Mary Rose Roberts
Mary Rose Roberts is the associate editor of Urgent Communications, formerly Mobile Radio Technology magazine. She can be reached at maryrose.roberts@penton.com
HICKORY, NC, January 29, 2009—Andrew, the CommScope, Inc. division that is a global leader in wireless communication systems and products, is going indoors with its Invex.NxG™ wireless drive-test system, offering new equipment that makes designing and testing indoor wireless coverage systems easier.
The i.Send™ portable transmitter imitates wireless base station signals by broadcasting radio frequency (RF) signals that allow for coverage measurements indoors. Network designers can use the i.Send transmitter to verify optimal antenna positioning for indoor distributed antenna systems (DAS) and as a low power source for testing the design and functionality of RF repeaters and base stations.
“The i.Send transmitter is a unique tool for verifying in-building coverage, DAS and repeater system design,” said John Baker, vice president and general manager, Network Solutions, Andrew. “Such a device should help operator engineers maximize the performance of their indoor networks prior to final installation.”
The portable Invex.NxG i.Send offers over 20 dBm of transmit power for up to four hours between battery charges and supports GSM, CDMA, UMTS and W-CDMA frequency bands with user-settable channel and message parameters. Users can configure i.Send via a Wi-Fi connection, selecting the desired frequency and modulation schemes, with the ability to set the parameters within the scheme. For ease of operation, the unit is placed in transmit or standby mode via the Wi-Fi connection.
Andrew’s Invex.NxG wireless drive-test system enables wireless operators to view their own and their competitors’ wireless voice and data services from the perspective of the subscriber by providing critical quality-of-service (QoS) measurements. Invex.NxG identifies failed originations, abnormal ends, call setup time, and call quality for improving voice service levels. It also performs packet data testing for analyzing upload/download throughput speeds for data services and can be used by field personnel for independently checking network signal strength and identifying base station locations and sectors, assisting them in their jobs.
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Invex.NxG and i.Send are trademarks of CommScope, Inc.
About CommScope
CommScope, Inc. (NYSE: CTV – www.commscope.com) is a world leader in infrastructure solutions for communication networks. Through its Andrew® brand, it is a global leader in radio frequency subsystem solutions for wireless networks. Through its SYSTIMAX® and Uniprise® brands, CommScope is a world leader in network infrastructure solutions, delivering a complete end-to-end physical layer solution, including cables and connectivity, enclosures, intelligent software and network design services, for business enterprise applications. CommScope also is the premier manufacturer of coaxial cable for broadband cable television networks and one of the leading North American providers of environmentally secure cabinets for DSL and FTTN applications. Backed by strong research and development, CommScope combines technical expertise and proprietary technology with global manufacturing capability to provide customers with infrastructure solutions for evolving global communications networks in more than 130 countries around the world.
LOWELL, Mass. – January 29, 2009 – Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems, a worldwide leader of critical radio communications systems, today announced the completion of a Project 25 (P25) interoperability demonstration exercise in collaboration with Motorola, EFJohnson Technologies, Tait Radio Communications and Technisonic Industries Ltd. The initiative established a new interoperability landmark by successfully completing all of the P25 Common Air Interface (CAI) Trunked Interoperability tests outlined in the forthcoming Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) TSB-102.CBBJ standard, which details the requirements for P25 Phase 1 CAI Trunking Interoperability.
“Not only are we pleased to show that the Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems’ radios operated successfully within the P25 requirements, but we are delighted the industry is working together to advance interoperability,” said Paul May, business development manager, Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems. “The results of the testing further prove that Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems’ P25 enabled radios work with other manufacturers’ P25 communications systems. This testing effort should help America’s first responders identify the extent to which interoperability both increases their ability to serve, and, through open competition, lowers their operational budgets.”
The testing occurred throughout the week of January 12, 2009 and was conducted on a Motorola ASTRO 25 System (release 7.6). Radios from the five participating manufacturers of public safety communications equipment worked successfully with the ASTRO 25 system. The P25 CAI Trunking Interoperability Event was conducted by the manufacturers in advance of formal U.S. Department of Homeland Security lab recognition as part of the P25 Compliance Assessment Program (CAP). The objective of the testing is to prove that the leading emergency communications equipment manufacturers are ready to meet customers’ immediate need for documented proof of Interoperability between P25 products and systems.
