Eastern
Shore of Virginia
Communications Projects
Current Projects 2020-2025
EASTERN
SHORE OF VIRGINIA REGIONAL RADIO SYSTEM (ESVARRS)
- 2020-2022 - Planning and procuring
700MHz radio system to serve Accomack and Northampton County fire, EMS, and law
enforcement agencies.
- 2023-2025 - The Eastern Shore of
Virginia (ESVA) 9-1-1 Commission, on behalf of the Counties of Accomack and
Northampton, has awarded a contract for the design, implementation, delivery,
and maintenance of 700 MHz P25 Phase 2 public safety radio system to L3Harris
Technologies, Inc. The commission
approved the contract award on December 22, 2022, and its Chairman executed the
contract documents following the Commission’s special meeting. Implementation is in progress. L3Harris has begun the installation of
radios and network equipment at sites throughout Accomack and Northampton
Counties; key infrastructure should be in place by late summer 2024. L3Harris and the project team must perform
field testing necessary for system performance acceptance in early spring 2025. The core team is currently developing radio
personalities to support radio programming.
Orders for subscriber radios are in progress and it is expected that
radio installations in vehicles will begin in early 2025. System cutover (moving from current VHF/UHF
radio systems to the new 700 MHz radio system) should occur in late spring 2025. Fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies will
receive new mobile and portable radios; fire and EMS agencies will also receive
an allocation of Unication G5 pagers.
Northampton County Public Schools is also a participant in the project;
NCPS has purchased radios for its fleet of school buses as well as for certain
administrative functions. (Updated 11/6/2025)
- 2023-2024 - The Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA)
9-1-1 Commission, on behalf of the Counties of Accomack and Northampton,
requested proposals to implement a connectivity network to support the planned
700 MHz P25 Phase 2 public safety radio system. The network will provide
connectivity between the planned five (5) RF sites, and four (4) dispatch
centers, for a total of nine (9) site locations. Each connectivity link must be
a minimum of 100 Mbps and meet all requirements listed in the request for proposals.
It is expected that the connectivity network will be designed in a ring
topology or monitored hot-standby spurs, providing redundant paths to/from each
RF site and dispatch center. Contract was awarded to Williams
Communications, Inc. Installation of the
network is in progress with key components scheduled for completion in August
2024, with follow-up integration to support the radio system during the
remainder of the year.
________________________________________
CALL HANDLING EQUIPMENT UPGRADE
- 2021-2022 – Replaced and upgraded
9-1-1 Center call handling equipment.
Completed Projects 2017-18
- April 2017 - Using mobile radios provided by the
City of Newport News, contracted with Gately Communications for programming and
installations of radios on Northampton County ambulances to allow ambulance to
hospital communications to hospitals in the cities across the bay (when units
are transporting to a city hospital).
- June 2018 - Conversion of the VHF antenna at the
Townsend site to a VHF/UHF antenna system, with the addition of a UHF receiver
to support NCSO radio communications (talk-back).
- October 2018 - Implementation of a fifth
transmitter for the EMS Operations Channel (part of simulcast channel) at the
Chincoteague communications tower; designed to improve talk-out coverage in
northern Accomack County (funding primarily with state RSAF grant funds and
some local funding).
- 2017/2018 - New generators installed at the ACSO,
Chincoteague, and Cape Charles communications towers (to provide emergency
back-up support during commercial power failure).
Completed Project 2016
CALL HANDLING
EQUIPMENT TO FACILITATE THE HANDLING AND
PROCESSING OF EMERGENCY CALLS
The Eastern Shore of Virginia
9-1-1 Commission contracted with Motorola Solutions to install a reliable and
system-stable solution to facilitate the handling and processing of emergency
calls to its regional 9-1-1 public safety answering point (PSAP) designated as
the Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Communications Center. Motorola installed its Emergency CallWorks solution in September 2016. The system provides telephony and other call
handling solutions including integrated mapping.
Request
for Proposals - #911-16-001 Emergency Call Handling Equipment - Contract Awarded to Motorola Solutions,
Inc.
RFP
Statement of Work / Specifications - Emergency Call Handling Equipment
Additionally,
new telephones utilizing voice over internet protocol (VoIP) were installed to
support Emergency Operations Center functions.
That system is provided and supported by Eastern Shore communications, a
local internet and telephone vendor located in Cape Charles.
