What is a FAQ?
What do you mean by "wireless products"?
Do I need an FCC license to operate 2-way radios in my hospital?
What is an IP rating?
What does MIL-SPEC rated mean?
What is an Intrinsically Safe rating?
What is MDC-1200?
Q: What is a FAQ?
A: FAQ is an acronym for "Frequently Asked Questions."
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Q: What do you mean by "wireless products"?A: Our products are primarily in a class known as commercial 2-way radio which includes portable, mobile, and fixed station wireless communicators as well as wireless call boxes, notification systems, repeaters, and public address systems. Other types of wireless products include combination phone/radio communicators (EnGenius, SpectraLink, Sprint/Nextel, etc.) RFID tracking systems, Wi-Fi 802.11 networks supporting wireless data terminals, and ROIP (Radio Over Internet Protocol) for centralized dispatching to multiple facilities. This web page deals primarily with commercial 2-way radios but if you don't see what you need, give us a call at 800.489.2611.
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Q: Do I need an FCC license to operate 2-way radios in my hospital?
A: Generally, the answer is "Yes" unless you are operating in the unlicensed CB, FRS, MURS, Wi-Fi, or 900 MHz bands. You can NOT legally use GMRS frequencies for commercial activities and the so called color dot frequencies DO require a license. There are both legal and practical benefits to licensed operation including better performance, less interference, and avoidance of fines and forfeitures. If in doubt, visit the FCC web page at
www.fcc.gov or call 1-888-225-5322.
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Q: What is an IP rating?
A: IP in an Ingress Protection rating established to determine the ability of a radio to withstand the effects of dust and moisture. The higher the rating, the better the product. Additional information is available on this web site in the Plant Radio Planner section.
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Q: What does MIL-SPEC rated mean? A: MIL-SPEC 810 is a rating system developed to determine how well a radio will withstand the rigors of cold, heat, dropping and vibration (among other things). The designations C, D, E, and F indicate the most advanced level of certification applicable to the radio with "F" being the most recent rating. Additional information is available at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIL-STD-810.
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Q: What is an Intrinsically Safe rating? A: In simple terms, Intrinsically Safe means the product is "spark free". Literally translated, this means you have some assurance that you won't blow yourself up when operating your radio in an explosive atmosphere. The term Intrinsically Safe (IS) is also sometimes referred to as FM approved. This means that the manufacturer has taken a policy with Factory Mutual Insurance Co. to pay your widow in case the product failed to provide the promised protection. More info at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrinsically_safe.
Q: What is MDC-1200?A: MDC-1200 is an acronyn for Motorola Digital Coding at 1200 buad. An excellent explanation of this technology is available at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MDC-1200. Originally developed and patented by Motorola, MDC-1200 is now available from other manufacturers such as HYT, ICOM, BK/Relm, and presumably others. The benefit is MDC-1200 is that of being able to quickly address groups or individuals using unique codes.
Got more questions? Just give us a call at 205.854.2611.
