[FedCom] Laptop Computers, Access To Local Systems, Etc.

[J&D Schnoor]

Chris (and the Group),

Have you seen any federal users deploying laptop computers out in their 
vehicles?  I would think that for certain operations in some agencies it 
might be rather handy to have a notebook computer with the ability to access 
certain databases, car to car text messaging, etc.

What agencies and in what areas are you seeing federal users joining 
local/county/state users on existing radio networks?  For example, we have a 
Veterans Administration Hospital in Minneapolis.  They have their own VA 
Police, but disbanded their fire department some time ago and contract with 
Saint Paul Fire and Safety.  Since many local users are joing the ARMER 
network, which is 800 mHz P-25 trunking, I could see where having VA Police 
on ARMER be an advantage for coordination.  Right now they are on their own 
400 mHz conventional P-25 system.  I don't know if they have the ability to 
access the ARMER system, but it could have its advantages.  And if they have 
a law enforcement incident it might be helpful for them to access the system 
to coordinate with Minneapolis Police, Hennepin County Sheriff, Airport 
Police, Minnesota State Patrol, etc.

I did post something a few months back about the GRE PSR-500 and forthcoming 
PSR-600 for federal monitoring.  I am curious if anybody here is using a 
PSR-500 for federal monitoring and, if so, how well it works out.


Jim  NØJS