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SPECS SURVEY: P25 Portables WHAT’S NEW: Mobile Data Software
C O M M U N I C A T I O N S
T M
August 2010
www.MCCmag.com
View DigitalMagazine
Online
APCO Issue
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Ready for NG911 and P25; The Ultra-Com IP is ready for the future.
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P25 Narrowbanding SaleSave hundreds on every F9011 series portable
and F9511 series mobile, VHF or UHF.Also save on the high-powered F9511HT VHF.
CAP compliance pending. Select versions only. Limited to stock on hand.
Contact Icom America for full details.
*Actual savings varies by model and version, but always 20% or more.
SAVE 20% OR MORE
UNTIL SEPT. 30ON EACH RADIO
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4 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
Editorial Sales [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]: 303-792-2390 ext. 20 Phone: 303-792-2390 ext. 10 Phone: 303-792-2390 ext. 15
C O M M U N I C A T I O N S
T M
Vol. 25, No. 8
August 2010
RadioResource MissionCritical Communications (ISSN 1544- 9556) (USPS 013-459) is published monthly, except bimonthly in November-December, free of charge to qualified recipients, by Pandata Corp., 7108 S. AltonWay, Building H, Centennial, CO 80112. This issue: August 2010, Volume 25, Number 8. Periodicals postage paid at Englewood, CO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes toRadioResource MissionCritical Communications, P.O. Box 15637, N. Hollywood, CA 91615-9811. Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement No. # 40065056. Canadian Return Address: DP Global Mail, 4960-2 WalkerRoad, Windsor, ON N9A 6J3.
Editorial Sales [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]: 303-792-2390 ext. 20 Phone: 303-792-2390 ext. 10 Phone: 303-792-2390 ext. 15Fax: 303-792-2391 Fax: 303-792-2391 Fax: 303-792-2391
Inbox 6
Dispatch 8The nation’s focus is on the GulfCoast for several reasons.By Sandra Wendelken
Spectrum Monitor 10A tutorial on the 700 MHz spectrum. By Roger Quayle
News Briefs 14
What’s New: Mobile Data Software 61
Specs Survey: P25 Portable Radios 65
New Products 70
Events 92
Q&A 94Terry C. Miller oversees wireless networks for Washington State DOT. By Sandra Wendelken
Classifieds 80Subscription Card 93Advertiser Index 93Cover design by Brad Hamilton
I N E V E R Y I S S U E
R E A D E R S E R V I C E SD.C.’s CAD Connection
Washington links different agencies’ CAD systems for the State of the Union address. By James L. Callahan
45
7 Narrowbanding Tips
A consultant offers first-hand experiences for a smooth VHF and UHF narrowbanding experience. By Leonard Koehnen
50
Affordable Coverage Options
Several cost-effective solutions canminimize signal degradation whennarrowbanding.By Joe Ross and Rick Burke
56
Protect Your Network
System designers should keep these parameters in mind when choosing lightning and grounding equipment for communications sites. By Bogdan (Bogey) Klobassa and Ken R. Rand
31
Communications on the Border
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implements an innovative Project 25 (P25) and meshnetwork. By William M. Brown
24
APCO Show GuideEverything you need to
know about this month’s APCO conference in Houston.
78
Technology Tracks Remote Workers
Oil and gas personnel in remote areas rely on a positioning system forincreased safety. By Scott Kuei
38
C O N T E N T S
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www.MCCmag.comDIGITAL EDITIONAccess feature-rich, interactive issue
ONLY OnlineExclusive online editorial features
Headline NewsIndustry-specific news updated daily, plus archives
SuperGUIDEThe industry’s most comprehensiveonline Buyers Guide
MissionCritical UNIVERSITYWhite papers, case studies and tutorials
TRANSMISSIONE-newsletter contains breaking news,exclusive content, events and vitalindustry links
AdLinkQuickly link to magazine advertisers’Web sites with just a click
EventsExtensive calendar of industry events
ViewMagazine
Online
WEB SITE RESOURCES
6 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
Narrowbanding Facts
View a list of VHF and UHF narrowbanding fallacies and facts.
TETRA in North America
The latest regulatory developments in the U.S. and Canada.
Two industry insiders offer different opinions on the fate of the 700 MHz D Block spectrum. Jamie Barnett says the D block should be auctioned. Douglas Jarrett suggests the D block should be reallocated to public safety.
D Block: Point/Counterpoint
Following are comments from readers about recent print articles and news from TRANSMISSION, a weekly e-mailnewsletter. Submit comments [email protected].
P25 and Voice Interoperability
Editor:Having the opportunity to participate in the Project 25
(P25) user needs subcommittee (UNS) during the past fewyears, there are important points that all users and buyersshould be aware of when talking about P25. Manufacturershave no obligation to participate or follow the P25 standard.There’s no mandate for P25, and P25 shouldn’t be confusedwith the FCC mandate to narrowband.
Within the P25 standard is a document called the state-ment of requirements (SOR). The SOR is the expressedneeds or requirements of users; there is no authority withinP25 UNS to require/mandate anything of the manufacturer.
There’s no control over the use of the term P25, logo orthe advertisement that I’m aware of. A product marked P25can mean many things: it’s P25 or it’s capable of P25. I don’tknow of a checklist that has to be completed before a manu-facturer can use the P25 logo/advertisement. I guess it’s P25because they say it’s P25?
Finally, everyone knows how costly these new radios are.
That’s not part of P25. I’m not saying it’s not important; butit’s not for P25. These are this user’s observations.
Capt. Paul RobertsBoise (Idaho) Fire Department
Editor:While efforts have been made to urge public-safety agen-
cies to migrate to P25 digital technology, the cost is tooexpensive for most agencies. Agencies that are used to pay-ing $250 – $900 per radio now find they have to pay morethan $2,000 per radio, and this makes the conversion unat-tractive, especially when one considers the audio qualityissues associated with P25.
The makers of P25 equipment need to lower costs, other-wise interoperability is only going to get worse. We alreadyhave public-safety agencies in Georgia purchasing other digi-tal technologies —NEXEDGE or MOTOTRBO — insteadof P25 to upgrade their analog legacy systems and improvecommunications, specifically coverage, within their jurisdic-tions. Interoperability is only as good as the cooperationbetween agencies; in most cases, the radio systems used in aparticular area reflect how well the multiple agencies in thatspecific area cooperate.
Robert “Bob” L. Williams Jr.Radio Systems Analyst
City of Marietta, Ga.
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T he Gulf Coast has been the focus of the nation’s attention sinceApril 20 when an oil rig explosion caused oil to begin spewing into
the Gulf of Mexico’s waters. At press time, the oil spill was ongoingwith British Petroleum (BP) working to contain the well with a contain-ment cap, while digging a relief well to completely stop the leak.
The oil leak is the largest environmental disasterin U.S. history. However, in some positive newssurrounding the crisis, the U.S. Coast Guard(USCG) has access to a 700/800 MHz interoperableradio network featuring roaming throughout theGulf Coast region. Building off the Louisiana stateradio network, local officials reached out to Missis-sippi, Alabama and Texas public-safety officials tocreate an interoperable regional network to help
with the relief efforts.Beyond voice communications, a Department of Homeland Securi-
ty (DHS) program, Virtual USA, has allowed governmental officialsplus BP executives and others affected to access real-time data andupload information from the field. The situational awareness platformbrings everyone involved in the cleanup together for better disastermanagement.
Communications in the region is especially important for reliefworkers and others during this year’s potentially busy hurricane season.We’ll continue to cover the Gulf Coast’s communications plans relatedto the oil spill and cleanup, in addition to weather situations that mayoccur, on our website and in print issues. Michelle Zilis, assistant/Webeditor, is writing a comprehensive article for the September issue on theGulf Coast region’s data communications efforts.
Many industry players will be traveling to the Gulf Coast — Hous-ton specifically — for this year’s Association of Public-Safety Commu-
nications Officials(APCO) Internationalannual conferenceand trade show. We’llbe in booth 1523 and
invite you to stop by. Let us know how we’re doing and offer any ideasyou have for the magazine, website or our e-mail products.
Sandra Wendelken, [email protected]
Gulf Coast in the Spotlight
C O M M U N I C A T I O N S
T M
RadioResource MissionCritical Communications delivers wire-less voice and data solutions for mobile and remote mission-criticaloperations. The magazine targets public safety, state/local/federalgovernment, transportation, field service, business and industrialusers; engineering and consulting firms; mobile communicationdealers/resellers; service providers and other industry professionalsin the United States and Canada. Editorial content includes businessand regulatory news, in-depth features, product information andcomparisons, industry reports and trends, innovative applications,emerging technologies, case studies and technical tips.
PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTORPaulla A. Nelson-Shira, [email protected] Wendelken, [email protected] EDITORLindsay A. Gross, [email protected]/WEB EDITORMichelle Zilis, [email protected] ADMINISTRATORLola Friday, [email protected] DESIGNERBrad Hamilton, [email protected]
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARDKerry Adams: President, Mobile Business Communications
Mark Crosby: President & CEO, EWA
Steve Crout: President, Triple C Communications
William Dean: Principal, Communications Planning Consultants
Brent Finster: Emergency Communications Manager, Cayman Islands
Joe Gallelli: President, The Gallelli Group
Ralph Haller: Consultant, Fox Ridge Communications
Joe Hanna: President, Directions
Ron Haraseth: Public-Safety Consultant
Dale Hatfield: Executive Director, Silicon Flatirons
Carroll Hollingsworth: CEO, DH Marketing
John Johnson: Radio System Analyst, TEMA
Craig Jorgensen: President, Quantum Telecommunications
Leonard Koehnen: Consulting Engineer
John Melcher: 9-1-1 Consultant
Bill Moroney: President & CEO, UTC
Joe Ross: Partner, Televate
Eric Schimmel: Telecommunications Consultant
Robert Schlieman: Project 25 Steering Committee
Fredrick Smith: Telecommunications Engineer, Chevron
Tom Tolman: Public-Safety Consultant
The opinions of the editorial advisory board members are their ownand not those of their employers.
VICE PRESIDENTMark E. Shira, 1-800-548-5536, [email protected]
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEJeff Peck, 1-800-548-5536, [email protected]
CLASSIFIED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEDebra Sabin, 1-800-548-5536, [email protected]
CIRCULATION MANAGERLola Friday, [email protected]
PRODUCTION MANAGERMichael Portaro, [email protected]
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTMelissa Richey, [email protected]
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTSharon Knell, [email protected]
CORRESPONDENCEEditorial and advertising corre spondence should be addressed to:RadioResource MissionCritical Communications7108 S. Alton Way, Building H, Centennial, CO 80112Tel: 303-792-2390 Fax: 303-792-2391.Editorial e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]© 2010 By Pandata Corp. All Rights Reserved.Printed in U.S.A.
andataP
www.MCCmag.com
Dispatch
8 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions
We value your opinions! Please e-mail your feedback to me [email protected].
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10 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
Spectrum Monitor
The 700 MHz band covers about100 megahertz of spectrum
between 698 and 804 MHz frequenciesthat have been progressively cleared ofUHF TV as part of the government’spolicy for digital TV (DTV). The 700MHz spectrum supports a diverse arrayof operators and applications, includ-ing public-safety narrowband voiceand broadband, large commercial carri-ers such as AT&T and Verizon Wire-less, regional commercial carriers andmobile TV such as MediaFlo. The Dblock in the upper part of the band isscheduled to be auctioned by the FCC.
Band class 17 was created to coveronly blocks B and C in the lower 700MHz band where AT&T is the majorlicense holder, and band class 13, cov-ering the upper band 700 MHz block Cspectrum, was established for VerizonWireless. Band class 14 was created tocover the public-safety allocation andthe D block at a time when the D blockwas planned for auction for use in con-junction with the public-safety spec-trum. The FCC has since separated thetwo blocks.
Because the allocations or auctionsof the various blocks in the band weremade at different times during the pastfew years with varying technical rules,the technical requirements for equip-ment to operate in the entire band 14
are more complex than typical newbands. This is further complicated byinterference considerations with UHFTV remaining in operation immediate-ly below the band (below 698 MHz),the presence of high-power broadcastswithin the band from MediaFlo and theneed to protect the public-safety nar-rowband block from interference. Alsobecause of historic factors, the duplexarrangement in the upper band is oppo-site to that in the lower band — inother words, whether the mobile trans-mits on the higher or lower of the twofrequencies in the channel pair.
These complications make design-ing user devices more challenging thanin most cellular bands, but not impossi-ble. Some equipment manufacturerssay it isn’t technically possible for asingle device to operate across all themobile broadband blocks. But IPWire-less already has a user device withFCC equipment authorization to dothis, proving it is achievable with inno-vative technical approaches. This prod-uct covers the entire 700 MHz bandfrom 698 to 798 MHz, including ThirdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP)band classes 12, 13, 14 and 17.
Some manufacturers don’t want tosupport the entire band because manydevices will be multiband, allowingroaming to other bands such as 850
MHz, 1.9 GHz PCS, Advanced Wire-less Services (AWS) band and interna-tional bands used outside the UnitedStates. This is a valid concern, but thechallenge is a commercial issue morethan a technical one, because the vari-able is the number of RF filtersrequired. A typical multiband devicemay already have six or more filters tocover various bands, so an extra filteror two in the front end of the device toenable all the relevant blocks in the700 MHz band to be covered mightadd a few dollars to the cost of goods,but it isn’t a show stopper.
Some operators have commercialreasons or their own technical consid-erations for asking their device suppli-ers to cover only the frequency blocksthat they own. The FCC doesn’t dictatewhat parts of the band should be cov-ered in a device, but there is a petitionfrom some of the regional operatorsthat purchased the 700 MHz lower Ablock in the spectrum auction torequire user equipment manufacturersto cover this block as part of the 3GPPband class 12.
Similarly, many device manufactur-ers have excluded band 14 — the public-safety broadband and D block— from their products. For the large-volume manufacturers of user devices,this is probably a business decision,
By Roger Quayle
700 MHz Band Plan
Source: IPWireless
SpectrumOwnership
698 704 710 715 722 728 734 740 746 757 758 763 775 776 787 783 793 804
AT&T AT&T VerizonWireless
VerizonWireless
The U.S. 700 MHz band plan and Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards body band classes
A 700 MHz Spectrum Primer
MODEL ISO 4812-12MODEL VS-20ML MODEL SRM-30M-2
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because the major mobile operatorsthat are their customers don’t use thisband. However, some may be con-cerned that the technical rules thatapply to this block may change. This ispossible, because Motorola has pro-posed taking away spectrum from thepublic-safety broadband allocation tocreate a guard band to mitigate adjacent-channel interference con-cerns. In addition, the Rural CellularAssociation, wireless carriers and oth-ers petitioned the FCC for a new bandto be defined in the upper 700 MHzspectrum incorporating public-safetybroadband and the C and D blocks tosimplify the filtering requirements andmake devices covering the full 700MHz band more practical.
One issue raised by some devicemanufacturers for not supporting thelower A block is potential interferencefrom TV channel 51 immediatelybelow the band. However, the lower
channel of the A block pair adjacent toTV channel 51 is the base stationreceive frequency, so interference isn’tan issue for user device manufacturers.While adjacent channel interference inlower A block base stations may be anissue in some markets, it’s only used ina small number of markets, and the TVtransmitters may be low power insome cases. Also, once channel 51 TVis converted to digital, the FCCrequires a more stringent emissionmask, so the potential for interferencewill be further reduced.
A possible greater interference riskto the lower A block comes from Qual-comm’s MediaFlo. MediaFlo operatesin the lower D block unpaired channelin some major markets. MediaFlo alsoowns the lower E channel in somemajor markets on the East and WestCoasts, and while it isn’t in use, if itdoes begin service, it has potential forinterference because it’s immediately
adjacent to the A block user equipment(UE) receive. The biggest interferenceissue from MediaFlo in the D channelis into the lower B block base stationreceiver, and AT&T has this block inmany markets.
The development of user devicescovering the entire 700 MHz band istechnically feasible, but commercialconsiderations may drive some opera-tors and equipment vendors to restricttheir band coverage. There are somepotential interference issues to chan-nels in the lower band. It remains to beseen whether the FCC will require full-band coverage, as advocated by someof the 700 MHz licensees. ■
Roger Quayle is the chief technology officer
(CTO) and co-founder of IPWireless, leading
technical marketing and strategy. He previ-
ously led Qualcomm’s effort to standardize
CDMA 450 technology in Europe. E-mail
comments to [email protected].
12 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
Spectrum Monitor
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FCC Eliminates InterimNarrowbanding Deadlines
As requested by the public-safetyindustry, the FCC eliminated certaininterim narrowbanding deadlines forpublic-safety and commerciallicensees in the 150 –174 MHz and421 – 512 MHz bands. The orderpartially grants a petition filed by theNational Public Safety Telecommu-nications Council (NPSTC) seekingrelief from interim narrowbandingrequirements that otherwise takeeffect Jan. 1, 2011.
The order extended the deadlinefor requiring equipment to be 6.25-
kilohertz-capable until 2013. Theorder also denied the request to allownew or expanded 25-kilohertz opera-tions beyond Jan. 1, 2011.
However, the commission reaf-firmed its commitment to timelycompletion of the migration to 12.5-kilohertz technology by the Jan. 1,2013, deadline. “We envision thatvoice network capacity could eventu-ally quadruple, enabling users,including public-safety agencies inparticular, to take full advantage ofthe capabilities of existing technolo-gies to provide high-quality narrow-band voice communications in these
lower spectrum bands,” said RuthMilkman, chief of the FCC’s Wire-less Telecommunications Bureau.
The FCC statement said officialswill also continue to work with fed-eral partners, such as the Departmentof Homeland Security’s Office ofEmergency Communications, tomake public-safety agencies aware ofopportunities for public funding tomeet this requirement.
LMCC Approves 800 MHz Interstitial Procedures
The Land Mobile CommunicationsCouncil (LMCC) approved interstitial
14 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
News Briefs
T he Obama administration released a
presidential memorandum calling for
the release of 500 megahertz of spectrum
and the investment of auction revenues in
public safety. The White House outlined a
four-point plan — similar to the FCC’s
national broadband plan — calling for auc-
tion revenues to fund a nationwide public-
safety broadband network.
“A critical part of this spectrum initiative
will be to provide funding to help build a
nationwide interoperable mobile broadband
network for public safety,” the memorandum
said. The Obama administration said it
doesn’t have an official estimate of the auc-
tion revenues from the plan, but based on
past auctions, many analysts said the rev-
enue potential could reach in the tens of
billions of dollars.
The plan included the following:
1. Identify and plan for the release of
500 megahertz of spectrum. The National
Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) and FCC should
make available federal and nonfederal
spectrum, suitable for both mobile and
fixed wireless broadband use, during the
next 10 years.
2. Provide the tools needed to effec-
tively reallocate spectrum.
3. Enable spectrum to be put to its high-
est value uses.
4. Use the auction proceeds to promote
public safety, job-creating infrastructure
investment and deficit reduction. Specifi-
cally, the administration will evaluate and
convene a forum to discuss the funding,
spectrum requirements, technology issues
and governance models necessary to sup-
port the development of a next-generation
network for public-safety communications.
In addition, lawmakers who recently
held hearings on the 700 MHz D block
spectrum and the progress of Project 25
(P25) and interoperability of public-safety
voice networks, sent a letter to FCC Chair-
man Julius Genachowski asking for infor-
mation on public-safety communications.
The letter asks the FCC six detailed ques-
tions about the success of voice interoper-
ability, vendor competition and the progress
of P25, and how a new broadband network
should be structured.
Rep. Henry A. Waxman, chairman of
the House Committee on Energy and
Commerce, in June released discussion
draft legislation that would require the D
block to be auctioned and the proceeds
used to help build a public-safety broad-
band network. The legislation also would
require the FCC to implement technical
requirements to achieve nationwide
interoperability.
The legislation follows many sugges-
tions in the FCC’s national broadband
plan, which noted the lack of voice interop-
erability and the small pool of vendors for
public-safety equipment. “To improve the
committee’s understanding of the existing
public-safety equipment and device mar-
ket, and to help with its ongoing evaluation
of the national broadband plans recom-
mendations, we would appreciate your
assistance in obtaining answers to the fol-
lowing questions,” said the letter, signed by
Waxman, along with Reps. Rick Boucher,
Joe Barton and Cliff Stearns. The request-
ed information was due July 15.
Obama and Lawmakers Weigh in on Public-Safety Broadband
REGULATORY
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800 MHz coordination procedures thatthe industry organization forwarded toFCC Bureau Chiefs Ruth Milkman andJames Barnett Jr., along with corre-spondence. LMCC officials said theyanticipate that the procedures will beincluded within a forthcoming noticeof proposed rulemaking.
The action was in response to RM-
11572, requesting initiation of a pro-ceeding to provide for the assignmentof new, full-power interstitial 12.5-kilohertz frequencies between current-ly authorized 25-kilohertz bandwidthchannels at 854 – 861/809 – 816 MHz.
The 800 MHz interstitial requestoriginated last year with the EnterpriseWireless Alliance (EWA), a member of
the LMCC. After putting the idea outfor comment last year, most commentsto the FCC favored the petition.
DHS Releases Plain Language FAQs
The Department of HomelandSecurity (DHS) Office of EmergencyCommunications (OEC) developednew plain language procedures basedon recent working group findings.New plain language frequently askedquestions (FAQs) highlight key chal-lenges presented when moving fromcoded substitutions to plain lan-guage, along with examples of howagencies have handled these chal-lenges in the past.
The plain language FAQs are avail-able on the Safecom website.
PSST Suggests $15,000 Fee for Waiver Recipients
The Public Safety Spectrum Trust(PSST) would charge the 21 jurisdic-tions that received FCC waivers forearly deployment of state, local orregional networks $15,000 each tolease the public-safety 700 MHzbroadband spectrum. The PSST is thepublic safety broadband licensee(PSBL) and holds the national licensefor the spectrum.
The PSST submitted to the FCC afirst-year budget of $315,000 to coverits lease preparation, compliance,budgeting and accounting, and mis-cellaneous expenses. Lease prepara-tion expenses would be $103,800,compliance would be $75,400, budg-eting is estimated at $79,750 and mis-cellaneous expenses — includingPSST staff travel, conference callbridge and website — would be$56,050, the PSST filing said.
“We have discussed the proposedbudget with representatives of the 21petitioners who were named in theorder,” said a letter signed by HarlinMcEwen, PSST chairman. “In thisdiscussion, the representativesexpressed general support and indi-cated that they were comfortable withour proposal to seek approval from
16 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
News Briefs
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the FCC to assess an administrativefee of $15,000 per lessee for the firstyear of their lease agreements.”
The first-year administrative feewill be due within 60 days after FCCapproval of a lease. The PSST esti-mated the second year administrativefee would be $5,000 per lessee.
20 Officials Appointedto ERIC Committee
The FCC appointed 20 membersto the Emergency Response Interop-erability Center (ERIC) technicaladvisory committee. Each appointeeis either a federal official, an electedofficer of a state or local government,or a designated employee authorizedto act on behalf of such an officer.
