There has always been.......

more than one way to do anything.  Back in my Army Security Agency days, we were constantly trying to figure out what the bad guys were doing, when, and why.  When we had done everything possible (or at least we thought we had done everything possible), one of our old timers (age 32 as I recall) would show us another way to get the information we needed.  We learned the term alternative solution.

The lessons learned back then still apply today.  Anytime that anyone tries to tell you or anybody else that there is only way to do something, you should immediately seek other counsel.  There is ALWAYS as alternative!  This web page is a sub-topic of another subject - the connection of radios to the ACU-1000 interoperable bridge.  Our recommended solution, based on performance, reliability, and flexibility is the use of Daniels Electronics modular upgradeable RF devices.  More information on the Daniels solution is available by clicking here.  Now, let's look at a few alternatives!

with a cabinet.  Next, we put some shelves in to allow the radios to be stacked in an orderly manner.  Then we add a 12 volt power supply with battery backup, AC surge protection and the power cables for the associated radios.  We offer two types of radios - both being 12 volt mobile type equipped with lightning protection for connection to transmission lines.  The standard system provides for two VHF radios and one UHF radio with a spare for each.  Two open shelves are available for the insertion of an 800 MHz radio and an iDEN (Nextel or SouthernLINC) type radio later.  The cabinet system is $2,500.

our radios.  For state of the art analog and P25 digital capability, we offer the Midland SynTech series which is available both on the Alabama State Contract as well as the Federal GSA contract.  The price on the Alabama State Contract (Contract number 4007523, T-Number T300) is $1,946.75 for either the VHF or UHF model.  700 MHz and 800 MHz models should be available by the end of 2007.   Antenna and termination cable for use with the ACU-1000 is not included.  Your total price for three APCO-25 digital/analog VHF radios and two UHF radios is $10,000 including shipping, programming, and rack mount installation.

The recommended antenna system consists of three antennas - Two for the VHF channels and one for the UHF channel.  The UHF radio connects directly to the associated antenna.  The VHF radios are reverse connected through a device known as a Duplexer that allows two radios to share a single antenna.  For most installations, we assume that a small tower will already be in place.  A side mount bracket and an appropriate length of 1/2" Heliax line with connectors will be provided.  Price includes shipping charges and installation anywhere within the State of Alabama.  Your total price for a VHF/UHF antenna system including installation is $5,500.

The basic transceivers used with this system are designed for moderate power levels of 50 watts in VHF or 45 watts for UHF  When connected to ultra high power 110 watt VHF and 100 watt amplifiers the basic transceivers provide wide area coverage in the event that service through a remote repeater is disrupted.  This provides an excellent backup in the event of a repeater failure.  The price each is $1,293. There will be a total of three of these amplifiers, 2 VHF and 1 UHF.  The price of the amplifiers is $3,879.

Burch H. Falkner
At your Service!