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Agencies interested in P25 compliant radio systems should pay special attention to the technology changes from Phase 1 to Phase 2 in order to prevent and/or prepare for future upgrade costs.

Most currently marketed radios utilize a form of technology called FDMA, including Project 25 Phase I radios).  However, most are incompatible with a technology called TDMA.  This TDMA is what has been recently selected by APCO as the technology for use in Phase 2 of the P25 standards.

We recommend that agencies speak with potential vendors about the availability of dual technology (TDMA/FDMA) radios today that could be software upgradable to Phase 2,  or to at least have vendors identify the future costs of maintaining compliance with this changing standard.

RACOM is providing several radio options allowing customers selection based upon how they need to protect their investment.  Models are available in UHF, VHF, 700 MHz and/or 800 MHz, P25 Phase 1 and/or Phase 2.

Have questions?  Contact Terry Brennan @ 888.752.1015 or terry.brennan@racom.net

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The CTA Communications study also reports that approximately 50% of Iowa's cities and counties are not yet in compliance with the federal narrowband regulations, and up to half of those don't have plans to meet the deadline in 5 years.

Not only is this a mandated change that can have financial implications, but narrower channels can result in weaker signals and consequently, reduced coverage.

If you want help assessing what you have now and what you'll need to do to either maintain or improve your system, we're providing a free service to do just that.  Simply contact our local service shop. <Click here for contact information>

<Understanding Narrowband Requirements>

Note:

 

All UHF and VHF equipment is available for purchase to local agencies directly on state contract from RACOM.  Be sure to ask about the state discounts of up to 30%

 

 

 

UHF / VHF

• Mobiles and Portables

• Base Stations, Repeaters and Vehicular Repeaters

• Kenwood, M/A-COM and Pyramid brands

• Narrowband Compliant

• State Contract Pricing

• Local Service and Support

• Lifetime installation warranties

• Interoperability Gateways

RACOM's Video Solutions Include:

Many in-car video solutions store data in formats that make them easy to distribute, but at what cost?  The availability of video editing software for many standard video formats may be just enough to enable an attorney to create reasonable doubt and clear a guilty client.

Alternatively, the ICOP in-car digital video solution stores everything in a format that cannot be altered.  When a copy is burned to DVD, the proprietary viewing software is also embedded on the DVD.  No other viewing software is available, and no editing tool exists.  Additionally, every copy of the video that is produced onto a DVD for distribution is logged for tracking purposes.

Additional information on why the ICOP video solution is superior to all others is available by clicking <here>, or by calling RACOM @ (800) 722-6643.  

Go to http://www.icop.com/lawproducts.htm for more information all the complete line of ICOP products available from RACOM.

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Allamakee County, Iowa has implemented a solution that decreases its monthly operating costs for county-wide fire paging.  By implementing RACOM's point-to-point microwave solution using Motorola Canopy for backhaul and Raytheon/JPS NXU-2 voting receivers to convert audio to IP, the county is able to provide voice fire paging without a single phone line.

The wireless network is designed in a self-healing loop, allowing for public safety-grade redundancy.  UPS power is provided at each site, with optional environmental monitoring, alarm inputs, and remote management.

Management and Monitoring of all of the equipment is done remotely by accessing all equipment, including the UPS, radios, and VPN concentrator across the wireless network.  RACOM's monitoring and management solution is also used to provide email and pager notifications

Future plans include mobile data and streaming video utilizing the microwave backbone.  Contact tim.broderick@racom.net for more information about this solution and how it can be applied for your agency.

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There's been a great deal of hype about the Swissphone and the industry has been searching for new pager alternatives.  Well, they're now available from RACOM.  After a thorough investigation and trying them out with a few of you, here's what we've found:

• Coverage - let's just say they were built for and are successful in the Swiss Alps

• Each pager is tuned to within 1 MHz of your paging frequency (instead of tuning it for the entire 151 to 158 MHz range (because that can degrade your sensitivity)

• Swissphone has 85% market share in Europe

• All repair parts are available to authorized/trained dealer and repair centers

• Spare Parts are guaranteed for 7 years beyond a product's end-of-life

• There are no knobs to fall off

• A better belt clip!

• The rechargeable battery can be backed-up by a AA Duracell battery that will last up to 160 hours

For information or pricing, please contact your local RACOM Service Center.

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8. Info-Cop and TraCs - RACOM BOLO

Be on the lookout for officers running "super-queries" and getting back both plate and registered owner information from the State, NCIC, DMV and NLETS.  Demographics from these responses are said to be easily copied over into TraCS Citations & Accident Reports.  This important interface capability was recently set-up by Rich Conner of Iowa DPS.  Thanks, Rich!

 

Be aware also that officers throughout Iowa on this system are capable of multi-agency messaging, real-time data sharing, regional and national warnings and flags and access to previously run responses via advanced reporting capabilities. 

Criminals are concerned over the fact that officers using this system appear to be spending more time policing the streets and less time writing reports.   

You're advised to take quick action if you are interested in receiving the same criminal concerns in your jurisdiction!   Call Diana Richardson @ RACOM at 319-247-0617, diana.richardson@racom.net.

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