 40-foot – 50-foot pushup pull on top of station
o Mobile repeaters for fire
The City indicated the following regarding interoperability:
o Do not call the County for talkgroup – wanted County to go down to analog – not going
back to analog
o Agencies cannot talk directly to City because of ASTRO Digital
o Two channels where local government can talk to police/fire
o Police – virtually no City of Hollywood need to switch to County channels; Zone 14
available, but rarely use it
o Fire – 14 tactical channels in switch C, got when switched to County; fire department
utilizes those channels on a regular basis
o Fire dispatch on County system – digital
o County has 5 ASTRO channels on infrastructure
o Hollywood PD East, Hollywood West, Fort Lauderdale SID – limited capacity for digital
talk groups; busies a frequent issue.
o Almost no switching from the County system to the City of Hollywood system
o Just go to tactical channels – very rare that patches occur
o Interoperability needs to be maintained with Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade
County
o Fort Lauderdale not currently programmed on Harris system – Harris not allowing other
vendors’ radios until system accepted
o 3600 Baud system interoperability still an issue
o Talks of ISSI in Plantation HMS – wanted to connect to Palm Beach and Miami-Dade
o ACU 5000 and a bunch of control stations – Region 7 resource, one in each region now
City of Hollywood no longer dispatches:
o Dispatch will not put local government talkgroups on consoles
o Patching not available from consoles
o Access database with names and IDs; lookup table in case they get an emergency
Mission Critical Partners | 154
o Hollywood was previously dispatching – bad for users the first month with analog; used
to do a lot of patching
o Patching still occurred if other agencies came to Hollywood; had to patch analog
talkgroups to digital talkgroups
o Patches were better with own dispatch center talkgroups
City of Miami
Responses from City of Miami representatives are summarized below.
Miami’s current system has 2 Tx/Rx sites and 3 Rx-only sites, with 20 channels to support
approximately 4,000 users
o System is currently a Motorola SmartNet system
o Currently developing specifications for upgrade to P25 Phase I
o Will be adding sites
o Additional users include Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne
The City indicated the following regarding interoperability:
o All Miami radios have the Broward County Zone 14 installed and Broward has access to
Miami talkgroups
Broward County digital IDs provided for Miami SIS talkgroups
The City is considering ISSI for interoperability needs with P25 systems
Has FIN in place and operational
Has Broward Sheriff’s Office access from dispatch via control station
o Backup dispatch in Coconut Grove
o The system is self-maintained with technicians that perform all aspects of system
maintenance, including bench-level component repairs
o Deployables:
10-channel trunked system in PEPRO trailer
2 system IDs – selectable
ACU1000 – pelican case
ACU 1000 mobile gateway in police and fire departments
City of Miami Beach
Responses from City of Miami Beach representatives are summarized below.
Current Miami Beach System is SmartNet with 4 sites and 10 channels supporting
appxoimatlely1,500 users
The City indicated the following regarding interoperability:
o Interoperability used to occur between Miami Beach and Broward County users on a
daily basis
o Miami Beach gave Broward County 300 system IDs; the IDs never were allocated and
have since been removed from the Miami Beach system
Interoperability with Broward County users today typically occurs using cache radios
Mission Critical Partners | 155
The 8TAC93 mutual-aid repeater is used when cache radios are not available
The Miami Beach, City of Miami, and City of Hialeah systems are all Motorola systems
with the full cross-programming of subscribers
No MOU is in place for interoperability
Removed Broward IDs from North Miami Beach radios
When in Broward County – swap radios
Uses 8Call and 8TAC for incidents
Does not have control stations on Broward County system in consoles
Interoperability with Broward County occurs on a daily/weekly basis
There is a 700 MHz P25 overlay system deployed on top of the Miami-Dade County
administration building
The City is exploring options for migration to P25, including migrating to the County
system; however, the County system does not adequately cover Miami Beach with its
current radio sites
City of Plantation
Responses from City of Plantation representatives are summarized below.
Plantation expects completion of its own 4-channel, P25 Phase II system in first quarter of 2016
o New system on HMS
o New system built for in-building coverage
o All new APX radios
Plantation has its own primary PSAP
The City indicated the following regarding interoperability:
o Plantation has neighboring jurisdictions’ talkgroups
Has ILA for 8 talkgroups – 4 fire, 4 law enforcement
Zone 12 in mobiles and portables
K9 mutual-aid goes to others’ talkgroups
Collier County
Responses from Collier County representatives are summarized below.
Current Collier County System serves 8 fire departments, 2 municipal departments, several
independent
o Each agency has responsibility for subscribers
o Sheriff’s units have portable and mobile – new portables and mobile
o Trying to get all portables switched to P25-capable units
o New radios Phase II capable – going straight to Phase II
o XG-75 radios being deployed – pretty much a Harris shop; need Harris radios for the
migration
o ISSI not planned for system; Symphony consoles
o Everglades deputies now have Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS)
Mission Critical Partners | 156
o Programming shared with Miami-Dade, Miccosukee; shared programming
o State working on national LID regardless of system
Domestic security taskforce – committee on interoperability communications
Each region has representatives
Representatives indicated the following information regarding system coverage:
Broward County’s footprint does not make it to the county line
Broward system does not make it to mile marker 50
Collier can get coverage well into Broward on its system
Coverage is an issue – 700 MHz mutual-aid – coordinated build out of some of those
channels across south Florida – work on LID structure
Aviation units – Collier air unit will go into other counties deep into the county – if
chopper is out of commission, need wide-area solution – SLERS in 700 MHz for
chopper; done for law enforcement, not mutual-aid.
Collier County indicated the following regarding interoperability:
o Incidents rough for fire rescue being on two systems; fire has one of their radios
No cross-programming – Collier is on Harris system, Broward is on Motorola system
During a major evacuation – would have to be a large amount of coordination
Cross-programming would help
A few pursuits into Broward County – generally tried to use the FIN – did not want them
switching to mutual-aid
Fire recently had station built – Broward would handle it, but big mutual-aid incidents
have not occurred yet
Automatic-aid agreements – never seen anything formal; some between fire agencies,
but nothing known in Broward County – would like to see some mutual-aid systems
o Once a week on average – EMS probably the most often for crashes on I-75
o Collier/Broward – some investigative activity – every now and then, they need
coordination on radio, but usually use cell phones
o Seminole Nation – they have Collier talkgroups (on SLERS)
o FIN – gateway connection – repeater control through FIN network, with exception of
TAC93 – tied to console – console patches into the FIN
o Mutual-aid – NPSPAC repeater; activate it
o County has Tac 3, 8TAC92 East, 8TAC94 East
o Do they have a bank of interoperability channels? – law enforcement talkgroups –each
agency has the other agency’s talkgroups – 3 law – fire has fire/EMS
o Deployables:
Mutual-aid trailer – PEPRO Trailer with 65-foot mast
Repeaters for all public safety bands
Mutual-aid dispatch – truck with 9 dispatch positions and Zetron consoles;
consoles all connected to a rack of 19 radios (low band, high band, all NIFOG
channels); Collier talkgroups, interop talkgroups; can deploy anywhere for use
as a dispatch talk group; have not used with Broward – used primarily in Region
6
Mission Critical Partners | 157
700 MHz interoperability channels – programmed into subscribers and trailer (5
of them in radios, all in trailer) – all deployable; would be nice to do something
statewide
SLERS 700 MHz sites are trunked – 7 or 8 sites statewide
Air units – 2 helicopters and a fixed wing through Sheriff’s Office; EMS has one
helicopter
Choppers available for mutual-aid as needed
Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue
Responses from Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue representatives are summarized below.
