Falcon Direct

The benefits of digital versus analog technology are significant. Generally, there is an improvement in operating range since digital signals do not degrade with distance. Audio clarity is the same in fringe areas as it is with radios operating fifty feet apart due to Digital Signal Processing (DSP). The batteries on portables last much longer between charges and require less frequent replacement since less charging is necessary. Privacy from monitoring by scanners is greatly enhanced and features like displaying a caller’s name, private voice and text messaging, and compatibility with data, such as GPS are just a few of the benefits of digital technology.

The three most common types of digital systems currently offered in the USA are FDMA, TDMA, and APCO-25. There are other systems such as FHSS used for on site use (The Motorola DTR series being a good example) as well as Amateur and European technology that is generally incompatible with SafeCom and Homeland Security guidelines. The fact is that only one of the three technologies meets the standards used by federal agencies and that is APCO-25, or as it is more commonly referred to, P25. If you are a public safety user, you would be well advised to consider P25, both from the viewpoint of compatibility with federal and larger metro agencies as well as the potential of a more favorable review when applying for federal grant money. Private security users, in our opinion, would best be served by selecting FDMA technology, such as that offered by ICOM since there are long term benefits relating to compliance with future operating standards and initial cost.  For more information on the different types of digital technology, in particular as it relates to non law enforcement use, please visit www.info4u.us/dcap.pdf.

ICOM is our vendor of choice for FDMA 6.25 kHz super narrow band technology for private security. Motorola is preferred for TDMA 12.5 kHz use with MotoTRBO products which are ideally suited for transportation fleets but lacking general compatibility for public safety applications. These radios are also a good choice for private security. P25 is our overall choice for both public safety and private security use, primarily for issues relating to compatibility with federal guidelines, grant technical standard compliance and the fact that it is the only technology developed specifically for the needs of public safety users in the USA.

All technologies can operate in either the current 25 kHz or 12.5 kHz mode in either analog or digital formats. FDMA and P25 can operate in a multi-mode configuration (i.e. the base or repeater station can talk to both analog and digital radios (depending on digital system used). At this time, the MotoTRBO repeater stations do not have multi-mode capability. They can be set to operate in an analog or digital mode, but not both.

Users of voice pagers should be aware of the fact that there are no voice pagers available or planned for use with any of the aforementioned digtital technologies.  That's the bad news.  The good news is that current voice pagers are capable of operating at 12.5 kHz which will assure continued operation through 2018.  Presumably, there will be an alternative available. Also it should be noted that the enhanced digital systems such as the Motorola ASTRO Digital and XTS series radios are NOT compatible with any of the aforementioned digital technologies when operated in the default P16 mode, nor is the original MA-COM EDACS system.