The first is to add repeaters which often easier said than done. Still it is a viable option if funds are available to cover the cost. The FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) can be used for communications upgrades essential to safety of life and emergency response issues.
A Multiple Receiver Monitoring System (MRMS) allows you to install remote receivers in poor coverage areas to improve talk-back range from portables.In a typical application, a MRMS network consists of two or more remote receivers connected to a UHF link frequency between the remote locations and the main repeater site. The received signal from all locations (including the repeater) is measured by a device known as a Comparator. The Comparator selects the best received signal and feeds that signal through the repeater. Adding MRMS capability to an existing repeater may be the perfect solution for those who cannot add additional repeaters.
One of the key benefits of MRMS is that no changes are required at dispatch. However, if additional repeaters are required, the chances are good that it will be necessary to upgrade the dispatch center. This can be VERY expensive. The good news is that we now offer an efficient and affordable alternative to traditional consoles. We call it Controller II. You can read more about it by clicking here.
Speaking of things at dispatch, one of the major needs is the ability is to instantly know who a repeater fails. Not knowing that a repeater is not working can have SERIOUS consequences! The Insurance Safety Office (ISO) recognizes the need for failsafe repeater fault reporting which is why they offer additional rating points to fire departments with automatic fault reporting capabilities. Until now, there have been no affordable solutions. We've changed all that with the introduction of our new InstanlertR (Pronounced Instalerter). Now you can have automatic repeater failure alarm reporting for less than a thousand dollars!
All of the aforementioned items qualify for funding under the 2012 AFG program which closes on Friday, July 6th. And, speaking of eligible items, did you know that you can have a complete phone and radio recording system that is also eligible for FEMA funding for less than $1,500? If you haven't yet submitted your AFG application; you may want to consider adding one or more of our special products especially offered to address the needs of public safety first responders. For additional information, just give us a call at 800.489.2611.