The FCC then submitted a requestto form the Public Safety AdvisoryCommittee (PSAC) to ERIC to theGeneral Services Administration(GSA). ERIC’s mission is to develop
a technical and operational frame-work that will support and fosternationwide interoperability in broad-band communications for U.S. firstresponders. The appointments areeffective immediately and will termi-nate at the FCC’s discretion.
FCC Updates 800 MHz Rebanding Cost Metrics
Following requests from public-safety licensees, the FCC enhancedthe 800 MHz Transition Administrator(TA) metrics used for rebanding. Themetrics provide historical data on thecost of rebanding 800 MHz systemscompiled by the TA.
The TA metrics, available on theTA’s website, reflect cost data frommore than 800 frequency reconfigura-tion agreements (FRAs) and amend-ments that have been evaluated andapproved by the TA. Public-safetyofficials have said the cost metrics can
be an obstacle to fair reimbursementsfor rebanding projects under way.
The TA can provide more detailedbreakdowns of two key system sizeparameters — number of subscriberunits and number of system repeaters,FCC officials said. “This more granu-lar information will allow licensees inongoing or future FRA negotiations tomore closely relate their systems tothose that serve as the basis of the TAmetrics,” the FCC notice said.
Caucus Asks FCC toRestrict 9-1-1 Diversion
E9-1-1 Caucus co-chairs sent a let-ter to FCC Chairman Julius Gena-chowski regarding the diversion of 9-1-1 funds for other uses. The law-makers said the FCC has the authorityto regulate some activities through theNET 911 Improvement Act.
“We ask you to explore any addi-tional steps that the commission can
18 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
News Briefs
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FCC Says Public Safety Has Adequate Spectrum, PSA DisagreesT he FCC released a white paper detail-
ing why public safety has enough
spectrum to roll out broadband services,
while the Public Safety Alliance (PSA) said
the FCC should auction different spectrum
to fund a public-safety broadband network.
The FCC white paper, titled “The Pub-
lic Safety Nationwide Interoperable Broad-
band Network, A New Model For Capacity,
Performance and Cost,” said that the 10
megahertz of dedicated spectrum allocat-
ed to public safety will provide the capaci-
ty and performance necessary for daily
communications and serious emergency
situations.
One study cited in the white paper
shows that 10 megahertz of spectrum can
yield the same capacity as more than 160
megahertz if the correct technology, archi-
tecture and devices are used. As part of
this analysis, the FCC examined two real-
life events and included empirical data sup-
ports the conclusion, FCC officials said.
The PSA released a statement reiterat-
ing its support to reallocate the 700 MHz D
block spectrum to public safety instead of
auctioning the spectrum with the proceeds
going toward a public-safety broadband
network. The PSA also said the white
paper is based on “assumptions and con-
jecture” without input from public-safety
practitioners.
The lack of funding for a nationwide
broadband network without auctioning the
D block was a key point of contention dur-
ing a June House subcommittee hearing.
The PSA statement said a draft bill by Rep.
Henry Waxman would require the FCC to
auction 25 megahertz of contiguous spec-
trum at 1.675 – 1.71 GHz and 25 mega-
hertz at 2.155 – 2.18 GHz. PSA officials
said the proceeds of these auctions could
establish a $5.5 billion construction fund
and a $5.5 billion maintenance and opera-
tions fund to support buildout and sustain-
ment of the 700 MHz nationwide public-
safety interoperable broadband network.
“In addition, we strongly believe that the
nationwide broadband network must also
include other partners such as utility
providers, public works, critical infrastruc-
ture, transportation and other services,” the
PSA statement said. “However, we strongly
believe that these partnerships are only
feasible if public safety is allocated the D
block spectrum to build out a 20-megahertz
nationwide broadband network.”
Aa
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take within its existing jurisdiction toprevent diversions,” the letter said.
The FCC is drafting a 2010 9-1-1fund diversion report as part of theNET 911 Improvement Act require-ments. “As you move toward comple-tion of your report, we suggest that youexplore your jurisdictional authority toencourage states to use 9-1-1 funds fortheir stated purpose and make recom-mendations concerning methods forfurthering this goal.”
Reps. Anna Eshoo and JohnShimkus and Sens. Amy Klobucharand Richard Burr signed the letter.
Public-Safety Nomenclature Standard Approved
The Association of Public-SafetyCommunications Officials (APCO)International and the National PublicSafety Telecommunications Council
(NPSTC) approved the AmericanNational Standard (ANS) to ensurenational consistency of interoperabilityon related radio channels.
APCO/NPSTC ANS 1.104.1-2010:Standard Channel Nomenclature forthe Public Safety InteroperabilityChannel was approved by the Ameri-can National Standards Institute(ANSI) June 9 and provides a stan-dardized naming format for each FCC-designated interoperability chan-nel in public-safety radio services.
“The public-safety community usesspectrum allocated by the FCC andNTIA in multiple bands that is repletewith interoperability channels,” APCOInternational Executive DirectorGeorge Rice said. “It is necessary todevelop and employ a common set ofchannel names so that all responders toan incident know which channel totune their radios to, as well as the bandand primary use for the channel.”
20 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
News Briefs
ASSOCIATIONS
O’Conor Named New NENA President
A new National Emergency Number
Association (NENA) executive
board took office. Stephen O’Conor,
assistant communi-
cations manager
for the West Palm
Beach (Fla.) Police
Department, was
sworn in as presi-
dent. Rick Galway
became first vice
president, and Bar-
bara Jaeger assumed the office of sec-
ond vice president.
Seven other executive board mem-
bers were sworn in. Craig Whittington will
serve as the immediate past president;
John Crabill as Northeast region direc-
tor; Bob Currier as Northcentral region
director; Linda Draughn-Woloski as
Southeast region director; Nancy Banks
as Canadian director; Chip Yarborough,
as Western region director; and Ron
Bloom as private sector director.
Stephen O’Conor
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UTC Partners with Verizon on Smart Grid Study
The Utilities Telecom Council(UTC) and Verizon announced plans tostudy the communications and infor-mation technology requirements of thenation’s utilities. The study will identi-fy the requirements of the industry toensure safe, reliable and cost-effective
energy grids for the 21st century.The project will culminate in a
report with recommendations andapproaches on how utilities shouldapproach critical infrastructure com-munications in the era of the smartgrid. The report will be completed inSeptember and will be available to allUTC utility members.
Clark Joins EWAKathy Clark joined the Enterprise
Wireless Alliance (EWA) SpectrumSolutions staff. Clark comes to EWAwith more than 15 years of experienceat the FCC, as a licensing specialist ata D.C.-based telecommunications lawfirm and as deputy director of regulato-ry affairs for a wireless manufacturer.She will be based at the Gettysburg,Pa., office of EWA.
Motorola Files Registration Statement for Separation
Motorola moved forward with itsplans to separate into two companies,filing an initial form 10 registrationstatement with the U.S. Securities andExchange Commission (SEC).The mobile devices and home busi-nesses will be separated from Motorolaand operate as Motorola Mobility.Motorola also will change its namefrom Motorola to Motorola Solutionsin connection with the separation.Motorola Solutions will consist of theenterprise mobility solutions and net-works businesses.
Motorola established a new whollyowned subsidiary, Motorola SpinCoHoldings, which filed the form 10.Motorola SpinCo is the holding com-pany for Motorola Mobility. Motorolaintends to effect the separation in thefirst quarter of 2011 through a tax-freedistribution of shares in MotorolaSpinCo to Motorola stockholders
Completion of the separation is sub-ject to a number of conditions.
Spacenet Offers Pay-As-You-Use Satellite Service
Spacenet introduced EmergencyCommunications Service (ECS), lever-aging an always-on pay-as-you-useservice plan with dedicated satellitebandwidth for readily available andreliable emergency communications.
Spacenet officials said ECS is idealfor public-safety and first-responderagencies, as well as federal agencies.
The ECS service is powered by
22 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
News Briefs
With Talley & Anritsu you are the master of your interference and your budget.
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SkyEdge II very small aperture termi-nal (VSAT) technology. The VSATrouter is integrated with mobile auto-deploy antenna systems and canbe installed on mobile command vehi-cles and trailers, or at standard fixedlocations.
Kenwood Adds Sales ExecsKenwood Communications added
two new positions to its NEXEDGEand Project 25 (P25) system sales team
with the addition ofSean Melia, westernregion systems sales,and David Weber,eastern region sys-tem sales.
Melia was mostrecently with Telex(Bosch) as a regional
sales manager, and Weber joined Ken-wood from Otto Engineering.
Sicker Named FCC’s Chief Technologist
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowskiannounced Douglas C. Sicker as chieftechnologist to advise the agency ontechnological issues.
www.MCCmag.com MissionCrit ical Communicat ions August 2010 23
Get News FastDaily news at MCCmag.com➡
Land Mobile Radio
A global leader in LMR serving public safety, utilities and transportation for 35 years
www.powertrunk.net
See Us at APCO
EF Johnson Technologies amended
its merger agreement with an affili-
ate of Francisco Partners, increasing the
purchase price. Under the amended
agreement, an affiliate of Francisco Part-
ners will acquire all of the outstanding
shares of EF Johnson Technologies’
common stock for $1.50 per share in
cash. This is an increase of more than
42 percent compared with the $1.05 per
share cash purchase price in the original
merger agreement announced in May.
EF Johnson’s board of directors
unanimously approved the amended
merger agreement. “Our amended merg-
er agreement with Francisco Partners
provides increased all-cash premium
value to our stockholders and reflects
Francisco Partners’ strong commitment
to the transaction,” said Michael E. Jal-
bert, chairman and CEO of EF Johnson.
The amendment also increases the
termination fees payable under certain
circumstances, increases the amount of
allowable transaction expenses, and
amends certain representations and
warranties contained in the merger
agreement. The transaction remains
subject to customary closing conditions.
As in the original merger agreement,
there is no financing condition to the obli-
gations of Francisco Partners to con-
summate the transaction.
EF Johnson Purchase Price Increased
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EEffective LMR communications arevital to officer safety in the field forborder patrol, customs inspectionand air/marine operations. One ofthe largest Project 25 (P25) net-works in the world provides reli-able, resilient and secure voice anddata communications to the thou-
sands of men and women of theDepartment of Homeland Security(DHS) Customs and Border Protec-tion (CBP) who patrol and securethe U.S. Southwest frontier. Immi-gration and Customs Enforcement(ICE) officers and other federal offi-cials use the network as well.
The overall project provides commu-nications capabilities for CBP fieldpersonnel in 20 geographic focusareas across the United States. Thetotal cost was about $85 million,with $3 million for the two-wayradio base station and repeater equip-ment and another $3 million for thewireless IP backbone equipmentincluding broadband radio links.
The P25 tactical communicationsmodernization project in California,Arizona and New Mexico incorpo-rates a wireless IPv4/IPv6 mesh net-working backbone, which integratesinto a common, secure infrastruc-ture. Several hundred repeaters, vot-ers and satellite receivers service a250,000-square-mile area.
System OverviewThe Arizona CBP network — con-
ceived in 2006 with phased opera-tions starting in 2007 — is in manyrespects, the most technically sophis-ticated regional P25 networkdeployed to date. The network fusesIP and P25 network equipment into asingle, multistate system to maximizeoperational effectiveness at a reason-able capital deployment cost andoperational expense. The completedYuma and Tucson sector networkincludes more than 215 repeater andbase station networked sites.
The CBP required 15 operationalobjectives based on lessons learnedfrom past deployments to achieve itsmission and operational goals:
1. Provide 24/7 secure, digitalP25 service along the entire length— nearly 500 miles — of the Arizona/Mexico border;
2. Provide continuous two-wayradio service in the event criticalcommunications facilities such asradio links, telco hubs or equipmentare lost;
3. In the event of a site equip-ment failure, provide the ability to remotely access the problem site and provide a patch-aroundcapability;
4. Provide a minimum latencytransport infrastructure to enableoperation of key P25 features such
24 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implements an innovative Project 25 (P25) and mesh network to secure the Southwest.By William M. Brown
www.MCCmag.com MissionCrit ical Communicat ions August 2010 25
as over-the-air rekeying (OTAR)and programming (OTAP);
5. Full support of non-network-based appliances on the IP networkwithout affecting radio network traf-fic performance;
6. Support for all P25 base andrepeater equipment interfacesincluding interfacing to the Motoro-la Quantar and AstroTac via V.24interfaces;
7. Provide full online remoteaccess to all Motorola equipmentvia Motorola’s Radio Service Soft-ware (RSS) port, minimizing theneed for on-site support personnel;
8. Provide a true mesh least-costnetworking capability for near-instantaneous alternate routing inthe event of site or link failure;
9. Allow remote operations formultiagency and disaster operations;
10. Provide the ability to quicklyand securely provision the networkfor special needs and requirements;
11. Support maintenance via adeep ability to remotely diagnoseand monitor traffic of all LMR andnon-LMR assets;
12. Enable federal, state and othergovernmental agencies to independ-ently and securely use the network;
13. Minimize site installation andprovisioning visits by pre-staging,provisioning and testing each net-work site prior to installation;
14. Support T1 to DS-3 telcoservice connections; and
15. Provide support to futurebroadband wired and wireless mediaconnectivity.
System Design StrategyCBP staff at the National Law
Enforcement Communications Cen-ter (NLECC) in Orlando, Fla., alongwith CBP personnel in the field andthe Office of Information Technolo-gy (OIT) contributed to the design.The OIT staff managed the imple-mentation, commissioning andcutover to a government-run system.The NLECC personnel designed andimplemented the network operationstasks responsible for system net-working and monitoring.
Overall IP Network DesignConcept. Ad-hoc networking architecture — wireless nodes thatdirectly communicate with eachother — is employed in the Arizonanetwork. Operating in ad-hoc mode,all wireless devices within range andthrough a wireless controller com-municate in peer-to-peer fashionwithout involving a centralized rout-ing or access system. This decentral-
ized approach is ideal for mission-critical applications where centralnodes can’t be relied on and faultavoidance is critical. In addition, thead-hoc methodology makes for ahighly scalable network, requiringminimal configuration and allowingfor quick deployment suitable forsmall- to large-sized systems, suchas public-safety, industrial and gov-ernment systems. Adding a dynamic
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26 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
adaptive routing protocol enablesad-hoc networks to form quickly andto react nearly instantaneously tolink breaks and faults.
The Arizona CBP P25 backhaulnetwork uses full-duplex wirelesslinks providing a 768 kilobits persecond (kbps) payload capacity ineach direction — east to west andwest to east. An in-depth analysiswas undertaken to arrive at alicensed operating band that bal-anced point-to-point links of 60 plusmiles with real tower heights, anten-
na type and gains, signal reliability,available frequencies and the avail-ability of off-the-shelf data radios. Asubsequent spectrum search by theNational Telecommunications andInformation Administration’s(NTIA) Office of Spectrum Man-agement (OSM) granted multiplepairs of transmit/receive (TX/RX)operating frequencies in the lowermicrowave spectrum. With nearlytwo years of operational service, thereliability and robustness of theoriginal spectrum choice has
been demonstrated.Network Routing Element. The
key to a robust, decentralized ad-hoc mesh network is the use of aflexible routing element at eachmesh node. In addition to providingthe dynamic mesh routing capabili-ty, each Arizona routing elementprovides key additional capabilitiesfor diagnostics and network controland monitoring:
■ Physical interface support forMotorola Quantar V.24 synchronousinterfaces;
■ Physical and support interfacesfor up to four independent ad-hocwireless link radios;
■ Multiple secure virtual localarea network (VLAN) tunnels tosupport non-mobile radio networkappliances;
■ Diagnostic agents and tools tosupport simple network managementprotocol (SNMP)-driven networkmanagement system and site moni-toring analog and digital input/output (I/O) system requirements;
■ Ability to remotely and secure-ly access and provision LMR stationparameters and provisioning ele-ments with no on-site interventionand minimum off airtime; and
■ Tools to avoid or offset the frequency of physically returning tothe remote site.
Motorola, Tait Radio Communi-cations and EF Johnson Technolo-gies supplied LMR infrastructureand subscriber handheld units forthe network. The CBP, followinglaboratory and in-field on-the-airevaluations, chose the Safari wire-less networking controller fromMetric Systems as the core routingelement for its Arizona network.
Network Support Devices.CBP decided to standardize anapproach to packaging and power-ing each two-way radio remote andcentral site. The strategy centeredon pre-staging all backbone equip-ment into a single 14U ruggedizedtransportable Hardigg case. Thisapproach allowed the systems inte-grator to pre-wire, provision and
The CBP sectors show the overall responsibility of the CBP along the international borderswith Mexico and Canada.
CBP Upgrade Equipment SuppliersBackhaul RF Path Design CBP OIT
LMR Coverage Design Motorola
P25 Radios Motorola, Tait Radio Communicationsand EF Johnson Technologies
Combiners and Antennas TX RX Systems Bird Technologies Group
IP Backbone Site Controllers Metric Systemsand Networking Equipment
Integration of Backbone Metric SystemsNetworking Equipment
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28 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
live test all components interfacedwith the specific two-way radiosexpected at the site. In addition tothe full-duplex fractional T1 radioand Safari controller, five compo-nents were added to the pre-stagedenclosure to ease site integrationand operation. A network-managedAC strip allowed the controlledstartup of each remote element,along with the ability to gauge ACcurrent and selectively restart eachcomponent if required. The asyn-chronous serial server enabledmaintenance and network manage-ment personnel to independentlyaccess Quantar RSS ports, alongwith serial interfaces from non-mobile radio devices.
A purpose-built user shelf pro-vided a positive connection schemefor interfacing the Motorola Quan-tars V.24 and RSS ports. The usershelf also provided four high-speed,switched Ethernet ports, whichtogether with the controller provid-ed eight additional Ethernet portsfor IP-based P25 repeaters and non-two-way radio devices. This overallmodular design has been proven inmore than 80 remote installations.Typical site integration and turn-around time is less than an hourgiven that the backbone radio anten-nas are up and correctly aligned.
Network Diagnostics and
Commissioning Tools. Once a sitewas installed and commissioned,effort was taken to avoid a mainte-nance visit unless necessary. About20 percent of the sites are accessibleonly through airlift or long drivesover dangerous desert and mountainroads. Costing time, dollars and per-sonnel safety, the technical objectivewas to provide a robust set of diag-nostic and commissioning tools thatallow all responsible personnel theability to request and observe therange of communications and siteparameters available to correctlyascertain system operation or faults.
The utility and value of delvinginto a network’s traffic flow andinterpreting packet types and proto-cols is paramount. About 10 percentof Arizona sites are remote solar-powered sites, on mountaintops andaccessible only by helicopters cost-ing $5,000 per hour to operate. Soit’s imperative that as a site buildoutis completed, it is unambiguouslycertified as operating. Networkingall available site parameters, such ascommunications, security andpower, facilitates check out.
This requires that all networkdevices receive a unique IP addressand device identifier. Hundreds ofIP addresses are required in the Ari-zona network. Duplicate IP address-es cause serious problems. In thefinal days of a large-scale systemcommissioning exercise demonstrat-ing interoperability among multipleP25 repeater vendors, a roguedevice on the network responding asan LMR device was quieting othertwo-way radio repeaters. All diag-nostics led to a specific vendor. Iftrue, that vendor’s equipment wouldhave been removed from the net-work with negative consequencesfor further deployment.
The controller’s capability tosimultaneously monitor traffic atmultiple sites and at multiple net-work device interfaces involvedtesting the duplicate IP addresshypothesis by monitoring traffic atthe suspected offending devices.While this didn’t exonerate the sus-
pected devices, it pointed to anunexpected problem source — anEthernet network interface card on anon-mobile radio power device atanother remote site. With the roguecard removed, the commissioningprocesses continued to an accept-able conclusion. Total time to trackand verify the problem was an hour.
Because of the network’s sizeand complexity, the overall commis-sioning strategy was to leverage thenetwork’s space ad-hoc architectureinto a tool that would allow standingup networked sites as they becameoperational. Executing this strategyrequired five key events:
1. Verify that the intersite wire-less link antennas were installedcorrectly and path statistics wereverified and acceptable;
2. Install pre-staged networkpackage and verify physical layerwireless link operations as required;
3. Conduct stress-traffic tests
An LMR solar site shows the pre-stagedP25 station installed at a typical remotesite node.
The total cost was about $85 million
with $3 million for the two-way radio
base station and repeater equipment
and another $3 million for the wireless
IP backbone equipment including
broadband radio links.
The balance was allocated for the
following equipment items:
■ Backbone support antennas
■ LMR support equipment — antennas, combiners
■ Dispatch center equipment
■ Remote solar sites
■ Site upgrades
■ Site leases
■ Environmental assessments
■ Electrical upgrades
■ New tower and equipment shelters
■ Labor
■ Remote site and antenna installs
■ Base station and dispatch installs
■ Airlift and mobilization
■ Commissioning
CBP UpgradeCost Breakdown
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Who rescues you when the911 system goes down?
Proper copper grounding can literallybe a lifesaver.
If you think code minimum grounding is enough tokeep a public safety communications system upand running 24/7, consider what happened inOrange County, Florida. Lightning struck the countyʼs911 towers repeatedly, disabling first respondercommunications that protect its 1.1 million residents.The county spent up to $200,000 yearly for repairs.After ten years of intermittent outages, theyreduced their grounding systemʼs resistance from550 ohms to a much more acceptable 5 ohms orless. They installed 60- to 120-foot-deep copper
electrodes at each towerʼs base and shelters, aswell as at all six dispatch centers. New halo and ringgrounds were installed. And all equipment cabinetsand connections were firmly bonded to the newelectrode grounding system with heavy copperconductors. The result? Not even a direct lightningstrike to the main tower has caused their network togo down. And annual costly repairs and downtimewere almost completely eliminated.
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30 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
between local and remote nodes; 4. Verify network connectivity
with non-LMR site elements; and 5. Verify connectivity among all
P25 equipment.
A set of wireless controller-basedembedded HTML administration,monitoring and provisioning toolsallowed a radio technician to declarea node operational and externally
networked. When network segmentswere physically completed, theywere easily integrated into the totalnetwork and readied for mobile com-munications operational validation.
While the networking hardwareoften attracts the center of interest indesigning networks, software valida-tion tools are playing an increasinglykey role in managing limited laborand time resources. Working with
the CBP, the monitoring tool was tai-lored to meet three key needs notserved by SNMP management tools:
1. A summary and in-depth lookat the viability and overall trafficstatus of all P25 assets connected ateach backbone and telco T1 POP.This view provided an end-to-endview of a “nailed down” V.24 wire-less circuit;
2. A summary and detailed lookat the backhaul wireless radio sta-tus; and
3. The ability to remotely recon-figure and re-provision the networkand network support assets such asV.24 power systems and sensordevices without risking the integrityof the system.
