Gear, gadgets and great ideas could be found in abundance at the 76th Annual APCO Conference & Exposition in Houston in August. This year, a select few APCO experts patrolled the exhibit hall for PSC. Incognito, they hunted for the most innovative solutions available to the public safety communications market. Our reviewers have asked all the tough questions, played with the technology and drawn conclusions, identifying the best of the best released in 2010. Here’s what our reviewers have to say about 20 solutions that could soon be coming to an agency near you.

Compact Combiner
In May, Bird Technologies Group, TX RX Systems introduced its 700/800 MHz Ceramic Transmitter Combiner. The combiner can accommodate multiple, high-power channels using minimal rack space and boasts a cost-effective ceramic-based design that provides high performance with minimum interference.

Our review team particularly liked the space-saving design of this combiner. “This is very important to those agencies expanding their systems,” said one reviewer. “In many cases, additional rack space is not readily available.”

>> More information: 866/695-4569; [email protected]; www.bird-technologies.com

Communications Control
The SwitchplusIP Command-Center from C4i, introduced in January, provides an incident commander with complete control of tactical communications and fixed-facility assets via easy-to-use, intuitive touch screen operator consoles across an IP network. Additionally, it allows local and regional police, fire, EMS and disaster services to intercommunicate. The Command-Center has various components (i.e., the Radio Interface Unit, Operator Interface Unit and Operator Control Unit) that work within its building block architecture.

“This product would be a nice connection to a primary center during a deployment operation,” commented one reviewer.

>> More information: 703/668-0741; [email protected]; www.c4i.com

Stealthy Base Station/Repeater
For agencies that require compact P25 repeaters supporting transparent encryption in VHF or UHF bands, the ET-6 was introduced by Daniels Electronics Ltd. in March. Specifically designed to meet the needs of surveillance operations, the ET-6 is an unobtrusive, compact 30 watt product that can be configured as a repeater, a base station or a repeater/base station combination.

“This transportable P25 repeater or base station consumes very little power and is suited to harsh, remote climates and areas,” said our reviewer.

>> More information: 800/664-4066, [email protected]; www.danelec.com/products/hardware/cases.asp

Wind Back the Clock
Is your radio system plagued by intermittent problems you can’t identify?

The data-logging feature of the Version 5.40 firmware release for Davicom MAC2 products allows for extensive troubleshooting of intermittent problems. “This is a great tool for capturing a problem before, during and after an event,” said our reviewer. Users can essentially wind back the clock to the exact instant before a problem occurs and see what con­ditions were present. The data log can contain 94 million events, or nearly three years of samples on one channel at a 1 Hz rate.

Introduced in August, the Version 5.40 firmware release includes full support for ModBus devices, audible remote alarms on the MacComm software, external USB modems, USB dongles, USB memory devices, communications via external two-way radio links, data logging at rates up to 1 Hz and trending graphs on MacComm main screens.

>> More information: 418/682-3380 or 877/282-3380; www.davicom.com

Firefighter Safety First
The 51FIRE ES portable radio, introduced by EFJohnson in April, is specially designed with a firefighter’s needs—and safety—in mind. Standard features include yellow housing for visibility even in extreme conditions and large knobs to make it easier to operate while wearing gloves. An upgrade to the new AMBE+2 v 1.6 Vocoder substantially filters out background noise even in the presence of a personal alert safety system (PASS). An out-of-range feature alerts a firefighter when radio communications are lost.

Several reviewers really liked the large buttons and out-of-range features. One reviewer raved, “Every firefighter needs one.”

>> More information: 972/819-0700; [email protected]; www.efjohnsontechnologies.com

Multiband in a Mobile
The companion to the portable introduced last year, the Unity XG-100 Mobile radio, introduced by Harris Corp. in March, is a full-spectrum, multiband mobile radio that delivers interoperable communications in a single radio. “I believe this product contains several features that Harris has transferred over from their military contracts. It is very impressive,” stated our reviewer.

