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MDC Pagers...

Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 6:26 pm
by Flatbush97
I know that MDC 1200 is a two way protocol, but.... Does there exist a pager that would decode MDC signalling?
I work in a volunteer EMS system that uses MDC to dispatch calls.. Each area has an MDC group that is alerted when there is a call in the neighborhood. Individuals can also be alerted as well, when their designated ID is alerted. Typically, a squad member would respond on the radio acknowledging their response to an assignment. This system is a 24x7 system where responders either have a designated shift or answer when available. Many of our squad members carry radios throughout the day, responding when able. I work in an industry where a two radio would be obstrusive. I am looking for a pager that would at least decode the group, if not individual alert that is sent. A small radio such as the ex series is not an acceptable solution as the antenna makes it quite noticable.
Even if the pager does not transmit a response (duh, its a receiver only) I would at least be able to receive my alerts and contact the dispatch center via phone. I had asked this a few years ago but no ne was aware of such a device...

If one doesnt exist, maybe there is a market for it? ;)

Thanks for your response.
Aaron

Re: MDC Pagers...

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 1:26 pm
by commtek
No such animal

Re: MDC Pagers...

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 2:27 pm
by Rayjk110
Smallest solution I can think of would be a Visar or EX series HT...

Re: MDC Pagers...

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 5:12 pm
by Pj
Zippo. Radio or nothing.

There are other voice pagers out there that are not motorola, but AFAIK, none of those supported MDC.

Re: MDC Pagers...

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 9:27 pm
by Flatbush97
A radion with an antenna is obtrusive, much more so than a pager...

Re: MDC Pagers...

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:16 am
by KD7FLY
You could always get a small /\/\ radio like Ray said, the get an antenna adapter for it (BNC) and go to radio shack and purchase one of their "race-track" antennas. I'm not too sure how it would be on RX quality, but that pretty much resolves the interference from a large antenna. Just make sure TX is disabled!!

(I have yet to try this, its just an idea. :) )

Re: MDC Pagers...

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 1:41 pm
by escomm
Flatbush97 wrote:A radion with an antenna is obtrusive, much more so than a pager...
True, but MDC1200 is not a paging protocol.

Re: MDC Pagers...

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:19 pm
by KD7FLY
escomm wrote: True, but MDC1200 is not a paging protocol.
If you use SelCall or Call alert you could consider it to be...group alert might work as well.

Re: MDC Pagers...

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 7:45 pm
by tvsjr
Poor horse... being flogged unnecessarily post-mortem...

Re: MDC Pagers...

Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 6:26 pm
by RADIO43
XTS4000?????????????

Don't much bigger then a Minitor 5!!!!!

Re: MDC Pagers...

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:00 am
by john9912
or an Icom F50 MDC (vhf) / Icom F60 MDC (uhf). Add the optional stubby antenna and it is a very small radio. Will decode MDC.

John L.
Sparta, NJ

Re: MDC Pagers...

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 5:34 pm
by Rayjk110
RADIO43 wrote:XTS4000?????????????

Don't much bigger then a Minitor 5!!!!!

Did ya think of practicability and price difference?