The FCC has announced new narrowbanding mandates that may affect your Two Way Radio System. The changes the FCC has announced are similar to the recent cable television mandates from Analog to Digital.

Here are a few of the changes that may affect your Two-Way Radio System:

January 1, 2011:

• Manufacturers cannot manufacture or import equipment operating with a maximum channel bandwidth greater than 12.5 kHz unless it demonstrates a 12.5 kHz or better equivalent spectrum efficiency.
• Any new equipment submitted to FCC for certification must be capable of operating in 6.25 kHz channels or equivalent spectrum efficiency, e.g., two voice paths in a 12.5 kHz channel.
• Applications for new systems or modification applications that expand the authorized contour of an existing system operating at greater than 12.5 kHz equivalent spectrum efficiency will not be accepted.

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Global Positioning Systems, or GPS, have been in use since December of 1993, but was initially developed in the mid-1940s to aid in ground navigation issues. GPS technology was not fully put to use until 1957, when the Sputnik was launched by the former Soviet Union. This mission introduced us to the technology of satellites.

GPS was initially used for military purposes only. However, in 1983 an incident took place which altered the availability of GPS. A Russian plane shot down an airplane full of civilians which had veered off into forbidden Soviet airspace. All were killed on the plane, and it was determined that the plane had gone off course by accident. Because GPS technology could have prevented this incident, Ronald Reagan made GPS technology available to the general public.

Now used by civilians and military personnel alike, GPS is a navigation system supported by satellites. GPS completely changes the way we navigate with maps, as maps have become more interactive with GPS technology. Instead of looking at a paper with confusing legends and instructions, a GPS navigator detects your current position, estimates travel time, and gives remarkably accurate directions. GPS devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they contain numerous features.

Motorola unleashed the MOTOTRBO series in early 2007. One of the numerous benefits is that it is equipped with GPS navigation. These units, like the XPR 6550, are equipped with a full display.

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Ever wonder how much you are saving with your new purchase of two way radios? Motorola has released a cost savings calculator for their dealerships to use. This calculator will show you when you will break even and improve efficiency.

Check out this two way radio cost savings calculator today.

Think GREEN and recycle your two way radio batteries.

Save GREEN with 20% off your next Motorola battery order.

Did you know that CommUSA will recycle your old two way radio batteries for you? Mail your old batteries to:

2229 Enterprise Street

Escondido, CA 92029

CommUSA will take care of the rest. Being good stewards of the planet is a responsibility that we all share. Properly dispose of your old two way radio batteries today.

Take 20% off all Motorola two way radio batteries from now until August 31, 2009. Call your Communications Consultant at 800.338.1949 today for details.

The MOTOTRBO is gaining acceptance as Motorola’s top two way radio. As more industries are realizing the benefits of GPS, we expect it to push the CP200 as America’s favorite two way radio.

The Motorola HT1550 XLS is being cancelled. The last date to place an order for this radio is May 30, 2009. Recommended replacements for the HT1550 XLS are the Motorola HT1250 and the MOTOTRBO XPR6550. The major difference between the Motorola HT1250 and the MOTOTRBO XPR6550 are the digital features available with the MOTOTRBO series.

Motorola has unleashed several programs to help you save on your two way radio costs. These specials are available until August 31, 2009.  Here’s the breakdown:

$600 rebate when you purchase 6 from the MOTOTRBO product line.  Eligible radios include the XPR6550, XPR6350, XPR4550, XPR4350.

$300 rebate when you purchase 6 from the Professional Series.  Eligible radios include the HT1250, HT1250LS, CDM1550LS mobile.

$150 rebate when you purchase 6 from the Commercial Series. Eligible radios include BPR40, CP150, CP185, CP200, CM200, PR400, PM400.

This promotion also includes batteries and chargers:

• Receive a rebate of $60 when you purchase 6 professional series batteries.
• Receive a rebate of $30 when you purchase 6 commercial series batteries.
• $30 rebate when you purchase one commercial series multi unit chargers.

You have 4 months to enjoy this program. Stack up on Motorola two way radios today!

Integrated GPS is now a standard feature with the Motorola MOTOTRBO. Built in GPS functionality is one of the MOTOTRBO’s best features. With GPS, you can track vehicles and personnel without expensive external hardware. Most importantly, there are no monthly fees for using the MOTOTRBO’s GPS features.

The MOTOTRBO GPS models are the XPR6550 and the XPR6350. The difference between the XPR6550 and the XPR6350 is that the XPR6550 has a full display. The display allows you to send and receive text messages.

GPS functionality within the MOTOTRBO allow you to increase productivity. Certain applications, like HotSos allow you to use your MOTOTRBO to track work orders. When you combine those features with the MOTOTRBO’s water resistant casing, you have a very valuable communication tool.

We often get calls inquiring about two way radio repeaters. Below is an introduction to the functionality and uses of a repeater.

What is a repeater?

A repeater is a fixed device that aids in amplifying the power of a handheld, base or mobile radio.

How does a repeater work?

A repeater works by intercepting a handheld, mobile or base radio frequency and then re-transmitting it back out at a higher power output.

Is the antenna important on the repeater?

The antenna is one of most important aspects of any repeater install when a business is looking to obtain optimal coverage.  An elevated, open and centralized location is key when assessing the antenna location.

Is a repeater right for my business?

Typical issues that call for a repeater are poor coverage, bad coverage and terrible coverage.

Repeaters are complex systems and picking out the right repeater can be a difficult task. Sometimes, repeater problems can be solved by upgrading to a higher tiered radio.  Some repeaters, like the MOTOTRBO XPR8300 double the number of users you can have on a single licensed 12.5 kHz channel.

To talk to a Radio expert, call our Communications Consultants today.

CommUSA was pleased to hear that the Motorola MOTOTRBO two way radio system that we recently installed at a local pharmaceutical company, aided in assistance of an employee that was injured on the job.

The employee received minor burns when the acid that they were working with spilled. Quick work of the security team using the two ways alerted hazmat and paramedics to respond. The injured employee made a full recovery and the radios proved to be a valued asset in a situation where communication is essential.

The MOTOTRBO radio system is available in eight models, the XPR6500, XPR6550, XPR6300, XPR6350. The MOTOTRBO system also has mobiles: XPR4300, XPR4350, XPR4500 and XPR4550.