From the beginning, the ArizonaCBP digital network upgrade fea-tured several new concepts in logis-tics, mobile radio IP networking,and techniques of the administrationand operations and maintenance(OAM) of large networks, includingthe following:
■ Pre-staging and provisioning ofeach site;
■ Mix-mode IP transport andpacket switching of circuit- andpacket-based P25 traffic;
■ Using both new and existinglegacy infrastructure media such asUHF and microwave;
■ Analog and digital telco facili-ties; and
■ Advancing techniques ofremote diagnostics, remediation offaults and system provisioning.
As the CBP builds its digitalsecure network, lessons learned inthe intense two-year effort havebeen transformed into a series ofbest practices to collectively benefitthe two-way radio community andsubsequent CBP deployments. ■
William M. Brown is president and founder
of Metric Systems. He previously held
positions with Motorola and Raytheon.
This article was written with the assistance
of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) technical staff. E-mail comments
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MMore than 2,000 thunderstorms areactive throughout the world at anygiven time, producing about 100 light-ning flashes per second, any one ofwhich can destroy a radio system thatisn’t properly protected. As we becomemore dependent on computers andcommunications networks, protectionfrom system disruptions is essential.Understanding the principles behind alightning event helps users properlydesign system protection.
As heated air migrates upward into afreezing region, it creates within thethundercloud constant collisions amongice particles driven by rising and fallingair columns, causing static chargebuildup. The static charge becomes suf-ficiently large to cause the air to breakdown. An initial small charge called astep leader breaks out, seeking an idealcloud-to-cloud or cloud-to-earth path.Once this path is established, the mainseries of strokes follow.
Statistical Nature of Lightning
The most basic forms of lightningare cloud-to-cloud, intra-cloud andcloud-to-ground. There are positiveand negative forms of this event. Thestep leader polarity determines posi-tive or negative characteristics oflightning. To understand the statisticalnature of the event, system designersmust evaluate these parameters:
The current wave shape. Thisspecific wave shape consists of rateof current rise to peak value (fronttime) and the current duration at 50percent of the rate of rise (time to halfvalue). This current wave shape con-sists of the di/dt high frequency com-ponent, as well as the DC content. Toprovide specific frequencies associat-ed with this wave shape, Fourieranalysis should be performed. Takinginto account the 1 – 10 microsecond(µs) rise times, the event could be
characterized as DC-1 MHz.The peak current analysis.
International research data compiledduring the past 40 years captures val-ues and distribution parameters ofthese lightning currents. Looking at50 percent distribution, the typicalevent will carry peak currents in the10 – 50 kiloampere (kA) range.While planning for site protection,these values are helpful in analyzingprotection needs for groundingdesign, as well as determining ratingsfor protectors applied on all input/output (I/O) ports.
A lightning event can have as manyas 30 additional lower current returnstrokes based on the impedance of theconductive channel and the chargedcloud’s ability to migrate electrons tothe discharge area. A typical lightningevent might have two or three lowenergy return strokes. Total energyconducted through the struck object
www.MCCmag.com MissionCrit ical Communicat ions August 2010 31
Protect Your NetworkSystem designers should keep these parameters in mind when choosinglightning and grounding equipment for communications sites. By Bogdan (Bogey) Klobassa and Ken R. Rand
32 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
will be elevated as the number ofreturn strokes increases.
Continuing current. Any one ofmultiple return strokes can have thepulse decay extended from 35 to 550milliseconds. During this extendedtime, continuing lightning currents cancause damage to equipment that mighthave survived the initial series of short,high-current pulses. The long-durationDC surge following a fast rise timeevent will be reduced only by the DCresistance of the cables. There can befrom 30 to 1,000 amps delivered to thecoaxial cable entry panel for 35 – 550milliseconds. Proper entry panelgrounding is essential.
Current rise time. The rate of risetime to peak lightning current rangesfrom a fraction of a microsecond toabout 10 µs. Understanding thisparameter is important once oneobserves the inductive voltage dropassociated with the rate of current rise.By taking into account the lightningpeak current, its rise time and induc-tance of the tower with RF coaxialcables, it’s easy to determine howmuch differential voltage will be pres-ent. Let’s assume 20 kA peak lightningcurrent with 2 µs rise time conductedby a 150-foot tower with approximateinductance of 50 micro Henry (µH).
The Vp = -Ldi/dt formula becomeshandy. The calculated total inductivevoltage drop across the tower willamount to about 500 kilovolts (kV).This voltage will be responsible forflashover among towers, cables andgrounding jumpers and can destroycoaxial cable insulation.
Site Grounding PrinciplesCoaxial cables, and the tower with
all other service entries into the com-munications shelter, present a lowimpedance preferred lightning path toground through individual circuits. Inall cases of proper grounding, bondingand protection techniques offer alterna-tive paths for damaging currents. Theearth referenced as ground is the elec-trical return for lightning strike energy.It is nature’s balance for a continuingsequence of natural phenomena.
Why is a lightning ground systemdifferent from an AC power ground? Alightning ground system at a communi-cations site should disperse largeamounts of electrons from a strike overa wide area with minimum groundpotential rise (GPR). GPR means anydifference in voltage within the strike’slocal sphere of influence (step poten-tial). Properly designed and imple-mented lightning ground systems
should be capable of doing this quickly(fast transient response). By spreadingelectrons over a wide area, the steppotential for any smaller given areawould be reduced. The speed, or tran-sient response of the ground system,would be dependent on the geometryand combined inductance of thebelow-grade conductive componentsand the resistivity/conductivity of thesoil “shunting” those components. Thelower the inductance of the systemcomponents and soil resistivity, thelower the impedance at higher frequen-cies, and the faster the ground systemcould disperse electrons. A lightningground system is an excellent ACpower ground. An AC power groundmight not be a good lightning ground.
Strike energy going to the towerbase and energy through the coaxialcables to the entry panel ground cansaturate a ground system and elevatepotential throughout the site refer-enced to the outside world. AC powerlines, telephone, data, control andalarm lines all represent paths to alower potential for incoming strikeenergy. Critical equipment might bebetween the strike energy and a lowerpotential current return path.
One or two ground rods for a resi-dence, a ground loop around a
Full Climatology Annual Flash Rate
Global distribution of lightning from April 1995 through February 2003 from the combined observations of two NASA instruments.
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commercial building, or a loop andthree ground rods around the base of acommunications tower might meetelectrical code, but will not disperse thestrike energy quickly enough to keepthe GPR low. Effort and money spentupfront on proper grounding willreduce downtime and equipmentdamage. Much attention should be dedicated to design, implementation,maintenance and integrity of the sitegrounding system. All lightning protec-tion devices, regardless of the technolo-gy used in their designs, rely primarilyon the low impedance return path toground while conducting surge currentand controlling differential voltage toprotect equipment. It applies without
exceptions to RF, DC, AC, telecommu-nications, data and telemetry servicesentering any communications site.
Ground TestingHow do I know if I have a good
lightning ground? The first thing is tofind and inspect it. If it’s a minimuminstallation to meet code, it may not begood enough. There are ground resist-ance testers available to provide ameasurement value. For example, aresidential ground is acceptable at 20ohms, and 5 ohms is good enough tobe considered an adequate towerground measurement.
There are two types of groundtesters. The first is the traditional fall of
potential tester where three or four rodsare driven into the earth, connectedback to the tester, and a calibrated ACcurrent (100 – 300 Hz) is passedbetween them in ways to facilitate thekind of measurement required. Thereturned data is interpolated into avalue called ohm-m or ohm-cm.
After the ground system is designedusing the four-stake resistivity meas-urement method, performance afterconstruction can be verified by usingthe three-stake fall of potential (FOP)measurement below. Ground resistanceis the meter reading when rod three isat 0.618 the distance of rods one totwo, and the graph flattens.
There is also the clamp-on on-ground tester that couples AC energyinto each ground rod or system of rodsand radials and calculates a readingdirectly in ohms based on the timingand wave shape of the reflected energy.Although the fall of potential measure-ment with driven rods is consideredmore accurate, the clamp-on device is
A typical lightning event might have two or threelow energy return strokes. Total energy conductedthrough the struck object will be elevated as thenumber of return strokes increases.
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36 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
easier to use and shows results close tothe FOP tester.
Most measuring devices use an ACsource current in the low frequencyrange to calculate the earth impedanceof the grounding component or system.So the returned measurement is theimpedance at specific frequenciesbetween 100 – 300 Hz. This is a usefulmeasurement for an AC power compa-ny or an electrician, but a communica-tions technician should regard thesemeasurements with suspicion.
Although lightning is a DC currentevent, the fast change from no currentto peak current will cause a dv/dt volt-age drop across any conductor. Directand magnetic field coupled damagecan be severe. The strike event deliversenergy into a ground system that,unless properly designed with a fasttransient response, will quickly satu-rate, causing a rapid rise in GPR eventhough it might measure 5 ohms with aground tester.
Evaluating a Ground SystemConsider the lightning grounding
system as an RF circuit. Ground rodshave a series inductance bridged byearth’s resistance. Connecting groundrods along buried conductors (radials)presents a series inductance bridged byearth resistance with additional groundrods along the radial’s length. Theadditional ground rods can be consid-ered in parallel, all bridged by earth’sresistance. Multiple radials withground rods are all electrically in paral-lel to further reduce inductance. Multi-ple buried conductors (radials androds) with attention to geometry andmaterials will net a good reading on aground resistance tester and have anenhanced transient response as well.
The best way to prevent lightning-caused coaxial shield currents fromreaching equipment is to limit themfrom entering the building. This maybe accomplished by installing, on theinside of the building, a continuouspanel bonded to the ground system or apanel with large surface conductingstrap(s). The large surface area strap isnecessary to provide a low inductancepath to ground for the entry panel’s
surge energy, as well as provide for thehigh frequency component of the strikeenergy. Each coaxial line as it entersthe building is attached to the panelwith a protector/feed through or anadditional ground kit before connect-ing to a protector.
A recommended entry systemwould provide a continuous surfacearea single point ground plate from thecoaxial cable entry to the ground sys-tem. This continuous surface areaground plate:
■ Keeps inductance low; ■ Minimizes inductive voltage drop
during lightning event; ■ Improves master ground bar
(MGB) performance; ■ Provides a low impedance single
point ground by design, not installation;■ Makes provisions for grounding
of all RF protectors on bulkhead,increasing protector performance; and
■ Accommodates installation ofadditional surge protectors for DC,data, telephone and telemetry with ref-erence to the same single point ground.
Proper Operation of Protection Devices
The effectiveness of lightning andsurge suppression devices used to pro-tect wireless networks depends on alow impedance ground return path forconducting surge currents to limit dif-ferential voltages. Times-Protect RFlightning protectors are designed tohandle high surge currents with mini-mal energy and voltage throughput tothe protected equipment. Installed onthe bulkhead with no added groundlead inductance, they limit the protec-tion voltages to the lowest industry rec-ognized benchmarks.
The added inductance through a1.5-foot grounding wire adds about500 volts to the surge delivered to theprotected equipment by a lightningstrike. The Times-Protect RF bulkheadaddresses this concern because the RF
protectors are installed on the bulkheadwithout the need for additional ground-ing jumpers — grounding is achievedby the flange mount. Other servicescan be routed through the bulkhead,grounded and protected, capitalizingon the single point ground.
A lightning protection system for awireless communications site is a sci-entifically based, common sense inte-grated set of the following:
Grounding Design Measure-ments. Ground system design based ontargeted FOP impedance using soilohm-m resistivity measurements,depth/length of radials, and length/diameter of rods and how many ofeach, all configured to Institute of Elec-trical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)ground system design parameters. Toensure a fast-transient low-impedanceearth ground response, multiple rodsand radials should be chosen to reachtargeted FOP impedance.
Tower to Entry Port CoaxialCable. Bend away from tower towardequipment shelter at lowest practicalheight above ground. Do not connecttower cable tray to entry port. Onlyactive RF, DC, data and tower lightingshould complete the tower to entrypanel circuit.
Entry Panel. Provides coaxialcable connector termination, lightningprotectors and a low inductance, largesurface area conductor to a single pointground connection. The entry panel isthe last chance to reduce damagingincoming currents from the tower orcoaxial cables.
Lightning Protectors. Install light-ning protectors on all circuits subject todamaging currents. All protectorsshould be bonded to the site singlepoint ground. ■
Bogdan (Bogey) Klobassa and Ken R. Rand
with Times Microwave Systems support the
wireless industry in lightning protection,
grounding, power quality and risk manage-
ment. Both have contributed to the Motorola
R-56 and multiple IEEE standards develop-
ment. They conduct engineering seminars on
lightning protection and grounding solutions
for wireless networks. E-mail comments to
More InformationFor more graphs, drawings and further
explanation, visit the Times-Protect
brochure at www.timesmicrowave.com
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underground service location,drilling, geophone layout, recordingand final cleanup. This amount ofactivity over a large, rugged areaposed safety concerns for the firmand its third-party contractors, withpeople safety as a major focus. Con-sequently, the project requireddetailed monitoring of every person
on the job because of the potentiallyhazardous environment.
By combining Destiny’s Crew-Tracker mapping software withPryme Radio Products’ GPSMIC, aspeaker microphone with integratedGPS and modem, the two companiescreated a powerful tracking solution,company officials said. “Our product
38 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
Oil and gas personnel in remote areas rely on a new positioning system for increased safety. By Scott Kuei
TechnologyTracks Remote Workers
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doesn’t happen without Pryme,” says Luke West, sales manager atDestiny. “It’s integral to us coming tomarket. That’s what we heard at thejob site too.”
Worker LocationThe job site was vast and rugged
raw terrain. Crews were deployed byhelicopter into the field. A commandcenter was set up on the highest hillin the middle of the program. All peo-ple deployed on the job were requiredto provide their position every halfhour. The crews used Pryme portableand mobile GPS units with theirexisting two-way radios and a system that allowed the crew to pro-vide push-to-talk (PTT) locationupdates with pinpoint accuracy. Thesoftware recorded everyone’s loca-tion sent from the microphones.
The seismic operations use con-ventional analog multichannel two-way radio networks with portablemountaintop repeaters. Previously,crews had to call in their locations viaradio communications after reading alocation marker, which left a widemargin for man-made errors. At thedispatch center, operators had to takeconstant calls, place locator pins on apin map, and do all reporting andrecord keeping manually. The newtechnology not only records data andreports automatically, but it mapseach crew’s location, leaving littleroom for error.
“We were in charge of 200 guysbeing monitored, operating under 12different contractors,” says Jeff Sears,technical coordinator at Destiny.Pryme’s products fit any radio makeor model, allowing Destiny to trackall radios with the same platform.“Our technology provides an umbrel-la of safety for everyone. You don’thave to select contractors by the typeof radio they have. It makes every-one’s life a lot easier,” Sears says.“We’ve had a lot of English-as-sec-ond-language users, and when they
reported position to an English-speaking coordinator, it was difficultto understand,” Sears says. “Now allthey need to do is just press a but-ton.” In addition to field productionstaff, a diverse set of additional visitors traveled to the field for pro-duction and regulatory support.“Tracking all these people withoutthis new technology would be muchmore difficult,” says Ed Kapala, Des-tiny safety, quality health and envi-ronmental protection (SQHE) generalmanager.
Workers on a seismic program arealways on the move. If a crewmem-ber stops moving for an extendedperiod of time while in the field, itcan be a sign of trouble. A cus-tomized feature is the ability to senda notification if a crewmember hasn’tmoved. The unit automaticallyreports back to the control center.Dispatchers can then immediatelyand accurately identify the worker’slast position, and if they can’t reachthe crew member via the radio, sendsomeone to investigate the problem.
An example of an incident from adifferent project involved a piece ofindustrial equipment that caught onfire in a remote area. Access to thearea was limited, but the CrewTrack-er/Pryme combo identified the loca-tion of crew members closest to thefire. Dispatchers sent the crews toassist, and the fire was extinguishedwithin 20 minutes from the time itwas reported. Normally that would bea difficult task that could take at leasta couple of hours to complete.
Additional ApplicationsProjects such as these are governed
by multiple regulations. “Other com-panies struggle with this every day,”Kapala says. “The Bureau of LandManagement (BLM) in Colorado wasvery strict about monitoring peopleand knowing where they are.” Thetechnology also allowed the firm tocomply with Occupational Safety andHealth Administration (OSHA) regu-lations for working alone, emergencyresponse time and journey manage-ment. Legislation not only applied to
“With GPS,because you knowwhere everyone is,you’re able to operate more efficiently. You’resaving money onthe technology,plus operations aremuch more efficient, so youhave a double savethere.”
— Luke West, Destiny
A command center was typically set up on the highest hill in the middle of the program.
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labor, but environmental issues aswell. “There were certain wildflowerswe had to stay away from. Wildlifeareas were mapped on the programelectronically, and the tracking systemmade sure no one went into thoseareas,” Sears says.
“Sending GPS coordinates over theexisting radio network is a lot morecost effective than cellular-based solu-tions, which have an ongoing monthlyfee per subscriber,” West says. “Cellu-lar coverage is also limited in our jobsites. With GPS, because you knowwhere everyone is, you’re able tooperate more efficiently. You’re sav-ing money on the technology, plusoperations are more efficient, so you
have a double save there.”In addition to safety, the products
are starting to merge into operations.A special SafetyCheck reporting fea-ture from Pryme is included. Whilethe system can record positions dur-ing PTT button presses, this doesn’tconfirm active participation in thesafety program by the crew. TheSafetyCheck button tells the systemthat the crew has positively affirmedthey are safe. “The capability to cus-tomize the product to suit our needsallowed us to further strengthen ourproduct for field operations,” saysHank Kauffmann, senior developerfor Destiny. “People are leveragingthe tracking infrastructure to improve
daily operations.”Even outside of the oil and gas
exploration industries, North Ameri-can industries are becoming moresafety conscious; this combination ofmonitoring tools fits any safety man-date. “More and more, companieswill be required to use something likethis to keep their employees safe,especially remote workers, from gov-ernment to recreational industries,”says Warren Plue, vice president ofDestiny Navigation. A universal mon-itoring system uses all resourcesmore efficiently, meets the mandatesof safety policies with the contractorand is safer for crews who are work-ing in dangerous terrain. ■
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www.MCCmag.com Publ ic Safety Technology August 2010 45
D uring President BarackObama’s first State of theUnion address in late January,
Washington’s Office of Unified Com-munications (OUC), in a joint venture
with the United States Capitol Police(USCP), successfully secured theevent site and responded to incidentsthrough the use of integrated tech-nologies that provided situational
awareness and optimized responseresource management. By employingintegrated software at the municipaland federal levels, responders anddispatchers had a clear picture of thelocation of all response resources, aswell as the status, state and locationof potential threats. The agenciesused Intergraph’s technologies forestablishing CAD-to-CAD (C2C)interoperability between the district’smunicipal public-safety answeringpoint (PSAP) and USCP federal dis-patch facility. This effort laid thefoundation for complete C2C interop-erability between the two agenciesand other agencies in the region tobuild relationships and expand over-all C2C interoperability in and aroundthe nation’s capital.
A decade has passed since theAssociation of Public-Safety Com-munications Officials (APCO) Inter-national first introduced the C2CInterconnectivity Project 36, whichsought to research and develop uni-versal standards for CAD and C2Cexchanges. The project is a legacyblueprint found in APCO’s historicalfiles. Since its inception, there havebeen numerous pilot programs andother offerings in support of C2Cinterconnectivity. These projects, ledby many federal, state and local agen-cies, continue to push forward inhopes of one day making CAD inter-operability a public-safety standard.APCO’s Project 36 helped spawnseveral emergency management andpublic-safety data exchange stan-dards. Most, if not all, are supportedby some type of XML notation(National Information Exchange
TECHNOLOGYTECHNOLOGYPUBLIC SAFETY
D.C.’s CAD ConnectionWashington links different agencies’ CAD systemsfor the State of the Union address.
By James L. Callahan
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Model/Global Justice XML DataModel (NIEM/GJXDM), EmergencyData Exchange Language (EDXL),National Incident Management Sys-tem (NIMS) and others).
These building blocks and initia-tives have taken on a life of theirown, all in an effort to support C2Cinteroperability. Still, the implemen-tation of the technologies in a real-world environment, along with thechallenge of jurisdictional consensusand inter-agency cooperation,encumber the full C2C vision. Thismakes the recent accomplishmentsachieved by the OUC and USCP inthe district, as well as the effortsmade by all others who push forwardin the world of C2C interoperability,all the more exceptional.
Washington’s OUC is tasked withcall-taking, dispatching, radio com-munications and first respondercommand-and-control functionsfrom the Unified CommunicationsCenter (UCC). The UCC, whichopened in 2006, is one of thenation’s premier call centers andemergency response facilities,encompassing the MetropolitanPolice Department (MPD), Fire andEmergency Medical Services(FEMS) and other public services.At the federal level, the USCP hasjurisdiction within a 47-square-block radius in and around the U.S.Capitol to protect and support
Congress.“During special events such as
the State of the Union, the OUC,along with MPD and USCP, areresponsible for performing addition-al security measures, includingensuring secure motorcade routes,moving pedestrian and vehicle traf-fic off the route, and acquiring suspi-cious packages or items,” saysRobert Sutton, operations managerfor the OUC. “These measuresinvolve a great deal of radio commu-nications and interactions. Inter-graph’s interoperability solution hasthe potential to reduce a number ofthese interactions, as was demon-strated during the State of the Unionlive trial.”
The Project Phases “We began our preparation about
three months prior to the State of the
Union address, after the administra-tive phases, such as the signing ofmemoranda of understanding (MOUs)between the agencies, were complet-ed,” says Stephen Williams, Inter-graph OUC resident engineer. “Workbegan immediately after we receivedthe requirements to share databetween the OUC, USCP and MPD.Working with multiple agencies with-in a single city limit may appear to bea straightforward process. However, itproved to be challenging on manylevels. In the end, we successfullyestablished connectivity between fed-eral and local agencies whose juris-dictions overlap.”
The first step was to establish net-work connectivity between the OUCand USCP. Because each side had itsown unique security requirements,the OUC and USCP relied on theirrespective LAN engineers to ensureadherence to two strict network protocols.
“We had to open a route throughthe district network firewall so thatour two networks could talk,” saysPhilippe Gregory, telecommunica-tions manager for the OUC. “Thenetwork challenge for the projectwas to add a route between twoclosed networks and make changesso that one of the two network ele-ments could communicate back tothe Terminal Access ControllerAccess-Control System (TACACS)server. The decision was made toconfigure a static route for a specificsubnet to point to the USCP. Thechallenge was not as much technicalas it was procedural to gain the prop-er authorization from the MPD.”
The second phase entailed theinstallation of the Intergraph inter-face, which consists of the compa-ny’s interoperability framework,Williams says. The solution allowsmultiple CAD systems to pass databetween systems using standardXML protocols that can be config-ured to match each agency’s needs.These XML forms allow for events,units and other information to beshared.
