Wayne Amateur Radio club had the privilege of touring one of the MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communication System) portable tower and repeater systems. This trailer can be brought into areas to provide additional capacity and coverage to the existing system. This is often used at large events such as the Orrville fire in the sky festival.
What is MARCS?
MARCS is a 700/800 MHz radio and data network that utilizes state-of-the art trunked technology to provide statewide interoperability in digital clarity to its subscribers throughout Ohio and a 10 mile radius outside of Ohio. The MARCS system provides statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless communication for public safety and first responders.
The MARCS development contract required 97.5% mobile voice and data in street coverage. 99.71% aggregate voice coverage was realized and 98.13% aggregate data coverage was achieved. This allows maximum statewide interoperability and enhanced safety and protection for public safety service providers through secure digital transmissions.
The MARCS network operates on three system components:
- Mobile Voice – operating on the 700/800 MHz digital trunked technology
- Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) – providing GPS-based vehicle location, resource recommendation and GGM display
- Mobile Data – CAD updates, Records Management, GPS-Based vehicle location, LEADS inquiries
There are currently over 140,000 voice units and over 1,800 mobile data units on the MARCS system with more than 3,000 public safety/public service agencies statewide. This includes local, state and federal agencies.
