Category Archives: Interoperability

Interoperability Gateway Devices Improve In-building 2-Way Radio Coverage

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ACU-M Gateway Improving Radio CoverageJPS Interoperability Solutions has a long history of mission critical radio communications connectivity. The JPS ACU-M interoperability gateway console is an excellent tool to quickly improve in-buildingRaytheon ACU-M Interoperability Console coverage for first responders. It is compatible with the JPS ACU-1000 and the ACU-T.

The JPS ACU-M provides interconnection with up to four different 2-way radios, optional 2 VoIP channels, and a local operator handset. Plug-in cables are available for virtually every 2-way radio, satellite, and cell phone in use. The ACU-M can be networked and managed remotely using a computer with the included graphical user interface software.

Set up ACU-M as a Portable Repeater for Communications in Basements

The JPS ACU-M can be installed in a first-arriving command vehicle or waterproof carry case. Below grade basements that prevent RF penetration can be improved using long radio interface cables connected with the ACU-M gateway repeater. By attaching a portable radio to the end of a very long radio interface cable, the radio can be lowered into a tunnel or RF-blocked structure to provide a means of routing the signal in and out of the structure.

Use WiFi Network with ACU-M for Long Distance Radio Interoperability

Using the ACU-M’s VoIP’s option, a radio can be connected using WiFi or an ethernet Raytheon NXU-2A Network Extension Unitbridge and a NXU-2A radio interface. The JPS NXU-2A is a device that converts VoIP/RoIP into audio signals compatible with the remote radio. It uses the same plug-in radio-specific cable as the ACU-M.

ACU-M using WiFi and NXU-2A

ACU-M Easy to Deploy – Simple User Interface

The ACU-M is pre-programmed with factory optimized settings for most radio models and manufacturers. Just connect up to four radios with the proper cables and you will be operational in minutes. Touch controls and indicator lights make it easy to patch nets quickly. Remote control software is included too and can be installed on a connected laptop if you prefer.

ACU-M Control Panel and Indicator Lights

6/1/16 Update: Raytheon closed the JPS division on 1/29/16 after many years of providing interoperbility solutions. In April, the assets were purchased by Don Scott, one of the original founders of JPS. Key staff and support personnel returned and operations are returning to normal.

How To Choose a 3M Peltor COMTAC Tactical Headset For Military and SWAT Teams

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Answer These 5 Questions to Select the Correct Headset

Communications for High Noise AreasSelecting the correct COMTAC tactical headset for your police SWAT team or military unit can be confusing. There are hundreds of choices and it can take a long time to research them. In order to make the right decision faster 3M Peltor developed a list of questions to guide you to the correct model.

Question 1:  Cover Your Ears or Select Hybrid that Uses Earplugs?Over the Ear or Earplug

Tactical electronic headsets that provide situational awareness have small microphones mounted on the earcups that instantly block harmful noise. The COMTAC III has the traditional earcups but now 3M offers the COMTAC IV with earplugs that provide additional comfort in hot environments. Both are designed to fit under a ballistic helmet.

Question 2: Band Style – How Will You Wear it? Headband, Neckband, and ARC

The COMTAC III is available in three different styles. The most popular is the headband, over-the-head style. Headband style is foldable when not in use and has been preferred by most military and law enforcement teams.

If you prefer to wear your headset behind-the-head, 3M provides a neckband version. *Neckband is only available with COMTAC III.

3M recently introduced a third configuration – COMTAC III ARC. Designed for the Ops-Core FAST Helmet, the mounting mechanism clips to the Accessory Rail Connector.

Question 3: Radio Communications? More than One?Single, Dual, or Split Audio Communications

Depending on your mission and the need for interoperability, COMTAC headsets can connect to one or two different 2-way radios. Single COMM terminates in a NATO wired U/174 quick-disconnect plug designed for the appropriate radio adapter needed. One two-way radio is supported.

If your agency or mission requires interoperability with teams using different two-way radios, a Dual COMM headset will allow you to connect two different radios to your headset.  Each COMTAC headset earcup will have a short cord with NATO wired U/174 plugs. Two adapters are required and you can talk on either or both radios using either PTT button.

A Dual COMM with split audio is also available for special military applications using a dual PTT adapter.

Question 4: Choose Available Color?OD green, coyote brown, black, foliage green Headsets

Most COMTAC III headsets are available in four different colors. The last two letters of the model number indicate the headset color.

SV indicates black and is the only difference between a COMTAC and a SWAT-TAC.

CY indicates coyote brown, GN is O.D. or olive drab green, and FG is a lighter foliage green. Foliage green is not available with COMTAC IV.

Depending on the model, some colors are special order.