The current Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue system used for day-to-day operations is a
conventional simulcast system with 11 simulcast channels:
o Hospital communications – transitioning to fully P25 800 MHz; already using 800 MHz
system in Broward County when transmitting to Broward hospitals.
o All trucks have Motorola APX, which have UHF and 700/800
o UHF system in 450 MHz range
o All personnel have UHF and multiband, and trucks by end of year with multiband radio
o Allocated 2 or 3 talkgroups just to Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue
o Connected via P25 ISSI to Miami-Dade County’s P25 system
o Do not use the 800 MHz system for any situation where firefighters may be in a
hazardous environment (fire, day-to-day operations); 800 MHz used for hospital
communications and special events
o UHF system preserved has 47 sites; better than half have transmit capability
o Designed for -21 dB of attenuation; includes strip malls – County fire system much
better.
o Designed and built for firefighting, period
o When law enforcement responds to fire scene, they have unified command presence to
provide greatest utilizing of resources
o Analog UHF K Core – Motorola master site – mix of repeaters – Quantars and GTR800s
o Some GTR, some Quantar – Quantar at end-of-life in 2020, so transitioning to GTRs.
o Fire dispatch independent and geographically independent – state-of-the-art fire
dispatch center designed specifically for your needs – MCC7500s – ISSI version 1 on
console – dispatchers can use a conventional resource or Harris resource
The County indicated the following regarding interoperability:
Personnel have Broward County talkgroups just for them; in addition to them, ISSI
would be beneficial
Broward channels – 3 allocated to Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue
One resource available where you can switch between different talkgroups
All of Broward 800 MHZ Medcom channels – 14 call, 14 op 1, 14 op
Users would switch to Broward talkgroups
Could stay on Miami-Dade system for the most part
Mission Critical Partners | 158
South Broward – probably stay on Miami-Dade system, if working autonomously – in
reverse they would stay autonomous or patch if necessary
ISSI – access at dispatch to Broward talkgroups
Minimal need for interoperability channels, but thinks they are necessary – dedicated
Input/Output on 800 MHz system – stopped putting in UHF interoperability – radios will
have 800 MHZ and stay on that – plenty of allocated IO talkgroups – have not used them
in mission-critical environment
From an end-user perspective, place different bands on a single zone
o Dispatchers have all P25 talkgroups on their consoles – communicate with their units via
800 or UHF
o Deployables:
Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue has regional assets – gateways, portable and
fixed – Fire has UHF, 800 MHz P25 caches; largest cache is UHF, about 300-
400 radios
HT1250s, XTS 5000s, XTS 2500s
Radios out in the field – 500 deployed 800 MHz (moving from mobiles to
multiband)
135 front line units – 500 (total units)
Covers all of Miami-Dade County – has the ability to respond anywhere
Miami-Dade County Law Enforcement
Responses from Miami-Dade County Law Enforcement representatives are summarized below.
The current Miami-Dade County Law Enforcement system is completely P25, Phase I, with the
technology to go to Phase II.
o When switched to P25, did not look at coverage in the County and growth of the County
now currently adding more sites
o Did not see a coverage reduction and users used to hearing static before
o Two separate simulcast cells overlapping
o A little different footprint depending on the antenna placement
o Multiple multi-sites that are not on the trunked system
o 120 talk paths between the different sites
o Two simulcast, both 20-channel systems
o Believe they have the capacity to handle roaming if possible
Each of the systems are countywide systems with some overlap into the other systems
The County indicated the following regarding interoperability:
Outside end of the County, radio programmed with the Broward County system.
Channel brought through console to patch to Miami-Dade talkgroup
Broward County has same capability, talkgroup through console
Used heavily on a weekly basis
FIN – patches (CPATCH) – CPATCH talkgroup only on the FIN, patch only on
talkgroups
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Would just add radios to add functionality – best to move to one of your talkgroups –
when they roam in, they could switch talkgroups – would be best
Both have proprietary system – best to go through shared talkgroups
One thing Miami-Dade did – Broward Sheriff’s Office 5-channel trunked COW – on
Miami-Dade County resources
Aventura has their own system, so they switch back and forth
Opa Locka – Miami Gardens – both on County system
Miami-Dade has ISSI – does not solve all their problems
Testing would have to verify
8CALL/8TACS – used frequently – MATAC2 and MATAC4 and simulcast countywide –
turned on or off if needed; does get needed
700 MHz interoperability – nothing built out yet
Fixed wing and choppers provide mutual-aid – still hit the Miami-Dade system when
roaming
Mutual-aid throughout Florida – 8CALL/8TAC – able to go to different spectrum
Air units do not have SLERS; no connection to SLERS – SLERS in Miami-Dade is much
reduced – they can roam to Miami-Dade if need be
Miami-Dade, none that are regional or grant-funded – County maintains and owns,
deployed to multiple counties as needed
10-channel P25 800 MHz
5-channel P25 800 MHz
700 MHz, 10-channel
700 MHz, 5-channel
95 agencies on the County’s radio system, and 30,000 radios
Really depends on what the need is – everything is self-maintained; generate their own
fuel; do not reside on outside venue – able to respond fairly quickly and rotate staff
across
Mutual-aid agreements for police and fire – very limited radio discussion
Could share dispatch centers – redundant if possible
o Two dispatch centers; not both live – capability of going both if need be – that is the
backup now
o Not aware of any two-radio solutions – everything is done through dispatch.
Palm Beach County
Responses from Palm Beach County representatives are summarized below.
Palm Beach County has an ISSI server in place and available
The County indicated the following regarding interoperability:
Interoperability is done by cross-programming all mobiles on Broward County Zones 12
& 14, and Broward on the Palm Beach “commons” zones
Boca Raton PD may not have Commons programmed in their radios
Mission Critical Partners | 160
With the move to P25, Palm Beach will need to know the Broward IDs to turn on in their
switch
A subset of the Commons talkgroups will be encrypted – will need to coordinate
encryption keys
No deployable assets
Does have a state EDACS deployable garaged in Palm Beach County
8Call and 8TAC repeaters deployed in Palm Beach County – Delray, Boynton, Boca and
Belle Glade
MAFLA at Westlake and West Palm sites
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue
Responses from Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue representatives are summarized below.
The Seminole Tribe conducts all dispatch and tactical operations on SLERS
o May be room on the Hollywood Casino roof for a Broward County site, if location is
needed
o Seminoles are not a PSAP, with dispatch managed by Seminole Tribe Police
Department
The Tribe indicated the following regarding coverage:
Tribal coverage requirements include Big Cypress reservation, Hollywood reservation,
Coconut Creek reservation, and smaller communities in Hendry, Okeechobee, and
Martin County
Coverage in the western end along Interstate-75 (I-75) and in the Everglades to the
Broward County line is inadequate – lose system coverage around Mile 41 on I-75, and
the 14-mile marker on Snake Road
Broward 4.1 system coverage in the Hollywood casino is poor in building – overcame on
the state system with a dedicated SLERS site on the casino roof
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue indicated the following regarding interoperability:
Primary interoperability requirement is for access to Broward County system MED
talkgroups for communication with hospitals, and interoperability with Hollywood and
County fire and police for incidents in Hollywood and Coconut Creek
Currently Harris SLERS radios will not accommodate the Broward 4.1 system. A second
radio is needed to access the Broward 4.1 system.
