At Highland Wireless, we offer a free site survey with pre-testing of signal strength to determine if you need an in-building radio enhancement system. We offer this service because it’s important to identify if a building or space can support cellular connectivity, as well as First Responder Radio Networks. A growing number of cities are starting to enforce mandatory in-building radio enhancement systems for new construction as a safety precaution for first responders and the public.

What is Signal Strength?

In telecommunications, signal strength (or field strength) is used to indicate the transmitter power output as established by a reference antenna at a distance from the transmitting antenna. When high-powered transmissions are used, they are expressed in dB-millivolts per minute. Alternatively, low-power system signal strength is typically referenced in dB-microvolts per meter.

Different signal strengths are required for unique circumstances. For instance, signal strength is lost when transmitted through a plasterboard wall; if the transmitted power is 20 mW, or 13 dBm, it will be reduced to 10 dBm when it exits the wall. That means a plasterboard wall decreases signal strength by 3dB. That’s not bad compared to a glass wall with a metal frame or a solid metal door, which causes signal attenuation of 6 dB. A cinder block wall decreases signal strength by 4 dB, and an office window takes away 3 dB.

The terrain of an office, outdoor space, or ship must be carefully assessed to determine appropriate signal strength.

How to Improve Signal Strength

SNR of 10 is considered low quality signal connection. There are several potential ways you can improve signal strength.

-Increase RSI

-Use higher gain antenna to increase the power transmitted

-Remove interference and Noise level

-Add in-building radio enhancement system (learn more here)

There are different solutions for each circumstance. We help you determine what you need for reliable signal strength.

Issues with Noise

“Noise” is a term used to define any interferences in a signal. It can be caused by other wireless devices, as well as other things. Lower Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) is better because it signifies clearer communication. In general, SNR should be over 20-25. The goal is for the transmitted signal to be of higher power than the interferences, or noise. This makes it easier for people to communicate and understand messages without static, cutting-out, etc.

The use of enhanced building materials in South Florida has grown considerably, but these hurricane and weather-proof buildings lead to increased signal strength loss. As a result, radio and cell reception is terrible and even non-existent in many buildings. 

We combat this issue by designing and installing Radio Enhancement Systems to help amplify signals for Fire Department radio networks, as well as cellular carriers.  In-building Radio Enhancement systems usually consist of a Donor antenna system, Bi-Directional Amplifier, and Distributed Antennae System. 

At Highland Wireless, We Take Care of Everything

Renting or buying two-way radios has never been easier. We are here to assist every step of the way to determine the best telecommunication solutions for your needs. Contact us today to schedule your free site assessment and signal strength testing.

If you want greater oversight than ever before, simply hook up wireless security cameras to your fleet of vehicles, or any location you manage. We offer iDrive Fleet Surveillance Cameras for vehicles, helping you better manage your fleet. Additionally, we are a proud distributor of the popular MOBOTIX IP Network Cameras, which can be used just about anywhere. Both wireless security cameras offer a valuable investment that can help you cut costs and better protect what matters.

What are iDrive Fleet Surveillance Cameras?

Do you operate a fleet of vehicles? Employing iDrive Fleet Surveillance Cameras can give you a leg up, offering greater safety and security. iDrive cameras are commonly added to a wide variety of vehicles including taxi cabs, semi-trucks, and so forth. Each camera has built in GPS, smart incident detection, and video storage. That means you can access important footage as needed.

Benefits of iDrive Fleet Surveillance Cameras

• Reduced Insurance Premiums

Installing fleet cameras often leads to a reduction in claims, which leads to reduced insurance premiums.

• Protects Drivers

The camera backs the word of drivers in the instance they are wrongly convicted of causing an accident. This is one of many ways cameras help to better protect drivers.

• Pinpoint & Stop Bad Driving Habits

Managers with this level oversight of drivers can stop reckless driving or unsuitable tactics right away. That way, something bad doesn’t have to happen before you find out about it.

