Guest guest Posted July 21, 2003 Report Share Posted July 21, 2003 In a message dated 7/18/2003 2:14:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time, wrote: > <paste> > Does anyone else have any trouble with synchronizing times???? We have times > for the radio, CAD, MDT's and the digital recorder.....ALL of which are > different. This is a pain when it comes to resolving complaints or court > appearances..... > > Does anyone have any solutions or know of any software that corrects this? > > Thanks > <end paste> , we have this exact same problem. The CAD from CMI doesn't sync with the computer clock (the one we read times from over the air). The CAD loses time during the day somehow, I will usually have our finance person (a.k.a. -the only computer tech we have in the bldg) come over to re-set the CAD to match the computer, but by the next shift I work, it's 20-30 seconds off again... this may not sound like much, but when the 20-30 seconds is the difference in the minute-time you are giving the EMS or police crews to write on their reports, we now have a problem. Atty: " And the dispatcher gave you the time of 20:30 as on scene? " Your favorite police officer: " Yes, sir. That's what is on the tape. " Atty: " Then why does the printed copy of the call state it was 20:29:29? " And there you go. But to complicate matters even further... our 9-1-1 system (which you probably have the same vendor as we do-let's just call them JOE) doesn't sync times with the cad or the computer either. So our 9-1-1 calls have the capability to be " dropped " into the cad... this transfers all the info of the caller and puts in the address for dispatch automatically. Except that it drops the time of call (rec'd) in automatically also which is usually 3-4 minutes behind. So it appears as if I held an EMS call for 5 minutes before even bothering to dispatch equipment. And unfortunately, these will be the records entered into court. Our tapes will be re-recorded over about every 30-40 days. I have tried and tried to get someone to fix the problem. JOE installed a sync-system program that helped with 9-1-1 and the computer (synced it with the atomic clock I think) but alas, 3 months later, we are still having the same problems. CMI, our cad vendor is trying to find a solution, but getting one of them to help is like pulling teeth. So I just keep bothering the finance guy to re-set the cad when I have to, and hope and pray I never get hauled into court to explain the time discrepancies. They tell us that we can go back and manually change the time of call on our 9-1-1 screens, but I have a few problems with that: #1. If I'm getting slammed on Friday night, when do I have time to go back and fix all the 9-1-1 calls I transferred into the CAD? #2. Isn't that a little close to lying, or making things up or tampering with evidence? All things we would be fired for in any other circumstances? #3. Why should I have to go back and change anything, when I have brought the problem to the attention of department personnel and they have not found a remedy? Perhaps I am venting; I just don't see how, with all the technology in the world, we can't get a few simple programs to stay on the same time. Anyway, I think I will mention the Net-Clock to our Sgt. and see if maybe that will help. It's good to know that we aren't the only department in OH, or the country having the same types of problems. Take care everyone. Cheri' Englewood Communications Englewood, OH -Note: these are solely the opinions of the person writing the email and do not reflect the opinions of my department or its staff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2003 Report Share Posted July 23, 2003 We have been using a master clock from ESE for several years. We currently have it connected to our Call logger, Orbacom radio console, LAN and the 911 system. This year will be connecting it to our new CAD system. It is a great relief knowing that all the times are correct and are legally traceable times. ESE is much less expensive than the Spectracom but offers the same features and accessories. It's more reliable than the Internet based time synchronization. Mark Van Hooser, WBØFNA Communications Supervisor Buena Vista County Communications Storm Lake, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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