Ethan Goldberg, OUC CAD
46 August 2010 Publ ic Safety Technology www.MCCmag.com
The Washington Unified Communications Center (UCC) opened in 2006.
The CAD teams had torestrict sharing to only those areas where thetwo agencies had common ground forthe interoperability solution to be operationally viable.
administrator, worked with Williamsand Intergraph to reconcile agencieswithin the OUC CAD system. “Thiswas our third phase, and we neededto create an agency in OUC CAD torepresent USCP, which meant creat-ing a new agency in our systemalong with the corresponding tablessuch as the event types, dispatchgroups, vehicles and units,” Goldberg says. “For the two CADsystems to communicate, we couldn’t just plug them into oneanother without normalizing and, ina sense, reconciling the two. Tomake the interoperability tools func-tion, we had to recreate parts of theUSCP’s CAD on our system andvice versa. Intergraph engineersworking for the USCP had to do thesame thing on their side to reproducethe OUC’s CAD.”
The final phase was configuringthe system to meet operationalrequirements. In this case, USCP hadjurisdiction in and around the U.S.Capitol grounds, which overlapswith the MPD’s First District (1D).The MPD is the primary responderfor E9-1-1 calls within the area,whereas the USCP receives its callsinternally. The USCP and MPD werewilling to share CAD data, but theCAD teams had to restrict sharing toonly those areas where the two agen-cies had common ground for theinteroperability solution to be opera-tionally viable.
“Our job was to not simply shareCAD data, but to identify and definejurisdictional boundaries. Thisamounted to an almost surgicalapproach to interoperability,”Williams says. “To accomplish ourobjectives in this phase required agreat deal of effort in the CAD map-ping area.”
The OUC used its existing baseCAD map and modified it for usewith the new USCP agency, whichinvolved modifying the CAD map toincorporate USCP dispatch areas bycreating a separate polygon. “As forthe CAD’s GUI, we created twoadditional monitors, or windows, todisplay USCP events and USCP
www.MCCmag.com Publ ic Safety Technology August 2010 47
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units. On the USCP side, they didessentially the same thing but usedtab monitors to toggle between thetwo agencies,” says Goldberg, whoalso administers the OUC mappingfunctions.
Implementation was completedby first running Intergraph’s interop-
erability application on eachagency’s test CAD. The teams creat-ed test events and initiated basicmessaging, and rollout to productionwas performed simultaneouslybetween OUC and USCP technicaland operations teams one week priorto the State of the Union to mitigate
risks and allow time for application“burn in.”
The Outcome “During the State of the Union,
the technology functioned great, andwas very helpful to both agencies,”says Robert Sutton, operations man-ager of the OUC. “It provided theability to view each other’s activi-ties, enabling us to better use ourresources.” OUC Assistant WatchCommander Edward Washingtonsays that the system directly con-tributed to situational awareness dur-ing the State of the Union. “I thinkthat the best benefit of Intergraph’sinteroperability solution is the abilityto see what your neighboring juris-diction is doing at any given time,”Washington says. “This would beextremely instrumental during otherspecial events and unplanned emer-gency situations.”
Teddy Kavaleri, OUC chief infor-mation officer (CIO), is hopeful thatthe OUC and the USCP will continueto pursue interoperability technolo-gies. “We have already demonstrateda working proof of concept; the chal-lenge now is to keep the momentumgoing,” Kavaleri says. “Within thenext few months, we should be posi-tioned both technically and opera-tionally to move from a view-onlymode to actually creating and sharingCAD cases. The OUC already facili-tates complete radio interoperabilitybetween the involved agencies. Pro-viding the same seamless interoper-ability and functionality for CAD(C2C) is the next logical step forward.” ■
James L. Callahan, ENP, is the CAD
technology manager for the Washington
Office of Unified Communications (OUC).
Callahan previously was a consultant for
L. Robert Kimball and Associates, where
he worked to develop systems for the
district’s Unified Communications Center.
He also served as captain in the Baltimore
City Fire Communications Bureau and
manager of information systems for the
Baltimore City Police Department. E-mail
comments to [email protected].
48 August 2010 Publ ic Safety Technology www.MCCmag.com
Interoperability from WithinBy James L. Callahan
The day after the president’s State of the Union address, the Office of Unified
Communications (OUC) assumed call-taking and dispatching responsibilities for
the district’s Protective Services Police Department (PSPD). The PSPD is responsi-
ble for managing and providing security and law enforcement at district-owned and
leased properties. The mission was executed through patrol operations, contract
security guard management and electronic access control/security systems. The
PSPD’s operations as a public-safety answering point (PSAP) and police dispatch
center for PSPD were transferred to the OUC. PSPD’s previous facility, the Central
Communications Center (CCC), ceased operations. This change demonstrated the
efficiencies that can be achieved through interagency coordination by consolidating
specialized operations within a single location.
Calls to PSPD’s legacy 10-digit numbers were transferred to OUC’s E9-1-1 phone
lines. The legacy numbers will continue to be transferred to OUC for about a year,
after which time they will be disconnected. The OUC created a separate agency
within the CAD system called PSPD that allows the OUC’s E9-1-1 universal call-
takers (UCT) to triage these calls in the same manner as traditional E9-1-1 calls
currently processed for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and District
Fire/EMS (DC/FEMS). The UCTs ask the calling party questions regarding location,
call-back number, type of service needed, and other pertinent information as
required by the National Academy of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) using its Priority
Dispatch Protocol System, integrated into Intergraph’s CAD system. The special
address table notes that the caller’s location is a “district-owned” property under the
jurisdiction of the PSPD. The calls, however, are entered into OUC’s CAD system in
the same manner as MPD or FEMS calls. PSPD calls are given a PSPD sub-type
that automatically yields a unique event number and alerts dispatch that PSPD units
have jurisdictional priority for this event. The dispatcher simply selects the appropri-
ate PSPD unit from the CAD “PSPD AGENCY.”
“This migration supports interoperability,” says OUC Director Janice Quintana.
“The migration of PSPD emergency calls to the consolidated district E9-1-1 center
allows for better interoperability between the OUC, MPD, FEMS and PSPD. The
move eliminates call transfer from one 10-digit number to another during an emer-
gency call.” Additionally, the migration of PSPD units to the OUC’s CAD system
improves situational awareness and enables dispatchers to see and select PSPD
units from the OUC CAD system, which allows for better tracking of PSPD units,
calls for service, events and improved record keeping, Quintana says. “The benefits
are important from both a technological, as well as an officer safety perspective.
OUC dispatchers can now make more informed decisions and better use resources.
Dispatchers will now be able to view, and in extreme cases, dispatch the closest first
responder based on need and proximity as appropriate. This is a huge and poten-
tially lifesaving improvement over ‘stovepipe’ dispatch based solely on jurisdictional
boundaries of individual agencies within the district.”
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W e are about to enter thenext curve in the road ofspectrum refarming. This
isn’t the first time narrowbanding hashappened. When I started on thebench in the early 1960s, we were justbeginning to convert radios from verywide channels to the narrow channelswe know now. The difference wasthat then the manufacturers had kits toconvert some of the newer radios, andthe conversion applied to the 30 – 50MHz band as well. I modified manyradios and threw more with modula-tion and receiver bandwidth thatcouldn’t legally be reduced from ±10to ±5 kilohertz in the dumpster. Irecall the transition wasn’t as forgiv-ing, and one large Midwest policedepartment received three years ofwaivers from the FCC for economicreasons.
This time the FCC gave us about18 years of notice and a phased sched-ule. If businesses and governmentalentities were attentive to their fleets,the conversion would be just a visitfrom the radio technicians, a few keyclicks on their computer for eachradio, and a complete conversion.Unfortunately, inattentiveness to thefleet and economic reasons now haveled some to near panic.
1. Be Prepared During 2007 – 2008, I narrow-
banded a multichannel VHF radiosystem for Door County, Wis. Most ofthe county’s fixed station inventoryincluded Mastr IIIs purchased during1998 – 2004. Most of the user radiofleet was also purchased during thesame period. I was concerned aboutthe early Mastr III stations. Ericssonphased in narrowbanding capability inearly 1998, but there wasn’t a cleardemarcation date. As older widebandmodules were drawn from inventory,capable modules were built into sta-tions. Therefore, you can have a first-quarter 1998 Mastr III station with no,partial and full capability. Partialcapability means it can’t be narrow-banded. All the modules must be nar-rowband capable. We tested some ofthe 1998 Mastr III stations and foundthe sample to be capable of being nar-rowbanded. We also tested a sampleof the early Kenwood 90 seriesmobiles and found them capable aswell. Some 90 series Kenwood porta-bles required software upgrades, butin the end, they appeared ready.
Once you start narrowbanding asystem, there is no turning back. Youare committed. Therefore, it’s impor-tant to be ready, have assurances the
conversion will be successful, havethe users of the fleet ready and thenstart. We had some unexpected sur-prises during the process. Radios withanticipated problems had no prob-lems, and the ones with high expecta-tions of success had some surprises.One 90 series Kenwood mobile in themid-serial number range wouldn’tnarrowband. Fortunately, the user wasa quiet talker and in effect, “self nar-rowbanded” his radio. However, hisradio will need to be replaced before2013. Some of the new inexpensiveradios had poor compandering. Theradio worked better with the compan-dering turned off.
One big surprise was from userswho self narrowbanded. A user whotalks quietly — either by poor radiouse habits or a soft voice — can effec-tively narrowband a radio. A normalwideband radio operator should mod-ulate at least ±4 kilohertz. Quiet talk-ers modulate in the 2-kilohertz range.When you narrowband a radio, nor-mal voice drops to ±2 kilohertz, butthe quiet talkers drop to ±1 kilohertzand essentially can’t be heard. This isnot FCC approved, but before 2013, ifa radio will not narrowband, put theradio in a soft talker’s vehicle, and itwill buy you time. You still need to
50 August 2010 Publ ic Safety Technology www.MCCmag.com
A consultant offers first-hand experiences for a smooth VHF and UHFnarrowbanding experience. By Leonard Koehnen
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replace that radio by 2013. You alsoneed to train the quiet talker to talklouder or use the radio properly.
2. Paging InconsistenciesWideband fixed stations have
problems modulating paging tones
below 350 hertz. A technician mustadjust the higher paging tones to mod-ulate a wideband transmitter to two-thirds system modulation or about±3.5 kilohertz. When you do that, thepaging tones below 350 hertz can’tmodulate at that level. Some barelymodulate at ±2 kilohertz because ofeffects of the pre-emphasis circuitryin the radio. If you set the level for thelower tones, the higher tones go intodistortion. Older reach formats willhave issues with tones above 2 kilo-hertz. The very low and very hightones modulate at less than the recom-mended rate and become unreliablewhen you narrowband.
There are also inconsistencies inthe FCC narrowbanding requirementsfor paging channels. Generally, if thepaging channel is listed in FCC RulePart 90 as a paging channel, it doesn’thave to be narrowbanded. This does-n’t necessarily mean the channel youuse for paging — you have to refer tothe FCC rules. This affects fire pagingsystems, most of which are catego-rized as base-mobile channels by theFCC and not paging.
One exception to the pagingexemption is 163.250 MHz, a hospitalpaging channel. Because this wasoriginally a federal channel, federalnarrowbanding rules apply. In effect,the channel is on loan from the federalpool to the public-safety pool, and itsoriginal federal rules apply. The otherhospital-paging channel, 152.0075MHz, is exempt from narrowbandingrequirements. The EMS frequenciesof 150.775 and 150.790 MHz are alsofederally loaned frequencies. Theyhave to be narrowbanded, but theredoesn’t seem to be any tertiary chan-nels listed within Part 90 resultingfrom narrowbanding. My guess is thefederal pool has retained them.
3. Tertiary Channels Just because a radio can narrow-
band doesn’t mean it can operate on anew channel created by the narrow-banding process. Radios synthesizethe radio channel from a master crystaloscillator. An example might be anelectronic piano. The sound frequency
52 August 2010 Publ ic Safety Technology www.MCCmag.com
If you are adding new frequencies to your system, attempt to program these frequencies before you narrowband the system.
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of the bottom key and the spacingbetween keys is known by the synthe-sizer. From there, the mathematicswithin the synthesizer can calculatethe frequency of all other keys. Mobileradio synthesis works the same way.
Many radios manufactured before2004 don’t have the mathematics tocalculate the new tertiary frequencies.Therefore, 153.770 MHz will narrow-band in all narrowband-capable radios,but 153.7775 MHz may not even beprogrammable. If you are adding newfrequencies to your system, attempt toprogram these frequencies before younarrowband the system. Some manu-facturers have software upgrades tomodify the mathematical formula inthe synthesizer. This is generally aVHF problem.
4. Loss of RangeIf you convert your radio system
from wideband analog to narrowbandanalog, the laws of physics report youwill lose range. Some radio systems
have enough headroom to toleratethis, while others don’t. However, ifyou have a marginal area, it will onlybecome worse. Because the loss ofrange is nonlinear, narrowbandingwill have a greater effect on a system
that only produces 90 percent servicearea coverage than one with 95 per-cent service area coverage. If youconvert to a digital voice format suchas Project 25 (P25), you will gain thisloss back plus some gain because of
www.MCCmag.com Publ ic Safety Technology August 2010 53
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Narrowbanding Rules of Thumb■ If a radio was manufactured in 2004 or later, you have a high assurance it’s
ready. But not all radios are created equal regarding narrowbanding.
■ If a radio was manufactured from 1998 to 2004, its probability of narrowbanding
gets poorer the closer its manufacture date is to 1998. Test before you convert.
■ Before 1998 — don’t even try. The radio needs to be replaced.
■ Quiet talkers have a profound effect on your radio system in the narrowband
mode. Quiet talkers also have less range. Include a radio operation retraining program
as part of the conversion process.
■ Before you narrowband, move all paging tones below 400 hertz to above 400
hertz. Move all paging tones above 2 kilohertz to below 2 kilohertz.
■ Before you narrowband, perform a computerized propagation study on your
system with the parameters adjusted to narrowband.
■ Part of the narrowbanding process is to add the narrowband emission
designators to your FCC licenses.
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the healing effects of digital signalprocessing (DSP).
5. Interoperability Coordination
If you operate a public-safetyradio system, interoperability withyour neighbors is important. To keepfrom reprogramming your fleetrepeatedly as each of your neighborsconverts on different schedules, meetwith them and set a common timelineof conversion. Otherwise, you couldbe reprogramming repeatedly as eachneighbor converts its radio system. At$40 – $50 per radio, this becomesexpensive.
If you need to replace your fleet,buy radios with 128 channels ormore. Then you can have a mode for
County A wideband and County Anarrowband, County B wideband andCounty B narrowband, etc. Then in2013, you can reprogram your fleetonce more to take out all of the wide-band modes.
6. Fallacies, Lies and Misinterpretations
There are many people spreadingmisinformation regarding narrow-banding. The FCC needs to begin aserious public question and answerwith the industry on unique situationsso everybody is informed from alegal source. There are instanceswhere you can remain wideband after2013. Some of them are:
■ If you can operate with fourvoice subchannels on a wide
channel — for example, 4:1 channelefficiency;
■ If you can demonstrate you are transmitting a digital signalequal to or faster than 19.2 kilobitsper second (kbps);
■ If you lease (or own) your radiochannel from a band manager of anFCC Part 22 radio frequency pool.These are the old paging and mobiletelephone channels. Beware, you maynot be able to purchase widebandradios in the future to operate on Part22 spectrum; and
■ Ham operators, operating underFCC Rule Part 97 are exempt fromnarrowbanding. If you have somegood wideband radios, offer them toyour Amateur Radio Disaster Servic-es (ARES) or Radio Amateur CivilEmergency Services (RACES) group,and your old radios can continue tohelp you.
7. The 2011 BudgetWhat happens when your fleet is
almost ready to narrowband, but youhave no 2010 funds left in yourbudget? The FCC gave you areprieve June 30, when it changed itsrules for manufacturers. Licenseesnow have budget years 2011 and2012 to purchase wide-band capableradios.
Narrowbanding is at our doorstep.Now is the time to plan, schedule andtest your questionable radios. Sched-ule a meeting with your radio serviceagency to review your status. Sched-ule a meeting with your neighbors tocoordinate conversion dates. ■
Leonard Koehnen, PE, is a consulting
engineer from St. Paul, Minn. He is a mem-
ber of the MissionCritical Communications
editorial advisory board. In 2011, he will
celebrate 50 years of work in the electronic
communications industry. E-mail com-
ments to [email protected].
54 August 2010 Publ ic Safety Technology www.MCCmag.com
Narrowbanding Timeline
➡
1995The FCC broaches the idea of narrowbanding. The
narrowbanding concept was part of a greater effort to wringmore capacity from prime spectrum. We saw that last June
with the conversion of analog TV to digital TV (DTV).
Jan. 1, 2013With few exceptions, all two-way radio systems licensed
under Part 90 must operate on a 12.5-kilohertz channel orless or be spectrally equal to that. All new radio models type
accepted and brought to market must be capable of 12.5- and6.25-kilohertz channel operation in this range.
On June 30, the FCC changed its original order, allowingmanufacturers to continue building wideband-capable radios
until Jan. 1, 2013, instead of Jan. 1, 2011.
➡ 1997Manufacturers began phasing narrowband capability into all
radios operating at 72 – 512 MHz.
➡Jan. 1, 2004Manufacturers and importers could no longer manufacture
wideband-only radios.
For more narrowbandingfallacies and facts, visit
www.MCCmag.com
Less than 32 Secondsto First Fix
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T he impacts of the FCC narrow-banding mandate can be pro-found and confusing. Perhaps
the most confusing and potentiallythe most costly impact is post nar-rowbanding radio coverage. Whilemigrating VHF and UHF radio chan-nels to 12.5-kilohertz channels byJan. 1, 2013, isn’t optional, a licenseecan take many approaches to meetthis FCC mandate. Several optionswill degrade coverage, some willresult in similar coverage and othersactually improve coverage. Threeoverriding constraints limit the nar-rowbanding solution space for anyone licensee: money, radio spectrumand time.
Migrating to a Project 25 (P25)system will improve coverage at highaudio quality levels in most cases.Because of the digital technology’sability to correct bit errors, it canreconstruct the voice data to enable
clear voice at lower signal levels.However, a P25 solution generallycomes at a substantial cost. For simpleVHF systems, the infrastructure costis fairly small; however, a wholesalesubscriber device replacement may berequired, and P25-capable handsetsare more expensive than their analogcousins. P25 will also future proof thesystem by enabling the straightfor-ward deployment of 6.25-kilohertzequivalent TDMA. Migrating to P25may also enhance interoperabilitywithin a region. Given these benefitsand if the budget exists, moving toP25 may be a wise choice.
When funds are scarce, many willbe forced to maintain analog systemsand subscriber devices. In these sce-narios, the greatest coverage degrada-tion in VHF/UHF radio coverage canoccur. The TIA’s TSB-88 suggeststhat a 12.5-kilohertz analog channelis between 2 and 6 dB less than ana-
log 25-kilohertz channels. The vari-ability depends on the frequencymodulation deviation and the voicequality level. For analog, while thenoise bandwidth of the channeldecreases at 12.5 kilohertz, thereduced frequency deviation inhibitsthe ability of the receiver to success-fully demodulate the voice with thesmaller bandwidth.
However, a number of enhance-ments can be implemented to mini-mize or eliminate the degradation. Insystems where terrain already limitscoverage, it will continue to be thecase. In these situations, a slightdegradation in coverage might havenegligible impacts on portions of theservice area because the signal drop-off is drastic and would similarlyimpact both the wideband and nar-rowbanded networks.
Depending on the type and archi-tecture of the radio network, an
56 August 2010 Publ ic Safety Technology www.MCCmag.com
AffordableCoverage
Options
AffordableCoverage
Options
Cost-Effective Solutions to Minimize Signal Degradation When Narrowbanding By Joe Ross and Rick Burke
Photo courtesy Kenwood Communications
© Copyright 2010 Verint Systems Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
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engineer can employ a number ofsolutions to minimize or eliminate thecoverage impact. Ultimately, the solu-tion will depend on the weakest “link”in the system. In some cases, the talk-out path (from base station to themobile/portable units) will be weaker,and in others, the talk-in path (frommobile to base station) will be weaker.If, for example, the system is designedwith a single transmit and receive sitefor portable use and without the use oftower-top amplifiers, it will likely betalk-back limited. On the other hand,the system might employ multiple vot-ing receivers to capture and select thebest signal from the optimal location.In those cases, the system will likelybe talk-out limited.
Cost-Effective CoverageModifying the Transmission
System Design. Systems that aretalk-back limited will be easier totransition to narrowband operations.If not already employed, an engineercan introduce tower-top amplifiers,voting receivers, modified or newreceiver multicouplers and other solu-tions to resolve the coverage defi-ciency. In the reverse direction — thetalk-out path —there are likely morechallenges to overcome. The talk-outchallenge is that FCC rules willrestrict radio signal transmissions.For example, increased power levels,raised antenna heights and highergain antennas could be employed to
help improve talk-out coverage.However, these actions will extend astation’s interference contour andrequire FCC approval.
Given the degree of VHF andUHF congestion throughout the coun-try underlying the narrowband tech-nology enhancement, it’s highly possible that there is no or only mini-mal available margin (or area) toenhance the coverage of an existingcoverage-impacted station. In otherwords, additional base station trans-mitter output power or increasedantenna height to compensate for thelost narrowbanded coverage areacould cause the interference contourto extend beyond other licensees’service contours. If there is anincrease in transmitter power, highergain antennas or increased antennaheight are possible to compensate forthe loss of analog channel narrow-banding. This would be the simplestand cheapest solution to mitigate thecoverage degradation.
Designing Additional RadioSites. Another solution for minimiz-ing the impact of the loss of base sta-tion talk-out coverage is to introducemore transmission sites. In additionto requiring a greater financial invest-ment, this solution would also requireFCC approval and must be capable ofbeing engineered without interferingwith other licensees. To address con-ventional (nontrunked) operationalcoverage degradation, additional
channels could be added at alterna-tive radio sites to provide servicewhere coverage holes exist under thenarrowbanded architecture. Althoughthis solution would resolve coverageissues, it doesn’t create an ideal radiooperational situation, because itforces user interaction and channelswitching whenever coverage zonesare traversed.
Simulcast. Another even moreexpensive solution would be tosimulcast the primary transmit site toresolve coverage gap issues. This,too, would require FCC approval andbe engineered to avoid interferencewith other regional licensees. Even inthe event that channel facilities canbe licensed, narrowbanded operationswill be more susceptible to self inter-ference in the simulcast architecture.An excess of coverage area overlapcould render this option unavailable.If simulcast can be engineered and iswithin budget, the transition betweencoverage areas would be transparentto the user with this architecture,making it an operationally attractivealternative. Simulcast includes high-end GPS timing and channel synchro-nization that minimize the delayspread of the transmit sites. This isthe most elegant, yet far more expen-sive coverage enhancement solution.