• Records & Stores Important Events

The iDrive camera is trained to detect emergency situations. It records, and can be viewed live, 24-hours a day. But, it only keeps the 15 seconds before and 15 seconds after an accident occurs. As a result, you can access important clips as needed without wasting hard drive space.

• Easy to Access Footage

Videos can be saved and stored in one easy to locate area. It’s just as easy to extract files and move them elsewhere, as needed.

• Wi-Fi Capabilities

Thanks to Wi-Fi, you can automatically upload data to a central database where footage can be viewed on the spot.

What About MOBOTIX IP Network Cameras?

Since 2000, MOBOTIX has been offering leading security cameras with low bandwidth. Used everywhere from residential homes to large businesses, these cameras offer peace of mind, as well as greater security and oversight. These smart and autonomous IP cameras offer alarm messaging, auto event detection, video analysis, remote functions, and direct NAS ring buffer storage.

There are a variety of options and price points to choose from, including a 6-megapixel indoor camera that can be mounted to the wall or ceiling. Need to add a camera to a parking lot or other area exposed to harsh weather on a regular basis? MOBOTIX makes cameras that can stand just about anything the weather throws its way—working in temperatures that range from -22 degrees to 140 degrees F.

There’s a reason so many schools, prisons, airports, stadiums, and other busy locations employ MOBOTIX Network cameras. In fact, there are several reasons.

The Benefits of MOBOTIX Cameras 

• Weatherproof with IP66 rating—one of the industry’s highest standards of quality.
• Easy to use + full user control
• Optimized for cloud-based technology and remote application—the camera can reduce video size and bandwidth by scaling size and frame rate thanks to the virtual PTZ functionality.
• Cameras store high-resolution video internally, and can deliver on demand low-bandwidth live images, as well as low-bandwidth playback—all from your phone!
• Watch multiple vantage points at one time.
• Works in low-light areas thanks to thermal camera technology. It can spot and auto alert you to objects moving in complete darkness.
• Cameras are made to resist vandalism and damage—in proof, they are often used in prisons.

Contact us today to learn more about wireless security cameras and all they can do for your business.

There are three different tiers of Marine communication platforms: Mission Critical, Professional, and Commercial. So, how do you know which of these tiers offers what you need? 

The Commercial Tier is the most commonly used, and has been around the longest. Easily the most affordable option, this tier should only be used for smaller yachts and less critical missions. It does not offer the same reliability or advanced features as the two other tier systems.

The Professional Tier System is the middle option, offering better coverage and security than Commercial Tier. It’s a solid option but it’s not as reliable as the Mission Critical Tier System.

The Mission Critical Tier is the top option offering guaranteed performance. Hence, why it’s used by First Responders like Police Departments and Fire Personnel.

Continue reading to learn more about all three tiers of marine communication platforms.

1. Mission Critical Tier System

Best performance option

This is the top system used for mission critical tasks and to protect public safety, as performance is guaranteed. Regarding ships, TETRA is the main platform used; it is the same network employed by many Fire Departments and other First Responders. And for good reason. This network is proven to offer reliability for digital radio communications. Keep in mind, larger vessels require several repeaters that synch together via a Cat5 network cable.

What are the benefits of TETRA? 

• Smart Integration with the ship alarms (telemetry)
• Make private calls to on-board radios without having to carry around two different radios. Integrate radios with the ship’s PBX to make and receive ship-to-shore/shore-to-ship calls.
• All TETRA radios are rated IP67, allowing for submersion up to 1m for as long as 40 minutes. They are durable, waterproof, full feature, and intrinsically safe.
• You can opt in for 24/7 Network Monitoring and Support, as well as Remote Analysis of Network.

2. Professional Tier System

Better system, professional tier

After the most secure Public Safety tier comes #2 on our list, the Professional Line of Digital Mobile Radios (DRM) radios. This tier radio is used on yachts of all sizes. A DMR network may be made up of one or several repeaters joined together with a Cat5 network cable. Vessels that measure over 50m typically need to add at least one repeater for full coverage across the boat.