ABOUT TYCO ELECTRONICS
Tyco Electronics Ltd. is a leading global provider of engineered electronic components, network solutions, undersea telecommunication systems and wireless systems, with 2008 sales of $14.8 billion to customers in more than 150 countries. We design, manufacture and market products for customers in industries from automotive, appliance and aerospace and defense to telecommunications, computers and consumer electronics. With nearly 8,000 engineers and worldwide manufacturing, sales and customer service capabilities, Tyco Electronics’ commitment is our customers’ advantage. More information on Tyco Electronics can be found at http://www.tycoelectronics.com/.
Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems is a leading supplier of critical communications systems and equipment for public safety, utility, federal, transportation and select commercial markets. Tyco Electronics Wireless System’s products range from some of the most advanced IP-based voice and data networks, to traditional wireless systems that offer customers the highest levels of reliability, interoperability, scalability and security. More information about Tyco Electronics Wireless System’s solutions can be found on the Web at http://www.tewireless.com.
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· The TE logo and Tyco Electronics are trademarks.
· Other products, logos, and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
The Havis-Shields Titan Mount™ is a rugged, professional grade computer mount that combines the perfect balance of strength, safety, and ultra-smooth operation worthy of your most mission critical computer devices.
Titan Mount™ is stout. Heavy gauge steel poles, welded, rigid seat bases along with its universal support arms virtually eliminate wobble and vibration that can make reading difficult.
Titan Mount™ is safe. A standard stop collar allows the installer to adjust the height and limit the computer from telescoping below desired height. Order the optional top lock and the entire rotation can be positively locked in place to prevent the unit from spinning in a collision or air bag deployment.
Titan Mount™ is smooth. Designed with a unique precision-machined aluminum clamp and lever along with a PVC split sleeve for no metal-to-metal contact when adjusting the pole. All moving parts have a glossy, ultra smooth e-coat finish, which further reduces friction. Order the optional “lift assist” gas shock kit that you can drop in the pole assembly and the Titan Mount™ will help you do the lifting and prevents the heavy equipment from slamming down.
Please contact Havis-Shields for more information at www.havis.com • 1-800-524-9900
NEW YORK, NY – SWN Communications Inc., the leading provider of emergency notification and other on-demand alerting and response services, today announced that the National Institutes of Health has expanded its use of Send Word Now for emergency communication across the organization. The NIH will extend its use of the SWN Alert Service across its main campus in Bethesda, MD and to NIH facilities in the Washington metropolitan area, and around the country. The system will be used to communicate time-sensitive and critical events to 35,000 emergency response personnel, employees and other users of the system.
“The National Institutes of Health joins a growing list of federal agencies that rely on Send Word Now for secure, reliable communication daily,” said Tony Schmitz, CEO of SWN Communications Inc. “Send Word Now has been battle-tested by high-level federal agencies, and has passed stringent federal software security checks and independent audits. Our federal government clients look to Send Word Now to play an important role in supporting continuity of government planning, emergency management, regulatory compliance and protection of critical infrastructure.”
The National Institutes of Health has used the Send Word Now solution since 2005 for urgent and emergency communication. This latest expansion will increase usage of the system organization-wide, enable rapid response in the event of a crisis, provide the ability to instantly mobilize staff and emergency response resources during a critical incident and facilitate secure and auditable information exchange enterprise-wide.
In addition to providing a state-of-the-art, smart messaging platforms to federal agencies, include the City of New York, Monster Worldwide, Inc. and the United Network for Organ Sharing. Send Word Now received recognition for its continued growth by Inc. Magazine, which ranked the company among the 5,000 fastest growing private companies in the country as a result of its 585.5% growth rate since 2004.
