A layman's guide
to Interoperability

You've been hearing a lot about Interoperability lately.  Most of us never heard of the word until 9/11 when a series of events at the World Trade Center triggered an awareness of some basic problems that had been around for a long time.  Most of our newly appointed folks in Homeland Security identified a need to people to talk to each other in the event of a mass disaster and the word Interoperability became commonplace.  We agree that Interoperability generally translates into more effective communications but with some clear distinctions as follows:

Phase One Interoperability is the function of detecting people or things that can cause us harm and to convey that information to those who can react properly.  Prior to 9/11 the CIA, the FBI, and a double handful of covert agencies simply did not share information.  That is the essential task of the Department of Homeland Security - to get the information flowing.  We are not involved in this phase except in a minor role of providing radiation detection and reporting equipment.  We'll come back to this a little later.

Phase Two Interoperability is the function of federal emergency response agencies coordinating their efforts to better administer resources effectively.  This involves FEMA, Citizens Corps, Department of Transportation, Federal law enforcement agencies at all levels, the FAA, Port and maritime authorities, and others responsible for movement of large numbers of people in the event of a major emergency.  We have little involvement in this phase with the possible exception of several programs such as Operation SafeWatch, to enhance the federally funded CERT and Citizens Corps programs.

Phase Three Interoperability is perhaps the most difficult of all from the viewpoint of effective administration.  Phase Three involves the coordination of federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, most of whom have a basic distrust of the others.  Add to that the need to communicate and coordinate with fire and rescue personnel where there has previously been no commonality of interest or common objective.  Then you add volunteer fire and rescue agencies who have a long standing rivalry with paid departments.  Finish it up by adding emergency healthcare personnel, traffic administration, and wrecker services.  Then tell them they all need to communicate and work together.  To say that this was, is, and will continue to be a difficult task is a mild understatement to say the least.  This, by the way, is the area where we are most involved.  

Since Phase Three is where we are most involved, we will start there and come back to the other phases later.  At the federal level, and to some extent at the state level of Homeland Security, it was recognized that there were all kinds of systems used to communicate by the various agencies and most of them were incompatible.  In most areas of the USA, there exists a need to provide a means of interconnecting differing types of communications systems.  The device designed to provide a solution is known as an Interoperable Bridge or Switch.  There are essentially four qualified providers of this equipment - JPS/Raytheon, Infinimode, Telex, and VDV Media.  The most common requirements aside from normal in-band communications (VHF to VHF etc.) are as follows:

VHF to UHF conventional radios using a common bandwidth standard (Normally 12.5 KHz)

VHF or UHF radios to Low Band (30-50 - MHz), 220, 700, or 800 MHz conventional radios

VHF or UHF conventional radios to 800 MHz trunked radio system

VHF, UHF, or 800 MHz radios to Nextel or SouthernLINC public network communicators

VHF, UHF or 800 MHz radios to Air Rescue support radios (130 MHz AM)

VHF, UHF, or 800 MHz radios to Marine radio channels (160 MHz) in areas near waterways

VHF, UHF, or 800 MHz radios to wired telephones

Any of the above configurations connected to local 911 and EMA facilities

Any of the above configurations connected via the Internet, microwave network, or leased phone lines
to allow control of widely disbursed operating facilities

Homeland Security planners were faced with providing a solution to these needs as quickly as possible and attempted to use a one size fits all equipment strategy.  As it turns out, this approach is open to improvement by selecting the technology to fit individual requirements rather than assuming Coosa County Alabama has the same needs as New York City.  We will come back to Phase Three shortly, but we should also note an additional need which we call Phase four.

Phase Four Interoperability, or lack thereof, is equal in importance to the aforementioned.  Phase Four deals with providing effective communications within buildings.  Many of the lives that were lost on 9/11 were lost as a result of ineffective in-building communications.  Cities across the USA are rewriting building codes to incorporate provisions for assuring in-building communications capability for first responders.  We are involved in Phase Four to the extent that we offer custom solutions through Motorola and Kaval utilizing Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDA's), specialized antennas, and power radiating transmission cable.  Since each situation is different, offering a catalog of products isn't practical on this service.  If you have a requirement for enhanced in-building communications, give us a call at 1-800-489-2611.  Now, let's go back to Phase Three, the one most of us understand as the most common application of Interoperability.

