The New York City Fire Department has implemented new UHF portable radios for "Fire Ground Personnel". These Radios are both Analog (what your building uses now) and Digital, multi channel units. Of interest to us are the two analog channels for Hi-rise Repeater and Talk Around. (Note these channels are subject to change by the FNDY).
Presently, communication from portable to portable at the fire ground are conducted on a simplex or talk around channel. This means that communications can be limited by building construction as well as other factors. As an example; if there is an event on the 50th floor and there are FDNY personnel on the 49th & 50th floors and the lobby level, simplex or talk around communication between the two upper floors is not a problem, however communication to the lobby Fire Command Center or a Basement area may not be effective. This situation is one of the many encountered by fire fighters all the time.
The FDNY "stop gap" solution to this problem is a transportable transceiver that operates on batteries. It is carried into the building and setup to enhance the communication between the Fire Command Station and the fire fighters.
This only enhances the Radio Communication from the Fire Command Station to the Fire Fighters in the building. It does not increase the Fire Fighter to Fire Fighter radio coverage as described in the second paragraph.
The installation of a Repeater tuned to the FDNY High Rise Analog Radio Frequency will enhance both the Fire Fighter to Fire Fighter radio communication and the Fire Command Station to Fire Fighter. It will also allow the Chief in charge to use a portable radio for communications to the Fire Fighters.
The Repeater can be installed along with your Buildings Current Radio Communication Systems.
By having your building use a FDNY Hi Rise Repeater everyone benefits from better Radio Communication and Fire Protection.