Broward has a VHF control station at the Markham Park tower site connected to Central
Dispatch to access the VHF repeater on the Big Cypress reservation; would like a
permanent patch with a 800 MHz talkgroup for law and fire interoperability
Station 106 currently has VHF radios in the engine for interoperability
Fire Station Alerting
o Requested addition of Seminole Fire Rescue Station 108 to FSA system
o Very happy with Westnet for FSA provider
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Appendix E – Web Survey User Summary Input
MCP conducted a Web survey to solicit additional input from primary users on the Broward County
communications system. This section summarizes key issues collected from the surveys. A complete
listing of the survey responses is provided in Appendix F.
Web surveys were completed by the following agencies:
Mission Critical Partners | 162
Agency Dept. Full Name Phone Email
Broward County Schools Other Ed Kessler 754-321-0349 [email protected]
Broward County Sheriff's Office Other Eric Caldwell 954.831.8348 [email protected]
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue Fire Michael B. Kane 954-300-7740 [email protected]
City of Fort Lauderdale Other Gary Gray 954-828-5762 [email protected]
City of Hallandale Beach Law Dwayne S. Flournoy 954-457-1411 [email protected]
City of Hollywood Other Christophe St. Luce 954-921-3038 [email protected]
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue Fire Donald P. Widing 954-630-4547 [email protected]
City of Sunrise Police Department EMS Roger Krege 954-746-3345 [email protected]
Coconut Creek Police Department Law Ryan Marken 954-956-1593 [email protected]
Lauderhill Fire Rescue Fire Jeff Levy 954-730-2950 [email protected]
Lighthouse Point Police Department Law Ross Licata 954-942-8080 [email protected]
lkajkda Fire llll llllll 555-555-5555 [email protected]
Miramar Fire Rescue Fire Carlos Vazquez 954-602-4835 [email protected]
Miramar Police Department Law John Savaiko 954 602 4400 [email protected]
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue Fire Rodney Turpel 954-720-4315 [email protected]
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Other Andrew Teixeira 954-435-6700 [email protected]
Pembroke Pines Police Department Law Captain Jose Vargas 954-436-3220 [email protected]
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Fire Chester Bolton 954-786-4343 [email protected]
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department Law Enrique Torres 561-317-3052 [email protected]
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Fire Tim Lanham 954-658-6260 [email protected]
Seminole Tribe Police Department Law John Auer 954-967-8900 [email protected]
Mission Critical Partners | 163
Surveys were not received from the following agencies:
Agency Dept.
DAVIE
TAMARAC
TOWN OF HILLSBORO BEACH
WILTON MANORS POLICE DEPARTMENT
LAUDERDALE BY THE SEA
CITY OF POMPANO BEACH User Mtg
MARGATE User Mtg
The following list summarizes information collected critical to the requirements of the new radio system:
Approximately 39,947 full-time, 421 part-time, and 420 volunteer personnel were identified from
user agencies on the system. Of those employees, 10,810 were identified as radio users, with
up to 4,848 users on shift at any one point in time.
During a typical day, it is estimated that 2,079 radio calls are responded to, with an average of 2
units responding per call.
Budgets vary dramatically from agency to agency for equipment purchases and radio
maintenance. Equipment purchase budgets range from $0 to $100,000, and maintenance
budgets range from $0 to $400,000.
Approximately half of responding agencies indicated use of a preventive maintenance program
for subscribers
Most agencies indicated they agreed with the coverage estimated on the propagation studies
provided. Those that did not agree indicated in-building and beach coverage was worse than
estimated.
Numerous areas were identified where coverage is inadequate. The following list recurring
areas identified with poor coverage:
o Western part of the County
o Deerfield Beach
o I-75 to mile marker 52
o In-building coverage in dense buildings (hospitals, schools, high rise buildings, fire
stations)
o Issues were identified with high-rise buildings that require greater penetration than the
“medium” rating of 12-15 dB attenuation typically applied to design criteria
o Areas along the beach
o Big Cypress reservation
Interoperability gaps were identified with the following agencies:
o FHP
Mission Critical Partners | 164
o FMP
o PBSO
o Miami-Dade County
o Seminole Tribe Police
o Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue
o US Coast Guard
o Border Patrol
o Dispatch connectivity to all Fort Lauderdale talkgroups
o Coral Springs
o Plantation
o Hollywood
o Miami Gardens
o Miccosukee and Big Cypress Reservations
Most agencies they felt they had enough talkgroups to adequately perform their duties. Most
issues noted relate to interoperability talkgroups or talkgroup access on dispatch consoles.
The following list summarizes the level of importance respondents identified for current and
potentially new subscriber features
o Emergency Alert and Emergency Call – Most agencies agreed this is an absolute
Necessity
o Encryption – Most agencies indicated this feature was either critical or would be useful
for day-to-day operations. A greater need was identified by law enforcement agencies.
o Lapel Microphones – Most agencies indicated this was either an absolute necessity or
useful for day to day operations
o Mobile Radio GPS – Most agencies indicated this would be beneficial, being either an
absolute necessity or useful for day to day operations
o Portable Radio GPS – Similar needs reported for Mobile Radio GPS
o Cordless headset for speaker/microphone for portable radio – Most agencies indicated
this would be nice to have but not critical
o Cordless Bluetooth microphone for mobile radios – Most agencies agreed this would
have limit benefit
o Hands-free operation – Most agencies agreed this would be nice to have but not critical.
Some agencies indicated this was an absolute necessity.
o Over the air programming – Most agencies indicated this was either an absolute
necessity or would be nice to have.
o Scanning – Most agencies indicating scanning would either be nice to have or would be
useful for day-to-day operations.
o Over the air Rekeying – Most agencies indicated this was either a necessity or would be
useful for day to day operations
o Bright Colored radios - Most law enforcement agencies indicated this was not important,
while fire agencies indicated it would be either useful for day to day operations or nice to
have.
o Larger Displays – Most agencies indicated this was either a necessity or would be nice
to have but not critical.
Mission Critical Partners | 165
o Larger Knobs – Most agencies indicated this was either nice to have but not critical, or
useful for day-to-day operations.
o Operation wearing gloves – Identified as critical for responding fire agencies and not
important for most law enforcement agencies.
o Private call – Most respondents indicated this feature was either useful for day to day
operations or would be nice to have but not critical
o Private radio alert – Most users indicated this was either useful in limited circumstances
or nice to have but not critical
o Text Message – Most respondents indicated this would be nice to have but not critical
o Waterproof/submersible radio – Strongly supported by responding fire agencies
o Stealth mode – Identified as an absolute necessity or useful for day to day operations by
most responding law enforcement agencies
o Radio-to-radio direct communications – Identified as either an absolute necessity or
useful for day to day operations
o In-car repeaters – Responses ranged across available options, from not important to
absolute necessity
o Biometrics – Most respondents indicated this was not important or would be nice to have
but not critical
o Private talk groups not on dispatch consoles – Responses ranged across all available
options
o Ability to make and receive telephone calls – Most respondents indicated this was not
important or would be useful in limited circumstances
o Ability to use a smartphone to make radio calls – Responses ranged across available
options
Scanning was identified as a need by approximately one quarter of responding agencies
Those agencies that use the paging system indicated issues with coverage that has degraded
and maintenance of the existing system
Most agencies on the system do not feel that the system provides a high level of reliability.
Most cited numerous instances of prolonged failures.