Completed Project 2014-2015
SIMULCAST COMMUNICATIONS PROJECT
· SIMULCAST DISPATCH CHANNEL S1
· SIMULCAST EMS OPERATIONS CHANNEL S2
The Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Commission placed a simulcast radio
system for F1 (Rescue Dispatch) in operation during June 2015. The system allows transmitters at multiple
sites to be keyed simultaneously to deliver dispatch traffic shore-wide. Previously, three separate transmitters were
used based on the geographic location of the call. When simulcasted, dispatches and radio messages
cover all areas; incidents in multiple geographic areas do not have to be
replicated. Additionally, the Commission
deployed a simulcast EMS operations channel that moveS
EMS radio transmissions from the dispatch channel during July 2015. The EMS Operations channel utilizes multiple
repeaters to broadcast 9-1-1 radio traffic and rebroadcast field communications
shore-wide. As the EMS Operations
channel was readied for operations, field radios were reprogrammed.
Atlantic Communications was
awarded the contract to provide, deliver, install, and integrate the new
simulcast dispatch radio system and perform related tasks.
Completed Projects 2011-2013
NORTHAMPTON-ACCOMACK PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS PROJECT (NAPSCOM):
· UPGRADED F1 TRANSMITTER AT MAPPSVILLE: INCREASED TRANSMIT POWER FOR THE DISPATCHING
RADIO TO 250W TO EXPAND PAGING COVERAGE.
(OCT 2013)
· SYSTEMWIDE NARROWBANDING AND RADIO REFRESH. SYSTEM NARROWBANDING
COMPLETED DECEMBER 2012. COMMUNICATIONS
INFRASTRUCTURE WORKGROUP (CIW) SET STANDARDS AND COORDINATED PLANS. RCC CONSULTANTS, INC., PROVIDING CONSULTING
SERVICES TO COMMISSION AND CIW; RADIOS SELECTED FOR PURCHASE UNDER GRANT,
SUMMER 2012; AGENCY ORDERS OF FIELD RADIOS RECEIVED AND PROCUREMENT COMPLETED
THROUGH DELMARVA TWO-WAY RADIO, INC., SUMMER/FALL 2012; INFRASTRUCTURE
REPLACEMENT RADIOS AND SYSTEM UPGRADES COMPLETED BY ATLANTIC COMMUNICATIONS,
FALL 2012; BROADBAND BACKBONE IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING IN BETA STAGE. TOWER
WORK COMPLETED AT SOME SITES AND IN PROGRESS AT OTHERS.
· PROGRAMMED, INSTALLED, AND PLACED IN SERVICE 265 NEW MOBILE RADIOS: 154 MOBILES, VHF,
FIRE-EMS. 53 MOBILES, UHF, LAW
ENFORCEMENT. 18 MOBILES, VHF,
SCHOOLS. 40 MOBILES, VHF, SCHOOLS (PRIOR
PURCHASE BY ACPS) ALSO INSTALLED.
(OCT-DEC 2012)
· PROGRAMMED, DISTRIBUTED, AND PLACED IN SERVICE 383 NEW PORTABLE
RADIOS: 260 PORTABLES, VHF,
FIRE-EMS. 123 PORTABLES, UHF, LAW
ENFORCEMENT. (NOV-DEC 2012)
· REPROGRAMMED, NARROWBANDED, AND UPDATED CHANNEL PLANS FOR 219 LEGACY
RADIOS WHICH WERE NOT REPLACED BY NEW RADIOS:
46 MOBILE AND 173 PORTABLE RADIOS. THIS INCLUDED FIRE-EMS, LAW
ENFORCEMENT, SCHOOLS, AND HEALTH.
IMPLEMENTED MDC-1200 ENCODING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. (DEC 2012; PROGRAMMING UPDATES JAN 2013)
· NARROWBANDED 523 FIRE-EMS MINITOR V PAGERS. (DEC 2012)
PROJECT 11:
· RELOCATE SELECTED RADIOS FROM PUBLIC SAFETY TOWER AT ACCOMACK SHERIFF'S
OFFICE TO STARS TOWER ACCOMAC. SIRS, 800
MHz NPSPAC. INSTALLATION OPTIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY FUTURE SYSTEM NEEDS AND
COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE WORKGROUP (CIW).
Projects Completed 2011
PROJECT 15
· An additional call taking position with full 9-1-1 capabilities was
added in the supervisor’s office to permit expanded telephone processing
operations when warranted. 9-1-1
telephone system software was upgraded for all positions. NOW ACTIVE.
PROJECT 16
· A third MCC5500 communications console was added to expand operational
capabilities for radio dispatch in the communications center. MCC5500 software was upgraded in conjunction
with the installation. NOW ACTIVE.
