Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Introducing AccessPlus!

Introducing AccessPlus.......

the most incredible access control, alarm monitoring and video surveillance system available anywhere!  The "heart" of the system is the Central Processing Controller (CPC) shown in the center at the left. Starting with the CPC, we can monitor doors, gates, or rooms.  When activated, we can take a picture, send the information to your PC or Blackberry, alert local law enforcement directly via their 2-way radio or monitor activity on an Internet connected PC.

You tell us what you need to do, and we'll do the job more efficiently, and less expensively than anyone, anywhere, at any price - guaranteed!  If you just want to keep a record of who is entering and when, we will provide your choice of key chain activators or magnetic cards with a card reader at the door.  If you want a video record, we can add a camera.  If you want real time notification, we can do it by phone, the Internet, or even 2-way radio!

We can monitor a door, a gate, an open yard area, a room or all areas.  We can automatically turn the system on and off at any time interval desired.  We can control lights, appliances, even heating and air conditioning.  Many users can pay for the cost of the system in utility savings alone!  Did we mention that there are NO MONTHLY FEES?

Want to know more?  Give us a call at 800.489.2611 or email sales@falcondirect.com. You'll be glad you did! 

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day Message - 2009

It's Memorial Day!

Some think of this special day only as a gateway to summer. It's a WHOLE lot more. You can learn more about what this day really means by clicking here. We invite you join us in celebrating this day of observance for the price paid by those who gave their all for our freedom.
Burch Falkner and all the gang at Falcon Direct!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Introducing the new Purrfect Pager!

Tux the cat, senior mascot at Falcon Direct, is delighted to introduce our new Purrfect Pager. It's a little smaller, a little lighter (weighs just six ounces), is just as wearable, and a WHOLE lot less expensive than Minitor V, both in terms of the initial purchase price AND operating cost.

The new Purrfect Pager features a four year limited warranty, and guaranteed trade in value for three full years!  Did we mention that it can operate on BOTH standard and narrow band channels at the touch of a button, or that it has the ability to TALK on fireground channels, or that it is available in your choice of VHF or UHF?  Want to know more about the Purrfect Pager? Go to www.info4u.us/purrfect.pdf

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Somebody help me figure this out.......

Dodge ChargerCommentary…..

I know that I am not capable of running the U.S. Government or even a large corporation. I don’t even run my own business as well as many of my peers (ask any of them - they'll tell you!). I know there is a lot I don’t know or understand, but permit me, if you will, to share a few comments on the decision by Chrysler Corporation to close hundreds of their dealerships across the nation.

 

The media tells me that the closing of these dealerships will help them cut cost.  Could anyone explain to me just exactly how that will work?  I work with a number of police departments across the State of Alabama.  The subject of the dealer closings recently came up during a visit with the operations commander for a municipal police department. This department was partially complete in switching their entire fleet to Dodge Chargers.  Over the past few years, this department, like many others across the nation, had been converting from Ford Crown Victoria’s to the Charger police specials.  You’ll never guess why!

 

Was it because Charger was better?  Less expensive? Actually, it was mainly because of LOCAL SERVICE!  The nearest Ford dealer was many miles away.  I leave the comments regarding Chevrolet to others. As it turns out, there was a local Dodge dealer in the community – not just any dealer, but a Five-Star dealer – the best of the best! So what happens now that the dealership is closing?

 

Well, there is another Dodge dealer sixty miles to the north and another around seventy miles to the south.  Want to venture a guess as what this department loses in terms of manpower, available equipment, operating expense and lack of productivity as a result of this decision by Chrysler to “save money”? 

 

I never was the brightest kid in school, or for that matter, in business; but somehow, I just don’t get it.  What does the dealer “cost” Chrysler?  All they do is buy cars from Chrysler, sell them in their local community and take care of Chrysler’s customers.  They employ people who buy Chrysler products.  They attend local churches and civic organization that buy Chrysler products.  They pay taxes to the community in which they live that buy Chrysler products.  They are among the biggest media advertisers, charitable contributors, and employers in the community. 

 

It is probably worth noting than that if there is no dealer in the area, sales for Chrysler products will suffer.  Most of us won’t travel more than 10 miles to purchase a vehicle from a servicing dealer.  So what do all those potential buyers do?  They buy another brand of vehicle!  Can anyone explain to me how that “helps” Chrysler?

 

So the dealer no longer employs people, pays no taxes, spends no money in the community, sells no cars, provides no service, and that makes things better?  The ripple effect is that Chrysler sells fewer vehicles, makes less money, employs fewer people, and pays less taxes, payroll, and benefits.  The union employees at Chrysler will not have to make any concessions, but somehow I think there will be fewer of them around to enjoy their tough bargaining for high wages and benefits that include Viagra prescriptions.

 

And yet, I am told that my elected representatives are putting billions of our tax dollars into a company that will ultimately fail.  The only way a business can survive, at least in a capitalistic society, is to compete.  You can’t compete with a limited distribution system or cutting out the very people that are essential to serving the needs of your customers.  Instead of a few mega dealers, how about MORE community dealers?  Just a thought….

 

Maybe I’m wrong.  Anyone want to tell me what it is that I don’t understand?  I really would like to know!

 

Burch Falkner

Small businessman,

a resident of Birmingham, AL

who apparently is getting dumber by the day....