Approximately half of users indicated an issue with system busies, which typically occur during
peak times. It may be difficult to distinguish between a “deny” tone when the radio is not given
system access, and a “busy” tone that will grant talkgroup access when the channel is available,
usually after several seconds.
Multiple responses indicated that non-public safety agencies should not be on the system to
preserve capacity.
Approximately half of responding agencies indicated instances of congestion on their primary
talkgroups
Mission Critical Partners | 166
Appendix F – Web Survey User Detailed Input
Agency Dept Full Name Phone Email
Broward County Schools Other Ed Kessler 754-321-0349 [email protected]
Broward County Sheriff's Office Other Eric Caldwell 954.831.8348 [email protected]
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue Fire Michael B. Kane 954-300-7740 [email protected]
City of Fort Lauderdale Other Gary Gray 954-828-5762 [email protected]
City of Hallandale Beach Law Dwayne S. Flournoy 954-457-1411 [email protected]
City of Hollywood Other Christophe St. Luce 954-921-3038 [email protected]
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue Fire Donald P. Widing 954-630-4547 [email protected]
City of Sunrise Police Department EMS Roger Krege 954-746-3345 [email protected]
Coconut Creek Police Department Law Ryan Marken 954-956-1593 [email protected]
Lauderhill Fire Rescue Fire Jeff Levy 954-730-2950 [email protected]
Lighthouse Point Police Department Law Ross Licata 954-942-8080 [email protected]
lkajkda Fire llll llllll 555-555-5555 [email protected]
Miramar Fire Rescue Fire Carlos Vazquez 954-602-4835 [email protected]
Miramar Police Department Law John Savaiko 954 602 4400 [email protected]
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue Fire rodney turpel 954-720-4315 [email protected]
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Other Andrew Teixeira 954-435-6700 [email protected]
Pembroke Pines Police Department Law Captain Jose Vargas 954-436-3220 [email protected]
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Fire Chester Bolton 954-786-4343 [email protected]
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department Law Enrique Torres 561-317-3052 [email protected]
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Fire Tim Lanham 954-658-6260 [email protected]
Seminole Tribe Police Department Law John Auer 954-967-8900 [email protected]
User and Agency Information (Q1-Q3)
Agency Dept
DAVIE
TAMARAC
TOWN OF HILLSBORO BEACH
WILTON MANORS POLICE DEPARTMENT
LAUDERDALE BY THE SEA
CORAL SPRINGS Interview
CITY OF PLANTATION Interview
CITY OF POMPANO BEACH User Mtg
MARGATE User Mtg
No submitted Responses
AgencyHow many full-time
members does your
agency employ?
How many part-time
members does your
agency employ
How many volunteer
members does your
agency employ
How many individuals are
assigned a radio to
perform his/her duties-
total
How many individuals are
assigned a radio to
perform his/her duties-
per shift
Are radios assigned to an
individual user
Are radios assigned per
shift from a pool of
radios
If assigned to an
individual, does the user
have a charger assigned
with the radio
Does the user have a
spare battery assigned
with the radio
What type of battery does
your radio use: Lithium-
Ion
What type of battery does
your radio use: NiCd -
Nickel cadmium
What type of battery does
your radio use: NiMH -
Nickel–metal hydride
What type of battery does
your radio use: Other
Does the user have a
battery conditioner
How often are the
battery's inspected
What is the battery life
cycle plan your
organization uses- How
often are the batteries
replaced or refreshed
Does the user have an in-
vehicle charger
If yes, please specify
type (inverter, 12v
adapter) - comment
Does the agency have a
radio user training
program
Does the agency have a
radio user training
program - comment
Broward County Schools 30,000 - - 2,600 3 Yes No Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Quarterly As needed No Yes
Broward County Sheriff's Office 5,400 100 100 4,400 26 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Every use or annually 15-18 months No Yes
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue 700 - 50 400 15 Yes No Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Chargers have built in
maintainer
Chargers have maintainers
that recondition batteries
and if battery is end of life it
is replaced Yes 12v adapter No
City of Fort Lauderdale 1,100 150 100 1,000 12 Yes No No Yes Yes No No Yes Daily Per manufacturer No Yes
City of Hallandale Beach 143 15 60 123 7 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes When warranted
When they begin to show
signs of not holding an
adequate charge No Yes
City of Hollywood 600 - - 400 30 Yes No Yes No Yes No No Yes Weekly As needed Yes
Partial charger issue to
staff
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue 71 - - 62 83 Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Weekly on Mondays Every two years Yes No
City of Sunrise Police Department 240 38 20 265 300 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes As needed As needed No Yes
Coconut Creek Police Department 100 4 - 104 100 Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No As needed No Inverter No
Lauderhill Fire Rescue 94 - - 54 50 Yes No Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yearly Yearly replaced Yes Travel No
Lighthouse Point Police Department 41 2 25 35 15 Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Annually As needed No No
lkajkda 125 25 50 100 63 Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes Daily
Batteries are replaced
when needed per damage
or per the Motorola
Charger's instructions No Yes During Probation Class
Miramar Fire Rescue 155 - - 70 40 Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Every 6 month
Typically every 8 to 12
months Yes 12v adapter Yes
Miramar Police Department - 1 - 245 30 Yes No Yes Yes Yes No No No Unknown No No
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue 41 4 - 44 - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Annually Approx. 3 years Yes
Law Enforcement and
Maintenance have in
vehicle chargers No
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue 219 3 - 202 100 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes On an as needed basis Yes 12v adapter Yes
Users are given a walk
through of their radio at
distribution
Pembroke Pines Police Department 309 30 13 268 1,250 Yes No Yes Yes No No No Li-ion and NiCd Yes As needed Approx 1/yr Yes 12v adapter No
Formally-No. Training is
completed on FTO for
sworn units.
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue 200 31 - 142 30 Yes No Yes Yes No No Yes No As needed, no set times Every two years No Yes
It is covered during in
house training for new
recruits
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department 14 15 - 14 300 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
As needed. we recommend
yearly replacement
Yearly replacement is
recommended, however
we do see officers retaining
their older batteries that still
provide adequate service.
If the battery does not meet
the usage requirements, it
gets turned in. Yes
Advancetec 12 volt
powered. No
This was attempted but
end users were not
receptive.
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue 150 1 - 70 19 No Yes N/A N/A No Yes No N/A
No specific time aside from
daily use As needed No No
Seminole Tribe Police Department 245 2 2 212 25 Yes N/A Yes Yes Yes N/A Yes Yes Daily As needed Yes 12V Motorola OEM Yes Yes
Totals: 39,947 421 420 10,810 2,498
Agency Personnel (Q4-Q13, Q18)
Agency
During a typical day,
what is the maximum
number of radio users in
your agency that are on
shift at any one point in
time?
During a typical day,
what is the average
number of radio calls
you receive and/or
respond to?
How many units respond
to a typical call?
Broward County Schools 2,300 - -
Broward County Sheriff's Office 1,250 45 2
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue 200 100 3
City of Fort Lauderdale 300 250 2
City of Hallandale Beach 25 20 2
City of Hollywood 150 30 3
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue 20 50 3
City of Sunrise Police Department 60 40 2
Coconut Creek Police Department 40 100 2
Lauderhill Fire Rescue 34 100 2
Lighthouse Point Police Department 16 7 1
lkajkda 100 50 3
Miramar Fire Rescue 40 1,000 2
Miramar Police Department 80 50 3
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue 12 10 2
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue 55 10 3
Pembroke Pines Police Department 65 6 2
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue 83 6 1
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department 3 5 1
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue 15 200 2
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Totals: 4,848 2,079 41
Agency's Call Volume (Q14)
Agency
What is your agency's
annual budget for radio
equipment purchases?
