Narrow Band Story - Sound Familiar?

Del Norte County is located in northern California at the Oregon border along the Pacific coast. The county has a land area of about 1,007 square miles with a population of about 30,000 people.

In 2012, Del Norte converted its VHF system to narrow band operation, and it is in compliance with the rule. However, Del Norte said that as a result of narrow banding its system, it has experienced a 40 percent loss of coverage in its operational area. The county said it has worked with its vendor and FCC staff to ensure that its existing equipment is operating at optimum efficiency, but that these improvements have not restored the system’s coverage that existed prior to narrow banding.

Del Norte said that the lack of coverage caused by narrow band operation in compliance with the rules places its first responders at risk. The county said that the only way for it to restore system coverage while continuing to comply with the narrow banding rule would be to construct between three to five additional towers to augment its existing two-tower system. Del Norte said that it lacks the funding to undertake such an endeavor.  

If you've got a problem like the above, you need to be talking to us!  That's easy to do.  You can call us at 800.489.2611 or email ServingU@falcondirect.com.  We're here to help!

Been waiting for the right time to move up to digital 2-way radios?

Here's a good reason start your migration from analog to digital 2-way radios! Your batteries will last longer between charges which means fewer replacements.  With no background noise, you'll talk further and receive loud clear audio (something that you lose when you narrow band analog radios). MIL-SPEC reliability and Six Sigma manufacturing standards means your new digital radios will last longer with lower maintenance cost.  And, you can save 20% more than our already low prices!


Would you like to know how easily YOU can begin enjoying the benefits of digital 2-way radio?  It's as easy as picking up your phone and giving us a call at 800.489.2611.

World's smallest and most affordable 2-way radio base station!

A common practice of public safety two-way radio users is to either use telephone sized desk controllers to avoid the clutter of using radios in administrative offices or dispatch positions. Industrial and institutional 2-way radio users typically use a portable radio, sitting in a charger 24/7. Unfortunately, most don't know about a better alternative called Z-Call.

Z-Call is a complete two-way radio with power supply that requires no external antenna or even a desk microphone.  The whole package is smaller than a desk calculator. The price is about the same as a typical portable radio with no batteries to replace and a flat rate repair program that guarantees minimal down time and low operational costs.  Both VHF and UHF models are available. As for operating range, let us tell you a little story of how Z-Call  was used to solve a BIG problem.

A public safety user called last Friday requesting service on a desk top remote that would no longer send page calls to alert fire pagers.  The problem was that the remote unit controlled both fire and police dispatch.  It could not be removed and the cost of on-site maintenance to a location 40 miles away is expensive.  So what did we do?  We programmed a Z-Call station (they can send page tones), sent it by UPS for next day arrival and the problem was solved for less than the cost of a repair!  But there is more to this story!

While we were testing the Z-Call, inside our building, using a rubber duck antenna, we set off the customers pagers over 40 miles away!  Normally, their car radios can't talk back from our office!  If you need an office base station, a back up station, or you are sick of paying for the high cost of on-site maintenance, and/or replacement batteries; you need to learn more about Z-Call. That's easy to do!  Just give us a call at 205.854.2611 or drop us an email to ServingU@falcondirect.com.

School Radios at INCREDIBLE prices!

Looking for the best value in school radios?  We've got them at prices you can't beat and service plans that guarantee the lowest cost of ownership with minimum downtime. For additional information, just give us a call at 205.854.2611 or drop us an email to ServingU@falcondirect.com. 

HelpAlert program improves safety in municipal buildings!

Falcon Community Services made the news last week! You may recall our Doofus Award for last month given to the State of Ohio for their investment in a school safety program that is a waste of taxpayer funds.  It's OK to point out waste of taxpayer funds, but it's better to report responsible spending and examples that can be followed by others.

This month, our Bouquet Award is given to the Mayor and Council of the City of Weaver Alabama. These folks came together to address the need for improved safety in the City Hall and Seniors Center. The HelpAlert program was developed to serve community needs, both at the municipal government level as well as addressing the needs of schools, churches, merchants, and residential communities.  Click here to see what one community did for a very small investment.

The system installed for the City of Weaver, Alabama was designed not only for immediate needs, but for growth to serve the total needs of the community, including the update of municipal hazard mitigation safety plans.  If you would like to know more about the HepAlert program, drop us an email to ServingU@falcondirect.com. 