Thursday, May 14, 2009

A Geniune American Hero!

Tiger Woods received a special invitation to speak at the inauguration of our 44th President.  We thought his comments were worth sharing. Below is the text of his speech, entitled: You'll Never Walk Alone.

“I grew up in a military family - and my role models in life were my Mom and Dad, Lt. Colonel Earl Woods.  My dad was a Special Forces operator and many nights friends would visit our home.  They represented every branch of the service and every rank.  In my Dad, and in those guests, I saw first hand the dedication and commitment of those who serve.  They come from every walk of life - From every part of our country. 

Time and again, across generations, they have defended our safety in the dark of night and far from home.    Each day -- and particularly on this historic day -- we honor the men and women in uniform who serve our country and protect our freedom.  They travel to the dangerous corners of the world and we must remember that for every person who is in uniform, there are families who wait for them to come home safely.  I am honored that the military is such an important part, not just of my personal life, but of my professional one as well.  The golf tournament we do each year here in Washington is a testament to those unsung heroes.    

I am the son of a man who dedicated his life to his country, family and the military, and I am a better person for it.  In the summer of 1864, Abraham Lincoln, the man at whose memorial we stand, spoke to the 164th Ohio Regiment and said: 'I am greatly obliged to you, and to all who have come forward at the call of their country.' Just as they have stood tall for our country - we must always stand by and support the men and women in uniform and their families.”  

In a time when it’s not popular to be patriotic, Tiger spoke his heart.   He knew beforehand that his love for America and appreciation for our military men & women would not be accepted, but Tiger is his own man; his father taught him to be his own man. 

Somewhere over that cold, gray Washington sky, old Earl Woods was smiling down on his beloved son.  And there will be one more crying hug waiting for Tiger when he passes through the Pearly Gates into God's arms.  

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Demo Firecom's New Wireless Headset

No wires, no plugs, just crystal clear, mission-critical communication with Firecom's new wireless headset and base station. First responders are now able to connect to the in-cab intercom system and vehicle radios with critical-on-scene communication using the wireless headset. The headset is ideal for command vehicles, on-scene first responders and ambulance attendants.

To demo Firecom's new wireless headset, simply call us at 800-489-2611 or email at sales@falcondirect.com to schedule a demonstration. We will contact you to arrange a convenient time to visit your department. After your demo, we will send you a Firecom t-shirt and LED light when you fill out a feedback card and return it to us.

Easy to use, efficient, durable and now wireless - as usual, first from Falcon Direct!


Sunday, May 10, 2009

MotoTRBO for Public Safety?

Contrary to what some sales people and even what some misguided public safety officials may try to tell you, MotoTRBO was NOT designed for public safety use. Here’s why! For starters, consider the fact that Motorola has never said it was for public safety (i.e. mission critical) applications. Don't take our word for it - do your own research and see where it takes you. Do NOT ask your sales representative. Your sales representative is paid to sell, not to do your research for you.

MotoTRBO was NOT originally designed for migration from analog to digital communications. Only in the third quarter of 2009 were mobiles and portables announced that were capable of being upgraded from analog to digital. Currently mobiles and portables with upgrade capability are available. The original, and affordable MotoTRBO XPR8300 repeaters would only operate in either an analog or digital mode – Not both! (An upgrade kit is now available to allow mixed mode operation) P25 was designed for mixed mode operation from the beginning (as was NXDN).

MotoTRBO is NOT approved for funding by the Department of Homeland Security. Only P25 is approved for Federal Funding including DOJ, FEMA and the Department of Interior. This is not to say that MotoTRBO systems have not been sold to public safety agencies. One can only hope that these agencies did not apply for P25 equipment and change to another standard without authorization.

MotoTRBO did not originally offer 2-tone paging commonly used by fire and rescue users. This capability is currently available however.

MotoTRBO can NOT be upgraded to single channel ultra narrow band (6.25 kHz) channel spacing which which was originally proposed by the FCC to be implemented by 2018. If you are a public safety user considering upgrading to narrow band, digital, or both; PLEASE get all the facts before making a decision. A good place to start is on this web page. Just type in the words MotoTRBO, Narrow Banding, FCC, or Digital Radios in the Search box at the upper right hand side of this page for other posts on this topic.

Don’t be misled; P25 is the RIGHT technology for Public Safety! Click here for more information from Motorola. Falcon Direct offers all three technologies - MotoTRBO, NXDN, and P25. Our objective is not to confuse you, but to make sure that you have all the facts before committing to a technology that may not be the best for YOU! Speaking of confusion, click here for our comments on those who willfully distribute misinformation and our special Doofus Awards for their disservice.

Falcon Direct Announces New Antennas!

Falcon Direct today announced the availability of the BaseMaster Series of VHF and UHF fixed station antennas.  After extensive testing against top of the line collinear and exposed dipole antennas such as the popular DB224 and DB228 series, Burch Falkner - President of Falcon Direct, introduced the affordable BaseMaster models with  VHF, UHF, and Dual Band VHF/UHF models for public safety and commercial users.

According to Mr. Falkner, the new antennas eliminate the high cost of shipping and installation.  All models are UPS shippable and do not require expensive side mount kits or gin poles for installation.  Available in 6, 7, and 11 dB gain versions, the new antennas are all priced the same - just $289 complete!  Additional information is available on the Internet at www.info4u.us/BaseMaster.pdf