Want to put a smile on the face of YOUR dispatcher?

Give her, him, or them the tools they need to do their job more efficiently!  At the very least, they need comfortable seating, adequate workspace, and a headset to allow hands free phone communications.  Actually, it would be nice to handle radio communications using a headset as well.  A voice recorder for phone and radio calls is a valuable dispatch aid as well as a great tool for conflict resolution.  You can learn more about affordable and efficient voice recorder systems by visiting a special web page at www.falconwireless.net/Law/Recorders, but that is not the subject at this time.  Our current objective is to acquaint you with the use and benefits of a modern communications console.

Years ago, our federal government poured millions of dollars into improved law enforcement communications through a program known as LEAA (Law Enforcement Assistance Administration).  One of the conclusions made by LEAA was that rampant crime in the streets could be better controlled by improved dispatch capabilities.  It was about this time (early 1970's) that the console concept was born with Motorola and General Electric developing complete operation centers that included individual dispatcher work stations replete with VU meters, security control switches, remote camera viewing, page sending capability, lighted maps, big stand alone recorders (mainly by Dictaphone), and some of the finest furniture you've ever seen!

These systems were very expensive, with hundred thousand dollar price tags being quite common in communities as small as 25,000.  Specialists were trained for the specific purpose of designing these systems, and customers were flown around the country to see model systems.  After the LEAA money ran out, many communities couldn't afford to maintain the systems and they slowly lost some of their original capabilities (the big lighted wall maps and their rapidly failing bulbs were the first to go).  Later, a second generation of consoles came along that focused on the specific functions of dispatch communications.  Companies such as Avtec, Moducom, and Orbacom became the new leaders in dispatch communications along with Motorola who outsourced the new generation of smaller more affordable consoles.

These second generation suppliers, who are still around, continued the thought process that a console was, and is, a system.  We disagree.  A console is a component of a total system.  If you want the best chair, you go to a seating manufacturer.  If you want a computer, you go to a PC manufacturer.  If you want a voice logging recorder, you go to a recorder manufacturer.  A console, in the most simple terms is a dispatcher work station.  The latest consoles are designed for single operator use with the ability to connect to other consoles, desk sets, and administrators.  These new generation consoles basically fall into two categories - those that are placed on the desk or dispatcher work area, known as desktop consoles, and those that use a CRT touch screen monitor and keyboard to maximize dispatcher work space.  The console shown above, manufactured by GAI-Tronics is an example of a desktop console.  It is small, efficient, and affordable!

The newest dispatcher work stations reduce work space clutter by utilizing a microprocessor based operating system with a choice of a standard mouse with keyboard or a touch screen monitor for one touch routine dispatch activities.  

The GAI-Tronics Navigator system shown at the left is an example of these new generation systems.  The Navigator typical system consists of the aforementioned touch screen monitor shown as the center, a pair of speakers that can be mounted in a convenient location, a space saving gooseneck microphone (you can optionally specify a headset if desired), and the controller shown at the right (the controller does not have to be in the dispatchers work area).  By using a microprocessor controller, you can configure the Navigator system to meet your specific requirements at a cost only slightly more than a standard desktop console.

The basic function of a console is to allow access and control of multiple phone lines and radio channels from a single control device.  The price of the console is based on the number or radio channels and/or telephone lines to be terminated into a single point.  The secondary function of the console is to allow the dispatcher to patch communications between different users.  For example, a shift commander on the police radio channel needs to talk to a pathology technician in the lab.  The shift commander is on a radio. The technician is on a phone line.  The dispatcher can connect these two users by connecting the technician on the phone line to the shift commander on the radio.  Another example might involve a user on a VHF radio system needing to talk to another user on a UHF, 800 MHz or even a cellular phone.  The same process applies.  The dispatcher simply connects the two parties and goes back to work with no further intervention or involvement required.

The third function of a console is to provide selective signaling, mainly to voice radio pagers or 2-way radios with individual paging capability.  This is accomplished through the use of a built in paging encoder, capable of both DTMF and 2-tone sequential signaling, a standard feature on our GAI-Tronics terminals.

The fourth function is to identify field units using a display of an ID code sent by mobile and/or handheld radios.  The most common ID system is known as MDC-1200.  This feature is available on most current Motorola radios excluding the 1225 series.  In essence, when the radio is programmed for this feature, a unique digital code is sent whenever the transmit button is activated.  This code can appear at the dispatch console for instant identification of the calling unit.

MDC1200 (Motorola Digital Coding, 1200 baud system) adds to the cost of the GAI-Tronics terminal since this is a patented technology subject to licensing fees to Motorola.  If your system primarily consists of Motorola radios, we would recommend this option since the cost additional is relatively minor.  If you have a mixed brand system, or primarily non-Motorola radio, you may want to consider DTMF unit ID.  Most current radios are capable of DTMF ID transmission at no additional cost.  Since the GAI-Tronics terminal is capable of both sending and receiving DTMF codes, you have the option of utilizing this alternative at no additional cost.

In some cases, the unit ID is coupled with a man-down alarm button to visually and audibly alert the dispatcher of an officer in trouble situation.  Departments with real time Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) capabilities (not a part of the console), have the ability to actually shown the location of the officer in trouble.  If you have an interest in AVL, please visit a special web page with additional information on this subject at www.falconwireless.net/Law/GPS.

