High Tech Reliable Communications
from FalconDirect
| Daniels Electronics is a well known
name.......
in communications! The company has been around since the 50's. Daniels is a Canadian company with a worldwide reputation for innovation, reliability, and customer service. In late March of 2005, the Purchasing Division for the State of Alabama awarded a contract to the JPS Division of Raytheon for Interoperable switches. The idea was to provide seamless communications capabilities between users of differing types of communications systems. The interoperable switch selected is in reality a part of a larger system consisting of the switch (ACU-1000), the associated radios, and the related antenna system. Now, over two years later, we find that many of the systems have never been installed or those that are "operational" have no common standard for performance, reliability, or serviceability. Falcon Direct has teamed with two premier Canadian suppliers to provide a superior alternative to those who have not yet deployed the radio and antenna parts of the system. Our solution is not meant to be the least expensive alternative. Many of the systems we have seen consist of mobile type radios connected to high loss cables and antenna systems that resemble a porcupine with premature quill loss. We have yet to see a single system that has redundancy or backup. We have seen no defined specification as to how quickly service response is required. In short, the advanced planning that was incorporated into the "switch" apparently did not follow into the planning for the associated radios and antenna systems. Worse yet, money was either not appropriated or misappropriated for the purchase of the radios and antenna systems needed to achieve the original objective of the Homeland Security planners. For those desiring to work with us, we will define a
system planning guide that will incorporate the functionality,
performance, reliability and serviceability of a critical communications
system designed to meet current and future needs whether routine or mass
emergency. Here we go...... |
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It
starts with a good radio! Those two boxes on the left are called RF modules. One is a transmitter and the other is a receiver. They are field programmable and can be quickly exchanged if service is required. You can purchase them for conventional VHF or UHF operation for 25 or 12.5 kHz analog operation. Better yet, you can upgrade these units to full P25 digital operation when desired. These units will run directly off 12 volt DC power which comes in pretty handy in an emergency situation. A typical dispatch center will have two VHF "radios" and a "UHF" radio. 700 MHz and 800 MHz radios will be available in future. For comparison purposes, we will assume two VHF combinations at $3,085 each plus one UHF combination at $3335. Spares will be addressed later. The total price for radio modules will be $9,505. |
VHF
MT-4E UHF MT-4E |
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Sub Rack Now we add a sub rack enclosure for the MT-4E transmitter and modules. This allows a defective module to be exchanged by a non-technical person for instant restoration of service in the event of a malfunction. One sub rack houses the receiver modules and another houses the transmitter modules. Two sub racks will be required for our proposed system. The price of the racks will be $1,740. |
SR-39R Receiver |
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Hi Power amplifier The basic MT-4E transmitters used with this system are designed for extremely low current drain in the event of prolonged loss of AC power. In normal operation, they are connected to ultra high power 110 watt VHF and 100 watt amplifiers to allow 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. There will be a total of three of these amplifiers, 2 VHF and 1 UHF. The price of the amplifiers is $3,879. |
VHF 110 watt |
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Audio panel, interface & maintenance kit The receivers used with this system can be monitored through an audio panel for test or operational purposes. In addition, the system configuration package includes interface cables, extender cards for servicing, software, an alignment kit, microphone and manuals. The total price for all of these items is $3,030. |
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AC Power Supply The aforementioned modules can operate directly from 12 volts DC. Traditionally, an AC to DC power supply is used to power this system. Depending on your preferences, we can optionally provide solar power, but the power supply normally used is as shown at the left. This power supply has terminals for charging and maintaining 12 volt backup batteries. The total price for the power supply is $500.
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AC Power Supply with battery
backup |
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Open
Mounting Rack
Open racks are the most efficient and affordable method to configure modular equipment. In our hypothetical system, we will have three sub racks, a controller, an audio panel, and a power supply configured much like the system at the left. As you will note, there is space for additional sub racks in this 90" high by 21" wide mounting rack. This allows for future expansion plus ease of access for maintenance. We now have two VHF stations, and a VHF station mounted. We will also install a shelf for the later placement of a SouthernLINC mobile type radio and a 700/800 MHz radio as required (Not supplied in this package). The price for the mounting rack is $500. |
Open mounting rack with 2
extra shelves |
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Spares For maximum reliability and rapid restoration of service in the event of a RF malfunction, we recommend a spare VHF and UHF module set. This will allow instant exchange of a defective module. The defective module can be sent to the manufacturer for repair or exchange at no cost during the first two years and at minimal cost thereafter. The total cost for spares will be $6,420.
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VHF
MT-4E UHF MT-4E
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Copyright 2007 - Falcon Direct, Inc. |
