Study of Advanced Radios Finds Basic Flaws

A two-year study of interoperability by the Department of Homeland Security using multi-band radios for public safety found many successes, but also generated age-old complaints about large and heavy portables, too long antennas, high cost and short battery life. The just-issued 14-page report also concluded that, “Technology is no longer the de facto problem with interoperability.” Instead, the report noted, “Challenges often remain in the areas of governance, SOPs, training and exercises, and usage.” Thirteen agencies of all sizes and types tested radios from two manufacturers during the tests, which were designed to reveal both the administrative and technical side of using radios in multiple frequency bands, including 138-174 MHz, 380-512 MHz, and 700/800 MHz. The successes of multi-band radio were obvious—”The ability to communicate across the three known disparate radio bands.” Users also liked the GPS features, large color displays and ease in moving from one menu and zone to another. But users also complained about the physical radios and non-standard mic connections, complexity of channel/talkgroup programming, and various repeater limitations. Download (pdf) the full report for more information. Also download (pdf) the DHS’ 53-page procurement guide for multi-band radios.