Projects Completed 2009 - 2010
PROJECT 1: This project provided
for reception of talk-around traffic in the northern and southern Accomack
tactical zones.
· F3 RECEIVE ENHANCEMENT FOR FIRE/
· F7 RECEIVE ENHANCEMENT FOR FIRE/
PROJECT 3: This project expanded
the mobile and portable talkback range for the subject repeaters and enhanced
reception through voting of multiple receive sites.
· F7 RADIO SYSTEM UPGRADE FOR FIRE/EMS (MOBILE INPUT TO REPEATER): Installed comparator at F7 repeater in Belle
Haven, installed SQM's, connected receiver, connected remote receiver circuit,
calibrated, tested, activated. Replaced
site antenna 2/11/09. NOW ACTIVE.
· F3 RADIO SYSTEM UPGRADE FOR FIRE/EMS (MOBILE INPUT TO REPEATER): Installed comparator at F3 repeater in Mappsville, installed SQM's, connected receiver, connected
remote receiver circuits, calibrated, tested, activated. NOW ACTIVE.
· INSTALLED REMOTE VOTING RECEIVERS FOR F3 AND F7: Installed voting receivers at the VSP STARS
tower site in Accomac. Connected to provided antenna ports and to
telephone circuits for routing to repeaters at Belle Haven and Mappsville. NOW ACTIVE.
PROJECT 4: This project expanded
the mobile and portable talkback range for F1 and F11 (dispatch reception only)
and F3 (repeater input), and enhance reception through voting of multiple
receive sites.
· IMPROVED 911 CENTER RECEPTION OF F1 RESCUE DISPATCH AND F11 TACTICAL
FROM NORTHERNMOST
· F3 RADIO SYSTEM UPGRADED FOR FIRE/EMS (MOBILE INPUT TO REPEATER) FROM
NORTHERNMOST
PROJECT 5: Resolved reception of
foreign traffic on F5 repeater output frequency. For long-term resolution, CIW will need to
consider reprogramming/licensing options resulting from shared channel usage.
· F5 RECEIVE ENHANCEMENT FOR FIRE/
PROJECT 7: A paging transmitter
was installed at Mappsville in May for interim use
and systems testing, and is now active for use.
Required approval by Infrastructure Work Group and other entities.
· Improved Paging Output in
PROJECT 10: Establish back-up
systems for radios and telephones (9-1-1 Center).
· PROCURE AND INSTALL BACKUP REMOTE TO ALLOW PAGING AND BASIC
COMMUNICATIONS IN EVENT OF MCC5500 FAILURE.
Primary channel controls for F1 and F2, perhaps additional channels. NOW ACTIVE.
· INSTALL BACKUP TELEPHONES AND/OR RADIOS AT OFFSITE BACKUP
LOCATIONS. NOW ACTIVE.
PROJECT 11:
· REPLACED SELECTED WIDEBAND EMS VHF (T55R) AND UHF MED RADIOS AT ACCOMAC
(RSAF GRANT). New radios installed at
STARS Accomac.
NOW ACTIVE.
PROJECT 12: This project
expanded the receive footprint and added additional reception range for
portable reception by the 911 Center for F12.
· F12 RECEIVE ENHANCEMENT FOR FIRE/
· F12 RECEIVE ENHANCEMENT FOR FIRE/
PROJECT 13:
· PROCURE AND INSTALL EMS MED
PROJECT 14:
· RELOCATED VHF LEGACY RADIO AT CHERITON FROM OLD VSP TOWER TO STARS
TOWER (EASTVILLE/CHERITON). Converted
link to all microwave for circuits from Cheriton to Accomac. NOW ACTIVE.