The P25-compliant Unity XG-100 Mobile covers the UHF, VHF, 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands out of the box. It has a touch-screen-based, color GUI; GPS-enabled situational awareness; and Bluetooth wireless technology. Its noise-suppression technology depend­ably delivers clear, quality voice communications—even with noise from sirens, crowds or emergency response vehicles in the background.

>> More information: 888/711-7295; [email protected]; www.harris.com

Automate Your Scheduling
ScheduleExpress Version 4, introduced by Informer Systems in January, is a Web-based system that addresses the most complex scheduling challenges by automating scheduling processes and procedures. One reviewer liked “this easy-to-use scheduler because it has no hardware to maintain or applications to install.” Informer Systems offers a free 30-day trial.

>> More information: 408/918-3045; [email protected]; www.informersystems.com

Images via Radio
The NEXEDGE Wireless Remote Monitoring System from Kenwood, introduced this year, uses digital radios to transmit still images from a remote site to a monitoring station. “This would be very useful to monitor a site when no microwave or telephone channels are available to bring back the information,” our reviewer said. The system consists of the KVT-11 Image Encoder, NEXEDGE mobile radios (NX 700) and the KAS-11 Image Viewer. The KVT-11, using the recommended JVC surveillance cameras, captures still pictures at VGA resolution (900 KB) at pre-set time intervals. After temporary storage in memory, the KVT-11 transmits the images to the NEXEDGE digital mobile radio and computer comprising the base station. The KAS-11 Image Viewer software runs on standard Windows operating systems. Users can adjust image quality, interval and display formats.

>> More information: 800/950-5005; [email protected]; www.kenwoodusa.com

Antenna Roof Mount
Introduced in March, Larsen’s new NMOHFGPS series mount combines the NMOHF (high frequency) mobile antenna mount with an integrated active GPS antenna in a single compact, rugged package. With a broad operating frequency range of 27 MHz to 6 GHz, this combination antenna provides GPS coverage for vehicle tracking and location applications together with wireless voice/data coverage in a single package.

“Only one three-quarter-inch hole would be required,” explains one reviewer. “Both coaxial cables would share the same entrance.”

The NMOHFGPS mount has a small footprint and low profile, measuring only 4.5″ long by 2″ wide and just 0.7″ tall. An input voltage of 3 or 5 volts DC provides compatibility with most commercially available GPS navigation systems. The NMOHF mount easily converts from low to high frequency by pulling the center pin and connector. List price is $145.

>> More information: 800/268-3662; [email protected]; www.larsen-antennas.com

Multiband for Firefighters
Introduced in August by Motorola, the APX 7000XE (above) was specifically designed for the fire market. The two-way, multiband radio’s rugged and ergonomic design includes innovative features to enhance personnel safety in extreme environments. The exaggerated controls make it easier for firefighters to operate when gloved up, and the enlarged top display has intelligent lighting for easier viewing. Equipped with the latest AMBE +2 Vocoder, the APX 7000XE delivers a new fire scene profile with increased noise suppression for extremely loud fireground environments. It’s both backward and forward compatible with all Motorola mission-critical radio systems.

One reviewer liked the bright yellow color, commenting that it would be easier to see in smoky conditions. Another commented on the “major refinements” made to this radio and said they liked the “new style and features.”

>> More information: 800/422-4210; www.motorola.com/apx

Share Data & Video, Securely
In August, Mutualink introduced the Smartphone Commander (right), which provides anytime control functionality on Mutualink’s secure multi-media communications resource sharing network and gives incident commanders the ability to create interoperable incident sessions, invite
agencies, and contribute and remove communication assets on the fly.

The solution “allows agencies to share data and video via a secure network,” explained one reviewer.

The ad-hoc, peer-to-peer architecture and operational model allows each agency to retain control of its communications assets, resolving thorny autonomy and control issues.