What is your agency's
annual budget for radio
equipment maintenance?
Does the agency have a
preventative
maintenance program
Does the agency have a
preventative
maintenance program -
comment
Broward County Schools varies varies Yes
Broward County Sheriff's Office $100,000 $20,000 Yes Annual MOS contract
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue 0 $15,000 No
Radios are currently in
warranty but looking into
getting a maintenance
program at this time.
City of Fort Lauderdale $50,000 $400,000 Yes
City of Hallandale Beach 0 $14,000 No
City of Hollywood 0 $40,000
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue $12,000 $3,000 No
City of Sunrise Police Department $1,800 $55,000 Yes
Coconut Creek Police Department
Buy radios as needed. No
set budget. $5,000 No
The City is currently
gathering information for a
preventative maintenance
program, however, we
have no program in
existence as of yet.
Lauderhill Fire Rescue
$6000-$7000 for batteries
and accessories
Included in recent new
purchase 2 yr Motorola
Service Contract No
Lighthouse Point Police Department
$1,000 or more when
needed
$1,000 or more when
needed No
lkajkda $50,000 $10,000 No
We found it less expensive
to maintain in-house and
use Motorola's Depot for
things beyond our
capabilities.
Miramar Fire Rescue $7,500 $67,000 Yes
Miramar Police Department 0 $33,000 No
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue 10,0000 $10,000 Yes
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue It varies. Probably less than $20,000 No
Pembroke Pines Police Department 0 $24,100 No Fix and repair as needed
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue $56,000 $47,000 No
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department Not a line item - as needed Not a line item -as needed Yes
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue $50,000 $20,000 No
Seminole Tribe Police Department Yes
Send to control
communications for
preventative
Agency's Budget (Q15-Q17)
Agency Response 20 Response 21
Broward County Schools No Portable coverage better than the map
Broward County Sheriff's Office Yes
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue No
Many fire stations, hospitals, schools and commercial
buildings are hardened/reinforced buildings. In many
cases, radio coverage is too weak to penetrate these
types of structures. In addition, we experience drop-
off of the complete inability to communicate during
inclement weather (i.e. NO COMMS).
City of Fort Lauderdale Yes
City of Hallandale Beach No transmission and reception on the beach is poor
City of Hollywood Yes
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue Yes
City of Sunrise Police Department Yes
Coconut Creek Police Department Yes
Lauderhill Fire Rescue Yes
Lighthouse Point Police Department Yes
lkajkda Yes
Miramar Fire Rescue Yes
Miramar Police Department No in building coverage is lacking
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue Yes
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Yes N/A
Pembroke Pines Police Department Yes
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Yes
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department Yes
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Yes
Seminole Tribe Police Department N/A
Question 20-21: Does your experience with system coverage agree with the above maps? If not please explain in detail and provide locations: Refer
to Q19 map
Radio System User Feedback
Agency Response
Broward County Schools
Broward County Sheriff's Office
Western part of the County (MM37>County Line). All hardened facilities (schools, EOCs,
shelters). Deerfield Beach along the beach.
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue
West of US HWY 27 to the County line is questionable at times. BSOFR runs to mm52 on
I75 and sometimes runs mutual aid well beyond that (I have been to mm70 before). We
have a station at mm35 on I75 and service there is questionable at times, especially in the
Everglades where our airboat responds to. This is very frustrating because many of our
most emergent cases involve rescues in the everglades.
Current radios are NOT effective in the following environments:
Hospitals (most)
Schools (nearly all)
High Rise Buildings (many, especially the lower floors)
Fire Stations (more than half)
City of Fort Lauderdale
Too many to list here. In-building is an issue. S.Fla buildings are much more dense than
"medium". With the low-E glass requirements that are coming, in-building coverage will get
worse, not better. More sites are needed in the built up areas of the County. I've heard
there are issues on the western side of the County.
City of Hallandale Beach
City of Hollywood
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue N/A Map difficult to review. Sorry
City of Sunrise Police Department
8000 NW 44th St, Sunrise, FL 33351
9393 NW 50th St, Sunrise, FL 33351
9100 NW 21st Manor, Sunrise, FL 33322
8800 NW 54th Ct, Sunrise, FL 33351
8800 NW 50th St, Sunrise, FL 33351
3700 Hiatus Rd, Sunrise, FL 33351
3230 N Nob Hill Rd, Sunrise, FL 33351
2101 N Pine Island Rd, Sunrise, FL 33322
2100 NW 70th Ave, Sunrise, FL 33313
12655 NW 8th St, Sunrise, FL 33325
2100 NW 104th Ave, Sunrise, FL 33322
Coconut Creek Police Department
Lauderhill Fire Rescue
Lauderhill City Hall 5581 W. OPB (intermittent)
Target University and Commercial (intermittent)
Publix 5855 W. OPB (intermittent)
Broward General Hospital
(Motorola APX)
Lighthouse Point Police Department N/A
lkajkda North and East
Miramar Fire Rescue All schools in the city, inside some office buildings with portables
Miramar Police Department Public schools and hospitals
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue
Pembroke Pines Police Department N/A
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue On the beach around high-rise buildings and inside of some high-rises.
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Big Cypress reservation and Alligator alley.
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Radio System User Feedback
Question 22: Please list areas (address or general description) where you do not have coverage on the existing system.
Agency Response
Broward County Schools Yes, various locations
Broward County Sheriff's Office All schools and public buildings require full time, reliable coverage
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue
Publix: 777 SW 12th Ave, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Broward General Medical Center: 1600 S. Andrews Ave, Ft. Lauderdale
Boyd Anderson High School: Lauderdale Lakes
City of Fort Lauderdale All schools, the Federal and County Courthouses, high rise buildings within the City
City of Hallandale Beach All Hallandale school and condos on the beach
City of Hollywood Beach front properties along Hollywood Beach; especially stairwells of those buildings
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue Too numerous to list but generally high rise buildings
City of Sunrise Police Department
The BB&T Center - 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise
Sawgrass Mills Mall - 12801 W. Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise
Every Broward County School in the city. (The school address are listed above)
Coconut Creek Police Department Our schools have BDAs in them and our police station also has one
Lauderhill Fire Rescue Need coverage in all schools, and commercial occupancies
Lighthouse Point Police Department No
lkajkda No
Miramar Fire Rescue Mainly we need better coverage in school like installing a repeater to increase the coverage
Miramar Police Department All public schools
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue No
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Schools, Hospitals, Etc.
Pembroke Pines Police Department Hospitals and Schools
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Two lengthy to list on such short notice.
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department No
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Hollywood Hard Rock casino and hotel. Coconut casino.
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Radio System User Feedback
Question 23: Does your agency have any special circumstances that would require enhanced in-building radio coverage such as schools and malls.
Please list those areas and any specific buildings that require additional enhanced coverage.
Agency Response
Broward County Schools
Broward County Sheriff's Office FHP, FMP, PBSO, Miami-Dade County
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue
Inability to cohesively communicate with the following agencies:
Florida Hwy Patrol
Seminole Tribe Police
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue
US Coast Guard
DOHS Border Patrol
City of Fort Lauderdale
ATF and Marshals have programmed our system into their radios. USCG uses VHF and
there's no interoperability short of using a VHF radio. State Agencies that assist during high
profile events cannot use their State radios, we provide loaner cache radios for them. With
the recent changes to the dispatch centers and console programming, the dispatchers do
not have access to all of the Fort Lauderdale Police or Fire talkgroups. This inhibits
coordination within our departments for both the daily and special event activities.