We have now covered the primary functions of a dispatch console.  The accessories and setup can be planned to meet your individual requirements.  For example, some departments will want to add additional dispatch or administrative positions.  Some departments prefer headset, others desk or gooseneck microphones.  Some prefer footswitch radio control while others prefer pushbuttons.  Our job is to make sure that you get what you want at the price that makes sense for your budget.  To assist you in making this decision, we have provided the following budgetary estimates on your choice of either the conventional desktop GAI-Tronics ICP-9000 series console or the new Navigator touch screen PC based system.  Additional information and technical specifications on the desktop console is available by clicking here.  Additional information and technical specifications on the PC based touch screen console is available by clicking here.  Budgetary pricing schedule follows:

** Not compatible with MDC1200 decode/display option
*** Allows desk or gooseneck microphone, headset and footswitch to be simultaneously connected.

Other accessories are available.  For special requirements, please give us a call at 1-800-489-2611.

Warranty and maintenance

The ICP9000 console and PC based model is covered by a one year factory warranty.  This warranty does not cover wiring associated with installation, shipping costs for return to GAI-Tronmics, on-site service, or use of an exchange unit while services are being made by the factory.  Normal turnaround time for factory repair is 72 hours after receipt at the factory.  User pays shipping cost to the factory.  GAI-Tronics pays return shipping cost via UPS ground.  Overnight return shipping is available at extra cost.  Damage caused by lightning or abuse is not covered by warranty.  We strongly recommend installation of lightning and surge protection on all associated AC lines, phone lines, and coaxial cables associated with radios.  If you would like for us to provide this equipment, we can include the following at the prices indicated below:

Supplemental services

The difference between services applicable to delivery of equipment (contractual services), and services provided after delivery (post-sale services) can be a confusing issue.  This guide has been prepared to provide a better understanding of the applicable terms.

Contractual Services

Contractual services involve the conditions of normal delivery.  Unless specifically stated in the sales agreement, it is understood that the equipment provided is sold with the understanding that it meets the manufacturers published specifications, but carries no guarantee for fitness of purpose of unknown customer expectations. Installation of equipment in vehicles or on customer premises, unless specifically stated to be a part of the sales agreement, is not included nor are taxes and transportation.  Errors in equipment selection or programming made by Falcon Wireless will be corrected at no charge.  Errors in equipment selection or programming caused as a result of specified instructions by the user will be corrected at normal labor rates.  See Post-Sale Services for additional information.

Post-Sale Services

The word most commonly associated with post-sale services is maintenance.  This is sometimes confused with warranty.  They are NOT the same!  A warranty is a guarantee to repair a defective product by the manufacturer, at the manufacturer’s designated point of repair.  For GAI-Tronics, this is Reading, PA.  Suffice it to say, that the repair depot is NOT your local radio service shop.  Accordingly, the procedure for handling a warranty claim is between the user and the manufacturer – not the seller of the products.

In a warranty repair situation, the manufacturer has the option of repairing, replacing, or declining to make the necessary correction.  Additionally, the user is normally responsible for paying the cost of returning the defective product to the manufacturer.  The manufacturer pays return shipping charges. 

Several important points to remember:  The manufacturer is under no obligation to provide a replacement (i.e. loaner), or to adhere to any particular time schedule.  They make the repairs as quickly as possible.  That could be a couple of days, a couple of weeks, or in some cases, a couple of months.  Further, if the manufacturer makes extensive repairs or replaces the radio, your programming will be lost.  It will be your responsibility to reprogram returned equipment.  You can either purchase programming equipment and software to do this yourself or pay a servicing dealer to do it for you.   If it becomes necessary to travel to the user site for programming, normal hourly rates of $75 and travel charges $.75 per mile one-way would apply.

Maintenance Service – Time and Material (Private radio systems)

Time and material maintenance charges apply for service performed on user equipment, whether in or out of warranty.  If a call for maintenance is issued by the user, the normal service procedures apply.  This will involve a minimum shop charge of $35 for any unit brought to our shop.  Labor is billed at $75 per hour plus parts.  On-site maintenance is also billed at $75 per hour plus $.75 per mile if services are performed between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday. 

Services performed between 5 pm and 10 pm, Monday through Friday will be subject to a labor charge of $112.50 per hour.  Service after 10 pm, or on weekends will be $150 per hour.  Holiday rates are $225 per hour.

Maintenance Service – Monthly contract (Private radio systems)

A service contract has traditionally been favored by governmental users due to the necessity of maintaining a fully functioning system at all times.  The rates will vary depending on the cost of the equipment, location of the equipment, the level of service expected, and the time at which the repair is performed.  To keep cost as low as possible, it is customary to exclude damage caused by abuse as well as batteries, antennas, and coiled cord microphones.  The table below can be used for determining your monthly service contract rates.

(1)   Within 150 mile radius of Birmingham, AL.

(2)  Monthly service charge of equipment valued at over $1,000 is calculated by using a percentage of the original equipment cost.  For example, a $7,500 digital recorder would have a monthly contract cost of $60 if the recorder was brought to our shop for repair.  For on-site service during normal business hours (8 am to 5 pm M-F), the rate would be $75 per month.  24/7 service would be $112.50 per month.  If you want an exchange unit available rather than being down while repairs are being made, you would add 1.0% to either the normal hours rate or 24/7 service ($150 monthly for weekday on-site service or $187.50 monthly for 24/7 on-site service).

Annual Contract with Exchange Unit Provided

We offer a special Next Day Exchange (NDE) program for a flat rate of 10% of the original equipment price, paid annually in advance.  

Summary

Thanks for the opportunity of introducing the features and benefits of GAI-Tronics.  For a specific quote, please give us a call at 1-866.892.5067 or email us at sales@usa-radio1.com.