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The factors contributing to the perception of poor coverage in the <br />Orange County fire and rescue radio communications systems have been <br />examined. Terrain has been identified as a significant factor because of the <br />numerous hills and valleys throughout the County which have a major influence <br />on radio propagation. <br />The primary fire and rescue transmitter site is on Eno (or Occoneechee) <br />Mountain. This site is just west of the I -85 overpass at Orange Grove Road <br />(1006). Ground level at this site is 860 feet AMSL (above mean sea level). <br />The antennas are mounted on a 125 -foot, self- supporting (unguyed) tower. <br />Although centrally located and on relatively high ground, this site does not <br />provide adequate coverage of the entire County. The increased use of portable <br />(hand held) radios has exacerbated the problem and there are many locations <br />where the receiver at the Eno Mountain site cannot hear low - powered, portable <br />radios with their inefficient spring -type antennas. This is especially true from <br />inside vehicles and buildings. <br />An Radio Coverage Map is attached which indicates the predicted <br />receiver coverage from the Eno Mountain site. This map was calculated using <br />the FCC F(50,50) propagation curves and taking into account signal attenuation <br />due to terrain obstructions. Areas shaded in red are predicted to have solid <br />coverage of portable radios which are inside vehicles and buildings. Areas <br />shaded in yellow are predicted to have solid coverage of mobile radios and <br />marginal coverage of portable radios. Unshaded areas have marginal coverage <br />of mobile radios and no coverage of portable radios. <br />' 1 <br />� PROJECTS <br />corporation <br />