City of Hallandale Beach
City of Hollywood
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue None
City of Sunrise Police Department
Need to be able to communicate with Miami-Dade County, W Palm Beach, and Federal
agencies.
Coconut Creek Police Department
Lauderhill Fire Rescue None
Lighthouse Point Police Department N/A
lkajkda Coral Springs, Plantation, Hollywood, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, State
Miramar Fire Rescue N/A
Miramar Police Department Miami Dade, Miami Gardens
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue
We have (8) 400 mhz channels that we own and are currently bringing up to be active. It
would be a good idea for your system to be able to patch into our frequencies.
Pembroke Pines Police Department N/A
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Coast Guard and marine patrol
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department None
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Western Broward County. Alligator Alley, Miccosukee and Big Cypress Reservations
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Radio System User Feedback
Question 24: Please list any interoperability needs that you have on the existing radio system (agencies you need to communicate with that you do
not currently have this capability or cannot communicate with effectively):
Agency Response 25 Response 25a
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department No
From time to time it would be advantageous to have
local channel for use by the Sea Ranch Lakes Police
Only
Lauderhill Fire Rescue No
Need a FD BCINFO Channel at all 3 Regional
Centers
Coconut Creek Police Department Yes
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue No
Lighthouse Point Police Department Yes
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Yes
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue Yes
City of Sunrise Police Department Yes
lkajkda Yes
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Yes
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Yes
We are currently operating on the old code plug.
There are very few times when we need additional
talkgroups.
Miramar Fire Rescue Yes
City of Hallandale Beach Yes
Broward County Schools Yes
City of Hollywood Yes
Broward County Sheriff's Office Yes
Except in emergency situations that cover several
jurisdictions.
Pembroke Pines Police Department Yes
City of Fort Lauderdale No
With the recent changes to the dispatch centers and
console programming, the dispatchers do not have
access to all of the Fort Lauderdale Police or Fire
talkgroups. This inhibits coordination within our
departments for both the daily and special event
activities. No Local Government talkgroups in the
consoles prevents patching when our LG units are
working with either Police or Fire, i.e. after the
hurricane when public services do road clearing
before the police and fire units can roll into an area.
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue Yes
Miramar Police Department No Talk group for Dade County LE agencies
Question 25: Do you feel there are enough radio talkgroups to adequately perform radio communications? If not, why?
Radio System User Feedback
Agency Emergency Alert and
Emergency CallEncryption
Lapel
Speaker/microphonesMobile Radio GPS Portable Radio GPS
Cordless Bluetooth
headset or
speaker/microphone
for portable radio
Cordless Bluetooth
microphone for mobile
radios
Hands-free operationOver-the-air
Programming (OTAP)
Scanning - Also see
#28
Over-the-air Rekeying
(OTAR) of encryption
keys
Bright-colored radio Larger displays Larger KnobsOperation wearing
gloves
Private unit-to-unit or
unit-to-dispatch calling
Private radio alert/horn
honk to individual
radios
Text messagingWaterproof/submersib
le radio unit
Stealth mode (turns
off lights and beeps)
Clear-to-talk tones or
indication
Radio-to-radio direct
communications
In-Car repeaters for
extended portable
range
Ability to monitor user
biometrics (skin
temperature, heart
rate, etc)
Private talk groups not
appearing on other
radios or dispatch
Ability to make and
receive telephone
calls
Ability to use a
smartphone to make
radio calls instead of a
portable/mobile radio
Please identify any other radio
features not listed above that
would be beneficial to your agency
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Lauderhill Fire Rescue Absolute Necessity
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Absolute Necessity
Coconut Creek Police Department Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Not Important Not Important
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Not Important Not Important Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Lighthouse Point Police Department Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical N/A
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity Not Important
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations None
Brow ard Sheriff 's Office Fire Rescue Absolute Necessity
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Not Important Not Important Not Important Absolute Necessity
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Ability to communicate w ith State and
Federal agencies as listed previously
City of Sunrise Police Department Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity Not Important
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Not Important
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical N/A
lkajkda Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Absolute Necessity
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Not Important
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity Not Important Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Not Important Not Important Not Important Not Important Not Important bluetooth capability
Miramar Fire Rescue Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity
City of Hallandale Beach
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Not Important
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Not Important
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity Not Important Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Brow ard County Schools
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Not Important Not Important Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Not Important
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity Not Important Not Important
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
City of Hollyw ood Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Not Important
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Brow ard County Sheriff 's Office
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Not Important
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Not Important
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Pembroke Pines Police Department Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical N/A
City of Fort Lauderdale Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical Not Important
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Not Important
Useful in Limited
Circumstances
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful in Limited
Circumstances Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity Not Important
Nice to Have but Not
Critical
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations Absolute Necessity
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Useful for Day to Day
Operations
Miramar Police Department
Radio System User Feedback
Question 26-27: Please use the follow ing table to rate how important the identif ied features are to your agency. Please identify any other radio features not listed above that w ould be beneficial to your agency.
Agency Response
Broward County Schools
Broward County Sheriff's Office All County law enforcement agencies.
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue
All main dispatch TG's in Broward County (for regional services units; HAZ MAT, TRT, Air
Rescue)
City of Fort Lauderdale
Fire desires to scan all BroCo fire dispatch TGs. Police desire to scan their dispatch and
street crimes tactical TGs. Priority Monitor Scan is strongly desired.
City of Hallandale Beach
City of Hollywood
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue City of Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes, Pompano Beach, Lauderhill
City of Sunrise Police Department Sunrise PD
Coconut Creek Police Department
Lauderhill Fire Rescue
Lighthouse Point Police Department N/A
lkajkda
Miramar Fire Rescue
Miramar Police Department
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue We just need the ability to scan our frequencies
Pembroke Pines Police Department N/A
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue NA
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue
Departments that provide us service or mutual aid response. BSO, Coconut
Creek/Margate, Hollywood, and Davie
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Radio System User Feedback
Question 28: If scanning is needed, please list the departments and agencies you need to scan?
Agency Response 29 Response 30
Broward County Schools No
Broward County Sheriff's Office No
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue Yes
Over the past several years there has been a
pronounced degradation in the paging signal that was
once very robust and effective-reaching deep into
Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties. Now
coverage suffers insomuch that local reception is
often difficult. There have been countless outages
and failures of the paging system within the last 18
months. Prior to this, the paging system was one of
the most rock-solid performing systems in place. Our
agency is extremely dependent on paging for alerting
and sending sensitive information which may not want
to be verbally broadcast.
City of Fort Lauderdale Yes In building coverage, slow for pages to come out.
City of Hallandale Beach No
City of Hollywood No
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue Yes None
City of Sunrise Police Department No
Coconut Creek Police Department No
Lauderhill Fire Rescue Yes
Works great when it is operational! Needs to remain
a privately owned system, owned by the County.
ORCAT needs to maintain existing system until a new
system can be built.
Lighthouse Point Police Department No
lkajkda Yes Old and slow not reliable means of communication
Miramar Fire Rescue Yes
We only have them as backup and we haven't had the
need to use them
Miramar Police Department N/A N/A
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue Yes No
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue No N/A
Pembroke Pines Police Department No
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue No
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department No
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue No
Seminole Tribe Police Department N/A
Question 29-30: Do you use the Broward County pagers? If so, please list any issues that you have with the Broward County paging
system.