About Send Word Now
Send Word Now is the leading provider of on-demand alerting and response services for both emergency and routine communication. Send Word Now’s easy-to-use, web-based services are used by government agencies, universities, non-profit organizations and businesses, including many of the Fortune 500, to ensure fast, effective, two-way communication in real-time - anywhere, anytime, regardless of location, device or connection. Send Word Now’s Alert Tracer® provides a full audit trail of messages sent and received for after action reporting and follow-up.
Send Word Now’s messaging platform is capable of transmitting hundreds of thousands of voice and text messages in minutes, receiving responses and monitoring and reporting on the results. The SWN Alert Service is designed to reach anyone, anywhere, anytime, with any device over any type of connection. The company is headquartered in New York City. Contact Send Word Now via e-mail at sales@sendwordnow.com, via phone 212-379-4900 or visit us on the Web at www.sendwordnow.com.
About the National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation’s Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
* National Institutes of Health Press Release Disclaimer: Nothing in this press release constitutes or should be inferred to be an endorsement or recommendation of any product, service, or enterprise by the National Institutes of Health, any other agency of the United States Government, or any employee of the United States Government.
NOAA satellites were key factors in the rescues of 283 people throughout the United States and its surrounding waters in 2008. In each incident, NOAA satellites detected and located a distress signal from an emergency beacon and relayed the information to first responders on the ground.
“With every rescue made, a tragedy was avoided,” said Mary E. Kicza, assistant administrator for NOAA Satellite and Information Service. “Each year NOAA satellites show their versatility by helping us forecast the weather, learn more about our environment and contribute to these life saving rescues.”
NOAA’s polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites, along with Russia’s Cospas spacecraft, are part of the international Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking system, called COSPAS-SARSAT. This system uses a network of satellites to quickly detect and locate distress signals from emergency beacons on board aircraft and boats and from handheld personal locator beacons.
When a satellite finds the location of a distress signal within the United States or its surrounding waters, the information is relayed to the SARSAT Mission Control Center at NOAA’s Satellite Operations Facility in Suitland, Md. From there, it is sent to a Rescue Coordination Center, operated by either the U.S. Air Force, for land rescues, or the U.S. Coast Guard, for water rescues.
2008 SARSAT Rescue Highlights
Two people were rescued near Port Aranas, Texas, when their disabled boat was swamped by 12-foot waves.
An injured hiker was rescued after using his personal locator beacon while hiking in a remote area near Hemet, Calif. The rescue became even more challenging when mountain lions were spotted nearby.
A pilot was rescued about 70 miles southeast of Galena, Alaska, after his Cessna plane crashed into trees.
Alaska topped the list for the most saves in the United States, with 49 lives rescued in 2008. Rounding out the top five states were: New Jersey, with 18 rescued; Florida, with 15 rescued; Hawaii, with 14 rescued; and California, with 12 rescued.
Older Beacons must be Replaced
Starting on Feb. 1, 2009, NOAA satellites will only receive signals from the new 406 MHz frequency beacons. The older emergency beacons, operating on the 121.5 and 243 MHz frequencies, will no longer be detected by SARSAT. Signals from the 406 MHz beacons can be detected instantly, are more accurate, and offer global coverage. NOAA has provided advance notice of the switch since 2000.
“It’s vital that anyone with the old 121.5 MHz beacon make the switch to 406 MHz beacons immediately so their distress signals can be heard,” said Chris O’Connors, program manager for NOAA SARSAT. “Plans for this changeover started in 2000 and we want everyone that relies on these devices to have the proper equipment.”
Now in its 27th year, COSPAS-SARSAT has been credited with supporting more than 24,000 rescues worldwide, including 6,045 in the United States and its surrounding waters.
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov.
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NOTE: For more details about any individual rescue and the people involved, please contact John Leslie at 301-713-2087, ext. 174.
BridgeCom Systems, Inc. has added a powerful new communication package to their TL-NET line of products called the SSMC-1. The SSMC-1 functions as a single channel communication site that can be networked into a service provider’s wide-area network. The SSMC-1 contains BridgeCom Systems’ CS-540 FM Repeater, TL-NET Repeater Controller, and TL-NET Ethernet Gateway packaged in a rugged wheeled case. The SSMC-1 is easily deployed on-site and requires a high-speed ethernet connection to communicate on a wide-area network. The SSMC-1 supports operation in both conventional and LTR mode.
