Mission Critical August

SPECS SURVEY: P25 Portables WHAT’S NEW: Mobile Data Software

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August 2010

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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


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

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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

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WEB SITE RESOURCES


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


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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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].


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


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


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


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.”

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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.”


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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Windows 7/XP compatibleTo further enhance the flexibility of the system,the ADHB-4 works with most desktop systems running the latest Microsoft Windows 7. It is also backwards compatible with Windows XP.

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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


News Briefs

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And now it gets even better. Th ese handheld spectrum analyzers feature a 10 MHz bandwidth demodulation option to allow you to test and verify the RF, modulation, and downlink coverage quality for LTE, GSM, W-CDMA and many other wireless standards. Th is testing improves the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) associated with call drop, call block and call denial rates.

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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.



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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


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


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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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

T1 Backhaul Radios General Electric

IP Backbone Antennas Kathrein Scala Division,General Dynamics Satcom Technologies (Gabriel)

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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.

To learn more, call CDA today at 800-835-2898or visit www.copper.org – weʼll fill you in oncase studies, plus weʼll send you our PowerQuality CD-ROM.


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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

to [email protected].

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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


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


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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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

[email protected].

More InformationFor more graphs, drawings and further

explanation, visit the Times-Protect

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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


Oil and gas personnel in remote areas rely on a new positioning system for increased safety. By Scott Kuei

TechnologyTracks Remote Workers

Photos courtesy Pryme/Destiny

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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

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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. ■

Scott Kuei is vice president of product

development for Pryme Radio Products.

He’s been working with Pryme on

hardware, firmware and software design

engineering and product development for

more than six years. E-mail comments to

[email protected].

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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



“Within the next few months, we should bepositioned both technically and operationally tomove from a view-only mode to actually creatingand sharing CAD cases.”

— Teddy Kavaleri, OUC

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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



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


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


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


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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].


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

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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


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.

Next-Generation 9-1-1. Public and media scrutiny. Staffi ng issues.Budget cuts. Today’s 9-1-1 professionals face more challenges than ever.

With all these changes, can you still deliver high-quality, professional service, quickly, reliably, and cost effectively? You bet—and Verint® Systems can help. Our Impact 360® for Public Safety solution combines the proven call and screen recording of AudiologTM with functionality for quality assurance, incident investigation and analysis, forecasting and scheduling, eLearning, coaching, and citizen surveys. It’s a workforce optimization solution specifi cally designed to help today’s emergency services organizations meet the challenges of tomorrow.

For more information on Impact 360 for Public Safety Powered by Audiolog,visit www.verint.com/publicsafety or call 1-800-4VERINT.

Call and Radio Recording

Console Screen Recording

Quality Assurance

Investigation and Analysis

Forecasting and Scheduling

eLearning and Coaching

Citizen Surveys

Workforce Optimization

New challenges. Proven solutions.


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POWERING ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE'

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


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



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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



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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


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



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


Terrain Analysis Package (TAP)TM

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view current locations on a map in vehicles.

www.tritech.com

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



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Service

Specs Survey: P25 Portable Radios


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


G2-450-x

--

P25

Single

380-520 MHz (continuous)

BothBoth

6.3 x 2.5 x 1.8--


1,02412.5, 25 kHz



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


1.5 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%


2 years


G2-Tri-x

--

P25

Multiband

136-174, 380-520(cont.), 762-870 MHz

BothBoth

7.5 x 2.5 x 1.8--


1,02412.5, 25 kHz



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


1.5 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%


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


51SL ES

--


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



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


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


Ascend ES

--


Single

700/800 MHz

BothBoth

6.7 x 2.52 x 1.8 in.11 oz.

Polycarbonate (black,yellow, orange)

51212.5, 25 kHz



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


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


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


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



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


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


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


Squelch sensitivity


Current drain (RX)Spurious rejectionAudio output power

Audio distortionFrequency stability


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


Project 25 Portable Radios

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YOU NEED!TRANSMISSION: the weekly e-newsletter

from MissionCritical Communicationsdelivers the most news, exclusive content,

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TRANSMISSIONat RRMediaGroup.com

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


--

51212.5, 20, 25 kHz


12-characteralphanumeric


7.4 VDC ±20%


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.)


Vertex Standard

VX-P829

$2,150

P25

Single

134-174, 400-470,450-512 MHz


--

51212.5, 20, 25 kHz


12-characteralphanumeric


7.4 VDC ±20%


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.)


MANUFACTURER→

PRODUCT NAME→

↓SPECSSuggested list price

For what protocols

Frequency type

Frequency ranges

Conventional/trunkedAnalog/digitalDimensions (HWD)Weight

Housing material


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


Squelch sensitivity


Current drain (RX)Spurious rejectionAudio output power

Audio distortionFrequency stability


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

Reduced budgets don’t have to mean cutting corners on the communications

equipment you need. Get more for your money for less than you might

expect. The VX-820 series radios are designed to perform in some of the

most demanding conditions, giving you more of what you need including P25

interoperability for a lot less.

VX-820 series radios: the smallest submersible P25 radios available...

packed with the power to perform the way you need for a lot less

than you think.

Budget Cuts = Technology Cuts

The Vertex Standard DifferenceOur number one goal is achieving superior customer satisfaction by delivering

products and services that exceed your expectations. Vertex Standard radios are

built to last and are backed by an industry-leading 3 year warranty – another

great reason to choose Vertex Standard. Ask your Dealer for more details.

VX-824

VX-829

VX-821

Vertex Standard

'Ob

46 J10 1. i-IM. ha

4

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


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


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(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


New Products

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Ralph A. Haller, President122 Baltimore Street, Suite 200

Gettysburg, PA 17325Phone (717) 334-7991 ◆ FAX (717) 334-5656

www.frci.com e-mail: [email protected]

Find the EquipmentYou Need

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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


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GENUINE HIROSETM

5?i?QUICK DISCONNECT CONNECTORS wpmnvnn A Q l c nN Al ° A D( AAIt IJLLJU

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


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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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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DVSI's AMBER Vocoder Technologysets the standard for

Land Mobile Radio andSatellite Telephony Systems,

providing both Software Licenses andHardware Solutions.

Now Shipping!- the AMBE-3000T"' & AMBE-3003T"' Vocoder Chips? Latest Generation AMBE+2T'" Vocoder Technology on an IC? Interoperability with DMR and Project 25 Half-Rate Vocoder Standards? Optimized for Harsh Digital Radio Environments? Improved FEC and Error Mitigation for Mobile Radio Channels? Built-in Acoustic Noise Suppression? High Quality at Low Data Rates!

Contact us today to learn how DVSI's VoiceCompression Technolop, can benefit yourCommunication System!

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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


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.

www.MCCmag.com

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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


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:

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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.


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August 11 – 12: Disaster Planning for Hospitals, Washington. World Research Group: 800-647-7600, [email protected], www.worldrg.com/disaster

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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,

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October 4 – 5: FCCA Annual Meeting, Orlando, Fla. FCCA: 717-338-1505, [email protected], www.fcca-usa.org

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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

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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


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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

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Kenwood Communications ..................................5www.kenwoodusa.com

Metric Systems..................................................74www.metricsystems.com

MissionCritical Communications .......................77www.MCCmag.com

Moducom ............................................................2www.moducom.com/

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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

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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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M uionCritical


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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