On the other hand, true simulcastsystems that time the transmissionfrom multiple sites using GPS signalsor other sources can enhance cover-age within the limits of conventionalanalog. By timing the transmissionsbetween sites, the delays can be engi-neered to allow good quality in over-lap areas. But simulcast systems aresusceptible to “boomer” sites —radio sites where antenna heights ofone or more sites are designed at asignificantly higher height above sealevel than other sites in the simulcastcluster. In this configuration, theboomer and smaller area coveragesites overlap and cause excessivedelays — a difference of more than 9miles would be problematic in theoverlap areas.
Bidirectional Amplifiers (BDAs).Another radio coverage management
58 August 2010 Publ ic Safety Technology www.MCCmag.com
P25 Migration
Simulcast System
Raise Tower
Voting Receivers
Change Output Power
Talk-Back Improvements
Fix RF Components
Relative Costs
Narrowbanding Options to Retain Coverage
alternative would be the use of simpleBDAs in strategically located envi-ronments. A BDA in VHF and UHFspectrum would require a channeliza-tion design to filter out unwanted signals and amplify only the wantedsignals. With the channelized filters,the resulting repeater delay would behigh, making an outdoor BDA cover-age solution challenging. The applica-tion of the outdoor BDA is extremelyrestrictive and will require a finelytuned service area with minimal over-lap. In other words, the BDA can’t beconsidered a “silver bullet” to resolvenarrowband coverage degradation,and it may have limited applications.The BDA could be useful in geo-graphic areas where natural coveragebarriers exist between coverage areas,such as a mountain pass, but in theseapplications, 3 to 6 dB signal lossshouldn’t result in significant cover-age performance.
While a frequency shift repeatercould be employed to alleviateVHF/UHF coverage issues, it pres-ents two fundamental problems. First,frequency shift repeaters require anadditional licensed frequency, albeitwith a smaller coverage contour, andsecond, the units present an opera-tional complexity, forcing users tochange channels in the new coveragearea. At the end of the day, BDAs aremore useful for in-building applica-tions and are unlikely to be effectiveto overcome the 3 to 6 dB degrada-tion of narrowbanded channels.
Preventative Maintenance.Realistically, many radio systemshave degraded over time, and aninvestigation into radio transmissionequipment quality may prove invalu-able in mitigating narrowband cover-age loss and shouldn’t be overlooked.RF infrastructure degrades over time.Exposed to years of weather ele-ments, system aging and other factorsnaturally impact antenna transmissionsystem performance. Water intrusionin cables and loosened connectors areprimary offenders to RF servicedegradation. In many instances, thisdegradation can be substantial,accounting for up to 10 dB of excess
www.MCCmag.com Publ ic Safety Technology August 2010 59
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loss. The narrowbanding processpresents an excellent opportunity totest the existing RF systems andensure they are operating effectively.It’s conceivable that general RF sys-tem maintenance and failed compo-nent replacement could offset thelosses from analog narrowbanding.
Any reduction in coverage isundesirable; however, a radio userwould be hard-pressed to field meas-ure and field verify the audio qualityreduction of less than 2 dB in radiat-ed power. For analog 12.5-kilohertzsystems, a 3 dB reduction at the edgeof the service area results in a reduc-tion from 3.4 to 3 delivered audioquality (DAQ), which should still beperceived as acceptable audio quality.Both levels are defined as “speechunderstandable,” while 3.4 rarelyrequires repetition, and 3 requiresoccasional repetition. As a result, asystem designed for high-qualityaudio will have some rough edges ifthe narrowbanding losses can be con-tained to 3 dB. A loss of 6 dB, how-ever, will be more noticeable at thefringes of the system coverage.
Ultimately, only a thorough pre-ventative maintenance and perform-ance analysis of the VHF/UHF radiosystem, including performance defi-ciencies, desired coverage (locations,use scenarios and equipment type),neighboring co-channel licensees,subscriber inventory narrowbandingstatus (replace vs. reprogram),regional interoperability require-ments, the available narrowbandingcapital budget, and a host of otherfactors will dictate the right narrow-band coverage mitigation solution foreach licensee. The important messagefor carriers affected by narrowband-ing coverage loss is that there areaffordable options to consider. A vari-ety of viable technical solutions mini-mize or even mitigate the coveragedegradations that will result throughnarrowbanding. The options for anyVHF/UHF carrier vary from relative-ly inexpensive options as detailed toreplacement or upgrade of radioequipment to digital, simulcast oradditional coverage sites.
Until a detailed analysis of yourequipment inventory is conducted andyour radio requirements are clarified,one thing is certain — waiting todefine a narrowbanding strategy isn’ta prudent option. Licensees shouldbegin the process of defining theirneeds and engaging engineering sup-port to assess the options. Licenseesthen should select a migration coursethat will achieve the best results withthe least capital investment andimpact on critical radio coverage andperformance. Waiting could result inthe selection of a less-than-idealoption at an excessive cost. ■
Joe Ross is a senior partner at Televate, a
Falls Church, Va.-based consultancy
specializing in system engineering and
program management for public-safety
communications. He has nearly 20 years
of leadership in designing and operating
LMR and commercial cellular systems and
chairs the Public Safety Spectrum
Requirements Working Group for the
National Public Safety Telecommunica-
tions Council (NPSTC) technology com-
mittee. He is an editorial advisor to
MissionCritical Communications.
Rick Burke is managing partner at
Televate and has more than 30 years of
engineering and system operations expe-
rience with complex communications net-
works and applications. He is an expert in
public-safety LMR and wireless broad-
band system engineering and information
technology and in implementing large-
scale, multijurisdictional interoperable
voice and data conventional, digital and IP
communications networks. E-mail
comments to [email protected].
60 August 2010 Publ ic Safety Technology www.MCCmag.com
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Factors thatImpact Coverage■ System coverage
■ System performance
■ Subscriber inventory
■ Desired system coverage
■ Audio quality design level
■ System technology and architecture
■ Budget
■ Available spectrum
E
AVIDwireless AVIDdirector is an intelligent wireless con-
troller that captures data from any sensor
or device and that can control remote
equipment. Following rules, the controller
acts on the sensor data, and then sends
the data over
cellular/satellite/
private radio net-
works to stated
destinations.
Applications and
hardware can be customized to handle
specific devices in addition to the included
devices and applications. Information can
be sent to a private server or to AVIDwire-
less’ AVIDdashboard Web portal where
the information is stored for viewing in var-
ious user-friendly widgets, reports or
graphs. GPS coordinates can be gathered
and tracked on AVIDdashboard.
www.avidwireless.com
FDM Software Mobile CAD ensures rapid deployment in
the field with real-time statusing, integrated
mapping, best routing, full messaging and
in the event of communications failure, full
data access. The product’s user-friendly
interface is optimized for mobile devices
including touchscreen compatibility, com-
pany officials
said. Reduc-
ing dispatcher
efforts and
enabling
voiceless
communications eliminate the human
delay that occurs when dispatchers must
relay or enter information, officials said.
The company’s software also features a
mobile records management system
(RMS) to simplify field operations such as
property inspections.
www.fdmsoft.com
GeoComm GeoLynx Mobile, a mobile response geo-
graphic information system (GIS), is ideal
for mobile environments. The system
allows users to set screen tinting and fea-
tures an easy-to-view display and large
buttons for
touchscreen
functionality.
In the most
basic setup,
the system
is installed and used as an in-vehicle nav-
igable GIS map. Greater functionality can
be added with a GPS connection to track
the vehicle on the map, which can also
provide full fleet tracking over a mobile
data network, allowing users to see
response units in real time.
www.geo-comm.com
GeoConex The GeoConex Mobile CAD is built on
the GeoConex Next-Generation CAD
Engine and uses technology to ensure
the communications back to the 9-1-1
center are
encrypted
and secure.
Public-
safety
employees
working in
the field can increase response time and
accuracy of dispatch location using the
integrated map feature, GeoConex exec-
utives said. The mobile CAD is ready for
next-generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1) with its
ability to accept various data streams
associated with developing new 9-1-1
infrastructure, executives said.
www.geoconex.com
Global Mesh Technologies Service Global Mesh Technologies is the exclu-
sive distributor of CAMMS, a communica-
tions software application that enables
sharing data between computers in wired
or wireless environments. The application
establishes and controls an ad hoc, self-
forming, self-healing mobile mesh net-
work without the use of servers. A variety
of products are available from field
deployable kits and limited duration
licenses for contingent users to full mesh
networking solutions. The application
uses a dual radio access point (802.11a
GHz and 802.11 b/g 2.4 GHz) to enable
computers and handheld Wi-Fi clients to
securely send, receive and route data.
www.globalmeshtec.com
Harris Public Safety and Pro-fessional CommunicationsHarris VIDA Broadband network enables
agencies to deploy solutions such as
remote video surveillance, mobile broad-
band, LMR traffic backhaul and connec-
tivity to mobile command vehicles. The
VIDA Broadband Unified Administrative
System (UAS) allows system administra-
tors to define service flows on a per-appli-
cation or per-user basis. For example,
video has different priority, traffic and
latency needs than e-mail, so the applica-
tion ensures the service flows are imple-
mented and enforced end-to-end across
the network. In addition, the administrator
can establish and change mission-critical
parameters in real time during specific
incidents. The system is scalable from a
data backhaul implementation to a multi-
application wide-area deployment.
www.pspc.harris.com
InterAct Public Safety Systems InterActMobile (formerly known as
MobileCop from BIO-key International) is
a public-
safety wire-
less query
and mes-
saging
application
that uses
wireless communications technology and
advanced data query methodologies to
search local, state and federal databas-
es, and display responses. The applica-
tion can send and receive messages,
maintain status, and transfer data from
other mobile and desktop locations. The
www.MCCmag.com MissionCrit ical Communicat ions August 2010 61
What’s New
Mobile Data Software
This issue we’re bringing you the latest products and services related to mobile data
software. For more information on any of these products, access the website at the
end of each listing.
application features the same secure
mobile law enforcement data communi-
cations to BlackBerry smart phones. Ver-
sion 8 of InterActMobile offers enhanced
interagency data sharing.
www.interact911.com
Intergraph Intergraph’s Mobile for Public Safety pro-
vides law-enforcement personnel in the
field with the tools they need to respond
quickly regardless of location. The exten-
sion to Intergraph’s CAD (I/CAD) makes
incident, map-
ping and location
data available in
the field —
improving offi-
cers’ location
awareness,
enabling background checks at the scene,
updating officer location and availability
status, and reducing the amount of radio
traffic in the control center. From a mobile
unit, officers can receive and acknowl-
edge dispatch messages, view incident
details and information such as the inci-
dent history for a given location, and
access informational databases.
www.intergraph.com/publicsafety
Iveda Solutions Iveda Solutions is an online provider of
centralized video hosting, in-vehicle mobile
video and real-time surveillance services.
Law enforcement, government officials and
emergency response teams are provided
live mobile
video access
through one
login and Web
browser for an
immediate
coordinated
response.
Centralized management of mission-critical
cameras through cloud computing, using
the company’s tier-four data center, allows
multiple simultaneous remote access to live
and archived video, using any Internet-
accessible device. Iveda Solutions is recog-
nized as a qualified anti-terrorism technolo-
gy provider.
www.ivedasolutions.com
Kenwood Communications KAS-10 software provides dispatch mes-
saging and/or GPS/AVL capabilities in
both trunked and conventional modes in
digital NEXEDGE and FleetSync analog
systems. The
software has a
250 mobile
vehicle ID
capacity and
multiple docu-
ment interface (MDI) and is compatible
with Microsoft MapPoint 2006/2009 North
American Maps in Windows XP and
Vista. The software is capable of text
messages up to 4,096 alphanumeric
characters, employs stun/remote kill on
NXDN radios and can import up to 10
custom image maps in numerous for-
mats. The Windows OS graphical inter-
face has a dedicated window for dispatch
or AVL operation and numerous assigna-
ble display and administrative options.
www.kenwoodusa.com
Mentor Engineering Designed specifically for the demanding
EMS industry, Mentor EMS Mobility is a
highly robust, user-friendly software appli-
cation that runs
on Mentor
Ranger in-
vehicle comput-
ers. The software
offers a single
point of crew login, real-time call dispatch-
ing and turn-by-turn navigation with one-
touch access, vehicle tracking, status
updates and telematic data reporting.
www.mentoreng.com
Motorola Motorola’s next-generation software
application for public safety, PremierOne
Mobile, delivers mission-critical informa-
tion through a highly intuitive interface
that is task flow oriented and customiz-
able. Users
can access
the needed
information
via a flexible
screen con-
figuration that provides quick, one-step
navigation throughout the application.
With the application first responders can
focus on the mission, instead of the tech-
nology, company executives said.
www.motorola.com/premierone
RadioMobile IQ Mobile 911 mobile software supports
mobile messaging and status updates for
fire, EMS and law-enforcement agencies
of various sizes configured to agency-
specific
requirements.
Some key
features
include
seamless
mobile messaging and status updates,
touchscreen utility with on-screen key-
board and emergency alerting. The soft-
ware can interface with multiple systems
including CAD, AVL, geographic informa-
tion system (GIS) and records manage-
ment system (RMS) and features an
efficient network interface design for
private/conventional, public, broadband
and mobile satellite. The software also
offers database inquiries from federal,
state or local sources.
www.radiomobile.com
Safety Vision SafetyTrax Integrated Vehicle Fleet Man-
agement System is a Web-based software
application that reports real-time GPS
location and
performance
for any vehi-
cle, and live
video snap-
shots from a mobile digital video recorder
(MDVR). Users can view real-time GPS
location and the speed of any vehicle
instantly on the map, review incidents as
they are happening, monitor driver per-
formance and behavior, and check road
conditions. The system integrates with tire
pressure monitors and other vehicle sys-
tems to analyze fuel economy and vehicle
performance. The Web-based application
can be accessed from any Internet device
with a browser.
www.safetyvision.com
62 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
Mobile Data Software
SkySweep Technologies The SkySweep Messenger is a software
modem-based solution for high-speed
high frequency (HF)/VHF/UHF radio data
communica-
tions. Main
applications
include e-mail,
GPS-based
positioning and customer-specific data
solutions. The system can also be used
with existing voice communications
networks such as analog VHF/UHF or
TETRA, Project 25 (P25), Digital Mobile
Radio (DMR) and Tetrapol networks.
www.skysweep.com
Sonik Messaging SystemsSonik offers TeraMessage messaging
software for smart phones, an independ-
ent private text messaging system that
provides benefits not found in SMS and e-
mail service, company executives said. All
messages are delivered in a few seconds
and include automatic message-read con-
firmation, automatic 256 kilobits random
key encryption of text messages and
attachments, instant two-way communica-
tions with computers and smart phones of
different brands, and message manage-
ment. The software can combine messag-
ing for pagers, on private paging systems
or public carriers, with messaging to
smart phones or Wi-Fi PDAs. All mes-
sages are logged in a central database.
www.sonik.com
Trident Micro Systems goTrAVL is an AVL and mobile asset
tracking system with interactive mapping,
dynamic telemetry display and report
generator. Interactive management is
available to the user through any Win-
dows-based computer accessing the
Internet. The system provides detailed
history
reports on
vehicle
location,
speed,
heading,
stops and geofence violations. Adminis-
trator access allows users to change
vehicle icons, set vehicle parameters,
send violation notifications and place
landmarks.
www.gotravl.com
TriTech Software Systems TriTech Software Systems introduced in-
vehicle AVL with Imc Mobile AVL Maps, the
first cooperative development effort
between TriTech’s VisiNet and Imc Solu-
tions. To provide enhanced officer safety
and situa-
tional
aware-
ness, the
maps pro-
vide real-
time display of the current location of all
AVL-equipped vehicles in the dispatch cen-
ter along with active call monitoring. Person-
nel in AVL-equipped units will be able to
www.MCCmag.com MissionCrit ical Communicat ions August 2010 63
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2ergo Mobile Messaging Manager is a carrier-
grade SMS campaign man-
agement tool from 2ergo.
The self-service, Web-based
administration portal allows
users to create, send and
track SMS alerts, auto-
responders and polls to sub-
scribers, as well as set up SMS menus
and text-to-screen “shoutouts.”
www.2ergo.com
Tyler Technologies Tyler Technologies CAD software pro-
vides a dispatching tool delivered in an
intuitive user interface, company officials
said. For fast-paced environments, the
software collects vast data, but shows
users only what is needed to make quick
decisions, officials said. The CAD man-
ages
units
with
real-time
locations
on juris-
diction maps using AVL and unit
suggestions, while keeping dispatchers
connected with field personnel through
voiceless dispatch commands and mobile
reporting for quick action and response.
www.tylertech.com
VentyxService Suite 9.0 is an off-the-shelf enter-
prise mobile workforce management
solution focused on the utility and telecom-
munication industries. In the latest release,
every aspect of the application has been
enhanced to support all work types and all
work groups from long- to short-cycle work.
Also new is a forecasting module for accu-
rate future work demand predictions,
including the ability to evaluate and apply
internal and external factors.
www.ventyx.com
Wireless Matrix FleetOutlook is a GPS-enabled Web appli-
cation designed to improve the productivity
and efficiency of mobile workforce. The
system combines a robust Web-based
fleet management application with an in-
vehicle GPS,
Wi-Fi and
hardware plat-
form featuring
Wireless
Matrix’s line of wireless data communica-
tions devices. The system features rapid
dispatch, greater fuel efficiency and
reduced costs through operational moni-
toring, reduced operating expenses
through decreased labor hours and miles
driven, and improved safety through asset
monitoring, company officials said. The
application offers fleet visibility at all times.
www.wirelessmatrix.com
64 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
Mobile Data Software
RCC Consultants, Inc.100 Woodbridge Center Dr. Woodbridge, NJ 07095
ph.800.247.4796www.rcc.com [email protected]
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Service
Specs Survey: P25 Portable Radios
www.MCCmag.com MissionCrit ical Communicat ions August 2010 65
Datron World Communications
G2-150-x
--
P25
Single
136-174 MHz
BothBoth
6.3 x 2.5 x 1.8--
Polycarbonate paneldie-cast chassis
1,02412.5, 25 kHz
Talk group, radiowide,priority
Multiline, alphanumer-ic backlit LCD
150 mA7.2 VDC
>9 hrs.
All
1,024Yes
YesYesN/A
-121 dBm
12 dB SINAD
60/75 dB @ 12.5/25 kHz
200 mA>81 dB
1 W<2% @ rated audio
1.5 ppm
0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 W
-65 dBc
38 MHz
1.8 A
-40/-45 dB @ 12.5/25 kHz
+1, -3 dB
<3%
Std.Std., AES, DES OFBStd.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.N/AStd.Std.N/AStd.
2 years
Datron World Communications
G2-450-x
--
P25
Single
380-520 MHz (continuous)
BothBoth
6.3 x 2.5 x 1.8--
Polycarbonate paneldie-cast chassis
1,02412.5, 25 kHz
Talk group, radiowide,priority
Multiline, alphanumer-ic backlit LCD
150 mA7.2 VDC
>9 hrs.
--
1,024Yes
YesYesN/A
-121 dBm
12 dB SINAD
60/70 dB @ 12.5/25 kHz
200 mA>75 dB
1 W<2% @ rated audio
1.5 ppm
0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 W
-65 dBc
140 MHz
1.8 A
-40/-45 dB @ 12.5/25 kHz
+1, -3 dB
<3%
Std.Std., AES, DES OFBStd.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.N/AStd.Std.N/AStd.
2 years
Datron World Communications
G2-Tri-x
--
P25
Multiband
136-174, 380-520(cont.), 762-870 MHz
BothBoth
7.5 x 2.5 x 1.8--
Polycarbonate paneldie-cast chassis
1,02412.5, 25 kHz
Talk group, radiowide,priority
Multiline, alphanumer-ic backlit LCD
170 mA7.2 VDC
>9 hrs.
All
1,024Yes
YesYesN/A
-121 dBm
12 dB SINAD
60/70 dB @ 12.5/25 kHz
220 mA>75 dB
1 W<2% @ rated audio
1.5 ppm
0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 W
-65 dBc
VHF: 38 MHz; UHF: 140 MHz;700/800: 108 MHz
2.3 A
-40/-45 dB @ 12.5/25 kHz
+1, -3 dB
<3%
Std.Std., AES, DES OFBStd.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.N/AStd.Std.N/AStd.
2 years
EF JohnsonTechnologies
5100 ES
--
P25, P25 Phase 2TDMA upgradable(opt.), SmartNet/SmartZone
Single
136-174, 380-470, 450-512, 700/800 MHz
BothBoth
6.7 x 2.52 x 1.8 in.11 oz.
Polycarbonate (black,yellow, orange)
86412.5, 25 kHz
System, group, priority, radiowide
Alphanumeric, multi-line, backlit LCD
260 mA7.2 V input
10-12 hrs.
All
Up to 864Yes
YesYesYes
0.25 μV (-119 dBm)
12 dB SINAD
63/75 dB @12.5/25 kHz
450 mA @ rated audio-75 dB
500 mW2%
1.5 ppm
VHF: 5 W; UHF: 4 W;700/800 MHz: 2.5/3 W
-75 dBc
Full band split
UHF: 2.7 A; VHF/700/800 MHz: 2.5 A
-35/-40 dB @ 12.5/25 kHz
+1, -3 dB
2%
Std.AES, DES, DE OFBStd.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Opt.Std.Opt.Opt.Std.
1 year
EF JohnsonTechnologies
51SL ES
--
P25, P25 Phase 2TDMA upgradable(opt.), SmartNet/SmartZone
Single
136-174, 380-470,450-512, 700/800 MHz
BothBoth
6.7 x 2.52 x 1.8 in.11 oz.
Polycarbonate
51212.5, 25 kHz
System, group, priority, radiowide
Alphanumeric, multi-line, backlit LCD
260 mA7.2 V input
10-12 hrs.
All
Up to 512Yes
YesYesYes
0.25 μV (-119 dBm)
12 dB SINAD
63/75 dB @12.5/25 kHz
450 mA @ rated audio-75 dB
500 mW2%
1.5 ppm
VHF: 5 W; UHF: 4 W;700/800 MHz: 2.5/3 W
-75 dBc
Full band split
UHF: 2.7 A; VHF/700/800 MHz: 2.5 A
-35/-40 dB @ 12.5/25 kHz
+1, -3 dB
2%
Std.AES, DES, DES OFBStd.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.--Std.Opt.Opt.Std.
1 year
EF JohnsonTechnologies
Ascend ES
--
P25, P25 Phase 2TDMA upgradable(opt.), SmartNet/SmartZone
Single
700/800 MHz
BothBoth
6.7 x 2.52 x 1.8 in.11 oz.
Polycarbonate (black,yellow, orange)
51212.5, 25 kHz
System, group, priority, radiowide
Alphanumeric, multi-line, backlit LCD
260 mA7.2 V input
10-12 hrs.