Sometimes things don't go well in the courtroom!

When the City of Gadsden Alabama moved into their new Judicial Center, we were there with them to make sure that it would be one of the safest and most efficient courtroom complexes in the USA.

They have a LOT of clients!  Sometimes, they are so numerous that there is no place to put them all. So when the hallways fill up, the overflow is directed to move outside.  So the question is, how do you let them know when it's time to appear?

The answer is that you install a LoudMouth wireless PA system controlled by judicial staff members equipped with 2-way radios.  Two speakers were provided - one for persons outside set for sufficient volume to be heard anywhere in the parking area, and another used inside.  It works like a charm and it didn't cost much money!

And, speaking of 2-way radios, they have another function besides controlling the wireless PA system.  They can also be used for communicating between court officers AND for reception of emergency calls from wireless call buttons used within the courtrooms, at the reception area, and the finance office.  Life in the courthouse doesn't have to be complicated or unsafe.  All you need is a number to call for the information you need to make YOUR courtroom safe.  That number is 800.489.2611, where you can talk to the friendly and knowledgeable folks at Falcon Community Services. Our job is providing simple solutions for serious situations!

Photo courtesy of Memphis Commercial Appeal

A Special Message To Those Responsible For School Safety

Years ago, our company slogan was developed - Simple Solutions for Serious Situations!  It is the foundation of a series of programs developed to provide enhanced community safety using affordable and efficient technology to protect people, places, and property.

School safety has long been a part of what we do. Our SafeSchools.us program is based on the idea of giving people who need help the ability to quickly get in touch with those who can provide help.  Our new AlarmAlert system is an example. It starts an alarm notification controller which can be activated by personal call buttons that can be used anywhere on the average school campus. The trick is to get that need for assistance message quickly sent to a person or persons who can quickly respond.

Ideally, every school should have (but often can't afford) a School Resource Officer (SRO).  The next best thing is a nearby off campus police officer and if this isn't practical, a couple of on campus male faculty members equipped with radios, restraining devices, and possibly low cost non-lethal weapons (pepper spray, Tasers, etc.). Regardless of who the first responders may be, they need to be instantly alerted (10 seconds or less) and capable of being on the scene in two minutes or less.  In plain language alarm services and even 911 don't meet the need.

We can take care of the technology with our new AlarmAlert Central Processor  (AACP) which can be activated by personal call buttons (see above) at distances of up to 500 feet.  When activated. the AACP can send a distress message over a VHF or UHF 2-way radio system or optionally to a cell phone with a text message indicating the location of the call button and need for assistance (requires Internet connection).  

The price is right - $1,249 for the AACP and $99 per call button.  In a typical school, we recommend placing a call button in the front office, the principals office, the assistant principals office, the lunchroom, and the outdoor activity area normally starting with the High School and adding middle and elementary schools as budget allows. If you need portable 2-way radios, we have  several models available for as little as $149 each.

The bottom line is that we can help make your schools safer for less than $2,000 per school and do it better and faster than anything else available.  And, there are NO monthly charges. Like to see a demonstration?  Just give us a call at 205.854.2611. We'll be looking forward to your call!

Safety enhanced for Lamar County Courthouse and Judicial Center with ActionAlert

New ActionAlert system developed by Falcon Wireless now provides improved safety for courtrooms and offices in the Lamar County Alabama Courthouse and Judicial Center.

According to Probate Judge Johnny Rogers, an older wireless personal emergency call button system required repair or replacement.  As it turned out, the cost of providing wireless emergency call buttons was less than the cost of repairing the old system.

The new system can provide instant notification to law enforcement officers directly to their VHF 2-way radios by broadcasting a pre-recorded voice message indicated a need for assistance and the location requiring aid.

The new ActionAlert system is capable of also sending text messages to cell phone users when connected to the Internet.  Unlike private security services, there are no monthly charges associated with the system.

Burch Falkner, President of Falcon Community Services disclosed that this system was the cornerstone of a community wide service which might qualify for federal matching funds through a modification of municipal or county disaster mitigation safety plans.  Additional information is available for business, institutional, and governmental agencies desiring to improve personal safety while simultaneously reducing crimes of assault, burglary, theft and vandalism.  Phone 205.854.2611, email ServingU@falcondirect.com or visit  http://FalconCommunityServices.com for more information.