Question 5: What Radio or Intercom Are You Connecting?FL5000-02 Series With NATO Wiring

To choose the correct adapter you need to know the radio manufacturer (Motorola, Kenwood, Harris) and the specific model ( APX 6000, XTS 5000, etc).

COMTAC headsets are only compatible with NATO wired adapters. The specific model number should have “-02” end the end (i.e. FL5063-02). It is not possible to modify the adapter if it is wrong.

Visit our 3M Peltor headset store for the best selection of 2-way radio hearing protection accessories. We also have all of the 3M NATO adapters online for easy ordering. Contact us if you need help by using the the form below.

 

3M Peltor Solutions For Communications in High Noise Areas

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Hearing Protection For Public-Safety and Industrial 2-Way Radio Users

Communications for High Noise Areas3M Peltor solutions are designed for public-safety and industrial 2-way radio users who need to communicate in high noise areas. If your department has a hearing conservation program, 3M offers UHF 2-way radio headsets or can easily integrate with Motorola, Kenwood, or any 2-way radio using a 3.5mm adapter.

3M Peltor Litecom Series UHF 2-Way Radio Headsets

Litecom series headsets include a low power UHF 2-way radio built-in with an antenna on the ear cup. There are 3 styles – headband, neckband, and hardhat mount. No FCC license is required and the range is adequate for most on-site work groups.

Choose LiteCom BRS with Business Frequencies for Less Interference

Litecom BRS 2-way Radio HeadsetLiteCom BRS models include 8 pre-programmed business channels and provide a 25 dB NRR (Noise Reduction Rating). Two AA batteries will allow up to 20 hours of use or an optional rechargeable battery pack is available.

There is a noise-cancelling boom microphone with a push-to-talk switch on the cup or hands-free voice activated VOX is possible.

LiteCom Plus Models Include Electronic Environmental Listening

3M Peltor MT7H7B4610-NA LiteCom Plus series include microphones on each cup that allow users to hear clearly while wearing the headset for improved safety. When a harmful noise is detected the headset instantly blocks it. It works great when working in an inconsistent environment with impulse noises that require 2-way communications. It includes a rechargeable battery pack, 30 business/GMRS channels, and 25 dB NRR.

Litecom Pro II Models Are Programmable and Intrinsically-Safe

Lite-Com Pro II MT7H7P3E4010-NA-50If working in hazardous atmospheres choose the Litecom Pro II series that are intrinsically-safe (IS) and FM approved. The certification includes Class I, II, III, Division 1, applicable Groups A through G, T4, -20°C≤Ta≤50°C; Intrinsically safe, Class I, Zone 0, AEx ia IIC, T4, -20°C≤Ta≤50°C, hazardous (classified) locations.

The Litecom Pro II is capable of custom programming to almost any UHF FCC licensed frequency with 3M software and a USB dongle.

3M Peltor Headsets With Adapters for Two Way Radios

The MT Tactical Pro series adapt with most radio models using a Nexus push-to-talk adapter. The HT listen-only series are connected using a 3.5 or 2.5mm cable. There are also wireless headsets that eliminate the need for an adapter and will pair with any Bluetooth enabled two-way radio or cell phone.

Military and Law Enforcement Tactical Headsets

COMTAC III ACH and COMTAC IVThe 3M Peltor COMTAC and SWAT-TAC tactical headsets provide environmental listening and integrate to most 2-way radios with a wired NATO adapter. SWAT-TAC models are the same product as COMTAC except they are black in color. COMTAC III ACH ear cups cover the ears and COMTAC IV is a hybrid style that uses earplugs.

There are 3 styles – headband, neckband, and ARC (rail connectors). The headsets can attach to one (single comm) or two (dual comm) portable radios simultaneously for interoperability. COMTAC color choices are O.D. green, coyote brown, foliage green, and black.

Hearing Loss is the Most Prevalent Occupational Health Concern in US

According to OSHA, approximately 30 million workers are occupationally exposed to hazardous noise. 3M is a leader in hearing protection and manufactures high quality products, replacement accessories, and depot repair service. To see all their two-way offerings download the 2015 3M Peltor communications product catalog.

Need a quote or want to discuss your application? Call our office at 302-734-9250 M-F 8-5pm EST.

Cradlepoint Provides Automatic Network Failover with LTE 4G Broadband

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Wireless 4G for Branch Offices and Backup Redundancy

As cloud computing continues to grow so does the dependence on internet access. “Internet failures” will cripple productivity for an office full of workers or abruptly stop a retail store from processing customer credit cards.

Cradlepoint 4G router for network backupCradlepoint has low cost 3G/4G wireless routers for automatic failover to provide backup for your existing internet service provider (ISP).

