Sunday, April 27, 2014

Safe School Classrooms - Just $99 Each!

We have been working on improved school safety for a long, long time. We have finally achieved a new level of enhanced safety for classroom teachers and their students.  We call it the CR120, an emergency call button no larger than a garage door opener.

Unlike a garage door opener, the CR120, used in association with our AlarmAlert central processor, can identify itself in voice or text message format to send distress messages directly to your choice of VHF or UHF analog radios, or by text messages to cell phones.  

You can wear the tiny CR120 on your belt, in your pocket or purse. Or, if you prefer, you can place it on or under your desk or any convenient location.  And, you don't have to worry about battery charging.  The easily replaceable battery lasts for up to FIVE years.  Operationally, all you have to do is push a button!  This sends a coded digital message to an AlarmAlert terminal that automatically selects the correct message, such as Assistance needed in classroom 12, chooses the sending format (voice or text), chooses the type devices to receive the message, and sends the message, INSTANTLY with no phone dial delays, routing to alarm centers, or even call dispatching by 911. The call goes directly to those who can provide IMMEDIATE assistance!

The basic system with an AlarmAlert central processor and four user call buttons is only $1,249 which provides emergency call assistance from a school front office, the principal's office, the cafeteria, and the boys gym.  Individual emergency call buttons for classroom teachers are just $99 each.  That's it!  No hidden costs, no long term contract, and no monthly charges.

The CR120 is part of a total community safety system known as No Time To Spare.  If you are involved with municipal or county administration, you might like to know that we can help you make your TOTAL community safer!  Give us a call at 800.489.2611 or drop us an email to ServingU@falconcommunityservices.com for additional information.  You'll be glad you did!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

New HelpAlert III Emergency Call Box Stations For Industrial Plants, Schools, and Churches

When you need help.......

it generally comes in the form of medical, law enforcement, administrative services, or fire and rescue as shown in the image on the left.  There are two parts to the system.  That red rectangular thing at the bottom center is called a Wireless Call Box (WCB).  It works in conjunction with another device called a HelpAlert. 

The Wireless Call Box or WCB is only 4" H x 2.5" W x 1.5"  and  can be placed anywhere  It weighs only 4.4 ounces and requires no electrical connection.  It is powered by a long life lithium battery that should keep it going for up to three years or more before replacement is necessary (a few bucks and a few minutes, and you are back in business when the battery needs replacing. BTW, it will let you know when it is time to change the battery.

The WCB is a digital device programmed to send a code to a companion device known as the HelpAlert. When someone pushes the button on the WCB, a digital coded signal is sent to the HelpAlert.  Depending on the code, the HelpAlert will generate a voice message, such as maintenance assistance needed in area 12 or medical emergency in plant office, etc.

A centrally located HelpAlert (shown at left) can provide coverage for up to eight WCB units anywhere within a 120,000 square foot area at distances of up to 100 feet  between the WCB and the central HelpAlert. The WCB can be a single push button model, as shown, or an optional model with up to four push buttons to call for EMS, LAW, ADMIN or FIRE assistance.  The standard HelpAlert can operate on up to four different radio frequencies within either the VHF or UHF frequency bands. In areas where working relationships exist with participating first responder agencies, the HelpAlert can operate on different frequencies as required in the same band.

We also have models of the HelpAlert for use in the 700 and 800 MHz bands as well as compatible models for DMR (MotoTRBO) and NXDN (Kenwood) digital radio systems. We also have models that can send voice message to SouthernLINC radios as well as text messages to PC's or cell phones, or to standard VHF or UHF 2-way radios AND cell phones and PC's! Note: Cell phone models require broadband Internet connection (not supplied).