“We had several requests from our TL-NET customers to provide a mobile communication solution for public safety, in particular during disaster relief situation,” said Tim King, VP of Sales and Marketing for BridgeCom Systems. “In a timely manner we were able to put together a rugged wheeled case populated with our already exceptional networking and repeater products. The end result is the SSMC-1. The package is easily deployed and networked on-site by connecting the TL-NET Gateway to a high-speed ethernet source like Satellite, cellular broadband air card, or Microwave”
The TL-NET SSMC-1 can be custom built in several configurations where both UHF and VHF conventional and LTR are supported. Antenna duplexors for both bands are optional as well. The SSCM-1 can network to an unlimited number of conventional and LTR sites.
All BridgeCom Systems products come with a two-year warranty and free technical support. For more information contact Tim King at 816-532-8451 or Tim@BridgeComSystems.com.
BOULDER, Colo. – Jan. 29, 2009 — FreeWave Technologies, the largest independent provider of high performance spread spectrum and licensed radio products and services, today announced its new DataLogger software for Cathodic Protection (CP) remote monitoring. The new software works in conjunction with FreeWave’s line of FGRCP radios, including its newly announced 2.4 MHz CP radio (see today’s news release “FreeWave Introduces New 2.4 MHz Cathodic Protection Radio”) and assists in remotely monitoring and reporting CP operational values for pipelines, tanks, structures and other underground facilities that are subject to environmental corrosion.
FreeWave’s new CP DataLogger software is compatible with standard off-the-shelf PCs and other FreeWave radio products. The software loads quickly and is easily configurable on any laptop or desktop computer with an easy-to-use installation wizard.
“Our new DataLogger software works in tandem with our expanding line of FreeWave Cathodic Protection radios. It is designed as a ‘get-started’ software tool to help companies. As installations expand, this software sets the stage for the company to transition to a larger communications management software offering,” explained Colin Lippincott, FreeWave spokesperson. “Easy to set up and configure, it makes it quick and painless for pipeline and tank companies to optimize their investment in cathodic protection and lower their operating costs.”
Affordable and Easy to Use
The new PC-based CP DataLogger software features:
-High return on investment – it is currently offered at no charge with the purchase of FreeWave radios
-Ability to easily remotely monitor, set alarms, emails and print reports for:
o Rectifier Input Power Status
o Rectifier Power Interruption
o Rectifier Output Voltage
o Rectifier Output Shunt Voltage
o Pipe-to-soil Potential Test Points
o Automated Rectifier Interruption and Potentials Measurement
o Critical Bonds
o Interference Points
-Self-loading Installation Wizard installs within seconds
-Comes pre-configured for CP monitoring specifically
-Offers no recurring monthly fees, annual licensing fees or maintenance fees
-Provides free polling with no cost penalties
-Based on open protocol communications
-Ensures maximum network security behind a company firewall
Availability
FreeWave’s CP DataLogger software is available now. As mentioned above, there is currently no charge for this software with the purchase of FreeWave radios. For more information, visit FreeWave’s Website at http://www.freewave.com/files/datasheets/CP%20DataLogger%20-%201.23.09.pdf
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design and manufacture of license-free spread spectrum and licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world. Based in Boulder, Colorado, the company offers network design, path studies and pre-installation engineering services to enable reliable, error free data-flow in even the most challenging conditions and in environments. FreeWave is the only long term radio provider with in-family 100 percent backward compatibility with fully integrated, best-in-class engineered products. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.
Yantic, Conn. – Monday, January 26, 2009 – Yantic Fire Engine Company Chief Frank Blanchard presented the communications interoperability solutions that have been implemented throughout the City of Norwich Mutual Aid Group, affecting the numerous first responders from around the mutual aid group who also attended the event. Congressman Joe Courtney, 2nd District, CT, also attended the event and discussed the importance of these efforts and the implications they have on the community, and potentially the entire state.