Pager System Feedback
Agency Response 31 Response 31a
Broward County Schools No
Multiple PTT's required to talk sometimes, static
common. System outages cause issues.
Broward County Sheriff's Office No
There seems to be a 10-15% failure rate inclusive of
peak times.
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue No
There have been well-document critical failures of the
current radio system; some lasting more than 30
minutes in duration. This has necessitated developing
standard operating procedures (SOPs) to give
guidance in such situations. There have been times
that severe interference or complete radio failure has
occurred several times in one day.
City of Fort Lauderdale No
I don't have enough time to list all of the issues. The
system is old and is becoming more difficult to obtain
parts. The spectrum is becoming more congested
causing a rise in noise floor and the spurious
appearances of interfering signals from unknown
sources that can include cellular sites, computers,
microprocessor controlled devices such as the traffic
lights, new high efficiency lighting products, the
multiplicity of BDA systems (correctly working or not...)
and God only knows what else we're competing with
to get our radios to work.
City of Hallandale Beach No
City of Hollywood Yes
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue No Issues develop during severe weather conditions
City of Sunrise Police Department No
Spontaneous and sporadic communication failures.
At times officers will attempt to communicate but there
is not any response from the dispatch center.
Conversely, there are times when dispatch attempts to
contact the officers, and when the officers attempt to
respond dispatch does not hear the officers. These
issues along with sporadic widespread failures have
shaken the confidence in the reliability in the
communication system as it is currently configured.
Additionally, we have experienced intermittent
transmission within officer's transmissions, where
some of their transmissions come across choppy.
Coconut Creek Police Department No
Radio system for the most part is reliable but it does
have issues at times. Cannot pinpoint dates and
times.
Lauderhill Fire Rescue No
Age of the system, and limited talk channels, with an
abundant amount of users.
Lighthouse Point Police Department Yes
For the most part, the current radio system has
provided us with acceptable reliability. On occasion,
we have experienced outages, but they are infrequent.
lkajkda Yes
Miramar Fire Rescue No
Current system goes down and sometimes is not
reliable
Miramar Police Department
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue No Too many breakdowns
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Yes Yes but I feel we need a backup radio system.
Pembroke Pines Police Department No
There is still a need for stronger signals within certain
buildings such as hospitals.
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue No Fails too frequently. Inadequate redundancy.
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department Yes
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Yes
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Radio System User Feedback
Question 31: Do you feel that the current radio system provides a high level of reliability? If not, please explain why.
Agency Response 32 Response 32a
Broward County Schools Yes Early AM and early afternoon
Broward County Sheriff's Office Yes
In mission critical applications, busy signals are an
officer-safety issue and a detriment to effective
operations. These most often occur during the peak
times (6A-9A and 2P-4P, M-F).
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue Yes
Public safety communications should have the highest
priority to communicate. Public Safety should have
their own radio system. Public Safety should not
compete for air time with public works, animal control,
traffic engineering, etc.
City of Fort Lauderdale Yes
Only briefly at this time. Usual complaints are from
our encrypted users where there are only 5 channels
available for all to share.
City of Hallandale Beach No
City of Hollywood No
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue No Occurs occasionally, no specific days or times
City of Sunrise Police Department Yes
The system busy signal is a good and bad option
depending on the scenario. Of course, it is positive to
inform the officers that can't communicate because
they system is busy thereby preventing
communication that isn't heard and forcing the officers
to repeat their transmissions. However, in the event
of an emergency and/or tactical situation the delay
and the audible tone can present problems like
alerting the officer's position, and/or delaying an
urgent message due to the length of the tone and
time to reset before the officer can talk.
Coconut Creek Police Department Yes Intermittent issues but no set dates and times
Lauderhill Fire Rescue Yes
Busy signals poses an officer safety issue, when
unable tx.
Lighthouse Point Police Department No On occasion, but it's not a regular problem.
lkajkda No
Miramar Fire Rescue No
Miramar Police Department
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue No
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Yes This happens sometimes, but it’s not often.
Pembroke Pines Police Department Yes
Officers constantly receive "busy" signals throughout
the course of their shifts.
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Yes
When six plus units are on calls the traffic will cause a
delay. No specific time of the day has been noted.
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department Yes
Sometimes, we are within a very heavy radio traffic
district and it is sometimes impossible to use radio on
both Alpha and Bravo channels
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Yes Yes, if it is an emergecy situation.
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Radio System User Feedback
Question 32: Do system-busy signals create an issue for your agency? If yes, please explain the circumstances and typical days and
times.
Agency Response 33 Response 33a
Broward County Schools Yes
We've consolidated bus dispatch and have reduced to
fewer dispatchers increasing the radio traffic on used
talk groups.
Broward County Sheriff's Office Yes
On some of the channels, there are too many users
assigned to an individual channel.
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue Yes
Rarely and only during peak times of day (school
buses) or when a local emergency event is ongoing
(weather event affecting the entire county). Otherwise,
traffic is busy at times but still reasonable.
City of Fort Lauderdale No
Only if the Broward system is having issues, and
when it is, we can switch to TGs that are only on the
FTL radio system.
City of Hallandale Beach No
City of Hollywood No
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue Yes
Too many agencies on same channel causes arrival
time and other data related delays and important
information
City of Sunrise Police Department No
There are times when communication volume causes
congestion, however, on the majority of days this is
not an issue.
Coconut Creek Police Department No
Lauderhill Fire Rescue Yes
At peak times, users have a difficult time getting talk
time, due to being on a bust channel.
Lighthouse Point Police Department No
There are times that radio traffic is very busy, but the
benefit to share the radio channel with Pompano
Beach overshadows other concerns.
lkajkda No
Miramar Fire Rescue Yes
We share our current main channel with Hallandale
and we haven't had any issue where channels are
been congested.
Miramar Police Department
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue No
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Yes This happens sometimes, but it’s not often.
Pembroke Pines Police Department No
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue No With the use of TAC channels this has been averted.
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department Yes See my response above
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue No
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Radio System User Feedback
Question 33: Does your agency often experience congestion on your primary channels to the point that your ability to communicate
effectively is negatively impacted? If so, please provide details.
Agency Response
Broward County Schools
Broward County Sheriff's Office
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue
The largest would be system stability as mentioned
above. Also, the issue with interference must be
controlled. It has caused safety issues in the past.
City of Fort Lauderdale
Digital channel access when all of the digital users are
active.
City of Hallandale Beach
City of Hollywood
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue Power outages or severe weather interruption
City of Sunrise Police Department
Coconut Creek Police Department
Lauderhill Fire Rescue
Lighthouse Point Police Department N/A
lkajkda
Miramar Fire Rescue
Miramar Police Department
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue
Our issues are more with the Dispatchers than with the
radio system.
Pembroke Pines Police Department N/A
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Just the frequency of radio system failures.
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Radio System User Feedback
Question 34: Please list any other issues that you have with the Broward County radio system. Please be sure
to indicate the specific talkgroup that pertains to each issue.
Agency Response
Broward County Schools
Better in building coverage, Over the Air Programming is very important. The ability of
users to monitor their radio traffic better and not rely on others to generate reports for
them.
Broward County Sheriff's Office
The new infrastructure should be robust enough to include ALL users within the
County, without limitation. The system should be designed around worst-case
scenarios, not average use.