For larger facilities, we offer the EX Wireless Call Box which is capable of covering up to 120,000 square feet and a more powerful VHF or UHF AlarmAlert transmitter for broadcasting over 2-way radio systems. For pricing, additional information, or a demonstration, just give us a call at 800.489.2611 or drop us an email to ServingU@falcondirect.com.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Non-Union Southeastern Automotive Parts Manufacturers Targeted By OSHA

Alabama Congresswoman Martha Roby (R) charges foul against OSHA program that targets Region 4 non-union auto parts manufacturers. The shift of automobile manufacturing from the Midwest to the Southeast might partly be attributed to lower wage and benefit cost, and it may be that worker safety may not have yet achieved the levels of the more mature Midwestern plants, which is debatable.

Ms. Roby's complaint is that OSHA is targeting southeastern non-union plants for inspections under standards differing from those applied elsewhere.  She makes a good point when she notes that union representatives are allowed to accompany OSHA inspectors under the guidelines of the Regional Emphasis Program. Additional information is available by clicking here.  

Our reason for posting this information is to make our manufacturing customers in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi aware of these targeted inspections and ways that we can assist in meeting the new inspection standards as defined by OHSAS 18001.  For those not familiar with this new standard, additional information is available by clicking here.  In summary, the new standards add increased focus on worker involvement in providing improved safety whereas the older ISO 9001 reflects a primary emphasis on quality and environmental issues as applicable at the plant management level. A copy of the slides used at a recent training session on the subject of OHSAS 18001 by representatives of the Alabama Technology Network (ATN) is available by clicking here.

In addition to offering a complete line of wireless solutions for notification and exchange of information (including paging, analog and digital 2-way radio, and even WiFi radio), we offer an incredible new product known as an Emergency Broadcast Transceiver and an even newer product specifically designed to allow workers to report operational, medical, and hazard notification at the push of a button.  Additional information is available by dropping us an email to ServingU@falcondirect.com. If you are involved in manufacturing, you need to know about how we can help you maintain the highest safety and efficiency levels possible!  

To help us help you in preparing for the best outcome for your forthcoming OSHA inspection, we have a special questionnaire available by clicking here.  Please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire and return to us.  It WILL be worth your time!  As always, we are available to assist in any way possible by calling 800.489.2611.

Friday, April 11, 2014

World's Toughest AND Most Affordable Portable Radio


Got an email several days ago asking for the best price on a digital portable radio.  It appeared that the inquirer was more interested in durability than it being digital.  Presumably, a presentation had been made demonstrating the value of the product being offered that stressed digital as somehow having something to do with reliability and low operating cost. Another user with a similar request wanted a radio with high audio output for use in noisy areas, and a third was concerned about operating costs (batteries, repair, and accessory cost).

The fact is that digital is not necessarily the best choice for any of these applications although in some instances it can be a good choice.  For example, the lowest priced digital radios are typically in the $400 range. Warranties range from one to three years. Most are rated for MIL-STD 810D and IP67 ratings which are very good.  Audio output is not so good - typically 500 mW.  Flat rate repair after the warranty expires range from $195 UP! Conversely, we offer an analog radio with a three year warranty, the same technical ratings and TWICE the audio power (1000 mW) at about HALF the price of a digital radio ($258) and about HALF the cost of a flat rate repair ($125).  AND we offer a very affordable loaner/exchange program for use both during and after the warranty.  Click here for more information. Not only are batteries for analog about half the cost of digital but accessories as well.

So, before you throw the baby out with the bath water, maybe it would be to your advantage to take a look at what appears to be the TOUGHEST RADIO IN THE WORLD!  We had to go to Sweden to see it (via the Internet of course).  I speak just enough German to get the drift of what the little lady is saying in her native language, but I think anyone will get the message just by watching the video.  The test involves the radio known as the TP-8000 in the USA.  In Sweden and Norway, it is called the Zodiac eXtreme. After you see the video, I think you will understand why this radio is well suited for EXTREMELY tough use.  Click here, then click on the play arrow in the panel showing the guy with the shotgun, and Yes, before you ask, he IS going to use it!  After viewing this video, I think you will agree that this is one tough radio, and it may well be the toughest radio or at least one of the toughest radios in the world!  For more product information, click here

Lastly, consider trying the TP-8000 series radios before choosing any other portable 2-way radio.  You can order a pair (your choice of VHF or UHF) by clicking here.  We will program them on your frequency at no extra charge.  We'll even cover the shipping.  You can try them for up to 15 days and if you are not completely satisfied, return them in original condition for a full refund.  Who else can make an offer like that?  If you have questions, call us at 800.489.2611 or drop us an email to servingu@falcondirect.com.  We'll always shoot straight with you!