Projects Completed 2006-2008
§ Upgraded 9-1-1 Telephone System (Plant VESTA®)
§ Installed Monitoring System for
§ Installed New HVAC System for
§ Installed New Communications Console Furniture (Xybix
Dispatch Furniture)
§ Created Systems Equipment Room; Relocated Various 9-1-1 Systems
Equipment
§ Installed and Implemented New Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System (Sungard HTE/OSSI)
§ Developed and Installed ESVA911 InfoBoard for
Dispatch Bulletins
§ Installed New Radio Communications Consoles (Motorola MCC5500)
§ Installed Synchronized Time Management (SpectraCom
NetClock)
§ Placed 3 New Repeaters in Service (Accomack Tactical Operations)
2007 Fire & EMS Communications System
Upgrade and Frequency Plan
•
Three (3) Repeaters
Acquired and Licensed; Capable of Adding Voting Receivers
•
Repeaters Receive on
One Freq (Input) and Transmit on Another Freq (Output); thus Mobile and
Portable Traffic is Rebroadcast by the Repeater (High Power & Antenna
Height); Duplex
•
“Talk-around” Mode
Bypasses the Repeater But Uses the Output Frequency; Simplex
Frequency Uses
•
Channels used as
Fire Response and Primary Fire/EMS Tactical Channel By Zone (Pre-assigned)
•
If Second Incident
Requiring Tactical Channel Occurs in Same Zone, Use Alternate Simplex or
Repeater Tact Channel
•
Tactical Channels
Used for MVA’s (Repeater Channels)
Channel Assignment Plan
• F1 - RESCUE DISPATCH
– ACCOMACK
• Also Serves as
• F2 - RESCUE DISPATCH
-
• F3 - NORTH ACCOMACK
FIRE OPS - REPEATER
• F4 - NORTH ACCOMACK
FIRE OPS - TALKAROUND
• F5 - CENTRAL ACCOMACK
FIRE OPS - REPEATER
• F6 - CENTRAL ACCOMACK
FIRE OPS - TALKAROUND
• F7 - SOUTH ACCOMACK
FIRE OPS - REPEATER
• F8 - SOUTH ACCOMACK
FIRE OPS – TALKAROUND
• F9 -
• F10-
• F11 - TACTICAL OPERATIONS 1- All Zones
• Serves as Secondary Fire/EMS Ops
• Serves as voice EMS Operations Channel
for Accomack (moves voice traffic from F1) (REVERTED)
• F12 - TACTICAL OPERATIONS 2 - All Zones
• Serves as Secondary Fire/EMS Ops
• F13 - MOBILE/PORTABLE FIELD OPERATIONS
• Mobile to Mobile Tactical Ops,
i.e., Water Shuttles
•
Station Special Event
Communications (Portables)
• F13 - TIDEWATER H.E.A.R. (AMBULANCES ONLY)
• F14 - STATEWIDE EMS MUTUAL
• F15 - CHINCOTEAGUE FIRE/EMS RPTR
• F16 - CHINCOTEAGUE FIRE/EMS TALKAROUND
• Channel May Alternatively Be Used
for Private FD Frequencies
Monitoring
If you wish to monitor the repeater output
frequencies, the frequencies are as follows:
F3 - NORTH ACCOMACK FIRE OPS - REPEATER 154.340
MHz
F5 - CENTRAL ACCOMACK FIRE OPS - REPEATER 154.055
MHz
F7 - SOUTH ACCOMACK FIRE OPS – REPEATER 153.875 MHz
Recommended and Supported Mobiles and
Portables
•
Mobiles 45W, 16
Frequency Minimum
–
GM300, CDM1250 (MDC1200 Signaling)
•
Portables 5W, 16
Frequency Minimum
–
HT1000, HT750, HT1250,
CP200, Some Kenwood Models (MDC1200 or Equivalent Signaling required; Quik-Call
II for Paging optional)
–
Be Sure Batteries
Are In Good Condition
•
3-Digit Date Code on
Motorola Batteries – “YWW” where Y equals year and WW equals week… i.e., 425
equals 25th week of 2004… batteries 3-5 years old are candidates for
replacement if not functioning well
–
9-1-1 Commission Can
Order HT1000 Batteries at Discounted Price
•
All New Radios Need
to Be Narrowband Capable
•
New Interim Radio
Standards Published February 10, 2009 (See Communications Manual Appendix O)
Other Projects
•
Acquired 800 MHz control station
to support interoperability with Worcester and Somerset Counties, and to allow
link with Maryland’s MESIN network… to become operational as part of
interoperability solutions
•
Acquired and installed 800MHz
NPSPAC Repeaters to support interoperability with Worcester County and other
800 MHz system users… to become operational as part of interoperability
solutions
•
Engineering relocation of various
radios and antennas; upgrading existing sites as necessary
•
Studying additional
interoperability solutions (L. R. Kimball provided consulting services)
2009-14 Planning
for the Future
•
Studied potential to establish
and operate one or more dedicated EMS Response channel(s) to allow EMS units to
communicate on a channel other than the channel used for paging and
alerting. Activated F11 for this purpose
in Accomack County on February 1, 2009, but later reverted.
Copyright
2008-2024, Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Commission
This Page Last Updated July 28, 2024