>> More information: 866/957-5465; [email protected]; www.mutualink.net

Seen—& Not Heard
The WSST (Multifunction Control Box) Manual Controller, introduced by Patlite (U.S.A.) Corp. in June, was described by one reviewer as a “novel idea for very large comm centers or data call centers. It allows for silent notification of the need for a supervisor at your station. It could be designed to light up for significant call types, etc.”

The WSST is a versatile control box designed exclusively for the manual control of PATLITE’s LED light tower products. Each colored pushbutton switch controls up to five matching LED light colors on the tower. A switch activates the alarm on light towers that have that feature. Internal switches can be set to make any light flash (for light towers with this feature), giving extra attention for critical events.

>> More information: 310/328-3222; [email protected]; www.patlite.com/us

Clean Energy
Introduced by ReliOn in January, the E-200 fuel cell system offers a highly reliable power solution in an economic package. This compact, complete fuel cell power system is housed in a 2U (3.5″ tall) 19″ rack-mountable package. Emissions are limited to warm air and a small amount of water.

Designed around ReliOn’s patented hydrogen fuel cell technology, the E-200 provides clean energy for smaller scale power applications. One reviewer thought it would be “an excellent and economical option for small generators.” The E-200 can affordably provide hundreds of hours of runtime between refuelings and many years of service for critical equipment.

>> More information: 509/228-6553 or 866/872-9832; [email protected]; www.relion-inc.com/products-e200.asp

High-Power Disguised Antennas
StealthWave Disguised Antennas from Sinclair Technologies in VHF, UHF and 700/800 MHz are now available in high-power versions capable of handling up to 150 watts. The antennas are “rugged enough to be installed out of sight in vehicle wheel wells,” said our reviewer. They are designed to fit vehicles of any size, make and model. The modular design integrates all components into a compact 2″ x 3″ (5.1 x 7.6 cm) waterproof housing.

“Because these antennas could be hidden in a wheel well, the StealthWave would be very useful in disguising undercover vehicles,” commented our reviewer.

>> More information: 800/263-3275; [email protected]; www.sinctech.com

Over-the-Air Encryption Key
Introduced in August, the Tait Key Management Facility (KMF) is a flexible, powerful tool for any agency seeking to confidently and efficiently manage P25 encryption across its entire fleet. A custom dashboard enables each crypto officer to see information the way they need to.

Different teams’ keys can be updated at a time to suit their operational profile. The Tait KMF can update groups of radios over the air, at the press of a button. Other manufacturers’ P25 radios can also be managed conveniently, while remote diagnostics save technicians’ time. This convenience factor is one feature our reviewers particularly liked.

>> More information: 281/600-8261; [email protected]; www.taitradio.com/publicsafety

Double A’s Keep You Going
The Liberty AA Clamshell Battery was released by Thales Communications Inc. in March for use on the Liberty Multiband Land Mobile Radio. The AA clamshell 12-alkaline battery provides eight hours of operation at 2 watts at a duty cycle of 10:10:80 (TX:RX: STBY). Available in black and orange, the unique cassette design allows the battery to be easily changed whether attached to the radio or not.

The Clamshell Battery “allows the opportunity to change and/or charge batteries while in the field. It would be great for long-term ground operations,” said our reviewer. “You could air drop a load of AA batteries into a remote area and keep going.”

>> More information: 800/914-0303; [email protected]; www.thalesliberty.com

Real-Time Info
To help comm center personnel process and prioritize information, TriTech’s VisiNet Advisor (a module for the VisiNet Command CAD), introduced in August, provides visual and audible notifications based on system, incident and unit events. It concisely prioritizes and displays information, and provides the dispatcher with the ability to immediately take action from inside the GUI.

One reviewer “liked the ‘alert line,’ which points out important information without the need to shout across the room.”

“This would be my choice of CAD system,” said another reviewer, who liked the real-time ability to prioritize responses.