Monday, April 7, 2014

A Special Message for Fire Chiefs

Do your fluorescent lights look like the ones on the left, or the ones on the right? If you would like clear, natural, bright lighting that costs less, you need to know about Sky-Lite Plus!

Sky-Lite Plus lighting is a cost saving, labor reducing, safety enhancing plan that begins at your fire station. Some of our readers know that we have been in the lighting energy management business for the past several years.  To be frank, we never considered applying our services at fire stations until a recent discussion with a municipal fire chief.

To make a long story short, in the average fire station, the lighting in offices and living areas is terrible, and in the bays, the lighting is even worse.  This is a safety hazard, a work generator (constantly replacing bulbs) and expensive since the bulbs (T12's) and the ballasts (magnetic) are energy hogs with a short operating life. Electronic ballasts were introduced way back in 1981, but most of the fixtures in fire stations that we see are still the magnetic type. Our electronic ballasts eliminate flicker and hum while consuming less current and lasting longer (Five year warranty).

Fortunately, production of T12 bulbs ceased in July of 2012.  There are still a few around, but they are mostly all gone.  The newer T8 bulbs produce more light, provide better color clarity and last longer. Generally, new ballasts and our exclusive Sky-Lite Plus bulbs will quickly pay for themselves in energy savings ( Two Sky-Lite Plus bulbs will provide more light, better light, and less expensive light than four standard T8 bulbs) plus they have a five year warranty which reduces labor and replacement costs required to maintain less expensive bulbs. If you would like a demonstration and/or a quote on updating the lighting in your fire station, give us a call at 800.489.2611.  You'll be glad you did!

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Paging for Fire Department Users of MotoTRBO Trunked Radio Systems

We all know (or should know) that the purpose of fire department communications is to (1) Alert first responders whether paid or volunteer, preferably with a means of acknowledging, and (2) Provide a means of communicating on the fire ground (not necessarily with the same devices used for alerting) and for firefighter safety and work force management, and (3) To provide a means for Incident Command to communicate with Dispatch, support services, and mutual aid as required.

Unfortunately, these basic needs have apparently been forgotten as users have flocked to trunked radio systems such as MotoTRBO Capacity Plus or Connect Plus which do a tremendous  job of connecting large work groups over extended operating areas. This is great for commercial and utility operations, but completely misses the mark in addressing the needs of mission critical fire communications (Maybe that's Motorola never advertises MotoTRBO as Mission Critical capable, among other reasons relating to incompatibility with other radio systems).   

For example.  How do you most efficiently alert volunteer first responders? The traditional answer is by pagers, normally voice; but in some circumstances by digital text messaging.  The problem is that there are no pagers that are compatible with MotoTRBO, or for that matter, any other digital trunked radio system. Personal portable radios provide a limited capability for selective calling, but they are big, heavy, and expensive.  Volunteer firefighters want something simple, lightweight, and inexpensive; like a pager for example, but that's not an option - or is it?

If your department or county association has purchased a trunked radio system, only to find out that it lacks in the fundamental function of being able to efficiently notify first responders; you need to know about an incredible new system that meets ISO requirements for verifiable  message delivery,  provides status of personnel at all times, and automatically generates incident reports. It's all made possible by a system called SPARKGAP!  Of equal importance, you need to be getting your information ready to apply for  the 2014 AFG fire grant program which could be opening very soon.

If you would like to know how to add the ability to meet your basic needs to any trunked radio system regardless of operating band or even if you have coverage issues, you need to be talking to us.  You can call us at 800.489.2611 or drop us an email to ServingU@falcondirect.com. We'l be looking forward to hearing from you!