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue
More tower sites to improve footprint and quality of communications.
The ability to communicate in both digital and analog mode. Analog mode when digital
drop-off is prevalent such as during high rise vents or confined space operations.
City of Fort Lauderdale
REDUNDANCY ! ! Prepare for the failure of major components and segments of the
system during a hurricane and have enough redundant sites to continue to provide
coverage.
System/subscriber management must take into consideration the needs of the County's
client users.
City of Hallandale Beach
City of Hollywood Failover ability to other nodes or individual cities functioning as a regional backup.
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue Ability to communicate in high rise buildings
City of Sunrise Police Department Include input from end-users in the field, dispatchers, officers, and fire fighters.
Coconut Creek Police Department
Lauderhill Fire Rescue
Lighthouse Point Police Department
I would like to ensure that our agency maintain the CAD connection we have in our
Dispatch center. We are a very service oriented agency and find great value in having
the CAD connection in our building. Aside from that, I'm very satisfied with the direction
Broward County is heading in developing an upgraded and advanced radio system for
public safety. I don't have any other technological issues outside what is already being
considered.
lkajkda
Miramar Fire Rescue Better security and good back up system for when radio system goes down.
Miramar Police Department
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue Continuity for all users, training and good warrenties.
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue
How much this is going to costs the end used when they have to purchase equipment
to be able to use the system.
Pembroke Pines Police Department
Consider that the network be upgradable in order to accommodate future standards
and equipment
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue
Sufficient backup systems and a solution for the buildings that do not have coverage
inside even with the new system in place.
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Additional User Feedback
Question 35: What operational and technological issues do you think should be considered in the planning and implementation of a County wide
radio network for public safety and emergency preparedness?
Agency Response
Broward County Schools
Broward County Sheriff's Office
The standards for radio and radio maintenance should be established by the partners
of the regional communications system. These standards should then be tightly held to.
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue
Continue with utilization of Alpha pagers. Some 70% of the radio users currently use
Alpha Pagers. They are a nice back-up and bode a sense of security when fully
operational. Also, ISO credits agencies which use them as a back-up notification device
which helps to keep insurance rates lower for commercial occupancies.
City of Fort Lauderdale
The redundancy and back-up capabilities that are currently provided by the
independent 800 MHz FTL infrastructure will be going away. The County MUST
address the ability for ALL law and fire agencies to perform their duties when the "big
one" hits. And I don't mean use the NPSPAC Mutual Aid conventional channels as
they will be overwhelmed.
The lack of direct interoperability between the proposed local government UHF radio
system and the proposed 700/800 MHz public safety system will come back to bite us
all. These two systems will not provide any level of back-up redundancy for each other.
City of Hallandale Beach
City of Hollywood
City of Oakland Park Fire Rescue
City of Sunrise Police Department
Ensure interoperability among all agencies that work in South Florida, and ensure
portability coverage when traversing through other jurisdictions regardless of distance
from home jurisdiction. Lastly, improve on level of service and ORCAT should be the
main radio program group to provide a level of consistency throughout County.
Coconut Creek Police Department
Lauderhill Fire Rescue
The majority of Broward County police and fire agencies have already completed, or
are in the process of purchasing new Motorola APX radios, and Motorola should be the
system vendor, to maximize the features and functions of the radios.
Lighthouse Point Police Department
There are many law enforcement agencies that have recently invested a great deal of
money in the replacement of their aging portable radios. Two years ago, the Lighthouse
Point Police Department replaced all portable radios with the Motorola APX 6000
portable (at a cost of $130,000).
If Broward County were to select a different radio vendor (i.e. Harris Communications
or other company) I would like to see if you could negotiate a return/replacement plan
so that our agencies could obtain the manufacturer specific portable radios to maximize
the use of portable radio options/features.
Thank you for your efforts in working to bring about a state-of-the-art radio system for
all Broward County system users!
lkajkda
Miramar Fire Rescue
Miramar Police Department
North Lauderdale Fire Rescue
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue
Pembroke Pines Police Department Proper training for dispatchers
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue None at this point.
Sea Ranch Lakes Police Department
Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue
Seminole Tribe Police Department
Additional User Feedback
Question 36: Please provide any other information that you feel we should consider during the assessment of the radio communications system.
Mission Critical Partners | 186
Appendix G – Existing Coverage Maps
EDX SignalPro®® : BrowardCo_FL
Prop. model 1: Anderson-2D v1.00Time: 50.0% Loc.: 50.0%Prediction Confidence Margin: 10.2dBClimate: Continental TemperateLand use (clutter): noneAtmospheric Abs.: noneK Factor: 1.333
Sites
Received Power at remote
>= -88.8 dBmW DAQ 3.4 or better-105.8 to -88.8 dBmW DAQ 2.0 to 3.4
< -105.8 dBmW Unsatisfactory Performance Display threshold level: -250.0 dBmWRX Antenna - Type: ISOTROPICHeight: 3.0 ft AGL Gain: 0.00 dBd
MILES
-1 0 4
Broward County, FLExisting Coverage - SmartNet Analog
Portable Talk Out Outdoors
EDX SignalPro®® : BrowardCo_FL
Prop. model 1: Anderson-2D v1.00Time: 50.0% Loc.: 50.0%Prediction Confidence Margin: 10.2dBClimate: Continental TemperateLand use (clutter): noneAtmospheric Abs.: noneK Factor: 1.333
Sites
Received power at best base from remote
>= -94.5 dBmW DAQ 3.4 or Better-111.5 to -94.5 dBmW DAQ 2.0 to 3.4
< -111.5 dBmW Unsatisfactory Performance Display threshold level: -250.0 dBmWRX Antenna - Type: ISOTROPICHeight: 6.0 ft AGL Gain: 0.00 dBd
MILES
-1 0 4
Broward County, FLExisting Coverage - SmartNet Analog
Portable Talk In Outdoors
EDX SignalPro®® : BrowardCo_FL
Prop. model 1: Anderson-2D v1.00Time: 50.0% Loc.: 50.0%Prediction Confidence Margin: 10.2dBClimate: Continental TemperateLand use (clutter): noneAtmospheric Abs.: noneK Factor: 1.333
Sites
Received Power at remote
>= -73.8 dBmW DAQ 3.4 or Better-90.8 to -73.8 dBmW DAQ 2.0 to 3.4
< -90.8 dBmW Unsatisfactory Performance Display threshold level: -250.0 dBmWRX Antenna - Type: ISOTROPICHeight: 3.0 ft AGL Gain: 0.00 dBd
MILES
-1 0 4
Broward County, FLExisting Coverage - SmartNet Analog
Portable Talk Out w/15dB Building Loss
EDX SignalPro®® : BrowardCo_FL
Prop. model 1: Anderson-2D v1.00Time: 50.0% Loc.: 50.0%Prediction Confidence Margin: 10.2dBClimate: Continental TemperateLand use (clutter): noneAtmospheric Abs.: noneK Factor: 1.333
Sites
Received power at best base from remote
>= -79.5 dBmW DAQ 3.4 or Better-96.5 to -79.5 dBmW DAQ 2.0 to 3.4
< -96.5 dBmW Unsatisfactory Performance Display threshold level: -250.0 dBmWRX Antenna - Type: ISOTROPICHeight: 6.0 ft AGL Gain: 0.00 dBd
MILES
-1 0 4
Broward County, FLExisting Coverage - SmartNet Analog
Portable Talk In w/15dB Building Loss