Fundamentally, you start with what is required, and what is not. From a regulatory point of view, the most immediate issue is the mandatory requirement to convert from 25 kHz to 12.5 kHz channel spacing by the end of 2012, commonly known as the narrow band requirement. If you are up to date of this requirement, you can move to the next paragraph. If you have questions, you may want to check out the Communications FAQ’s section of this web page for more information on this subject.
We presume you now know that you have several choices in making the conversion to 12.5 kHz narrow band. You can stay with analog technology with some expected performance degradation resulting from the reduced bandwidth (kind of like cutting the audio response of your home entertainment system in half). You can switch to digital by completely replacing your entire system or migrate to digital by choosing a digital system that is capable of performing in both an analog and digital mode (known as mixed mode operation).
In some cases, you may be faced with making a major conversion to the 700 or 800 MHz band to maintain compatibility with local or wide area systems. This adds another dimension to the conversion requirement. It is called Interoperability, or more specifically – compatibility with the radio systems operated by other users in your area. This is increasingly becoming an issue when you contemplate the use of federal funding for the purchase of your communications system upgrade. Additional information is available at www.info4u.us/InterOpPlan.pdf.
As you review the aforementioned material, you will learn that it is not necessary to throw away your existing system. You can continue using your existing 25 kHz VHF or UHF equipment with a planned conversion to 12.5 kHz digital AND still have interoperability with 700 or 800 MHz systems at a fraction of the cost of equipment for the 700/800 MHz band. For those not facing this issue, we have an even more affordable solution.
You can purchase our new I-Base VHF or UHF base/repeater station for less than a thousand dollars that meets the new 12.5 kHz standards and can operate in both analog and digital modes. You can continue using your older analog radios and phase in new digital radios as your budget allows. Better yet, we offer an affordable interoperate option that is approximately one-tenth the cost of traditional interoperable solutions. Additional information is available at www.info4u.us/ibase.pdf.
We would welcome the opportunity of working with you to make sure that you get the best communications solution and the best price, with our major objective being that of serving YOU! You can call us anytime at 205.854.2611 or contact us by email at sales@falcondirect.com.