“During catastrophic structure fires, such as the recent fires at Stonington Estates, the Peachtree Apartments and the Phelps Dodge Factory, first responders experienced serious communication issues due to the need for multiple responding agencies, who currently communicate on different radio frequencies,” said Chief Blanchard. “A lack of interoperability between those various responding agencies detracts from the timeliness and overall operational success of the various first responders – today, we now have a solution.”
Chief Blanchard, who served as incident commander at numerous mutual aid fires throughout the City of Norwich Mutual Aid Region, presented how interoperability communications challenges are being addressed and resolved, and how that resolution addresses problems facing the entire state and other parts of the country. The event was held at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2009 at the Mohegan Tribal Public Safety Building, where more than 30 guests in attendance, including Congressman Courtney and City of Norwich Mayor Benjamin Lathrop.
“I am pleased to be able to stand with our first responders to provide the technology and resources they need to address the critical interoperability challenge,” said Rep. Joe Courtney. “When first responders arrive on scene with different radios on different frequencies, tools like BAE Systems’ First InterComm™ solution bridge the communications gap and provides our first responders with the seamless communications necessary when every second counts.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, awarded $282,000 to the City of Norwich Mutual Aid Group to address and resolve interoperability challenges. The funds were then used to purchase units, such as the First InterComm system from BAE Systems, to meet the emergency response needs of 17 fire departments in the Norwich Region, including the Yantic Fire Company.
“The First InterComm system has been an excellent resolution to the challenges we’ve been facing, helping to save time, lives and personal property – which ultimately results in less widespread catastrophe in emergency situations,” said Blanchard. “The AFG grant did exactly what it was intended – provide funds for firefighters and departments to obtain the technology they need to help save lives.”
The First InterComm system is a voice interoperability solution that allows first responders throughout multiple emergency response departments to communicate among varying radio frequencies using the fire departments existing equipment, ultimately expediting response times, improving coordinated relief efforts and helping save lives.
For more information about the First InterComm system, please visit www.baesystems.com/firstintercomm .
January 26, 2009, Alexandria, Va. – The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announced today the approval of an American National Standard (ANS) to provide a standard data exchange for electronically transmitting information between an alarm monitoring company and a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
The intent of this ANS is to standardize an automated computer-to-computer exchange of data between alarm monitoring companies and PSAPs. This standard is highly recommended for all entities and agencies interested in implementing an automated exchange of alarm-related data in order to promote more efficient and effective public safety and data interoperability nationwide. It provides detailed technical data to software providers who support computer aided dispatch (CAD) systems or alarm monitoring applications concerning the common data elements and structure that shall be utilized when electronically transmitting a new alarm event from an alarm monitoring company to a PSAP. The document includes process flow examples that are necessary during the handoff of a new event, new event responses, and updates to working events between the alarm monitoring company and the PSAP.
There are three primary uses for this standard: initial notification of an alarm event, bi-directional updates of the status between an alarm monitoring company and the PSAP, and bi-directional updates of other events between an alarm monitoring company and a PSAP. The proposed standard is an Information Exchange Package Document (IEPD) that has been recently converted to be National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) 2.0 conformant.
“This standard is an ideal example of consensus development by all parties affected by an issue, collectively bettering the services we provide the public and increasing our public’s safety,” APCO International President Chris Fischer said. “The focus is, as always, on the end-users and the effect will be improved dispatch and response times while increasing interoperability and cost effectiveness.”
This candidate ANS is a result of dedicated work and partnerships between APCO International, the IJIS Institute, York County (Va.) Emergency Communications Division, City of Richmond (Va.) Department of Information Technology, Richmond Police Department’s Division of Emergency Communications, the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), and Vector Security. This project is supported by APCO International’s Data Transfer Committee and The Public Safety Data Interoperability (PSDI) Program. The PSDI program and the IEPD conversion project were funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The PSDI program is co-managed by APCO International and the IJIS Institute.
The ANS was approved by ANSI on January 15 and can be downloaded at http://www.apcointl.org/new/commcenter911/APCOstandards.php.
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