This is a more affordable option with a lot to offer, but when compared to the Mission Critical Tier System, it offers decreased reliability and coverage.

What are the benefits of DMR?

• Features include Bluetooth, caller ID, call alert, TDMA spectrum efficiency, UHF band communications, migratable static-free communication
• You have options with several different manufactures including Kenwood, Motorola and Hytera.
• Option for Trunking, or multiple talk groups

3. Commercial Tier System

Lowest option, but still good in some cases

Commercial Tier radios are the most commonly used on yachts today, and they have been around the longest. They offer traditional radio-to-radio analog communications via VHF or UHF bands. While this can offer good coverage, it doesn’t necessarily offer the coverage necessary for larger yachts and more intricate vessels.

Analog radio-to-radio communications cannot offer the same level of coverage or the same rich features offered by digital radios. This type of radio will work good to communicate across the deck, but not necessary all throughout the vessel.

We recommend only using this tier system in yachts that measure less than 50m in length. In some cases, higher tier communication platforms can be beneficial to smaller ships as well. 

Have additional questions or concerns? Contact us today!

Do you need a rugged, portable, and high-tech two-way radio? The Kenwood NX-300 UHF NexEdge Radio might be the right option for you and your team. Frequently used in marine and construction environments, this radio is built tough while still offering some of the latest technological features, such as GPS.

The Kenwood NX-300 is water and dust resistant, rated at (IP54/55). Despite its tough exterior, it offers a large and easy to navigate screen that can display 2x the characters compared to the NX-320 model. Plus, it can access many frequencies and channels, while offering top-notch sound quality with 500 mW speakers.

Customization is important considering so many different industries rely on the same two-way radios. The NX-300 model allows users to program a variety of features to custom specifications. Plus, it offers substantial internal memory to store voice and GPS data.

Overview of Details & Specs for the Kenwood NX-300

• Large upgraded screen
• The option to program and customize features
• Water and dust resistant (IP54/55)
• GPS capabilities
• Backlit Dot Matrix LCD
• Optional analog trunking
• 16-Position Mechanical Selector
• NXDN ® Digital Air Interface
• VGS-1 Voice Guide
• SDM Manual Input
• Option to store voice and GPS data
• All group call feature
• PTT ID Digital ANI
• Emergency Call Tool
• PC Serial Interface
• Transparent Data Mode
• Built-in Voice Inversion Scrambler
• Narrowband capable; 12.5 kHz & 6.25 kHz
• Options for single zone, multi zone, and list scan

This model offers many of the same analog features as other Kenwood radios, such as LTR zones, FleetSync/MDC1200 PTT ID, as well as multiple signaling schemes.

The digital conventional mode includes:

• 64 Radio Access Numbers (RAN)
• Combination FM/Digital Operation
• Individual Call + Group Selective Call
• Standard IP Networks
• Site Roaming

Power & Frequency Range of the Kenwood NX-300

Frequency Range = K – 450 MHz, K2 – 400 MHz, K3 – 450-520 MHz, K4 – 400 – 479 MHz

This radio carries 5W transmit power and can support 512 channels and 128 zones.

Intrinsically Safe Radio

An Intrinsically Safe Radio is a common requirement for certain positions, such as with first responders or when working on an oil rig. For a radio to be considered intrinsically safe, it must be approved as safe to use in hazardous environments that could present a risk for a spark, heat, or flame.

The Screen & Interface

The large and clear 14-character alphanumeric display offers an easy to navigate interface. Kenwood’s NX-320 model does not have as large of a screen. In fact, the NX-300 model can display over 2x as many characters at once. There are 6 PF and menu keys, plus NXDN interface. Customize the interface to display one of many language options. The LED screen uses a series of flashing lights and LCD icons to display warnings, calls, busy signals, and so forth.

