16 February 2009

GMANS.net Web Site Updated and the G-Blog is Back

Well, it's been quite a while since the last time I was able to take a few minutes to post an update here. Let me wipe the dust off of this blog and then post a few news items...

OK... first and foremost, the GMANS.net web site has undergone several new modifications/additions over the past week or so, most are visually noticable with the main item being the new streaming audio/video scanner feed of the Westmoreland County DPS 800Mhz TRS page. This is actually our 3rd live WestmoCo scanner feed now, running via Windows Media Player (or equivalent) WME9 format behind our existing TeamSpeak and Icecast versions. All three carry the exact same audio, so don't stress over which one you should use to listen. You can use one, a pair, or all of the above. We have been receiving many good reports so far about the new feed that runs the visual of active TalkGroups and Radios using the system as you listen. This began as an experimental project and is still undergoing a bit of tweaking here/there, but if it works out and it's popularity with listeners (and now viewers..!!) remains high enough, it just may become a permanent fixture. Many users like it, but also still like the community feel of TeamSpeak in being able to 'see' each other in the channels, and use the text chat feature that allows listeners to get text updates in the chat window on working incidents and then interact and discuss those incidents as they happen. TeamSpeak can also boast having 70 channels to choose from as well. These are exclusive TeamSpeak features and really can't be reproduced in any other audio streaming format such as the Icecast or WME9 versions. Conversely, TeamSpeak has no way to display the active TalkGroups (TAC channels) or Radio ID's like WME9. This is why one really can't replace the other and will likely both co-exist side-by-side (so to speak) for the duration, as long as I can maintain the equipment required.

Next... The 'GuestBook' and 'Contact Us' pages have finally been reactivated, after being down for quite some time after the NKNOC was moved into it's new location. So, PLEASE take a moment to sign the GuestBook by clicking its button on the menu bar at left when you get a chance. Let us know how we're doing.. We would love to hear from you. Also, if you need to contact us directly in a more private setting, please feel free to use the 'Contact Us' button on the menu to get in touch. We will receive your message directly and if a response is required, we will try and get back to you as soon as we can.

There are a few other changes, but mostly cosmetic things, so not really worthy of pointing out here. You'll see those as you explore the site. One last thing I will mention is that there are a few new photos of the radio/computer control room here at the NKNOC, so take a look if you want to see where all of this originates from. Well, most of it anyway...

Alright.. that's it for the first one back.. don't want to over-do it..! Until next time...

Take care.. stay safe.
I'm out.