All
Up to 512Yes
YesYesYes
0.25 μV (-119 dBm)
12 dB SINAD
63/75 dB @12.5/25 kHz
450 mA @ rated audio-75 dB
500 mW2%
1.5 ppm
VHF: 5 W; UHF: 4 W;700/800 MHz: 2.5/3 W
-75 dBc
Full band split
UHF: 2.7 A; VHF/700/800 MHz: 2.5 A
-35/-40 dB @ 12.5/25 kHz
+1, -3 dB
2%
Std.DES, DES OFBStd.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.--Std.Opt.Opt.Std.
1 year
Harris Public Safetyand ProfessionalCommunications
P7300
--
P25
Single and dual
450-512, 764-870 MHz
BothBoth
5.89 x 2.44 x 1.44 in.Li-ion: 15.6 oz.
Aluminum, high-impactpolycarbonate/ABS
1,02412.5, 25 kHz, PLL step
Dual priority by channel, talk group
3-line, 12-characterLCD
--7.5 VDC
>8 hrs.
DTMF
1,024Yes
YesYesYes
0.25 μV, -119 dB
8 ±2 dB SINAD
>73 dB
-->73 dB
500 mW<2% @ rated power
±1.5 ppm
0.5 to 4 W (selectable)
Meets FCC Part 90;emission mask B, C, Dfor UHF
63 MHz
--
W: >50 dB; N: >45 dB
+1, -3 dB
<2% @ rated audio @ 1 kHz, 3 kHz deviation
Std.AES, DES (opt.)Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Opt.N/A
2 years
Harris Public Safetyand ProfessionalCommunications
P5400
--
P25
Single
VHF, UHF, 800 MHz
BothBoth
5.37 x 2.44 x 1.67 in.Li-ion: 13.6 oz.
Aluminum, high-impactpolycarbonate
51212.5, 25 kHz, NPSPAC
Dual priority by channel, talk group
3-line, 12-characterLCD
85 mA (typ.)7.5 VDC
>8 hrs.
DTMF
800Yes
YesYesYes
0.25 μV, -119 dB
8 ±2 dB SINAD
>70 dB
<290 mA>75/73 dB; 72 dB
500 mW<3% @ rated power
±1.5 ppm
4/5 W; 3 W (trunked)
VHF: <-36/-73 dBm;UHF: <-36/-72 dBm;800: <-13/48 dBm
VHF: 38 MHz; UHF: 72/52 MHz
<1.7 A
W: >45 dB; N: >39 dB;
Meets TIA
<3%
Std.AES, DES (opt.) Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Opt.N/A
2 years
Key: N/A means not applicable. -- means information was not supplied. Dimensions may be rounded off.
MANUFACTURER→
PRODUCT NAME→
↓SPECSSuggested list price
For what protocols
Frequency type
Frequency ranges
Conventional/trunkedAnalog/digital
Dimensions (HWD)Weight
Housing material
Channel capacityChannel spacing
Types of scans
Types of displays
Current drain (standby)Power requirements
Battery life/duty
DTMF keypad
If radio is trunked:# of groups/systemsUnique ID code
Auto check-in roamSelective callingOver-the-air programming
Receiver specs:Sensitivity
Squelch sensitivity
Adjacent-channel selectivity
Current drain (RX)Spurious rejection
Audio output powerAudio distortion
Frequency stability
Transmitter specs:RF output power
Spurious and harmonics
Frequency spread
Current drain (TX)
FM hum and noise
Audio response
Audio distortion
Features:TalkaroundAllows encryption/typeRemote speaker/mic jackAuto noise squelchAccepts NiMH batteryBusy-channel indicatorLockoutAccepts CTCSS/DCSTime-out timerChannel scanningTwo-tone seq. decoderPC programmableProgrammable ANIIntrinsically safeCloning capability
Warranty
66 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
Project 25 Portable RadiosIcom America
F70D/F80D series
--P25, analog FMSingle136-174, 380-450, 400-470,450-520 MHz
P25 analog/conv.Both2.3 x 6 x 1.7 in.14.1 oz.IPX7 sub.; one-piece,die-cast alum. chas-sis, polycarb. case
256 ch., 32 zones12.5, 25 kHz (analog); 12.5 kHz(digital)
Normal, priority,dual priority
Full dot-matrix LCD
150 mA7.2 VDCBP-253: 8 hrs.; BP-254/FM: 14.5 hrs.
DTMF, limited keypad
N/AYesNoYesYes
0.25 μV analog @ 12dB SINAD; 0.25 μV digital @ 5% BER
--
VHF: 80/73 dB;UHF: 78/70 dB; digital: 60 dB (W/N)
150 mAVHF/UHF: 80/75 dB 500 mW @ 10%dist. w/8 Ω load
--± 2 ppm
VHF: 5/2/1 W;UHF: 4/2/1 W
70 dB (typ.)VHF: 38 MHz; UHF: 70 MHz
VHF: 2.2 A;UHF: 2.4 A
VHF W/N: 45/40 dB;UHF W/N: 40/35 dB
--3% (typ.) (AF 1 kHz,40% deviation)
Std.AES/DES (opt.);built-in inv. type
Std.Std.Li-ion (std.); AA (opt.)
Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.--Select versionsStd.3 years (std.); ext.up to 6 years (opt.)
Icom America
F9011/F9021 series
--P25, analog FMSingle136-174, 380-470, 400-470,450-520 MHz
BothBoth2.3 x 6.6 x 1.7 in.18.7 oz.IP57 sub.; one-piece,die-cast alum. chas-sis, polycarb. case
512 ch., 128 zonesVHF: 15/30 kHz;UHF: 12.5/25 kHz;digital: 12.5 kHz
Normal, priority,dual priority
Full dot-matrix LCD
300 mA7.2 VDC9 hrs.
DTMF, limited key-pad, no keypad
65,535YesYesYesYes
0.25 μV analog @ 12dB SINAD; 0.3 μV digital @ 5% BER
0.25 μV (typ. @threshold)
VHF: 80/70 dB; UHF: 76/70 dB; digital: 60 dB (W/N)
300 mAh80 dB (typ.)1 W (typ.) @ 10%dist. w/8 Ω load
--±1 ppm
VHF: 6/2/1 W;UHF: 5/2/1 W
VHF/UHF: 75/80 dBVHF: 38 MHz;UHF: 90/70 MHz
VHF: 2.2 A;UHF: 2.1 A
W: 45 dB; N: 40 dB
--2% (typ.) (40%deviation)
Std.AES/DES (opt.); built-in inv. type
Std.Std.Li-ion (std.); AA (opt.)
Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.--N/AStd.3 years (std.); ext.up to 6 years (opt.)
Kenwood Communications
TK-5210K7
$1,334P25--136-174 MHz
BothBoth2.3 x 6.1 x 1.8 in.11.64 oz.High-impact polycarbonate
64 ch., 16 zonesAnalog: 12.5, 15,20, 25, 30 kHz; digital: 12.5 kHz
Dual priority, talkgroup, monitor
16-ch. alphanumer-ic dot-matrix LCD
--7.5 VDC +20%KNB-32N: 12 hrs.
4 control keys
64 ch., 16 zones--YesP25, FleetSyncYes
Analog/digital:0.25/0.25-0.4 μV @12 dB SINAD
--
Analog W/N: 75/67dB; digital: 60 dB
--Analog/digital: -75 dB500 mW
Ana./dig.: <2%/<1.5%±2 ppm
Hi: 5 W; lo: 1 W
70 dBType 1: 70 MHz; Type 2: 90 MHz
--
Analog: 42/48 dB @ 12.5/25 kHz
--<2%
Std.Std.; encryption/ANI board control
N/AStd.Opt.
Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Opt.Std.2 years
Kenwood Communications
TK-5220 v
$1,223P25Single136-174 MHz
Conv., trunked (opt.)Both5.02 x 2.28 x 1.63 in.8.82 oz.High-impact polycarbonate
512 ch., 128 zonesAnalog: 12.5, 15,25, 30 kHz; digital: 12.5 kHz
Single/multizone,lists, conv., talkgroup, monitor, dualpriority
Backlit dot-matrixLCD
--7.5 VDC ±20%12.5 hrs.
12 keypad (opt.)
128 zonesP25 unit ID/ESNYes (w/ P25 trunked)YesNo
0.25 μV
--
Analog: -65/-72 dB@ 12.5/25 kHz; digital: -60 dB
---70 dB500 mW/8 Ω
<3%2 ppm
5/1 W
70 dB38 MHz
--
Analog: 40/45 dB @ 12.5/25 kHz
EIA 603/TIA 102<3%
Std.Analog (opt.); P25:AES/DES (opt.)
Opt.Std.Std., 2 Ah
Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Opt.Std.3 years
Kenwood Communications
TK-5320
$1,223P25SingleType 1: 450-520MHz; Type 2: 400-470 MHz
Conv., trunked (opt.)Both5.02 x 2.28 x 1.63 in.8.82 oz.High-impact polycarbonate
512 ch., 128 zonesAnalog: 12.5, 25kHz; digital: 12.5 kHz
Single/multizone,lists, conv., talkgroup, monitor, dualpriority
Backlit dot-matrixLCD
--7.5 VDC ±20%12.5 hrs.
12 keypad (opt.)
128 zonesP25 unit ID/ESNYes (w/ P25 trunked)YesNo
0.25 μV
--
Analog: -65/-72 dB@ 12.5/25 kHz; digital: -60 dB
---70 dB500 mW/8 Ω
<3%1 ppm
5/1 W
70 dB70 MHz
--
Analog: 40/45 dB @ 12.5/25 kHz
EIA 603/TIA 102<3%
Std.Analog (std.); P25:AES/DES (opt.)
Opt.Std.Std., 2 Ah
Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Opt.Std.3 years
Midland Radio
STP series P25portable VHF, UHF
$2,744.50P25SingleVHF: 136-174 MHz; UHF: 380-512 MHz
P25, analog conv.Both6 x 2.38 x 1.38 in.7.5 oz. w/batteryPolycarbonate
999VHF: 12.5, 20, 25,30 kHz; UHF: 12.5,25 kHz
Dual priority, normal
64 x 128 pixel LCD
≤25 mA7.5 VDC ±20%18 hrs. @ 5 W
Full DTMF keypad
PendingYesOpt.YesPending
VHF: 0.25 μV;UHF: 0.28 μV
≤8 dB
VHF: ≥63 dB; UHF: ≥60 dB
≤240 mA≥73 dB600 mW
≤3%VHF: ±2.5 ppm;UHF: ±1.5 ppm
0.2/5 W
≤-70 dBFull band split
≤1.7 A
VHF: ≥-46 dB UHF: ≥-40 dB
+1, -3 dB≤1%
Std.AES/DES (opt.)
Std.Std.Opt.
Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.PendingStd.3 years
Relm Wireless
KNG P150
--P25--136-174 MHz
BothBoth2.5 x 1.8 x 5.5 in.16 oz.Lexan EXL
51212.5, 25 kHz
Channel, dual priori-ty, group, talk back
Multiline alphanumeric
<15 mA10 V (nominal)>16 hrs.
DTMF/programmable
16 systemsYesYesYesNo
-121 dBm
<8 dB SINAD
80 dB
255 mA80 dB500 mW
2%1.5 ppm
6/2 W
75 dB38 MHz
1.5 A @ 5 W
50/45 dB
+1, -3 dB3%
Std.Opt., DES/AES
Std.Std.Std.
Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.N/AStd.Std.Opt.Std.Up to 5 years
Relm Wireless
KNG P400/500/800
--P25--380-470, 440-520,763-870 MHz
BothBoth2.5 x 1.8 x 5.5 in.16 oz.Lexan EXL
51212.5, 25 kHz
Channel, dual priori-ty, group, talk back
Multiline alphanumeric
<15 mA10 V (nominal)>16 hrs.
DTMF/programmable
16 systemsYesYesYesNo
-119 dBm
<8 dB SINAD
78/79 dB
255 mA80 dB500 mW
2%1.5 ppm
5/4/1 W
75 dB80/90 MHz
1.5 A @ 5 W
50/45 dB
+1/-3 dB3%
Std.Opt., DES/AES
Std.Std.Std.
Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.N/AStd.Std.Opt.Std.Up to 5 years
Tait Radio Communications
TP9155/9160
--P25 digital--136-174, 174-225,380-420, 400-470,450-530, 762-870 MHz
BothBoth 6.4 x 2.6 x 1.9 in.20.4 oz.Polycarbonate case,aluminum frame
1,000/30 zonesVHF: 12.5, 25, 30kHz; UHF/800 MHz:12.5, 25 kHz
Channel, dual priori-ty, background, inzone, talk group
4-line graphicalbacklit LCD
92 mA 7.5 VLi-ion: >12 hrs.
Limited/full keypad
1,000 talk groupsYesYesYesNo
Analog: 0.28 μV; digital: 0.20 μV
8 to 16 dB
-63 dB @ 12.5 kHz; -73 dB @ 25/30 kHz
270 mA75 dB500 mW
3%±1.5 ppm
VHF: 5 W; UHF: 4W; 800 MHz: 3 W
-36 dBm <1 GHz136-174, 174-225,380-420, 400-470,450-530, 762-870 MHz
1.7 A
UHF: -41 dB @ 25/30kHz; -37 dB @ 12.5 kHz
+1/-3 dB3%
Std.Std.
Std.Std.Std.
Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Opt.N/A2 years
MANUFACTURER→
PRODUCT NAME→
↓SPECSSuggested list priceFor what protocolsFrequency typeFrequency ranges
Conventional/trunkedAnalog/digitalDimensions (HWD)WeightHousing material
Channel capacityChannel spacing
Types of scans
Types of displays
Current drain (standby)Power requirementsBattery life/duty
DTMF keypad
If radio is trunked:# of groups/systemsUnique ID codeAuto check-in roamSelective callingOver-the-air programming
Receiver specs:Sensitivity
Squelch sensitivity
Adjacent-channel selectivity
Current drain (RX)Spurious rejectionAudio output power
Audio distortionFrequency stability
Transmitter specs:RF output power
Spurious and harmonicsFrequency spread
Current drain (TX)
FM hum and noise
Audio responseAudio distortion
Features:TalkaroundAllows encryption/type
Remote speaker/mic jackAuto noise squelchAccepts NiMH battery
Busy-channel indicatorLockoutAccepts CTCSS/DCSTime-out timerChannel scanningTwo-tone seq. decoderPC programmableProgrammable ANIIntrinsically safeCloning capabilityWarranty
The following companies submitted information for this Specs Survey.
For more P25 portable radio suppliers, visit SuperGUIDE at www.MCCmag.com.
5wRAll Inclusive
Warranty.
Royal CoverageWe Will Fix or Replace Your KNG Radio, No Matter How Extensive the Damage
With Royal Coverage your KNG Series radio, portable or mobile, is backed by a 5 year allinclusive warranty - you break it, we fix it. We understand the tough environments ofthe job and the investment made in two-way radio communications. Roya l Coverageprotects your investment no matter how much damage the radio haS sustained.
- Your KNG Series radio is covered no matter what- Eliminates costly repair charges- Services performed by RELM Wireless certified technicians
Quick Turnaround- Zero cost of ownership for 5 years after purchase
Made in the USA GSA
Royal Coverage (uwosOO)Royal Coverage is available as an option forKNG Series Portables and Mobiles only anddoes not include batteries.
What 's Covered? Water Damage? Chemical Corrosion? Damage to LCD Screens? Electrical Damage? Cracked Casing? Crushed or Missing Parts
Damage to Circuit Boards? Damage to or Missing Buttons, Knobs, and
yal Coverage, REL . qSS willrepair or replace your KNG Series radioregardless of damage.
Model Number LFW0500 - $399.00RELM Wireless Corporation
7100 Technology DriveWest Melbourne, FL 32904
1800-821-2900FAX: 321-984-0434
www.relm.com
14
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Schedule
68 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
Project 25 Portable Radios
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Thales Communications
Liberty
$5,900
P25, analog FM
Multiband
136-174, 380-520,700, 800 MHz
Conv./P25 trunkedBoth7 x 2.5 x 1.9 in.27 oz.
Aluminum, matte black
2,60812.5, 25 kHz
Channel, 2-level priority
Color LCD
--
--
10 hrs., 15 hrs.(opt.); 10/15 @5/5/90
DTMF, keypad programmable
100YesYesYes--
-119 dBm
--
-60/-70 dB @12.5/25 kHz
--70 dB500 mW
<2%1.5 ppm
VHF/UHF: 5 W;700 MHz: 2.5 W;800 MHz: 3 W
70 dB136-174, 380-520,700, 800 MHz
--34/31 dB <520 MHz;40 dB <520 MHz; 33 dB >520 MHz
+1, -3 dB; 300 Hz-3 kHz
<2%
Std.P25 DES, AES, P25OTAR
Std.Std.N/A, Li-ionStd.Std.Std.Std.Std.N/AStd., USBStd., P25Std.Std.2 years (std.); 5 years (ext.)
Vertex Standard
VX-P821
$1,850
P25
Single
134-174, 400-470,450-512 MHz
ConventionalBoth3.8 x 2.3 x 1.5 in.10.9 oz.
--
1612.5, 20, 25 kHz
Priority, dual watch,follow me, followme dual watch, talkaround
N/A
100 (50) mA(w/saver)
7.4 VDC ±20%
VHF: 21 hrs.(w/saver); UHF: 19 hrs.(w/saver)
No keypad
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
0.25/0.32 μV
-119/-117 dBm
75/70 dB
250 mA75 dB700 mW @ 16Ω,5% THD
<3% @ 1 kHz±2.5 ppm
5/2.5/1/0.25 W
70 dB134-174, 400-470,450-512 MHz
1.7/1.9 A46/40 dB
+1 to -3 dB
<3% @ 1 kHz
Std.AES/DES (opt.)
Std.Std.N/AStd.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Opt.Std.3 years
Vertex Standard
VX-P824
$1,970
P25
Single
134-174, 400-470,450-512 MHz
ConventionalBoth3.8 x 2.3 x 1.5 in.10.9 oz.
--
51212.5, 20, 25 kHz
Priority, dual watch,follow me, followme dual watch, talkaround
12-characteralphanumeric
100 (50) mA(w/saver)
7.4 VDC ±20%
VHF: 21 hrs.(w/saver); UHF: 19 hrs.(w/saver)
Limited keypad
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
0.25/0.32 μV
-119/-117 dBm
75/70 dB
250 mA75 dB700 mW @ 16Ω,5% THD
<3% @ 1 kHz±2.5 ppm
5/2.5/1/0.25 W
70 dB134-174, 400-470,450-512 MHz
1.7/1.9 A46/40 dB
+1 to -3 dB
<3% @ 1 kHz
Std.AES/DES (opt.)
Std.Std.N/AStd.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Opt.Std.3 years
Vertex Standard
VX-P829
$2,150
P25
Single
134-174, 400-470,450-512 MHz
ConventionalBoth3.8 x 2.3 x 1.5 in.10.9 oz.
--
51212.5, 20, 25 kHz
Priority, dual watch,follow me, followme dual watch, talkaround
12-characteralphanumeric
100 (50) mA(w/saver)
7.4 VDC ±20%
VHF: 21 hrs.(w/saver); UHF: 19 hrs.(w/saver)
DTMF keypad
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
0.25/0.32 μV
-119/-117 dBm
75/70 dB
250 mA75 dB700 mW @ 16Ω,5% THD
<3% @ 1 kHz±2.5 ppm
5/2.5/1/0.25 W
70 dB134-174, 400-470,450-512 MHz
1.7/1.9 A46/40 dB
+1 to -3 dB
<3% @ 1 kHz
Std.AES/DES (opt.)
Std.Std.N/AStd.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Std.Opt.Std.3 years
MANUFACTURER→
PRODUCT NAME→
↓SPECSSuggested list price
For what protocols
Frequency type
Frequency ranges
Conventional/trunkedAnalog/digitalDimensions (HWD)Weight
Housing material
Channel capacityChannel spacing
Types of scans
Types of displays
Current drain (standby)
Power requirements
Battery life/duty
DTMF keypad
If radio is trunked:# of groups/systemsUnique ID codeAuto check-in roamSelective callingOver-the-air programming
Receiver specs:Sensitivity
Squelch sensitivity
Adjacent-channel selectivity
Current drain (RX)Spurious rejectionAudio output power
Audio distortionFrequency stability
Transmitter specs:RF output power
Spurious and harmonicsFrequency spread
Current drain (TX)FM hum and noise
Audio response
Audio distortion
Features:TalkaroundAllows encryption/type
Remote speaker/mic jackAuto noise squelchAccepts NiMH batteryBusy-channel indicatorLockoutAccepts CTCSS/DCSTime-out timerChannel scanningTwo-tone seq. decoderPC programmableProgrammable ANIIntrinsically safeCloning capabilityWarranty
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Discover more at www.vertexstandard.com or call 1-800-283-7839
© Vertex Standard Co., Ltd. 2009
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Digital Console with Kenwood Support Zetron announced that its DCS 5020 dig-
ital console system now supports Ken-
wood Communications’ NEXEDGE digital
radio system. With its added support for
NEXEDGE,
the system
provides
access to
digital fea-
tures, such
as call ID
decode and display, emergency calls,
group calls, individual calls and unit stun
and revive. The system supports Ken-
wood’s FleetSync digital messaging and
signaling.
Zetron also released its VoIP Radio
Dispatch System (VoIP RDS) version 1.8.
The release supports many of the com-
pany’s popular features in the Series
4000 dispatch system including com-
bined telephone-radio headset function-
ality, instant recall recording and analog
console logging. The gateway connects
directly to Kenwood radios.
www.zetron.com
VHF Data Radio The Model RV-M7-VM VHF data radio
modem from Raveon is multi-use radio
service (MURS) compliant and ideal for
radio telemetry, supervisory control and
data acquisition (SCADA) and AVL appli-
cations in
license-free
frequency
bands. The
modem allows up to 2 watts of RF power,
and the communications range with the
radio modem is up to 50 times greater
than other unlicensed technology, such
as Wi-Fi and spread spectrum, company
officials said. The plug-and-play modem
features a communications range of up to
30 miles, T-R switching time of 5 millisec-
onds, remote diagnostics and program-
mable over-the-air data rates of 1.2 – 9.6
kilobits per second (kbps).
www.raveontech.com
UHF Data ModemPacific Crest introduced the Advanced
Data Link (ADL) Sentry, a UHF radio for
remote communications. The high-speed
0.1- to 4-watt modem is built to survive
demanding environments of remote
sensing and environmental monitoring.
