Move over, XTS1500 - Here Comes ICOM's P25 Radios!
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2003 10:06 am
Our best hope for a TRULY AFFORDABLE P25 radio?
Looks like they are taking a "wait and see" approach (can't blame them). If P25 really takes off, ICOM won't be far away from a comercial offering, based on the article below. Perhaps trhis is why Motorola is launching the XTS 1500?
Project 25 Digital Directions From Icom
Bellevue, WA (11 August 2003) Icom America is excited to showcase sample Project 25 Digital radios in our booth at the APCO INTERNATIONAL 69th Annual Conference & Exposition, August 10-14, 2003 at the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana. Icom will have two mobile and two portable radios in simplex operation on the air and operating at the APCO Conference. When in digital voice mode, these sample radios are fully compatible with other P25 radios.
“Although they are still preproduction samples and are not yet in large scale mass production, these radios are a sign of Icom’s continuing commitment to leadership in the development of mobile and portable radios that meet customers needs while exceeding their expectations, even in a rapidly changing technological environment,” reports Chris Lougee, VP of Icom America.
Project 25 (P25) is an initiative of representatives from the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO), the National Association of State Telecommunications Directors (NASTD), selected Federal Agencies and the National Communications System (NCS). Recognizing the need for common communications standards for First Responders and Homeland Security/Emergency Response professionals, the deployment of P25-compliant systems will allow for equipment interoperability, compatibility and economy of scale. In light of recent worldwide terrorist activities, interoperability among first responders is a key initiative of many countries.
According to Mr. Lougee, “Icom has no fixed plans to launch P25 radios at this time. We do, however, plan to be an integral part of the development of this technology and plan to be one of the strongest Project 25 Digital two-way radio manufacturers in the world. This market is not only large from a business perspective, but of vital global importance from a safety perspective. As the Digital market moves in the direction of P25, Icom is looking at developing a family of Project 25 Digital products for that market.”
With years of experience as an innovator in the field of digital modulation applications, digital signal processing technologies and analog trunking systems, Icom is able to develop these P25 digital radio products in response to a rapidly changing technological environment.
The P25 samples that will be at APCO are built with the same field-proven physical chassis and body as the very popular F40G and F620 series conventional FM radios. As always, Icom products are produced in ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified production facilities, ensuring long lasting dependability you can count on with confidence.
In addition to the land mobile market, Icom has also launched a digital amateur radio system called “D-Star.” D-Star is a complete infrastructure of terminals, repeaters, backbone and Internet gateways besides market dominant generations of HF radios with digital signal processors.
“This is an exciting time in our industry,” explains Chris. “While there is no doubt that rapid change in a demanding environment is challenging, it represents exciting opportunities. What we learn and develop as part of this project can be translated across our product lines, and that will keep us on the forefront of radio communications across industries.”
Icom America's parent company, Icom Inc., was founded in Osaka Japan. Icom is a publicly held Japanese corporation; its stock is traded on the Tokyo and Osaka Stock Exchange. Icom began as an engineering and manufacturing company, making advanced, compact solid-state radio equipment for use by amateur radio enthusiasts. Icom has since grown to become an industry leader with a product line that includes state-of-the-art communications equipment for land and marine use as well as avionics. Icom America's headquarters are in Bellevue, Washington. http://www.icomamerica.com
At press time, there are no photographs available of the new radios. Please call for current availability.
Looks like they are taking a "wait and see" approach (can't blame them). If P25 really takes off, ICOM won't be far away from a comercial offering, based on the article below. Perhaps trhis is why Motorola is launching the XTS 1500?
Project 25 Digital Directions From Icom
Bellevue, WA (11 August 2003) Icom America is excited to showcase sample Project 25 Digital radios in our booth at the APCO INTERNATIONAL 69th Annual Conference & Exposition, August 10-14, 2003 at the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana. Icom will have two mobile and two portable radios in simplex operation on the air and operating at the APCO Conference. When in digital voice mode, these sample radios are fully compatible with other P25 radios.
“Although they are still preproduction samples and are not yet in large scale mass production, these radios are a sign of Icom’s continuing commitment to leadership in the development of mobile and portable radios that meet customers needs while exceeding their expectations, even in a rapidly changing technological environment,” reports Chris Lougee, VP of Icom America.
Project 25 (P25) is an initiative of representatives from the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO), the National Association of State Telecommunications Directors (NASTD), selected Federal Agencies and the National Communications System (NCS). Recognizing the need for common communications standards for First Responders and Homeland Security/Emergency Response professionals, the deployment of P25-compliant systems will allow for equipment interoperability, compatibility and economy of scale. In light of recent worldwide terrorist activities, interoperability among first responders is a key initiative of many countries.
According to Mr. Lougee, “Icom has no fixed plans to launch P25 radios at this time. We do, however, plan to be an integral part of the development of this technology and plan to be one of the strongest Project 25 Digital two-way radio manufacturers in the world. This market is not only large from a business perspective, but of vital global importance from a safety perspective. As the Digital market moves in the direction of P25, Icom is looking at developing a family of Project 25 Digital products for that market.”
With years of experience as an innovator in the field of digital modulation applications, digital signal processing technologies and analog trunking systems, Icom is able to develop these P25 digital radio products in response to a rapidly changing technological environment.
The P25 samples that will be at APCO are built with the same field-proven physical chassis and body as the very popular F40G and F620 series conventional FM radios. As always, Icom products are produced in ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified production facilities, ensuring long lasting dependability you can count on with confidence.
In addition to the land mobile market, Icom has also launched a digital amateur radio system called “D-Star.” D-Star is a complete infrastructure of terminals, repeaters, backbone and Internet gateways besides market dominant generations of HF radios with digital signal processors.
“This is an exciting time in our industry,” explains Chris. “While there is no doubt that rapid change in a demanding environment is challenging, it represents exciting opportunities. What we learn and develop as part of this project can be translated across our product lines, and that will keep us on the forefront of radio communications across industries.”
Icom America's parent company, Icom Inc., was founded in Osaka Japan. Icom is a publicly held Japanese corporation; its stock is traded on the Tokyo and Osaka Stock Exchange. Icom began as an engineering and manufacturing company, making advanced, compact solid-state radio equipment for use by amateur radio enthusiasts. Icom has since grown to become an industry leader with a product line that includes state-of-the-art communications equipment for land and marine use as well as avionics. Icom America's headquarters are in Bellevue, Washington. http://www.icomamerica.com
At press time, there are no photographs available of the new radios. Please call for current availability.