Introducing......
The Buttons!

As early as 1995, our founder recognized the need for providing a new product to provide emergency calling without the delays of third party monitoring services or the costs associated with these services.  More importantly, the product had to be flexible, inexpensive, and compatible with existing VHF and UHF 2-way radio systems.  We consulted with commercial institutional and utility users of conventional security systems as well as fire and rescue, governmental, and law enforcement users to determine the needs required to provide an efficient wireless notification system.

The message was loud and clear. Something was needed that could provide rapid notification capability at minimal cost.  The first effort used a software program developed by Motorola, a dedicated message processing terminal, and text message display pagers.  Regrettably, there were some issues that inhibited the effective utilization of this system.  Known as Man-Direct, the system could cut response time to half that of what would be required with conventional notification alarms.  Still, it was dependant on connection to a phone line.  This not only slowed down the notification process but reduced reliability since the premise phone line, the terminal phone line, the terminal, the transmitter, and associated AC power had to be operational or the system crashed.  Over the years, technology improved and we continued to develop our original concept of affordable instant notification.  By the Spring of 2004, progress was along the way toward completion of a family or products that have been known by a variety of names.   Actually,  a family of commercial products was found that were ideally suited for emergency notification.  These products, known as the Quick Assist (See picture at above left) and the Quick Assist II (above right).  For lack of a better definition, we simply refer to them the QA and QA2I or more simply as the Buttons.  

Commercially, these products had been used in retail stores for clerk assistance, at golf clubs in the pro shop, and industrial plants to notify administrative personnel when their is a problem on the production line.  These are still excellent applications for this efficient and inexpensive wireless call notification devices.  While we serve commercial users, our primary application for the buttons has been in the personal safety sector.  In this application, we refer to these products as The Companion.  We will begin by explaining the function of The Companion in a personal safety application.

EWTN, the worlds largest religious broadcaster wanted to improve emergency response at their international headquarters. They needed a wireless panic alarm connected directly to their UHF 2-way radio system. The main offices for EWTN are located in Irondale, a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama.  Many visitors of the Catholic faith visit this facility each year and there can be occasional requirements to discretely alert security officers when there an emergency.  Companion wireless emergency notification call boxes are strategically located in the gift shop, administration, and reception areas.  In the event of an emergency, a voice message is automatically transmitted to security personnel at the touch of a button.  The visitor experience is enhanced by providing instant response capability to respond to any type of emergency.  The Companion is ideal for a variety of applications requiring quick response by support personnel equipped with UHF 2-way radios.

THE BASIC BUTTON (COMPANION)

The basic button is as shown at the left.  We call it the  Basic Companion.  It is a simple wireless voice notification unit measuring just 6.3" X 5.5" X 4.3" and weighing in at just over a pound. These devices are capable of transmitting a voice message to a VHF or UHF radio from an internal 120 mW transmitter.  Power is supplied by six internal AA alkaline batteries.  When the call button is activated, the unit automatically transmits a user programmable voice message.  No external antenna or installation is required.  The Companion can be programmed to any desired frequency in the VHF 150-165 MHz or UHF 450-470 MHz frequency bands.  The Companion can send up to 12,000 messages before battery replacement is necessary.  It even transmits a low battery message when the batteries need changing! The Companion is user programmable for either 12.5 or 25 kHz channel spacing with programmable DCS and CTCSS tones.  All programming is done with a standard pulse dial telephone.  This device is specifically designed for indoor use.

The Companion can be set up to communicate or a private 2-way radio system with an operating range of up to 1/4 mile.  This is the unit used by EWTN where Companion units are used in the administration, gift shop, and reception areas to instantly summon assistance at the touch of a button.  When activated, a coded voice message such as Assistance required at location one.  This units are also ideal for installation in municipal offices, libraries and schools.  There is no monthly charge associated with the use of the Companion.  Prices are as follows:

Product

Description

Your Price

Buy Now

Companion

There are two models of the Companion.  There is a VHF model that can be programmed on any frequency in the 150-162 MHz band with your choice of standard squelch. CTCSS or DCS codes and programmable voice message using s standard pulse dial telephone.  A UHF model is also available for the 450 - 470 MHz band at the same price.  Technically, these units are known as the Quick Assist II.  You can order either unit on line by clicking on the Buy-Me button at the right.   Order Code QT2.   Shipping weight is 2 lbs. Normal shipping is via UPS surface. Programming and operating instructions included.  

$289

THE ADVANCED COMPANION

The advanced button, known as the Advanced Companion has the same 120 mW transmitter used in the Companion.  Both the Companion and the Reporter operate from six AA alkaline batteries.  However, an optional AC adapter can be connected to the Reporter for fixed installation if desired.  Also, the Advanced Companion is supplied with an external antenna attached by a quick disconnect BNC connector.  This gives the Reporter greater operating range than the Companion. In addition the Advance Companion is weatherproof and can be mounted outside when desired.  This is a very popular unit for use at athletic fields, and commercially by amusement parks, auto dealerships, lumber yards, and plant nurseries.

One of the first applications for the Advanced Companion was in a medical clinic where it was installed by the Phil Campbell Alabama Rescue Squad (PCRS).  In the event of a medical emergency, clinic personnel can get advanced life support and transport services within a matter of just a few minutes.  Previously, calls for transport service to area hospitals involved calling 911 who in turn dispatched the call to the nearest commercial ambulance service.  In some cases, rescue personnel did not arrive until a half hour later.  Now, response is typically within two minutes!

The Advanced Companion unit easily paid for itself since PCRS installed it at the clinic.  The revenues earned by PCRS easily paid for the Advanced Companion while simultaneously providing enhanced safety for the citizens in the community.  PCRS later added Advanced Companion units in local area schools with additional plans for expansion now in progress.  Additional information on the PCRS system is available by clicking here.  You can order the Advanced Companion on line using the Buy-Me button below.

User information.  Products sold by USA Radio 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.  USA Radio makes no claim for suitability or fitness of users purpose or application.  USA Radio is not responsible for claims arising from the use of equipment or services provided by or through USA Radio 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.

 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.

Thanks for visiting with us!

The USA Radio Team
At your Service!

Copyright 2007 - USA Radios of Alabama Inc.
This page was last updated on 10/27/2007