The link is backward compatible with
existing Pacific Crest, Trimble and other
products and features an IP67 rating. The
link is available in two 40-megahertz fre-
quency bands, 390 – 430 and 430 – 470
MHz, and allows users to select from
available channel tables in either 12.5- or
25-kilohertz channel bandwidths. The
modem features high over-the-air link
rate and next-generation RF design.
www.pacificcrest.com
Data Radio Modem The ME-D350 data radio modem from
Mobile Expertise offers 1 to 5 watts RF
output power in the 146 – 174 and 400 –
480 MHz bands. The small, flexible radio
transceiver is
FCC Part 90
approved and
can operate
over a wide
temperature
range. With a solid die-cast aluminum con-
struction, the transceiver is fit for mobile
and static environments. PC programming
enables squelch control, transmit and
receive only, and new power-saving modes,
company officials said. The transceiver is
ideal for telemetry systems, remote moni-
toring and repeaters. The product can sup-
port 1.2 to 9.6 kilobits per second (kbps)
data rates via optional modules.
www.mobile-expertise.co.uk
Analog/Digital Repeater Westel Wireless Systems DRB-25
analog/digital repeater provides support
for users of
legacy CVSD
radios and
offers a migra-
tion path to
Project 25
(P25). To
ensure optimal repeating, the received 12
kilobits per second (kbps) CVSD signal is
demodulated and remains in the digital
domain before being re-clocked for trans-
mission. When used in the CVSD mode,
the repeater is transparent to the voice
signal and whether encryption is being
used. For military users, the repeater has
J/F 12 certification for the 150 and 450
MHz bands, and 110/220 VAC and 12
VDC power options are available.
www.westelwireless.com
Tactical Network The Enhanced Mobile Ad-Hoc Network
Radio System (EMARS) from Raytheon
provides netted communications and tac-
tical data for coalition interoperability on
vehicular and dismounted applications.
The system brings together the compa-
ny’s Enhanced Position Location Report-
ing System-XF-1, MicroLight DH500
handheld radio and mobile ad-hoc
networking (MANET) technology. The
system provides a wireless, IP-capable
network that implements Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES) encryption
over an extended frequency range.
www.raytheon.com/jps
Satellite Radio Application Link Communications unveiled the
MSAT-G2 Virtual handset application that
enables users to operate
a SkyTerra MSATiP sys-
tem over any computer
that has access to the
Internet. The application
runs on Windows-
compatible computers
and uses the computer’s
microphone and speak-
ers as an interface to the MSAT-G2 radio.
Individuals or groups can access one
radio, enabling monitoring and talking
similar to communications over handsets.
www.link-comm.com
Tonal Warning Device The Informer-IP from Federal Signal is a
tonal warning device for schools, hospi-
tals, police and fire stations, government
facilities and industrial plants. The device
supports indoor
warning and
two-way inter-
com communi-
cations, and
70 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
New Products
offers Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity on
the company’s Codespear interoperable
communications platform to provide an
initiation point for a full complement of
emergency notification applications. The
device can send and receive alerts; initi-
ate and receive intercom requests;
remotely monitor, record and play back
audio messages; scroll alerts over com-
puter message displays; provide alerts
over existing public address systems; and
control external equipment. Alerts can be
initiated by e-mail, text message, phone,
computer and disparate handheld VHF
and UHF radios.
www.federalsignal.com
Voice Alarm Sensors Barnett Engineering’s ProTalk Cv3
voice alarm dialer monitors environmen-
tal conditions and accepts a wide variety
of sensors, including temperature, humid-
ity, air quality, leak, level and motion, and
will notify users
when values
exceed the nor-
mal range. The
device features
an integrated
cellular module
and two-way radio port that can make
alarm announcements over any combina-
tion of cellular network, two-way radio
system or public address system. Notifi-
cations can be voice or text messages.
With the touch of a button from any
touchtone phone, users can acknowledge
voice alarm messages, control equip-
ment connected to the relay outputs,
interrogate the status of any sensor input
and make programming changes.
www.barnett-engg.com
School Bridging System SchoolSAFE Communications manufac-
tures a radio bridging system targeted at
school campuses that creates an on-
demand bridge over licensed radio by the
9-1-1 center between local responders and
school campus
radios, which
typically can’t
interoperate
directly. The
system includes network-based equipment
at each campus that is managed from a
centralized server hosting the software the
dispatch staff uses via a Web browser.
When the school calls 9-1-1, the dispatch
center then activates the bridge for first
responders. The system can include a
module to provide administrative alerts.
www.schoolsafecom.org
Expanded PBX Extension System Carlson Wireless Technologies expanded
the Trailblazer
Star wireless
multipoint data
and private
branch
exchange
www.MCCmag.com MissionCrit ical Communicat ions August 2010 71
d b5 ectral Serving your wireless needs
700 MHzfir riaLc-:-
r MulticouplersTower Top Am
p
Varilators TMAs Combiners Sensors Filters Multicouplers Hybrids Duplexers
1 ? AP ao JOWCall 469.322.0080 or email [email protected]
1590 E. Hwy 121 Bid A , Lewisville. TX 75056vwaw.dbspectra.com 130 9001:2008
CertifiedDesigned and Manufacturered in the USA
(PBX) extension system with flexible, inte-
grated multiplexer (MUX) technology that
incorporates both carrier-class voice serv-
ice and supervisory control and data acqui-
sition (SCADA) capabilities into a rugged,
easy-to-install enclosure. Designed for the
utility market, the system features new
interface options including four-wire, public
address, intercoms, emergency phones
and Ethernet (VoIP/data). The system is
available in licensed and license-exempt
frequencies, and will be available in the 900
MHz band by quarter three.
www.carlsonwireless.com
12.5-Kilohertz Products MiMOMax Wireless developed a 12.5-
kilohertz bandwidth channel that is avail-
able to all MiMOMax’s product lines. The
12.5-kilohertz channel accommodates
quaternary phase shift keying (QPSK)/16/
64/256 quadrature amplitude modulation
(QAM) modulation options. The channel
offers the same relative spectral efficiency
and low laten-
cy as the
company’s
25-kilohertz
bandwidth
channel. The
channel can
deliver an ultra spectrally efficient data
rate of 12.8 bits per hertz at 256 QAM.
The raw data rates are 40/80/120/160 kilo-
bits per second for QPSK/16/64/256 QAM.
www.mimomax.com
Notebook Computers Rugged Notebooks’ RNB Eagle note-
book provides a complete solution to
National Crime Information Center
(NCIC) compli-
ance required
by the Federal
Bureau of
Investigation
(FBI). The
computer
comes standard with the latest security
features including a biometric fingerprint
reader and a SmartCard (CAC) reader.
Absolute Computrace allows depart-
ments to track any device that has been
lost or stolen and remotely delete or
remove some or all information stored on
the computer.
http://ruggednotebooks.com/eagle
Rugged Laptop Toughbook 31 from Panasonic Solu-
tions is the sixth generation of notebook
that features an Intel Core i5 or i3 proces-
sor, 1,100 nit
touchscreen dis-
play and rugged
certification
beyond Mil-Std-
810G and IP65.
The computer
enables data access and productivity in
extreme environments for first respon-
ders, military personnel and field workers
72 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
New Products
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Ralph A. Haller, President122 Baltimore Street, Suite 200
Gettysburg, PA 17325Phone (717) 334-7991 ◆ FAX (717) 334-5656
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in industries such as telecommunications,
utilities and energy. The notebook fea-
tures a new hybrid cooling system that
keeps the internal temperature down
while maintaining optimal protection from
liquids, dust and other environmental
hazards. The notebook features a 13.1-
inch XGA LCD touchscreen, full-circle
viewability, protection from drops up to 6
feet and 11 hours of battery life.
www.panasonic.com/toughbook
Controllers Midian Electronics enhanced its PC-
based CAD-400 G-Star and CAD-600
FleetSync controllers. In addition to decod-
ing and displaying automatic number iden-
tification (ANI) and emergency ANI in
Kenwood
FleetSync or
Harris G-Star,
the controllers
will decode
messages
from field
units. The encode capabilities for selective
call, radio disable/enable, emergency
acknowledge and more were added. A net-
work version with Ethernet interface and
software is available.
www.midians.com
Replacement BatteriesBatteryJack announced several replace-
ment batteries, including an intrinsically
safe battery for Kenwood TK2140/2160/
3140/3160 radio lines. The company also
announced a Li-ion battery for Kenwood
TK260/360/270/370 and TK280/380/290/
390/480/481 radios. BatteryJack also
manufactures a 7.5-volt replacement bat-
tery for the Midland SP-400 series and
ALAN radio lines.
www.batteryjack.com
Electrical Switch Knobs Elma Electronic offers bell-shaped knobs
for electronic
switches in the 3,
6, 9 and 12 o’clock
indicating posi-
tions. The bell-
shaped design
comes in hard- or
soft-touch finishes and employs a two-shot
injection design. The knobs accept
standard pan-European D-shape for 6-
millimeter shafts with a 4.5-millimeter flat.
Regardless of the orientation of the D-
shaped end, the indicator lines or dots
come in the four position options and are
available in blue, white or custom colors.
www.elma.com
Switch and Step Attenuator Narda Microwave-East introduced Model
SEM02012 fail-safe
SP2T RF switch for
operation from direct
current to 18 GHz
that features very low
insertion loss. The
switch operates from
www.MCCmag.com MissionCrit ical Communicat ions August 2010 73
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ARC manufactures mics for two-way radiothat are made with Kevlar reinforced cablepolycarbonate mic housing, HQ audioand are backed with a 7 year warranty.
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12 VDC at 275 milliampere (mA), has a
maximum insertion loss of 0.5 dB, isola-
tion of at least 60 dB and VSWR of less
than 1.5:1.
Narda also introduced Model 743-60
step attenuator that provides attenuation of
0 to 60 dB in 10-dB steps via a thumb-
wheel and direct readout, and covers
direct current to 18 GHz.
www.nardamicrowave.com/east
Filter Temwell’s Four Tuning Helical BandPass
Filter satisfies high attenuation, broadband
needs with an insertion loss of less than 2
dB and
group
delay of
less than
20 – 40
nano-
seconds.
The filter is ideal for digital-mixer RF/IF
conversions, multipoint distribution system
(MDS), mine communications, Project 25
(P25) and data applications of two-way
radios. The company can install the product
into a module filter, and offers SMA, N and
F connectors.
www.temwell.com.tw
VHF Filter Sinclair Technologies introduced FP20603
series VHF low-loss, high-selectivity high-
power compact band-pass filters. Featuring
a compact
design, the
filter fits into
a 19-inch 3U
high rack
mount for
single or dual units. The filters cover the 132
– 174 MHz frequency range with 1 or 2
megahertz pass band. A 150-watt power
handling capability makes the device ideal
for filtering both receiving and transmitting
channels. The filters can also be easily
paired for duplexing or diplexing applica-
tions within the same rack space.
www.sinctech.com
Male Connectors Times Microwave Systems’ Advantage
connector line for LMR cables was extend-
ed to include two EZ no-solder type
connectors for LMR-300 cables, the EZ-
300-NMH-D type N male and the EZ-300-
TM-D type
TNC male.
Both connec-
tors feature
combination
hex/knurl coupling nut that allows tighten-
ing by hand or with a wrench, tri-metal plat-
ing, chamfered cable entry hole for ease of
termination, ridged landing area on the aft
end and enhanced impedance matching.
www.timesmicrowave.com
Recorder with Trunked SupportDSS released Motorola flexible ATIA
74 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
New Products
Total Recall - provide secure automatic recording, live monitoring,archiving, searching, and playback. Document conversations on 4 to92 phones, phone lines, two-way radios, Analog/VoIP/ISDN/T1/PRI, etc.Features include: automatic archiving to built-in HDD/CD/DVD,password protected playback, plus live monitoring locally and viaLAN/WAN/Dial-up. Use Total Recall to document your critical conversations - from $5700.
TeleCorder - record either via USB connection to a PC (2 or 4channels - from $250), or stand-alone recording and playback plusUSB connection to PC (2 or 4 channels - from $750).
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www.MCCmag.com MissionCrit ical Communicat ions August 2010 75
trunked radio support in the Equature
recorder, allowing users to search criteria
including talk group identification (ID) and
alias, individual ID and alias, zone, site
and timestamp. All of the data criteria can
be searched, filtered, reported on and
exported for additional use in public-safety
answering points (PSAPs). Equature sup-
ports true start/stop triggering based on
the ATIA radio data and supports reporting
platforms, allowing PSAPs to report 9-1-1
calls and all radio traffic on one platform.
www.dispatchimprovement.com
CAD Enhancement InterAct Public Safety Systems
released InterActCAD version 6.2 that
features tools to help dispatchers acceler-
ate emergency responses, company
officials said. The version enables dis-
patchers to quickly access agency stan-
dard operating procedures based on call
type and take advantage of enhanced
automatic printing, faxing and e-mail
capabilities. The version automatically
updates the CAD vehicle and person
modules when interfaced with Priority
Dispatch software and features additional
configuration options for location valida-
tion and premise information.
www.interact911.com
Microsoft Support for CAD ez911 added Microsoft’s .NET and SQL
server technology to its latest version of
ezCAD. All products feature clean, intuitive
interfaces, company officials said.
www.ez911inc.com
GIS 9-1-1 System GeoComm released GeoLynx 9-1-1
Server, a Web-based tactical dispatch geo-
graphic information system (GIS) that
leverages next-generation 9-1-1 (NG
9-1-1) emergency services IP networks
(ESInets). The dispatch mapping system is
distributed across public-safety networks,
providing users with secure access to a
common operating picture (COP) of the
jurisdiction’s geography and real-time
public-safety activity. Built on ESRI ArcGIS
Server and ArcGIS Silverlight application
programming interface (API), the server
can map live 9-1-1 calls, CAD calls for
service, and AVL and sensor telemetry.
Benefits include streamlined application
installation, maintenance and data syn-
chronization, company officials said.
www.geo-comm.com
Public Safety Portal SoftwareSunGard Public Sector introduced
ONESolution, a suite of enterprise
resource planning (ERP), community
development and public-safety and justice
products that includes a consolidated
national citizen services ePortal. The
Microsoft .NET products are built on serv-
ice-oriented architecture (SOA) and pro-
vide a role-based common user interface
and secure sign-on design to support the
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needs of specific mobile and office-based
staff within each department. The national
citizen ePortal is designed to consolidate
online government information and pay-
ment services into a single site and to
operate across user jurisdictions through a
series of interlinked local portals.
www.sungardps.com
Mic and Adapters The WTX-4100 series of flexible platform
mics from Pryme Radio Products feature
large push-to-talk (PTT)
buttons. The speaker mic
is ruggedized, waterproof
and IP rated, and features
a GPS to pinpoint user
location. The device offers
multiple reporting modes
to automatically send
employee locations and
comes with free tracking software.
The company also released the
PrymeBLU Bluetooth adapters that are
designed for use with Motorola radios. The
adapters can be used with standard off-the-
shelf Bluetooth headsets and allow users to
link multiple devices to a single headset.
The never-miss-a-call feature works in the
event of a headset link failure, and the
Smart Switch ensures the device automati-
cally reverts to normal radio operation.
www.pryme.com
Covert Antenna Mobile Mark introduced the CVW series
wideband covert antenna for GPS tracking,
designed to cover numerous wireless appli-
cations. The two-cable antenna combines
GPS on one cable and any one of several
wireless data appli-
cations on the
other cable. The
antenna covers the
800 – 960 MHz and 1.7 – 2.2 GHz bands.
The antenna offers 2.5 dBi peak gain on the
cell/data bands, and the GPS performance
is 26 dB amplifier gain with 5 dBi RHCP
nominal antenna gain. The antenna offers a
low-noise figure with filter characteristics.
Standard connector configurations are
TNC/SMA or SMA/SMA, with other configu-
rations available as special order.
www.mobilemark.com
DC – AC Inverters Wilmore Electronics’ Model 1734 500
VA DC – AC inverters perform in station-
ary and mobile applications and are
available in 12, 24, 48 and 130 VDC input
versions. The inverters are designed for
telecommunications, data processing,
supervisory control and data acquisition
(SCADA) networks and security. Features
include a com-
pact size, high
operating effi-
ciencies and
operation over
a wide temperature range with convec-
tion cooling. The inverters provide a regu-
lated 120 VAC, frequency stable 60 hertz
quasi-sine-wave output and an optional
built-in automatic load switchover feature
that permits operation in uninterruptible
or standby power mode in conjunction
with another AC source.
www.wilmoreelectronics.com
Smart Grid Planning ToolEDX Wireless’ SignalPro version 7.3 with
the Advanced Mesh Planning module for
smart grid networks features a large-scale
mesh system module that is tailored for
smart grid advanced metering infrastruc-
ture (AMI) systems of up to 200,000 smart
meters in one project. The system was
designed to efficiently plan, deploy and
optimize large-scale mesh and AMI net-
works at every point in the system lifecy-
cle to ensure proper dimensioning and
cost analysis. The latest version also
offers enhanced features for 4G wireless
network planning including advanced
interference calculation methods, fraction-
al frequency reuse and multitechnology
support that delivers high-data capacity in
Long Term Evolution (LTE) and WiMAX
networks.
www.edx.com
In-Building Notification SystemThe SafePath Mass Notification System
(SPMNS) from Cooper Notification is an
in-building mass notification system (MNS)
that integrates with a facility’s addressable
fire alarm system to perform both fire
alarm and emergency communications
functions. The system provides personnel
and building occupants with intelligible live
and pre-recorded voice messages that
communicate what to do in response to an
emergency. The platform is compliant with
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2572 and
National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) 72 2010 codes.
www.coopernotification.com
9-1-1 Fund Collection Tooldash Carrier Services deployed a user
interface to assist public-safety answering
points (PSAPs) in collecting 9-1-1 fees
allocated toward emergency services and
next-generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1). The
interface allows users to query dash’s
automatic location information (ALI)
database for the information necessary to
collect 9-1-1 remittance funds from VoIP
service providers for the dispatch center’s
respective communities. The database tool
provides the functional equivalent used by
municipalities and public-safety organiza-
tions for wireline services for collection of
9-1-1 fees.
www.dashcs.com
76 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
New Products
CorrectionsThe range of frequencies that
must be narrowbanded was incorrectin the July issue’s “Inbox.” The rangefor refarming is 150 – 512 MHz. MissionCritical Communicationsregrets the error.
In addition, following is a revisedanswer to the last question in the Julyissue’s “Inbox” based on the FCC’sJune 30 updated narrowbandingorder.
Question: Is it permissible forusers to program radios sold afterJan. 1, 2011, with previous versionsof programming software and enable 25-kilohertz operations?
Answer: The FCC recently pro-vided a blanket waiver in WT DocketNo. 99-87 (FCC 10-119) to allow themanufacture and import of 25-kilohertz-capable equipment untilJan. 1, 2013. Based on this decision,it is permissible for radios sold afterJan. 1, 2011, to be programmed orreprogrammed to enable the 25-kilohertz mode of operation.
