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By definition......

the word Interoperability has no meaning except in the context in which it is used.  In communications, it is generally meant to be the function of allowing differing devices to communicate with each other (i.e. different radios in different frequency bands is the most common application).  To a lesser extent, Interoperability can be expanded to mean the function of allowing private radio systems to communicate with public wireless communications systems (i.e. 2-way radio to Nextel for example).  Increasingly, there is evolving the desire to integrate wireless voice communications devices with computer networks (generally via an internal network or in some cases through the Internet).  In it's ultimate form, Interoperability could provide the ability to connect private wireless radio systems, public wireless systems such as Nextel, wireless paging (either private or public), the public switched telephone network (PSTN), Voice mail, and the Internet with the ability to allow voice and data to operate as a single protocol. 

In public safety jargon, Interoperability has more meanings than Bayer has aspirin. Without getting too technical, let's just say that federal agencies have been ordered to purchase only APCO-25 digital compatible radios.  By extension, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have attempted to extend this requirement to those who have been awarded grants for the purchase of communications equipment (fire departments, etc.).  This attempted mandate has caused a great deal of confusion due to lack of guidance from DHS and FEMA.  Both have basically capitulated by transferring the responsibility to the grant recipient for compliance.

In plain English, our understanding is that any radio capable of operating at 12.5 kHz channel spacing complies with current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements and it is the FCC as authorized by Congress, not DHS or FEMA, who defines technical standards.  The intent of DHS and FEMA (at least we think it was their intent) was to have everybody using the same type of radios so they could talk to each other in an emergency.  Great theory, except they overlooked the fact that we use different frequency bands - 30-50 MHz, 150-174 MHz, 450-470 MHz, 700-800-900 MHz to name a few.

The APCO-25 digital standard calls for a radio capable of communicating at 12.5 kHz, first in an analog mode, and later (much later by FCC Rules), then in a digital mode.  Federal agencies jumped straight to digital compatible radios even though they cost roughly three times more than analog radios and the repeaters are almost FIVE times more!  Technically, the digital models must be capable of operating in either an analog or digital mode with backwards compatibility with analog radios.  The conclusion (at least our conclusion) is that a 12.5 kHz capable analog radio meets current requirements and will continue to meet all operational requirements into the foreseeable future.  Additional information on this subject is available by clicking here.  Now let's review a few of the present interoperability solutions.

Radio-to-Radio VHF to UHF Conventional Interoperability

The most common requirement is to provide VHF radio users and UHF radios with the ability to communicate with each other.  This is a fairly simple requirement for non-trunking systems.  Ritron produces a product known as RadioNexus that is ideally suited for providing interoperability between VHF and UHF radio systems.  Additional information is available by clicking here.  This product can be ordered on line if you wish.

 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.

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 connecting only two different radios - VHF to UHF (RadioNexus).  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).  Click here for more details on the incredible new V8 Micro Bridge currently available from USA Radio  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.   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.

Radio over IP

A lot of attention has been given to the subject of combining 2-way radio with the Internet.  It's great in theory, but not too practical at this time for most of us.  There is an exception if you have the necessary skills (and money).  It all comes down to two things.  If all the devices can communicate using a common protocol (digital), and if they can be addressed using a common addressing standard (Internet Protocol or IP).  The first part is fairly inexpensive.  The ability to convert analog (voice) to digital (data) is accomplished through the use of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) devices.  In it's lower forms, you are already using DSP in simple devices such as the better cordless phones.

The V8 Micro Bridge and IDS-1600 Interoperable switches described above use DSP.  This is what allows two differing devices to talk to each other - a common protocol.  The second requirement, if we are going to use the Internet as our connecting circuit is to use a common identification.  We call this an IP address.  It's kind of like a digital phone number.  Think in terms of telephone number.  Long ago, we used operators to connect phone calls (low tech).  Then we came up with direct dial using 5 digits.  As more people started using phones, the number was increased to 7 digits for local calling and 11 digits for long distance.  Now, do you think you could reach anyone by dialing 5 digits?  The answer is obvious.  We must have a common addressing standard, even with analog devices.  That standard for digital devices is an IP address!

There are many benefits associated with combining PC's, phones, and radios.  Suffice it to say that today's technology (September of 2005) requires the radio to be IP addressable with connection to a PC Ethernet, a router, and software.  At this time, we offer an IP compatible radio (see below).  We do not offer routers or software since each user will generally want to make their own choice for suppliers of these items.  However, we have provided some basic information on configuring a complete Radio over IP system for those who wish to implement this technology.  Information is available by clicking here.  

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.

Integrated Solutions

The ultimate solution is to tie everything together so that radio users can talk to anybody, or vice versa, regardless of where they may be anywhere in the world, whether they are using a phone, cell phone, pager, or PC keyboard.  There are two ways to do this - Real time and interactive exchange.   What most of us would like to have is a way for everything we have to be able to communicate with everything else we have as well as those of everybody else.  Don't despair - it's coming!  That's a real time solution, probably available at some price, but most likely beyond the practical financial constraints of most of us.  For now, the best thing going is what we call an interactive exchange.

An interactive exchange system allows all our devices to connect to a central message center where messages can be left, and sent to a user with a device unlike the one we are using (i.e. PC to 2-way radio for example).  We offer such a system.  The cost will vary depending on the number of devices to be connected and other considerations, but for most of us, it can be said that it is a practical and affordable solution.  For additional information, call Burch Falkner at 800.489.2611.

We hope we have provided a sufficient overview to allow you to select the best radio Interoperability solution 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.

Thanks for visiting with us!

The USA Radio Team
At your Service!

Copyright 2005/2006 - USA Radios of Alabama Inc.
This page was last updated on 10/27/2007

 
     American quality at prices below the imports!  
36 - 20th Avenue NW - Birmingham, AL 35215
Phone Toll Free - 1.800.489.2611