Radio - Computer Integration: Advise Needed

[contrak10]

Hey Guys,

I'm looking some advise on anywhere to go when it comes to radio-computer integration software and the radios themselves.

Here's what i'm looking to do:

My agency is building a new mobile communications vehicle for our department to replace an older communications vehicle.

We would like to have everything rack mounted in a closet from computers to the mobile radios itself. I'm looking at radio - computer integration where the radio channels would be located on computer screen so each position can transmit on any mobile. (Our old truck has 2 mobiles above each position, so its a pain having to walk over to another position just to change channels or raise or lower the volume). I would like to also be able to patch radios channels together on the fly with the integration software. Any Ideas?

Another area of concern was how or if there is a software or mobile radio that will allow remote channel changes on the fly via the computer software (Tone channel changing 14 channels, correct? I need to be able to access as many channels as there is programmed). This way if a dispatcher wants to change channels, he or she doesn't have to get out of her chair to do so.

My last question is, we are looking at mobiles that are at minimum P25 ready. Im willing to accept the Moto Trbo in lieu of that but I would like to have mobile radio that can do P25. Any suggestions?

I hope im not too confusing, let me know if you need any clarification.

Thanks

[RKG]

What you are looking for is what we call a "console." A console is basically an integration of two or more effective remote controls, with one mike, one PTT and two speakers. One channel is "selected;" the Rx audio from this channel is routed to the "Selected Speaker," which has its own volume control, and then the PTT is pressed, it keys the "selected channel" and passes mike audio to it for Tx. All other channels are "unselected," and their audio is summed to the "unselect speaker," which has its own separate volume control.

Consoles come in two broad flavors: those that use buttons and LEDs to assert controls and indicate status, and those that use icons on a computer screen.

There are two major manufacturers: Motorola and Zetron, and a few lesser ones, notably GaiTronics. For a mobile comm van, we have had good luck with the Zetron 4010, which is a buttons and LED-type console.

You should also look at the JPS ACU1000, which is basically a patch box but which can perform what amounts to console functions.

[wavetar]

Since you mention P25, another option is the MIP5000 system from Motorola. It can interface directly to XTL consoles via SB9600 protocol to give full channel control & radio ID's, amongst other things, through a computer based GUI. Very flexible...main issue with it...expensive compared to other solutions.

Todd

[contrak10]

Anyone have any use with the TurboVUI , or the MIP5000 that can answer some technical questions. I looked at zetron, they dont seem to have any IP based solutions.

I also got some info about telex. has anyone used this product with remote radios?

[RKG]

Why IP? A host of negatives and issues that are worth trying to deal with only if IP is the only feasible backhaul available to you. Here, the radios and the control will be in the same vehicle.

[tvsjr]

Why IP? A host of negatives and issues that are worth trying to deal with only if IP is the only feasible backhaul available to you. Here, the radios and the control will be in the same vehicle.

Seems like IP would be pretty easy when you're only dealing with a local network (everything running on a single network segment), and it would be much easier to run a single run of Cat5 through the walls of the command post than specialty cable.

[Jim202]

There are a number of companies that can provide some sort of equipment gateway that will do what
your looking at. The most flexible is probably the RIOS gateway from Sytech Corp. www.sytechcorp.com

The RIOS gateway has a whole bunch of features that make it an ideal candidate.

Can remotely control a number of different radios for both channels and zone type operation.
The radio channel information can be displayed on the client control screen.
Can be controlled from just about any computer using Windows XP and the client software.
You don't even need to be in close proximity of the RIOS gateway to control it with the client
software. Just as long as you have an IP connection on the same network.
The RIOS can be controlled via an EVDO connection, satellite, Internet connection, etc.
The RIOS gateway can have text messages sent between the client computers.
The RIOS gateways have a built in option for voice recording.
You can link multiple gateways together to share radio channels into a common patch.
You can have video ability with the RIOS gateway.
You can link into other gateways with the RIOS.
Most of the federal 3 letter agencies are using the RIOS gateways.
The features go on and on.

