When is a pager
  NOT a pager?

That sounds like a stupid question doesn't it?  The answer is not easy.  It starts with defining what a pager is as it relates to emergency alerting of first responders.  Let's use a term that is familiar to most of us.  Let's define a Monitor Pager as a battery powered personal notification device, capable of responding to a specific address code, then switching from a muted or quite condition to one of being able to receive, and continue to receive, a voice message. The function of a Monitor Pager is to provide a means of alerting groups of people simultaneously for the purpose of responding to an emergency need.  On the assumption that we all agree on this premise, let's move to the next assumption.

Through improved technology the size and weight of Monitor Pagers has continually been reduced as prices have constantly been reduced.  Is this correct?  Not necessarily if you are talking about the standard of the industry - the Minitor V by Motorola.  The size and weight is greater than either the Minitor III or Minitor IV and the price is higher!  There are a number of reasons for this that we won't discuss at this time.  However, it you would like to know more about how this came about, click here for an audio message with some interesting background information.  

Suffice it say that there are pagers that are smaller and less expensive.  There are devices that combine the functions of a pager and a radio into a single device (we call them PagerRadios). We have prepared a comparison chart of two of our most popular pagers along with three PagerRadios.  Check out the size, weight and features of each device, then choose the model that best fits YOUR individual needs.  As you review this material, we think you may be surprised in reviewing the available alternatives.  By the way - we offer other personal 2-way radios that have built in paging capability.  You can review them as well as other personal 2-way radios by clicking here.

Dimensions	3.52” x 2.4” x 0.5”	2.95”x 1.9” x 0.86”	4.5 x 2.6 x 1.5"	5.5 x 2.4 x 1.4"	3.82 x 2.2 x 1.43"
Weight	7.1 Ounces	3.7 Ounces	9.5 Ounces	14 Ounces	9.9 Ounces
Available bands	LB, VHF, UHF	VHF, UHF	VHF, UHF	VHF, UHF	VHF, UHF
Channel spacing	25 or 12.5 kHz	25 or 12.5 kHz	25 or 12.5 kHz	25 or 12.5 kHz	25 or 12.5 kHz
Minimum channels	1	1	1	1	1
Maximum channels	2	1	16	16	128
Rx only programming	Standard	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rx & Tx programming	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
LCD display	No	Yes	No	No	Yes
Tone type	2 Tone only	2 Tone, CTS, DCS	2 Tone, CTS, DCS	2 Tone, CTS, DCS	2 Tone, CTS, DCS
Priority scan capable	Yes - 2 CH model	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Battery type	3.8V NiMH	2 - AAA NiCd or NiMH	1800 mAh LiIon	1500 mAh NiMH	1700 mAh LiIon
Charger type	Desk	Desk	Desk	Desk/Rapid Conditioning	Desk
Standard warranty	1 year	2 years	3 year limited	2 years	2 years
Water submersible	No	No	No	No	Yes
Audio output	94dB Voice	87 dB Voice	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW
Message record	Optional	Optional	No	No	No
Vibrate alert	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Transmitter Power	Not applicable	Not applicable	5W VHF, 4W UHF	5W VHF, 4W UHF	5W VHF, 4W UHF
Intrinsically safe	Yes	No	No	No	Optional
Manufacturing origin	Taiwan	Taiwan	China	China	Japan
Battery source	Motorola proprietary	AAA compatible	Multiple vendors	Relm proprietary	Multiple vendors
Dealer serviceable	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Model Designator	Minitor V	NOVA	XT800	RPV516	F50
VHF Price	$378	$299	$199	$209	$399
Purchase on Line
UHF Adds	Same Price	Same Price	Same Price	Adds $10	Adds $10
12.5 kHz spacing	No charge	$15	No charge	No charge	No charge
Second freq. adds	$47	Not available	Standard	Standard	Standard
Stored Voice adds	$39	$56	Not available	Not available	Not available
Amplified charger	$70	$55	Not required	Not required	Not required
5 year warranty	$78	$55	Not available	Not available	$57
Intrinsically safe	Standard	Not available	Not available	Not available	$116
Rapid charger upgrade	Not used	Not used	$45	Standard	$30
Speaker-Microphone	Not applicable	Not applicable	$49	$69	$79
Spare battery	$14	$3 (2 required)	$49	$59	$99
Carrying case	Not available	$10	$29	$39	$44
Programming kit	$340	$100	$99	$49	$138
Detailed specifications	Click here	Click here	Click here	Click here	Click here

So now we know that there are options for products that can perform a "page" function.  Some are less expensive than the standard Minitor V.  Some can transmit.  Some are considerably lighter.  Some are only a few a ounces heavier, yet add significant features, such as the ability to transmit.  Some (actually one) can be fully submersed in three feet of water for up to thirty minutes and still perform.  So which one is right for you?  That is your decision.  Our task is to give you reasonable choices.  We hope we have done our job well.  If not, we are as near as your phone (1.800.489.2611), your fax (1.205.853.6178) or email (sales@falcondirect.com). 
 
Thanks for visiting with us!

The Falcon Team
At your Service!

Copyright 2006 - Falcon Direct, Inc.
This page was last updated on 09/12/2006