Radio Interoperability - An Overview - The most common application for Interoperability is one of allowing VHF users to communicate with UHF users.  There are all kinds of solutions ranging from the illegal operation of amateur radio transceivers capable of dual mode operation on up to misapplied application of one size fits all Interoperable bridges costing thousands of dollars.  If you simply want a cost effective and efficient VHF to UHF solution, your least expensive alternative is a system called RadioNexus.  

An Introduction to RadioNexus - Basically, RadioNexus consists of a VHF and a UHF radio that are connected via a CAT-5 cable that allows the VHF radio to activate the UHF transmitter and to hear UHF received signals and vice versa.  The RadioNexus system can be set up at a dispatch center, at a remote location, or in a vehicle.  The radios can be programmed on the regular dispatch frequencies so that all VHF calls are heard by UHF users and vice versa.  This is not recommended.   A better alternative is to set up your normal dispatch frequencies in the RadioNexus system utilizing a separate CTCSS to restrict access unless users switch to the Bridge Channel.  This requires adding an additional channel position in your handheld or mobile radios - normally not a problem with today's radios with multiple channel being basically standard.  The following diagram may better explain the simplicity of RadioNexus. 

You can order RadioNexus on line using the Buy-Me buttons below:

	Been hearing a lot about INTEROPERABILITY?  For most of us, this means providing a means for a VHF user and a UHF user to talk to each other.  You can spend up to $25,000 for this capability or you can spend $995 when you purchase RadioNexus™ from us!  For additional information, click here. Order code CP308.	$995
	Falcon Direct offers a flat rate shipping program for our RadioNexus users.  The charge is only $20 regardless of type of product or quantity.  All shipments made by UPS ground unless otherwise specified (subject to additional charges for overnight or 2nd day delivery). Order Code CP320	$20
	We will do you programming for you at no charge (See Note below).  If you prefer to do your own programming, we offer a PC programming kit with software, cable and instructions. Order code RPT-PCPK-P2	$129
	Doing business with Falcon Direct is easy!  You can charge to American Express, Discover, MasterCard, VISA, or we will accept Purchase Orders from approved customers.

 Be sure and insert your desired frequency and tones in the comments section if you are ordering on line.  If you prefer, you can fax your programming information to 205.853.6178.  If you have questions, give us a call at 1.800.489.2611.

Radio Interoperability for Low Band and VHF or UHF - Phase Three Interoperability for VHF to low band (30 - 50 MHz) requires a little more expensive solution.  There are two basic choices.  The first, known as a crossband repeater is an older technology utilizing a hardware based solution.  The Motorola HKLN4056 is a transportable console housing including an AC power supply, repeater controller, and equipment housing with connections for use with Motorola CDM series mobile radios (not included). This is an ideal low cost solution for connecting Low Band (30 - 50 MHz) radios to VHF (150 - 174 MHz) or UHF (450 - 470 MHz) radios. You can order the CDM series mobile at http://falcon.radio-dealers.com/ after obtaining a Login and Password. To register for a Login and Password, email sales@falcondirect.com.  You can order the HKLN4056 on line by using the Buy-Me button below.

	Looking for a practical Interoperability solution for Low Band (30 - 50 MHz) to VHF or UHF?  Consider the  Motorola HKLN4056 crossband repeater terminal for only $549.  Add a couple of Motorola CDM series radios (not included), and associated antennas (not included), and you are ready to go. If you need antennas and transmission line, see the section below or Email us - sales@falcondirect.com  for more information,   Order code IP401.	$549
	All shipments made by UPS ground unless otherwise specified (subject to additional charges for overnight or 2nd day delivery). UPS shipping charges with the desired delivery plan will automatically be added to your order.
	We will do you programming for you at no charge (See Note below).  If you prefer to do your own programming, we offer a PC programming kit with software. For additional information on Motorola programming kits, click here.
	Doing business with Falcon Direct is easy!  You can charge to American Express, Discover, MasterCard, VISA, or we will accept Purchase Orders from approved customers.

External Antenna and cable Systems

If you require an external antenna system we offer the following popular choices.