Get all the Accessories You Need

Some basic accessories for this radio include an antenna, belt clip, charger, and battery. Pick from a variety of more advanced accessories that can add even more features to your device.

If you buy radios, you may need to purchase accessories separately. But, when you rent two-way radios from Highland Wireless, you can rest assured we take care of all the accessories you need. Other benefits of renting two-way radios from us include:

• Enjoy a large selection of Kenwood and Motorola two-way radios and compatible accessories for rent
• We take care of maintenance and trouble-shooting
• We offer Fire Team Radios and other radios approved for First Responders

Don’t waste money buying a fleet of radios for short-term events. It’s much more cost effective to rent. Learn more about renting two-way radios, including the Kenwood NX-300.

The Motorola XPR-7550 meets SOLAS Marine Fire Team Radios requirements. This intrinsically safe two-way radio offers the reliability and durability your team needs to make it through anything with communication wholly intake. It comes fully equipped with the latest features Motorola two-way radios are known for, such as a full color LCD screen display + compatibility with the newest digital radio set ups.

The Motorola XPR-7550 offers a lot of flexibility with the capability to work with:

• Everyday crew UHF communication systems
• VHF communication systems
• Marine VHF channels
• + other options for re team and general ship communications

Described as the perfect pairing between digital radio and Data application, this two-way radio operates more like a smart phone than a standard two-way radio. For one, it comes with GPS and Bluetooth for added efficiency and effectiveness. Even with all these bonus perks, the Motorola XPR-7550 reviews often cite its durability and rugged design—ideal for first responders and emergency situations. Built to MIL Spec, this radio should outlast the competition by a longshot.

Motorola XPR-7550 Specs

• Brilliant LCD color display for easy and enjoyable user experience
• GPS capabilities with outdoor location tracking
• Bluetooth capabilities
• Rough and tough design—built to last in just about any environment
• IMPRESS ^TM battery technology
• Submersible IP57
• Intrinsically safe (can withstand high heat, water, and emergency situations)

Waterproof + Heatproof 

The Motorola XPR-7550 two-way radio can withstand high heat and water. In fact, it’s submersible IP57 and intrinsically safe. As a result, this two-way radio makes an ideal solution for a wide variety of environments.

Impress^TM Battery Technology

Thanks to Impress^TM Battery Technology, the Motorola XPR-7550 packs a lot of ongoing power for those never-ending days and nights. Improved technology ensures batteries are constantly performing at their highest level.

Impressive Sound Quality

Loud environments or emergency situations call for superior audio qualities and that’s exactly what the Motorola XPR-7550 offers. Never worry about missing a message because you can’t hear due to too soft of sound, muffled sounds, or too much background noise. Motorola designed this two-way radio with the latest technology for clear communication regardless of surrounding sounds and noise levels.

Easy to Use

The Motorola XPR-7550 is easy to use. It has an on/off switch and a volume knob, as well as a knob to select the correct operating channel. The buttons make a slight “clicking” sound to indicate that they’ve been activated. Unlike most other Motorola two-way radios, this radio is not limited to the standard 16 positions.

Meet All SOLAS Requirements with the Motorola XPR-7550

The SOLAS requirements instituted in 2014 go into effect on July 1, 2018 for all ships built before or after 2014. That means all vessels must be stocked with intrinsically safe radios that meet all the latest requirements to protect crew members and first responders. That includes multiple radios that can withstand high heat and severe emergency situations without fail.

Rent the Motorola XPR-7550 from Highland Wireless

Enjoy the SOLAS Marine Fire Team Radios package by Highland Wireless when you rent several or an entire fleet of Motorola XPR-7550 radios. We make it easier than ever to meet all SOLAS ordinances and other requirements.

When you rent the Motorola XPR-7550 from Highland Wireless, all the accessories are included with it. You get a firefighter chest pack and a submersible IS remote speaker and mic, as well also an optional keyboard display add-on.

Learn more about the Motorola XPR-7550