Having the ability to travel around the country and see a vast number of mobile command vehicles,
I would make a couple of suggestions. Try not to place the radios with the computers. Most
computers are just plain noise and RF generators. The radios can be subjected to enough RF noise,
that some channels can be made unusable. Plus putting all the computers and radios into a small
space poses a heat problem for everything.

Plan your cable runs so that you can add and remove cables over time. Most of the vehicles
that I have seen don't allow for any cable changes. The wires are bundled into the walls and
then the walls are sealed up. No access after the fact. Same holds true for any antenna
cables. You will never be able to change out a coax cable or add a new antenna after you
take delivery of the vehicle in most cases. The worst is trying to get cables from one side
to the other in the vehicle.

Consider the option of a push out section on the vehicle. The added expense is well worth
the extra room you gain when you can push out a wall by 4 feet or so once your on location.

Some areas of the country have mobile command interop rallies once or twice a year. Ask around
to find one in your area. Going to one of these is a good idea gathering opportunity that you
would not have any other way. One of the big ones that I know of in the Washington, DC area
is in Fairfax County. This year it will be on May 7th.

Jim

Hey Guys,

I'm looking some advise on anywhere to go when it comes to radio-computer integration software and the radios themselves.

Here's what i'm looking to do:

My agency is building a new mobile communications vehicle for our department to replace an older communications vehicle.

We would like to have everything rack mounted in a closet from computers to the mobile radios itself. I'm looking at radio - computer integration where the radio channels would be located on computer screen so each position can transmit on any mobile. (Our old truck has 2 mobiles above each position, so its a pain having to walk over to another position just to change channels or raise or lower the volume). I would like to also be able to patch radios channels together on the fly with the integration software. Any Ideas?

Another area of concern was how or if there is a software or mobile radio that will allow remote channel changes on the fly via the computer software (Tone channel changing 14 channels, correct? I need to be able to access as many channels as there is programmed). This way if a dispatcher wants to change channels, he or she doesn't have to get out of her chair to do so.

My last question is, we are looking at mobiles that are at minimum P25 ready. Im willing to accept the Moto Trbo in lieu of that but I would like to have mobile radio that can do P25. Any suggestions?

I hope im not too confusing, let me know if you need any clarification.

Thanks

[wavetar]

Anyone have any use with the TurboVUI , or the MIP5000 that can answer some technical questions. I looked at zetron, they dont seem to have any IP based solutions.

I also got some info about telex. has anyone used this product with remote radios?

TurboVUI is currently a single radio solution. They claim to be coming out with a multiple radio console type solution third quarter of this year, but who knows.

We are going to be installing a Telex console solution in the next few months. I don't know too much about it yet, but in reading the literature it seems really flexible & powerful. We are having two technical representatives come onsite during set-up for a couple of days of training, so I'll know much more then! One positive about it right away is a single IP-223 controller interfaces to 2 radios, so some of the infrastructure cost is less. Otherwise, it's also lower cost than the MIP5000 with similar features...in the area of 30% less overall.

[Jim202]

The IP223 is a neat box. What slows people down on using them is the $1700 price tag. Sure
you can connect 2 radios to it, but that means a 600 tag for every 2 radios you need to interface.
There are other consoles that may be a better deal cost wise.

Jim

Anyone have any use with the TurboVUI , or the MIP5000 that can answer some technical questions. I looked at zetron, they dont seem to have any IP based solutions.

I also got some info about telex. has anyone used this product with remote radios?

TurboVUI is currently a single radio solution. They claim to be coming out with a multiple radio console type solution third quarter of this year, but who knows.

We are going to be installing a Telex console solution in the next few months. I don't know too much about it yet, but in reading the literature it seems really flexible & powerful. We are having two technical representatives come onsite during set-up for a couple of days of training, so I'll know much more then! One positive about it right away is a single IP-223 controller interfaces to 2 radios, so some of the infrastructure cost is less. Otherwise, it's also lower cost than the MIP5000 with similar features...in the area of 30% less overall.