>> More information: 858/799-7900; [email protected]; www.tritech.com

Automatic Alerts via Social Media
In June, Twenty First Century Communications (TFCC) released TFCC Alert, the newest version of its emergency notification system. The easier to use system includes weather alerts, a new user interface, advanced security controls, social media integration and an enhanced public sign-up page. In fact, explains one reviewer, “it’s a one-page process to launch.”

With the TFCC Alert emergency notification system, you can send targeted messages to select groups or geographic areas by landline, cell phone, VoIP phone, PDA, pager, text, e-mail, fax and TTY/TDD machines. And yes, you really can send an alert via Facebook! That’s one of the features our reviewers really liked.

TFCC Alert is a fully hosted system, and all upgrades and enhancements to the system are provided to clients at no additional cost.

>> More information: 800/382-8356 x335; [email protected]; www.tfcci.com/industries/government

Comfort at the Console
Synergy 3, launched in March by Watson Dispatch, a division of Watson Furniture Group, improves console design with state-of-the-art environmental controls. Updated features include transparent upper console segments for enhanced visibility between dispatchers, while still providing a sound barrier. Optional features include a phone mount, whiteboard, binder storage, CD organizer and swivel-to-stow cup holder. To keep the work surface clear, the new work tools are mounted on a horizontal cross rail or beneath the console.

Synergy 3 also integrates Watson Dispatch’s Total Comfort System (TCS). The TCS single-point interface controls airflow, heating and dimmable lighting, and raises and lowers both the front and back console surfaces.

One reviewer liked the digital readout for height adjustments that facilitates setting the height to each user’s preference. Another really liked the popup data ports. Still another reviewer remarked on the amount of leg room under the console.

Available in three configurations—linear, center lift and full lift—Synergy 3 is designed to withstand a decade or more of 24/7 use in rigorous emergency response centers.

>> More information: 360/394-1300; [email protected]; www.watsondispatch.com

Easy Interface
“Gone are the antique boxes with buttons to manually push,” said one reviewer about the Zetron P25 IP Console Subsystem Interface introduced in January. The interface operates with a touchscreen monitor. The goal, according to a Zetron representative, is to give the end user the ultimate in choice.

Zetron consoles communicate across a wide spectrum of radio types, including conventional analog UHF, HF, OpenSky, P25, TETRA, EDACS, SMARTNET, SmartZone, NXDN, iDEN, MPT 1327 and LTR, and signaling schemes, such as Selcal (MDC-1200, Fleetsync, 5/6 tone, G-Star) and DTMF.
Zetron developed the CSSI interface to the EADS CORP25 System in conjunction with EADS and Tait. Zetron also worked with Tait to develop a P25 Digital Fixed Station Interface to enable digital communications between Zetron’s Acom Advanced Communications System and conventional P25 networks.

“Still the best paging interface,” said another reviewer.

>> More information: 425/820-6363; [email protected]; www.zetron.com

Honorable Mentions
The following companies also had new products on display. Visit their Web sites to learn more.

• AutoVision Wireless Inc.
• Avtec
• Broadcast Microwave Services
• Brother Mobile Solutions
• CalAmp
• Dodgen Mobile Technologies
• DSS Corp.
• Exalt Communications Inc.
• General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies
• GeoComm
• Globaltel Media
• HigherGround
• Icom America
• Intergraph Corp.
• IPWireless
• Link Communications Inc.
• NICE Systems
• Panasonic Solutions Co.
• PlantCML, an EADS North America Co.
• RADIO IP Software
• RAM Mounting Systems
• Spectracom
• USAlert LLC
• Verint Systems
• VPI (Voice Print International Inc.)
• Xybix Systems Inc.

About the Author
Keri Losavio is the editor of APCO’s Public Safety Communications. Contact her at [email protected]. Photos by Courtney McCain or supplied by the manufacturer.

Acknowledgments
This article could not have been prepared without the help of a team of dedicated professionals who reviewed the products for PSC. You know who you are. Thank you!

Reprinted from November 2010 Public Safety Communications (Vol. 76, No. 11, p. 28).