VHF Poll

[Rattlesnake Guy]

Skip,
Is the 911 location capability only good from a land line or will they know where we are on the water with a cell phone? (With a non gps cell phone)
Thanks

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

Skip,
Is the 911 location capability only good from a land line or will they know where we are on the water with a cell phone? (With a non gps cell phone)
Thanks

It is good for a cell phone. A GPS equipped phone with an accurate LOS to the birds obviously will give a fix accurate to within meters, but even with a non-GPS phone the companies use several algorithms that can get a very accurate fix on yor phone using several types of trianglization schemes. Long story short it is an FCC mandate and it actually works quite well, and is becoming almost commonplace in its usage now. Additionally the FCC is requiring extreme accuracy requirements over the upcoming years.

Just to recap, all E911 calls go to Concord. In Concord they will determine and classify your emergency and then electronically hand down the call to the applicable local dispatch center. This not only includes the actual phone call, but all information the Concord E911 dispatcher enters into their call screen is also electronically transferred to the applicable local dispatch center so the secondary dispatcher doesn't have to duplicate the effort of re-entering all the call data.

One other important note. In Concord there are multiple dispatcher operators on duty that can handle any multitude of simultaneous calls, especially important in a large scale emergency. The local dispatch center may have limited staff, sometimes only one person on duty depending on the area. Say a number of boaters simultaneously see an incident on the Lake and all decide to call NHMP direct. It could easily and quickly overload the limited staff there, especially if they are already handling multiple incidents. By calling E911 direct calls can be prioritized and multiple calls reporting the same incident can be screened. Finally, the E911 center has the capabiltiy to divert or spread calls out over various agencies if need be.

In short if it is an emergency call it is my opinion that dialing 911 in the State of New Hampshire ensures the shortest response possible while also making sure that your call is always routed to the appropriate agency. Times have indeed changed, for the better, over the last few years!

[Seeker]

I have an older VHF handheld SMR Sealab 9000. It needs a battery which costs $29.99 and takes about 30 days minimum to get. (Unless you know someone who can solder 8 1.2V ni-cads together.) I have the manual, case and charger. If anyone can use it it's free. It's an older, larger radio but will give you the marine freqs plus 4 wx channels.
PM me if you want it and we'll discuss pickup.

[NH_boater]

You guys pushed me over the edge. Added handheld 6 watt VHF today. Better to have and not need then.......

Plus, I now feel better equipped to help out someone else in distress.

[VitaBene]

This is a great thread- thank you for starting it!!