Cellular 4G provides speeds faster than DSL and can provide primary support for branch offices, jobsite trailers, and retail locations requiring broadband access.

Cradlepoint 3G/4G routers support LTE, HSPA+, and EVDO Rev A. Theoretical downlink rates for LTE can be up to 100 Mbps but depends on signal strength and other things. They can be ordered for use with any of the major cellular carriers including Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile.

Cradlepoint ARC MBR1400 and CBA750, CBA850 3G/4G Routers

Wireless 3G/4G WiFi Router The ARC MBR1400 includes 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi and supports advanced security features including VPN,VLAN, and WAN Affinity. There are 5 Ethernet ports and it supports up to 128 WiFi (802.11 a/b/g/n) at the same time. Four SSID’s can be programmed to separate mission-critical traffic.

The ARC CBA850 is in a white housing. It 4G Failover PCI Compliantprovides 3G/4G/LTE failover that integrates seamlessly with existing network infrastructure. Using NetCloud, it can extend management capability to any primary router Out-of-Band without a static IP.

Designed for PCI 3.0 compliant network architectures, it is perfect for retail customers using POS.

The included paddle antennas work surprisingly well. We have been able to access LTE speeds from locations with no smartphone 4G signal. There are also optional outside, magnetic and directional antennas that improve signal strength and throughput.

Magnum Electronics Elevated to Premier Partner Level

After significant technical training coupled with sales results, Magnum Electronics has been elevated to the Premier Partner level. We have been impressed with Cradlepoint and like their advanced replacement support option.

Monitoring a number of Cradlepoint devices is easy. Their web portal allows remote diagnostics, firmware upgrades, and troubleshooting without the expense of an on-site IT service call.

To discuss your needs in detail call our Dover, Delaware office at 302-734-9250 M-F 8-5pm EST or use the contact form below:

 

How to Choose the Correct Vertex Standard Radio Battery

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Vertex Standard LogoVertex Standard recently introduced a new UNI energy platform that will eventually provide compatibility for all radio model batteries from a single charger. Older legacy chargers are not compatible with the lower cost UNI style batteries. During the transition you must be careful when choosing replacement batteries.

Vertex Universal (UNI) Chargers Require (UNI) Style Batteries

Vertex Standard UNI ChargerThe new XUAAJ72X001 VAC-UNI universal style single unit AC charger has a round pocket unlike the legacy chargers that have square corners. There is a 6 pocket 120V AC charger too. The model number is XUAAK44X001 VAC-6058. Both are compatible with UNI style batteries for the VX-231, VX-350, VX-450, and EVX-530 series so far.

Vertex Universal Charger & Compatible Batteries

Older VAC-300, VAC-450 Chargers Require Legacy Batteries

Vertex Standard Legacy ChargerThe VAC-300 and VAC-450 legacy chargers have a more square footprint. They are not compatible with the new lower cost UNI batteries. These chargers are included with VX-231, VX-350, and VX-450 series radios. The eVerge EVX-530 series includes the new UNI style.

The chart below shows the legacy batteries and chargers.

Vertex VAC-300, VAC-450 Compatibility ChartMore UNI Style Batteries Coming Soon

UNI batteries for the VX-820 Series, VX-920 Series, P25 portables and cancelled models of the VX-410/420 Series and VX-160 series will have UNI solutions available soon.  We expect to see legacy chargers cancelled next year.

Link to our Vertex Standard radio, battery, and accessory pricing.

Complete List of Motorola KVL Encryption Keyload Cables and Adapters

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Motorola KVL 3000 and 4000 Cables

KVL 3000/4000 Keyload Interface Cables and Adapters

Most Motorola military and law enforcement 2-way radio communications uses an encrypted algorithm for secure voice messages. The encryption key is inserted in the radio using a KVL 3000 or KVL 4000 as shown. The basic interface cable is the Motorola TKN8531 and an adapter specific to the radio model. XTS 5000/2500 series portable hand-held radios require a NTN8613 adapter. APX 7500/6500  and most XTL 5000/2500 mobile radios need the HKN6182.

APX 7000/6000 series use the WPLN6904 cable that does not require an adapter.

OTAR and Radio Authentication Cables 

For systems using OTAR (over-the-air-rekeying) or radio authentication, the KVL uses a different set of cables without the need for adapters. APX, XTL, and Astro Spectra mobile radios use the HKN6183. XTS portable radios require the RKN4106 and APX 7000/6000 portables use the WPLN6905 cable.

For a complete list of KVL 4000 cables, adapters, and accessories, see the charts below.

Motorola KVL Interface Cables and Adapters

Optional accessories for the KVL 4000:

KVL Optional Accessories