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AC/DC Industries ....................................................615 Advanced Concepts ................................................812 Advantage Telcom...................................................236 AECOM Design .......................................................131 Aeroflex ..................................................................422 AFC Industries ........................................................809 AGENT511 ..............................................................205 Alcatel - Lucent .......................................................345 Alert Public Safety Solutions.................................1311 Aluma Tower...........................................................649 A.M. Pugh Associates...........................................1604 Antenna Plus...........................................................921 Application Data Systems Inc. (ADSI).....................863 Architects Design Group .........................................204 AT&T.......................................................................667 Auto Vision Wireless.............................................1352 Avaya ......................................................................649 Aviat Networks........................................................513 Avtec.....................................................................1713 Bird Technologies Group.........................................523 Bramic Creative Business Products ......................1354 Broadcast Microwave Services ...............................913 Brother Mobile Solutions ......................................1745 CalAmp .................................................................1618 Capers ..................................................................1320 Carlson Wireless Technologies ...............................646 Catalyst Communications Technologies..................960 CDW-G ...................................................................449 Cellular Specialties Inc. (CSI)................................1555 Center for Domestic Preparedness .........................306 CenturyLink ............................................................404 Ceragon Networks ..................................................717 C4i ..........................................................................250 Coban Technologies................................................916 CommInnovations ................................................1617 CommSys .............................................................1416 CommTech..............................................................709 Communications International ................................221 Computer Information Systems..............................961 Comsearch............................................................1612 Concept Seating......................................................412 Concepts to Operations ..........................................624 Copper Development Association .........................1712 Criticall Pre-Employment Testing Software...........1016 CTI Products...........................................................716 CTS Consolidated Telecom Services .................... 1567 CVDS/ComLog........................................................705 CyberTech International ..........................................758 Cygnus Law Enforcement Group ............................206 Cyrun ....................................................................1304 Daniels Electronics ...............................................1423 Dash Carrier Services ...........................................1367 DataComm for Business .........................................756 Datron World Communications.............................1643 Davicom, a div. of Comlab ......................................722 dbSpectra ...............................................................238 Deccan International .............................................1263 Dell .........................................................................305 Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC) 1221 Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) ...1219 Dodgen Mobile Technologies................................1937 Domore 24/7 Seating by Scope Technologies.......1405 DSS ........................................................................251 Dupont Building....................................................1518 DX Radio Systems ................................................1847 Dynamic Instruments ...........................................1314 EADS ....................................................................1011 EFJohnson Technologies ......................................1242 Emergency Communications Network ....................904 EmergiTech .............................................................418 EMR......................................................................1215 EM Wave.................................................................207 Engineering Associates.........................................1748 EnRoute Emergency Systems.................................931 Environment Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ...1205 Etherstack.............................................................1561 Eupen Cable U.S.A. ...............................................1846 Eventide ..................................................................604 Everbridge ............................................................1062 Exacom...................................................................245 Exalt Communications ............................................350 FATPOT Technologies ...........................................1737 FCC .......................................................................1467 Federal Signal .........................................................751 Fiber-Span ..............................................................620 Fiplex Communications...........................................708 Forge Public Safety Solutions ...............................1844 Futurecom Systems Group .....................................515 GammaTech Computer .........................................1818 General Dynamics...................................................210 Genesis Group ........................................................612 GeoComm.............................................................1543 Getac ......................................................................704 Global Connect .....................................................1413 Global Software ......................................................305 Globaltel Media .....................................................1462 GRE America.........................................................1060 G-Wave/G-Way Microwave ...................................1513 Harris......................................................................231 Havis-Shields Equipment ........................................322 Hendon Publishing ...............................................1946 Hicaps.....................................................................320 HigherGround .......................................................1315 HipLink Software (formerly Semotus) ....................364 Hitech Systems.....................................................1505 Honeywell Batteries ................................................804 Hub-Data 911 .......................................................1637 Hutton Communications .........................................821 IBM.........................................................................240IB Wave ................................................................1557 Icom America .........................................................567 ICOP Digital ............................................................915 Ideal Seating .........................................................1310 ID Networks..........................................................1822IHS – Jane’s..........................................................1306 iKey.......................................................................1312 Inmarsat Government Services...............................310 In Motion Technology .............................................922Institute of Information Technology ......................1651 Integrated Microwave Technologies........................806 Interact Public Safety Systems .............................1831 Intergraph.............................................................1231 International Public Management Association
for Human Resources.......................................1654 Intrado ..................................................................1043 IPMobileNet ............................................................257 IPWireless ..............................................................213 Julie Industries/StaticSmart Flooring....................1820 Kenwood USA.......................................................1331 Kova........................................................................707 Language Line Services ..........................................608 Larsen Antennas .....................................................414 Leach Mounce Architects......................................1225 Let’s Think Wireless................................................715 Link Communications ..........................................1255
LLE Language Services.........................................1843 Locus Location Systems.........................................410 Locution Systems ...................................................955 Logistic Systems ....................................................561 L. Robert Kimball and Associates .........................1931 Lyncole XIT Grounding .........................................1414 MCM Technology ....................................................622 Micronet Communications....................................1613 Microwave Networks ............................................2008 Midland Radio.......................................................1455 Mi-Jack Systems & Technology............................1609 MillerCo ..................................................................545 MissionCritical Communications ..........................1523Mission Critical Partners.......................................1511 Modular Communication Systems
(ModUcom)........................................................912 Motorola .................................................................531 MPRI – Training Technology Group, an L-3 co. ......211 Mutualink................................................................242 Nacht & Lewis Architects......................................1725 National Center for Missing &
Exploited Children (NCMEC).............................1512National Nuclear Security Administration .............1719 National Public Safety Information Bureau ...........1324 NEC Corporation of America .................................1410 Nello .......................................................................808 NetMotion Wireless ................................................920 New World Systems .............................................1821 Nice Systems..........................................................731 9-1-1 Magazine.......................................................464Oaisys...................................................................1620 Omnitronics ............................................................404 OnStar ..................................................................1815 Panasonic Solutions ...............................................923 Panorama Antennas..............................................1363 Patlite (U.S.A.) ........................................................714 Phone Supplements................................................674 Pictometry ............................................................1211 P.I. Engineering.......................................................712 PlantCML/EADS....................................................1011 Plantronics..............................................................958 Police Legal Sciences ...........................................1466 PolyPhaser/Transtector Systems ..........................1445 PowerPhone .........................................................1439 PowerTrunk ..........................................................1461 Powerwave Technologies........................................551 Precision Quincy Shelters .....................................1706 Presentation Theater.............................................1765 Project 25 Technology Interest Group...................1721 PST Technologies ...................................................813 Public Safety Group ................................................713 Public Safety Systems Inc. (PSSI) ..........................739 Purvis Systems.....................................................1812 Pyramid Network Service .......................................219 Radio Club of America ............................................304 Radio IP Software.................................................. 621 RadioResource International ................................1523RadioResource Media Group ................................1523RadioSoft................................................................924 Radixon/Winradio Communications .....................1750 Radwin..................................................................1468 Ram Mounting Systems .........................................319 Raven Electronics .................................................1415 Raycap .................................................................1911 Raytheon ..............................................................2030 RCC Consultants...................................................1809 ReliOn.....................................................................805 Relm Wireless.......................................................1531 Revcord ................................................................1504 RF Industries ..........................................................366 RF Technology ........................................................257 RoboVu.................................................................2025 Rockwell Collins ...................................................1566 Russ Bassett.........................................................1707 Sabre Industries ...................................................1544 Safety Vision ........................................................1261
Save........................................................................815 Schedule Express by Informer Systems .................909 Sierra Wireless .....................................................1004 Simulcast Solutions................................................744 Sinclair Technologies ..............................................625 Skyport Global Communications ..........................2023 SkyTerra Communications ....................................1519 Slatercom - WCD ..................................................1515 Smart Service Solutions .......................................1944 Solacom Technologies ............................................906 Sonik Messaging Systems......................................318 Sorenson Communications...................................1318 Southern Software................................................1656 Spacenet .................................................................807 Specialty Tower Lighting.........................................315 Spectracom ............................................................724 Spectrum Firm........................................................617Spillman Technologies ............................................839 Sprint Nextel .........................................................1340 Stancil Solutions.....................................................643 Sti-Co Industries...................................................1622 Stratus Technologies ............................................1723 SunGard Public Sector..........................................1731 Sunny Communications........................................1716 SureFire ................................................................1407 Survey Technologies Inc. (STI) ...............................521 Sytech...................................................................1351 Tait Radio Communications ....................................353 Talley.......................................................................742 Telecom Recovery...................................................543 Tele-Communication .............................................1365TeleCommunication Systems (TCS)........................745 Telestaff by PDSI.....................................................311 Televate...................................................................248 Telewave .................................................................225 Telex Radio Dispatch...............................................605 Thales Communications .........................................847 Thermo Bond Buildings ..........................................367 Tiburon ...................................................................939 Times Microwave Systems .....................................720 TPL Communications .............................................816 Trident Micro Systems............................................748 TriTech Software Systems.......................................831 Tusa Consulting Services......................................1257 Twenty First Century Communications .................1614 247Security ..........................................................1610Ultralife Energy Services ......................................1607 United Group - Ergonomic Office Chair Division.....905 UniTek Global Services BCI Communications .......1369 Urgent Communications .......................................1411 USAlert ...................................................................321 US Digital Designs ..................................................859 Valmont Structures.................................................313 Valor Systems.........................................................642 Verint Systems......................................................1006 Verizon Business ....................................................363 Verizon Wireless .....................................................359 Versaterm .............................................................1522 Vertex Standard ......................................................853 VFP .........................................................................661 Viking Dispatch (Viking Acoustical) ........................750 VisionAIR..............................................................1537 Vislink Law Enforcement & Public Safety ..............613 Vista Com ...............................................................814 Voice Print International (VPI) ..............................1012 Waterford Consultants..........................................1510 Watson Dispatch.....................................................949 Westnet...................................................................323 Winbourne & Costas.............................................1223 Wright Line ...........................................................1549 xwave....................................................................1514 Xybix Systems ......................................................1020 Zetron ...................................................................1431 Zoll Data Systems.................................................1837 Zuercher Technologies..........................................1939
Exhibitors and Booth Numberswww.apco2010.org (as of July 8)
2010 APCO Show Guide
Exhibit Hall HoursSunday, Aug. 14:30 – 6:30 p.m.Monday, Aug. 210 a.m – 4 p.m.Tuesday, Aug. 3
10:30 a.m – 4 p.m.
Come See Us at Booth 1523 RadioResource Media Group
www.MCCmag.com MissionCrit ical Communicat ions August 2010 79
APCO Professional Development Tracks
Professional Development TracksTelecommunicator Topics: On the Front Line ■Training for Today and Tomorrow ■Communications Center Management ■Current Events/Hot Topics ■Supervision and Leadership Development ■Project, Planning and Practices ■Technology Management ■IT and Radio Techno-Talk ■
Sunday, Aug. 14:30 – 6:30 p.m. Reception: Attendee Welcome
Reception
Monday, Aug. 28:30 – 10 a.m. Opening General Session:
Capt. Jim Lovell
5 – 7 p.m. Reception: E9-1-1 Institute/APCO International Partnership Reception
7 – 10 p.m. Monday Night Celebration: Toyota Center
Tuesday, Aug. 38 – 10:30 a.m. Supersession:
Laugh at Fear: Finding the Courage to Achieve
7 – 10 p.m. Event: Annual Blue and White Gala
Wednesday, Aug. 412 – 2 p.m. Supersession: Build Balance and Reduce
Stress, Secrets from the Daily Six
S E S S I O N S A N D E V E N T S
S U N D A Y , A U G . 1
Case Studies in Dispatch Consolidation ■
Core NG 9-1-1 Elements: The LoggingService ■
Handheld Computing – Bringing the Station House to You ■
National Standards for Public-Safety Communications ■
The External Alarm Interface ExchangeANS and False Alarm Reduction Efforts:Making a Massive Difference in Communications Centers ■
2 – 3 p.m.
Grant Writing – A How-To Guide for Funding Your New System ■
Effective Public-Safety Backhaul NetworkTransformation ■
City of Houston Leading the Country in the Development and Implementation of itsNew $130 Million Next-Generation P25Phase 2 700 MHz Trunked Radio System ■
Handling Complaints ■
Operating in A Child-Centered PSAP ■
OYO v. Oh-No! Making the Difference ■
PowerPoint for Software Simulators, OnlineLearning and Interactive Reference Tools ■
What are In-Building Codes and How doThey Affect the Hardware You Buy? ■
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
M O N D A Y , A U G . 2Beyond the Cubicle: Creating an Ergonomically Focused CommunicationsCenter ■
How Not to Specify Radio Coverage ■
Roundtable Discussion for Communications Supervisors ■
800 MHz Rebanding: Lessons Learned ■
Advanced Automatic Crash Notifications and Urgency Factors: CanWe Standardize? ■
Be All You Can Be As a Trainer ■
How to Act in a Promotional Interview ■
Non-Service Initialized Phones: Problems,Challenges and Legal Status ■
12:45 – 1:45 a.m.
If It Isn’t In Writing, It Didn’t Happen, OrDid It? ■
CALEA Panel ■
Improving Radio Communication SecurityThrough Better Encryption Management ■
Interoperability Planning and Governance:A Focus on the Local Level ■
Next Generation Cyber Security for Today’sPublic-Safety Systems ■
Procuring CAD Systems for MultidisciplineCommunications Centers ■
PTSD: Identifying Post Traumatic StressDisorder in Callers and Techniques in Aiding Such Individuals ■
2 – 3 p.m.
Champagne Training on a Beer Budget ■
Cultivating Positive Change Within Challenging Employees ■
FCC Regulatory Panel ■
The Emerging Role of Social Media Toolsfor Public Safety: Beyond the Web ■
Welcome to the Viper Pit ■
U.S. Fire Service and Impact of Public-Safety Communications ■
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
i3 Everything You Need to Know But AreAfraid to Ask ■
3:15 – 5:30 p.m.
Deployment Awareness for Telcommunica-tor Emergency Taskforce (TERT) Team ■
Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL):Your Path to Success ■
How to Teach A New Dog Old Tricks ■
Lessons Learned in Moving from CodedSubstitutions to Plain Language ■
Virtual USA Panel: Connecting EmergencyResponders to Real-Time Actionable Information ■
FCC Town Hall Meeting ■
When Will P25 Radios Really Be Interchangeable Between Manufacturers? ■
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
T U E S D A Y , A U G . 3C.O.M.M.O – Count on Me Motivating Others – Build Your Own Reward andRecognition Program ■
Remote Site Power: Greener Hybrids ■
Public Expectations in 9-1-1: Finding YourCaller ■
Trainer Roundtable ■
Terrorist Screening Center: The Future ofTerrorism Information Sharing BetweenLocal and Law Enforcement and the Intelligence Community ■
RETAINS Toolkit 2.0 ■12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
2010 Haiti Earthquake: Disaster Communications Restoration LessonsLearned ■
TH TSB-88 – What is it, How to Use it,What Are its Benefits? ■
How to be a Supervisor From a Non-Supervisor’s Point of View ■
12:45 – 3 p.m.
Amateur Radio and Public Safety ■ Critical Incident Management for DispatchPersonnel ■
Technology and Training – How to Makethe Best of Both Worlds ■
You Have to Dig Deep to Find A Diamond ■
2 – 3 p.m.
W E D N E S D A Y , A U G . 4Preventing Information Overload on Patrol ■
Narrowbanding Update – Time is GrowingShort ■
Putting your IQ into QI – The QualityImprovement Cycle ■
Terminology and Technology – Removingthe Fear Factor ■
The Role of Satellite in Interoperable Communications for Public Safety ■
Building Your PSAP’s Roadmap to NG 9-1-1 ■
Training Manual and Syllabus for Your Public-Safety Communications Academy ■
8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
Are IP Technologies Really Ready for Mission-Critical Wireless CommunicationsSystems? ■
Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks? ■
Officer Down: What Dispatchers Need toKnow ■
PSAP NextGen Readiness – What Aboutthe Map? ■
Public Safety Collaboration Brings Results ■
Quest for Quality ■
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Leadership Symposium ■8:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Broadband Communications to EnableFirst Responders with New Level of Information ■
9:30 – 11:45 a.m.
APCO Call Center Standards CommitteePanel Discussion – Public Safety Communications Training CoordinatorTraining Standard ■
Communications Tower Design and Installation Points to Remember ■
Effective Use of NCIC in Missing, Abductedand Sexually Exploited Child Incidents ■
The Future of Mobile VPN Technology forMission-Critical Communications ■
The New Multiband Radios and TheirImpact on Interoperability ■
Where am I? Why am I Here? ■10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
12:45 – 3 p.m.
80 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
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August 11 – 12: Disaster Planning for Hospitals, Washington. World Research Group: 800-647-7600, [email protected], www.worldrg.com/disaster
August 16 – 18: 2010 URISA/NENA Addressing Conference, Charlotte, N.C. Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA): 847-824-6300, [email protected] and National Emergency Number Association (NENA): 800-332-3911, www.urisa.org/addressing/2010charlotte
August 24 – 28: Fire-Rescue Interna-tional (FRI) 2010, Chicago. International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC): 703-537-4840, [email protected], www.iafc.org/fri
September 13 – 15: Canada – U.S.Cross Border Interoperable Communi-cations Workshop, Windsor, Ontario.Public Safety Canada and U.S. Depart-ment of Homeland Security (DHS):www.cacp.ca
September 21 – 23: Biometric Consortium Conference and Technology Expo, Tampa, Fla. NationalInstitute of Standards and Technology(NIST): Dick Bailey, 301-738-5126,[email protected],http://events.jspargo.com/biometrics10
September 27 – 30: Canadian Utility Telecom Conference, Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan. Utilities Telecom Council(UTC) Canada: 202-872-0030, www.utccanada.org/2010-canadian-utility-telecom-conference
October 4 – 5: FCCA Annual Meeting, Orlando, Fla. FCCA: 717-338-1505, [email protected], www.fcca-usa.org
October 4 – 6: Smart Grid Conference, Los Angeles. Technology Marketing: 203-852-6800, www.tmcnet.com
October 4 – 7: Wireless Infrastructure Show, Hollywood, Fla. PCIA: 703-535-7511, [email protected], www.wirelessinfrastructureshow.com
October 19 – 20: Antenna Systems 2011, Dallas. Antenna Systems and Technology: www.antennasonline.com/AST-Conf10/ast10_index.php
October 23 – 27: IACP Annual Conference, Orlando, Fla. International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP): 800-843-4227, www.theiacpconference.org/iacp2010/public/enter.aspx
November 3 – 5: Enterprise Wireless2010, Orlando, Fla. Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA): [email protected], www.enterprisewireless.org
November 7 – 10: Communications Marketing Conference (CMC), Nashville, Tenn. Communications Marketing Association (CMA): 303-988-3515,
www.cma-cmc.org/conference.php
November 10 – 11: LTE North America, Dallas. LTE North American Team: [email protected], http://americas.lteconference.com
November 15 – 18: APCO Canada, Vancouver. Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Canada: Niesa Silzer, 403-277-7377, [email protected], www.apcocanadaconference.ca
November 30 – December 4: Congress of Cities and Exposition, Denver. National League of Cities (NLC): 202-626-3000, [email protected], www.nlc.org
December 6 – 8 : Fourth CanadianVoice Interoperability Workshop, Victoria, British Columbia. CanadianInteroperability Technology InterestGroup: www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=821962
2011March 7 – 11: IWCE, Las Vegas. Penton Media: 508-743-0105, www.iwceexpo.com
May 10 – 13: UTC Telecom, Long Beach, Calif. UTC: www.utc.org
August 7 – 11: APCO Conference andTrade Show, Philadelphia. APCO Inter-national: 888-272-6911, www.apcointl.org
EventsFor more events, visit www.MCCmag.com
92 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
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11
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Aeroflex Wichita, Inc. .........................................43www.aeroflex.com/maximized
Astra Radio Communications ............................73www.arcmics.com
Astron ................................................................11www.astroncorp.com
Bird Technologies ..............................................25www.bird-technologies.com/SB/mc
Cimarron Technologies ......................................12www.cimtechcorp.com
Copper Development Association ......................29www.copper.org
Daniels Electronics.............................................59www.danelec.com
Datron World Communications..........................13www.dtwc.com
dbSpectra ..........................................................71www.dbSpectra.com
Digital Voice Systems ........................................75www.dvsinc.com
EF Johnson Technologies...................................18www.efjohnsontechnologies.com
Elma Electronic ..................................................59www.elma.com
Eventide .............................................................49www.eventide.com
Exacom ..............................................................51www.exacom.com
Fiber-Span..........................................................75www.fiber-span.com
Fiplex .................................................................37www.fiplex.com
Fox Ridge Communications ...............................72www.frci.com
General Dynamics ..............................................95www.gdsatcom.com/ctereps.php
Genesis Group ...................................................17www.GenesisWorld.com/GET
Hytera ................................................................33www.hytera.us
ICOM America................................................3, 55www.icomamerica.com/MCC
Kenwood Communications ..................................5www.kenwoodusa.com
Metric Systems..................................................74www.metricsystems.com
MissionCritical Communications .......................77www.MCCmag.com
Moducom ............................................................2www.moducom.com/
Omnicron...........................................................74www.omnicronelectronics.com
OTTO..................................................................19www.ottoexcellence.com
PlantCML/EADS ...................................................7www.plantcml-eads.com
PowerTrunk/Teltronic S.A.U. ..............................23www.powertrunk.net
Precision Quincy ................................................63www.precisionquincy.com
Radio Club of America .......................................92www.radioclubofamerica.org
Radwin...............................................................41www.radwin.com
RCC Consultants ................................................64www.rcc.com
ReliOn ................................................................42www.relion-inc.com
Relm Wireless....................................................67www.relm.com
ShopWare ..........................................................64www.shopwaresoftware.com
SkyTerra Communications .................................47www.skyterra.com
SoftWright .........................................................63www.softwright.com
Sprint Nextel ......................................................15www.sprint.com/nextel
STI-CO ...............................................................16www.sti-co.com
SuperGUIDE.................................................60, 72www.MCCmag.com
Survey Technologies ..........................................34www.surveytech.com
Tait North America .............................................27www.taitradio.com/upgrade
Talley Communications ......................................22www.talley.com
Televate..............................................................53www.televate.com
Telewave ............................................................96www.telewave.com
Telex Dispatch....................................................21www.telex.com/radiodispatch
Thales ................................................................44www.thalesliberty.com
Times Microwave...............................................39www.timesmicrowave.com
Toughbook Depot...............................................35www.toughbookdepot.com/mc3
TRANSMISSION ................................................68www.MCCmag.com
Trident Micro Systems .......................................30www.tridentms.com
Verint .................................................................57www.verint.com/publicsafety
Vertex Standard .................................................69www.vertexstandard.com
VPI .....................................................................52www.VPI-corp.com
W&W Manufacturing .........................................20www.ww-manufacturing.com
Zetron ..................................................................9www.zetron.com
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3. Check the box that best describes your organization AT YOUR LOCATION. (Check ONE box)PUBLIC SAFETY AND GOVERNMENT NETWORK SERVICE PROVIDER❑ A. Law Enforcement ❑ K. Mobile Radio Operator/SMR❑ B. Fire Department ❑ L. Paging/Messaging Provider❑ C. Emergency Services/PSAPs ❑ M. Cellular/PCS Provider❑ D. State/Local Government ❑ N. Satellite and Other Networks❑ E. Federal Government/Military PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERBUSINESS/INDUSTRY/TRANSPORTATION ❑ O. Engineering/Consulting Firm❑ F. Public Utility ❑ P. Wireless Application Service Provider❑ G. Petroleum Industry ❑ Q. Associations and Other Services❑ H. Telecom/Cable/Broadband PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION❑ I. Transportation/Fleet Services ❑ R. Manufacturer of Comm. Equipment❑ J. Other Business/Industry/Field Service ❑ S. Rep. or Distributors of Comm. Equipment
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94 August 2010 MissionCrit ical Communicat ions www.MCCmag.com
Q & ABy Sandra Wendelken, Editor
Terry C. Miller is manager of intelli-gent transportation systems (ITS)
communications and wireless technologyfor the Washington State Department ofTransportation (DOT). Involved in public-safety communications for morethan 35 years, Miller manages a head-quarters team of seven design engineersand staff supporting the agency’s 800MHz trunked system, a limited VHF ana-log system, as well as the wireless sys-tems for the ITS that support the state’sregional traffic management centers. Thisincludes portions of a sharedmicrowave radio infrastructure con-necting nearly 200 communicationssites serving multiple agencies. Thisteam of engineers insures WashingtonState DOT has the best public-safetycommunications capability possible socrews can work safely and efficiently.
What is the most importantdevelopment in transportationcommunications during the past few years?
The ability to rapidly, reliably and seamlessly collect anddeliver information from the field in near real time is themost important development for transportation communica-tions during the past several years. Having a cost-effective,public-safety grade data communications tool allows man-agers, supervisors and our traffic management centers tomonitor activities and devices, and have better information ina rapidly changing environment. Managers and supervisorscan make better decisions, and we can keep the public betterinformed as conditions change. Every aspect of highwaymaintenance and traffic management can benefit.
Where are you in the 800 MHz rebanding processand how has it gone?
Being a border state, we fall under Wave 4 in rebanding.The benefit of being in Wave 4 is better knowing what othershave gone through. The disadvantage has been being lookedat as stragglers holding up progress. The latter has no founda-tion whatsoever. Now involved in Wave 4 planning, we’vefound public safety has generally been shortchanged by theprocess. The process was never developed to insure the goalsof public safety would be met, but that the goals of reallocat-ing the 800 MHz spectrum would be achieved. Every public-
safety agency involved has had toendure hours of negotiation to accom-plish what should have been a given.Each task is questioned by the unknow-ing or the disinterested. Process is val-ued over substance.
What is the most significant technology on the horizon?
Location-based communicationssystems are beginning to take shape inpublic safety. I’m talking about location-based E9-1-1 and cellular/PCSlocation data and now having public-safety responder locations available asmap information. Giving public safetygeospatial mapping and referencepoints will improve personnel andequipment asset management when it’scritical to the public’s safety.
What project have you completedthat you’re most proud of?
I can’t really point to a specific proj-ect completion that makes me proud over others. I am themost proud of the group of people I work with every day. I’mproud of their accomplishments, both large and small. AndI’m proud of the team of dedicated technicians who keep oursystems operational no matter what. Being a part of a self-servicing agency that has such dedicated employees makesour efforts something we can all be proud of.
Is there a shortage of qualified RF engineers in ourindustry?
I think there are many qualified RF engineers in ourindustry; however, I would suggest not as many as there areopportunities. Finding people with skills in RF propagationand system planning who can keep up with networking tech-nology is difficult to say the least. Finding the right balanceof people with skills in both areas, or experts in each sepa-rately, is a challenge. Cross training is a solution, but it takestime and has a cost.
How did you get your start in the industry?My father was an amateur radio operator, and I liked
climbing trees. You can pretty well guess what my firstantenna job was. After that, radio and electronics have a fas-cination that just draws you in. ■
Miller Oversees Wireless Networksfor Washington State DOT
Terry C. MillerCompany: Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT)Title: Manager of ITS Communications and Wireless TechnologyYears of Experience: 35Number of Staff: 7Web Site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Operations/ITS/wireless.htm
© 2010 General Dynamics. All Rights Reserved.
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