Communications
Contact Persons:
Angie Illhardt, Director
Gale Sheppard, Office Manager
Mailing address:
Horry County Communications Department
2560 North Main Street
Conway, SC 29526
Physical location:
Communications Building
(behind M.L. Brown Public Safety Building)
Conway, SC
Phone: 843.915.5800
FAX: 843.915.6402
Office Hours:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday through Friday
Mission Statement:
Our goal is to provide high quality, reliable, and cost effective communications services for all Public Safety entities relying on the Horry County 800MHz system. We strive to continuously improve and maintain the services and quality of radio communications through the investment in state-of-the-art equipment and training. The Horry County Communications Department is also committed to provide service with caring, courteous, and dedicated employees.
Current Structure:
Horry County currently operates a six (6) site, sixteen (16) channel Motorola SmartNet 3.1 simulcast trunking system; an Astro conventional simulcast six (6) site system, and three (3) single site conventional channels. The prime site is located outside of Loris, SC and has a collocated remote site identified as Pleasant View. This site has the main, alternate, and remote site controllers, two transmit combiners, two transmit antennas, one receive antenna, and one tower top amplifier/receive multicoupler. The remote site identified as IP utilizes one remote site controller, four transmit antennas; four combiners, one receive antenna, and one tower top amplifier/receive multicoupler.
In addition to the simulcast systems, Horry County operates two single site, conventional systems – one located at the North Myrtle Beach simulcast site and the other at the Myrtle Beach Jetport. The two (2) conventional channels located at the North Myrtle Beach simulcast utilize the same antenna system as the simulcast system. The single conventional channel at the Jetport utilizes a duplexer and antenna.
The current network management system consists of two (2) stand-alone Motorola System Watch II terminals and a Site Lens server. One System Watch terminal is located at the Horry County 911 center and the other is located at the Myrtle Beach Communications facility in Myrtle Beach. The Site Lens is located at the Myrtle Beach tower site.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an 800mhz system?
An 800mhz radio system is a blend of traditional two-way radio technology and computer controlled transmitters. Virtual radio groups called “talk groups” are created in software to enable private departmental conversations.
Who uses this 800mhz system?
There are over 3700 users on the county 800mhz system.
Currently the following agencies are on our system:
- Police - all agencies NMB, MB, SS, Loris, Atlantic Beach, Briarcliff, Conway and Aynor
- Fire - all agencies NMB MB SS Loris and Conway
- Code Enforcement
- EMD
- Horry County Parks and Recreation
- Horry County Solid Waste Authority
- Horry County Sheriff's Department
- Department of Airports
- Public Works
- Stormwater
- Engineering
- DHEC
- Fleet Maintenance
- CCU
- E911
Can I purchase my own radio for use on the county system?
Yes. You should contact the communications department first to determine which radio will be compatible.
What kind of portable radios can I buy?
There are 5 models of handheld radios to from:
*Older model MTS and MTX radios are no longer available or supported.
XTS 2500 type II and III are the standard radio for all Public Safety personnel.
What do I need to do after I purchase and receive my new radio?
All New radios are shipped from the factory with no programming whatsoever. For programming, you must bring your radio into our department .
Can I get other department's talkgroups programmed into my radio?
If you wish to have a particular talk group or groups added to you department's radio, written approval is required. Please contact our department for more assistance
Where do I go for radio repair or service?
If your radio is programmed on the County system, you may bring the radio to our shop.
What if my County radio gets stolen?
Please notify the Police Department immediately so they can fill out a report. Notify the Communications Department as soon as possible. Bring the completed Police report to our office.
I bought my own radio. Can I use it on the County's system?
Depending on what type of radio you have and if it is compatible with our current system. You will also need to sign an MOU.
What is an MOU?
An MOU is a Memorandum Of Understanding. This means that any program on the radio is deemed County property and cannot be sold or given away without county written authorization. Your radio will be released from this agreement once it has been de-programmed.
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