Technology

The Basics Behind MPSCS Technology

MPSCS uses Digital Technology. Digital technology allows for clearer and more precise transmissions. Voice transmissions are processed into packets of digital data by a computer and transmitted. At the receiver, another computer regenerates the human voice from the data. Any noise picked up in the transmission process is eliminated resulting in a clearer transmission over a greater distance. Analog transmissions are less reliable as any noise acquired during transmission is added to the voice audio.

The result of a digital transmission is clearer communication throughout a greater part of the coverage area.

MPSCS is Trunked Technology

Radio spectrum, or channels, is a finite resource that cannot be invented or created. Because of the limited nature of radio spectrum, MPSCS utilizes trunking technology that allows the most efficient use of radio channels. Trunking technology is similar to the technology telephone companies use. In trunked radio communications, all available user channels are placed into one pool. When a person needs to transmit, a channel is automatically selected from the available pool and used for one's transmission. When the person is finished with one's transmission, the channel is placed back into the pool for another individual to use. The result is more efficient use of radio spectrum with a minimal probability of not having access to a channel.

MPSCS is Interoperability

Less advanced radio communications systems utilize dedicated channels. If a person's dedicated channel is in use, one has to wait for the channel to be clear, even if many other channels are currently used. The MPSCS trunking system automatically finds one a clear channel if there are any available. MPSCS' trunked technology also allows the radios to operate on talkgroups. A talkgroup consists of a group of users that need to communicate with each other. Creating a talkgroup only requires that an ID be programmed into the radio. If your radio is not programmed for a specific talkgroup, you never have to listen to their transmissions. A talkgroup can use any of the channels available on the trunked system. The average non-trunked public safety radio usually has a capacity of ten dedicated channels or less whereas MPSCS radios can hold up to 256 talkgroups. With talkgroups and automatic channel selection, your communications capabilities are greatly enhanced.

The system technology allows the radios to be programmed for statewide interoperability. The average radio on MPSCS is programmed in four tiers of talkgroups which include local, regional, statewide and special event.

Local talkgroups are used when public safety agencies normally communicate. Local talkgroups usually hold a specific agency or the public safety officers in a county. Regional talkgroups are used by state agencies that are large enough to be broken into regions or districts. State Police agencies frequently use regional talkgroups. Statewide talkgroups are used when an agency needs to communicate with another MPSCS member that is not in its region. Statewide talkgroups allow public safety agencies to communicate from one geographic corner of Michigan to the furthest point within the state. Special event talkgroups are set up by agency request and are used during critical emergencies or special events such as presidential visits and major sporting events.