Base antennas & cable	Item	Description	Price
	Antenex Model FG1523	Antenex model FG1523 fiberglass omni directional VHF base station antenna.150-174 MHz 3db gain  (5 dB UHF) Gold Fiberglass Base Station antennas are collinear designs enclosed in a high density fiberglass, which is covered with a protective ultraviolet inhibiting coating. Mounting bracket set model FM2 included.  Oversize UPS shipping charges will apply. Part number AT107.	$209
	Decibel Model DB-224	Decibel Products DB-224 is a 5.25 db exposed dipole base station antenna used for maximum range.  A UHF model is also available at the same price with a 10.0 omni-directional gain.   Mounting bracket for standard 2" pipe included. Oversize shipping charges will apply. Shipping weight approximately 50 lbs.  Shipping by Motor carrier only. Part Number AT108.	$749
	Cable Kits RG213 Heliax 1/2"	We offer two cable kits.  For lengths of up to 100', we offer low loss RG213 with dual Type N connectors at a cost of $1.50 per foot.  For lengths over 100', we recommend the ultra low loss 1/2" Heliax cable at a cost of $3.00 per foot plus $50 for connectors (Type N normally provided although other connectors can be supplied on request. Part number AT109.	RG213 - 100' w/connectors @ $150 Heliax -  100' w/connectors @ $350

Advanced Phase Three Interoperability - So far we have discussed connected only two different radios - VHF to UHF (RadioNexus) and Low Band 30-50 MHz to VHF, UHF, 220 MHz, or 700 MHz using Motorola CDM series mobiles and the associated terminal known as a crossband repeater.  The next step up takes us out of the analog technology world and into digital technology which gives us greater flexibility through the use of Digital Signal Processing or DSP.  This is the technology found in the more sophisticated bridges or switches made by Infinimode, JPS/Raytheon, and VDV Media.

The lowest priced product, at least to our knowledge, is the V8 Micro Bridge which we introduced in December of 2004. Traditional thinking is that a "bridge such as the JPS-1000 is a $25,000 device, which is true unless it is bid (We have a superior device for less than $13,000 but that's not our point).

Homeland Security grants are NOT given to provide a solution to your day to day requirements of talking VHF to UHF of VHF to Nextel, or VHF to 800 MHz. That's the bad news. The good news is that we have a bridge that WILL meet your requirements for only $1,295 plus the cost of associated radios. Click here for more details on the incredible new V8 Micro Bridge currently available from Falcon Direct!  Better yet, buy one now by clicking on the Buy-Me button below.  Just tell us what you want to connect - we'll take care of the details.

Let's recap - If you have a simple requirement to link VHF and UHF users, RadioNexus is a great choice at just $995. To link VHF or UHF to Low Band, 220, or 700 MHz, the HKLN4056 terminal at $549 plus a couple of Motorola CDM series radios will do the job.  If you want to link VHF or UHF to Nextel or a trunked 800 MHz system, your best choice would be the V8 Micro Bridge at $1,295 plus the cost of the radios.  So what do you do if you want to link more than two devices?  That takes you up to the Super Bridges such as the VDV Media IDS-1600, one of the most affordable and easiest to set up of the enhanced capability models.

The IDS-1600 comes in 4, 8, 12, or 16 channel models.  Without getting into a lot of technical discussion, we will simply refer you to the VDV web site where you can study the various models.  To go to the VDV site, click here.  Normally, the IDS-1600 mounts on a standard 19" rack for fixed installation at dispatch centers or at mountain top repeater locations.  A portable unit is available for on scene emergency coordination.  Prices for the various models are as follows: You can order on line by clicking on the applicable Buy-Me buttons.

User information.  Products sold by Falcon Direct are warranted to be technically compliant with the manufacturers specifications.  No other warranty relative to use of the equipment or related service, when applicable, is expressed or implied.  Falcon Direct makes no claim for suitability or fitness of users purpose or application.  Falcon Direct is not responsible for claims arising from the use of equipment or services provided by or through Falcon Direct in which there are losses attributed to the use or application of equipment and/or related services.  User agrees to these terms as a condition of purchase.

We hope we have provided a sufficient overview to allow you to select the best radio Interoperability device to meet your exact needs.  Obviously, we have not addressed every possible application, but hopefully we have given you enough information to allow you to determine your real needs.  If you need assistance in defining your needs, we are as close as your phone, fax, email, or parking lot.

                             36 - 20th Avenue NW- Birmingham, AL 35215 - Phone 205.854.2611 - Toll Free 800.489.2611

Copyright 2007 - Falcon Direct, Inc.
This page was last updated on 01/23/2007