Batboard

OK, question for the gurus:

I need to upgrade what we're currently using for station alerting. I have the following requirements:

Decode/alert on matching 2-tone AND PL (there's a co-channel user that decided to use our same tone set... our current GM300 will do thiis)
Output an amplified audio signal to drive PA speakers
Output a contact closure for a relay
Reset both audio output and contact closure after X minutes (about 5)

We're currently getting complaints from homes near the station of the guys not killing the speaker before heading out on the run. So I get to fix it.

The current system uses a GM300, along with an audio amp built into a desktop tray for the unit. Closing the speakers is accomplished by pressing a button on the front of the tray. My other option is to rig up a little 555 timer circuit to "press" the button for them.

Thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks.

veetronix alert reciever works well, it can do all you asked for, including drive the pa speakers also. i have hooked it up in our new firehall to do the following.

drive blue strobe lights when alerted via internal relay
run pa speakers
auto reset after one minute.

and i have another to drive our outside siren

tone set #1, Activates relay 1, sets siren off on wail
tone set #2,activates relay 2 , sets siren off on fast wail

they really work well.

this sounds like the perfect replacement for the plectron in my firehouse. thats right i said PLECTRON.

i see on the web site that its pc programable. what kind of interface does it use?

all i know is the faceplate detaches and the programming face attaches to it, and the program face looks identical to the uniden scanner. but more complicated. and yes it is the plectron replacement.

plectron....ha we still got one of those. Works good too

Add another requirement... the radio needs to be a transceiver. They talk back to dispatch to acknowledge the page using the radio...

Federal Signal Informer.

Does all that, can be paging tones or tones + pl, has 2 relay outputs, each separately programmable as to duration, etc. Audo output to PA system. Can be auto reset.

Oh, and has internal battery for backup if power outage.

As far as talking back, it's easier to have two separate boxes. That way, your base can do other functions (other channels, scanning, etc.) while the Informer just sits there, waiting patiently. Ex.: got a social function at the station; someone wants to scan other channels - they set the base scanning; then forget to unset it; what happens if a page goes out on dispatch channel while the other channel has something happening on it?

Chuk Gleason
Cary, NC

Your 555 timer circuit sounds like the fastest, easiest & cheapest way to get it done...I know you're familiar with the circuit from your TKR on/off TX testing.

Todd

wavetar wrote:Your 555 timer circuit sounds like the fastest, easiest & cheapest way to get it done...I know you're familiar with the circuit from your TKR on/off TX testing.

Todd

That's what I'm thinking, especially considering I need to decode PL on top of QC2, and most boxes won't do that (since it's not standard).

I'd go change all of our tonesets... except then we'd be trying to re-reed Minitor IIs. Grumble.

Does anyone know if the Informer will decode PL + two-tone (AND signalling... must meet both conditions to alert)?

Thanks.

CDM750

We have a board that will do what you need, Plugs into the 16 pin connector of GM300/M216/CDM's etc.
It does the following:
- Accepts active high or low alarm input from Pin 4 of radio
- Triggers 2 relays (default is one latched and one momentary) to start sirens, open doors etc.
- Repages tones from Hall radio to get your page into weaker areas.
- We have another model can replay voice message as well
- Can change radio channels before repaging.
- Local PAGE button to set off pagers from hall
- Alert light and beeper to remind guys to press RESET button for latched relay.

Anything else you like it to do?

Anybody interested in it or have additional requirements drop me a PM and I'll let you know if we can make it do what you need!