A mobile interoperability platform, EMCOMM-1 is based in northeast Florida. It contains communications equipment including radios from HF thru 2.4 GHz, as well as satellite PTT with POTS interface.
EMCOMM-1 and its state-of-the-art equipment, large antenna and flashing lights made an appearance this year at IWCE in Las Vegas. Owner Mike Lee and his assistant Phil McElrath traveled over 2,300 miles and across eight states, from Florida to Nevada. It took Lee and McElrath two weeks and nearly 12-15 hours of driving time a day to make the journey. Traveling through heaving winds and rains, and the occasional traffic jam, EMCOMM-1 finally made it to Las Vegas.
The show was a great success, as EMCOMM-1 was definitely a highlight. People all around could not help but stare and inquire about this impressive communications vehicle. Excitement was all around, and it followed Lee and McElrath even as they left Las Vegas.
During the return trip back to Florida, Lee and McElrath made a stop in Memphis, Texas for fuel. As they pulled EMCOMM-1 into the fuel station, a Hall County Deputy Sheriff came up the passenger side of the vehicle. The deputy mentioned he had been following EMCOMM-1 for about three miles and noticed the Icom logo on the vehicle. Coincidently, Hall County Sheriff’s Office uses Icom radios to support their sworn staff.
Like at IWCE, the Chief Deputy was curious as to what EMCOMM-1 was and had to learn more. He asked if the group could stop by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office to talk with the Sheriff and other deputies in the department. Not wanting to disappoint, Lee and McElrath spent a delightful 45 minutes at the Hall County Jail!
They were able to explain the concept of mobile interoperability and why Icom’s solutions are so unique. Especially the Icom VE-PG3 controller and how it interfaces to Icom land mobile, aviation and marine radios, as well as other equipment in the 700/800 MHz bands.
This was an outstanding opportunity to demonstrate Icom equipment in the field, in real-life situations. Even though by sheer coincidence, EMCOMM-1’s time in jail was well spent demonstrating the mantra of ‘Icom Everywhere’.
Note: EMCOMM-1’s next deployment will be to the Dayton Hamvention, May 19 -21, 2017. If you are coming to Dayton, make sure you stop by and say hello. We would love to show you the capabilities of EMCOMM-1.
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EMCOMM-1 Heading to APCO 2016
When an emergency strikes, people relay on public safety agencies more than ever. They are expected to provide reliable communication not only during, but after an emergency as well. It is therefore imperative to ensure all equipment is functioning properly and up to date with the latest technologies.
Earlier this month at APCO’s 82nd Annual Conference and Exhibition, attendees from around the world arrived to network, research new products and discover emerging technologies in the public safety industry. Now that National Preparedness Month is upon us, it is the perfect reminder to start looking at your agencies’ current communication solutions.
Deployable Interoperability Solutions
From mobile command centers to “go-kits,” deployable interoperability solutions are crucial in keeping communications strong. Many large incidents will have a command post, but the ability to communicate across jurisdictions can proposes some difficulties, especially in remote areas. Each jurisdictions or agencies could be on different forms of equipment, and without a central, mobile communications post the ability to communicate between the two may not be possible. Mobile command units are self-sustaining telecommunications and support detachments that are immediately deployable. They allow communication centers to be in the heart of the emergency and assist first responders in communication between AIR, LAND and SEA, without the need of multiple radios.
Communication Go-Kits or Radio-Ready Kits are also important part of deployable interoperability solutions. They are typically comprised of a portable Amateur radio system and personal gear that can quickly be assembled at a moments notice. These kits are the “first responders” of a communication center.
Icom’s Emergency Communication Solutions at APCO 2016
APCO was held over four days and nearly 300 companies presented their communication solutions and services. Some of Icom’s top technologies and solutions were showcased providing attendees new solutions for their communication plans. This year Icom’s key theme was emergency communications interoperability, with EMCOMM-1 as the focal point.
EMCOMM-1 is a privately owned van stocked with a combination of Icom radios used for AIR, LAND and SEA communications. In addition to the Icom radios, the van has the ability to bridge the communication gap between HF, Satellite Phone, 800 MHz, Wi-Fi, SIP and POTS phone systems, all of which are made possible by using the Icom VE-PG3 RoIP Gateway. The various product solutions tied into the VE-PG3 had people thinking about how Icom can solve communications issues they had not thought of in the past.
Icom’s “Go-kits,” also provided an exciting option to emergency communications by incorporating interoperability solutions surrounding the VE-PG3. Various kits tied in several Amateur Radio solutions into an Icom IC-F9511 or showed the power of combing P25 with an Air-Band (A120), Marine (M604) and Amateur Radio (7100). These grab-and-go kits gave attendees a great communications option for any emergency.
To see where EMCOMM-1 will end up next, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
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Icom recently attended an exciting conference that gathered top decision makers in K-12 school security. The overarching message from all of the attendees and speakers is the importance of relationship and communication with students, service and solutions providers. Communications technology plays a significant role in enhancing the ability to mitigate and quickly communicate root causes for incidences that unfortunately occur in our schools today. Instantly connecting all staff and security ensures that situation awareness is shared throughout the school and even the district. Communication response time confirms that an incident is managed at the lowest level of escalation.
Summit participants have the desire to improve safety for their students and understand the importance of communications. Attendees were really interested in connecting all schools in a district as well as integrating phone systems and legacy RF equipment. It is apparent that K-12 decision makers are excited for a communications system that increases coverage and promotes compatibility between an assortment of equipment.
An IP radio system combined with a RoIP gateway seamlessly unites multiple communications formats. A configuration such as Icom’s IP100 WLAN radio and VE-PG3 RoIP Gateway allows campus staff to communicate with anyone at anytime – especially when it’s most important. Icom looks forward to helping security and safety professionals manage crisis in their K-12 schools through an effective communications solution.
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