Got Privacy?

My guess is I’m not alone in not wanting another company (in this case, the big telecomm companies) profiting off of my personal data. Thanks to Congress, though, that door has been opened. Earlier this week the House of Representatives voted to reverse regulations that would have prevented internet service providers from selling personal web-browsing data without an individual’s explicit consent.

I’m already inundated with enough advertisements every time I go online, thank you very much. And I certainly don’t care that future ads will be “more tailored to my shopping habits” because my personal browsing data has been sold to the highest bidder. Call me repressed, but I don’t want someone buying data relating to the type, size and color of whatever I buy, and where and how frequently I make a purchase.

To help keep your private information private, you could start by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Lily Newman posted a great article in WIRED earlier this week with basic information about VPNs and their pros and cons.

In a nutshell:

– You need to confirm the VPN is trustworthy. Check whether or not they keep logs of user activity.

– Keep in mind that even this indicator isn’t foolproof. Scams are common, especially among mobile VPNs.

-Paying for a VPN will increase the likelihood of keeping your private data private.

– Choose, if you can, a small company. Using a VPN based in a different country helps too.

– Vet the company as best you can, do not rush to the first Google result.

– Downside to using a VPN: slower connections, and some services (like Netflix) no longer work on most VPNs.

Overall it was an informative and timely article, well worth the read. Should you choose to do so, you can find it here.

 

Whelen’s LINV-Series Lights

I saw one of the shop’s finished vehicles sporting a number of these lights earlier this week, and decided to learn some more. As usual, Whelen is on top of their game …..

Whelen’s LINZ6™ light is a rugged exterior light that resists moisture and road shock while giving you “heads up” performance. The light features a sub-compact, full-featured LED light head with wide-angle light spread which can be mounted virtually anywhere. It requires only a minimal current draw and is designed for heavy-duty, vibration, moisture and corrosion resistance. The light is surface mounted with no external flasher, is easy to install and comes in solid colors have 25 Scan-Lock™ flash patterns and split colors have 69 Scan-Lock flash patterns, including steady-burn.

The LINV2™ V-Series is a light head with 2-in-1 combination 180 degree SAE Class 1, wide-angle warning, and ground illumination (puddle light), both individually operated. The light is surface mounted, and comes with a black flange. Available in Amber, Red, Blue, and White, the warning segment has twenty-five Scan-Lock™ flash patterns including fourteen synchronizable patterns. Additionally, this light comes with a five year warranty.

Watch this Whelen WeVision production on the LIN V-Series:

The Motorola SLR 8000 Repeater

Two Way Radio Base Stations and Repeaters

A radio repeater is a combination of a radio receiver and a radio transmitter that receives a weak or low-level signal and retransmits it at a higher level or higher power. The result: two-way radio signals can cover longer distances without degradation. Repeaters are usually located on a mountain top, tall building, or radio tower. This allows communication between two or more bases, mobile or portable stations that are unable to communicate directly with each other due to distance or obstructions between them.

The repeater is synonymous with the base station, which performs both functions in most emergency dispatching systems.

The repeater receives on one radio frequency (the “input” frequency), demodulates the signal, and simultaneously re-transmits the information on its “output” frequency. All stations using the repeater transmit on the repeater’s input frequency and receive on its output frequency.

Because the transmitter and receiver are on at the same time, isolation must exist to keep the repeater’s own transmitter from degrading the repeater receiver. If the repeater transmitter and receiver are not isolated well, the repeater’s own transmitter desensitizes the repeater receiver. This is like not being able to hear a friend at lunch because someone just turned up the volume on the kitchen radio.

Motorola’s SLR 8000 Repeater

The MOTOTRBO SLR 8000 Repeater delivers high performance, high reliability two-way radio service, optimized for your workplace. With its small outline and high reliability, it’s engineered for low cost of ownership.

The SLR 8000 represents a huge leap forward in design and technology. Based on a wealth of field experience, customer feedback and technological innovation, the product delivers outstanding performance and reliability for your business two-way radio system.

The SLR 8000 offers round-the-clock reliable operation, even at its continuous full transmit power of 100W. The design has been validated through Motorola’s Accelerated Life Testing (ALT) program, and meets stringent quality criteria. The repeater has high sensitivity and improved noise blocking, so you can be confident of clear voice quality, even in the worst conditions.

With its 100W transmitter output the SLR 8000 delivers radio coverage to an enormous area. The device only requires 2U of rack space, and has very low power consumption. The SLR 8000 supports the full MOTOTRBO feature set. The IP interface allows you to build applications and consoles directly on your system.

The SLR 8000 repeater/base station can be customized to suit your operation. There are options for an internal preselector amplifier and antenna relay module. You can also opt for an internal wireline card if you need tone control capabilities, four-wire audio and additional external inputs.

Related Products for the SLR 800 are: MotoTRBO Capacity Max; MotoTRBO IP Site Connect; MotoTRBO Connect Plus; MotoTRBO Capacity Plus.

The conclusion: whether you need the simplicity of a single site conventional system or the powerful trunking capabilities of Capacity Plus, Capacity Max or Connect Plus, the SLR 8000 delivers the power of digital two-way radio to your workforce.

Connect with your account manager to learn more.

Read Motorola’s SLR 8000 data sheet here.

The 3CX Phone System

The 3CX Phone System for Windows is a software based phone system for Windows that works with a wide array of phones, SIP trunks and VoIP Gateways to provide a full PBX solution. It does so without the inflated cost and management headaches of an ‘old style’ PBX.

3CX includes clients for smartphones and laptops that allow employees to use their office extension from anywhere, making it seem as if they were in the office. Not only are all calls to the office free of charge, but employees can leverage one single number and make a professional impression.

Because 3CX runs on Windows, it is easily installed and managed. It’s preconfigured to work with popular IP Phones, VoIP Gateways and SIP trunks, so no hassle of having to configure and manage those devices.
With 3CX, companies can reduce their telephone costs by up to 80%. With the CRM integration agents get a customer name rather than a number, and the ability to make outbound calls from a CRM customer page.

To summarize, with 3CX, you can:

Take your extension everywhere you go
All calls are free of charge – slash your mobile phone bills
Increase productivity – work from anywhere
Know who’s calling with CRM integration – increase customer satisfaction

Contact 2-way Communications Services Network Division for more information, or to set up a free trial. Give them a call (603-431-6288) or send an email to NetworkSolutions@2-way.biz.

… And Here’s Why

 

 

The other day we posted an article about the quality and durability of Whelen products. We like them, and we use them not only on professional vehicles, but commercial vehicles and private rides as well.

Whelen products are American-designed and American-made. The company had its start in a garage during the early 1950’s in the South, somewhere between New Haven and Providence, RI. Currently the company has over 1,500 employees producing products used on the road and in the air.

Here’s a look at how they manufactured their lightbars a while back (it was the latest I could find). It demonstrates attention to detail, a commitment to quality and manufacturing standards, and inclusion of the latest technology in their products. Let’s hope they make more of these videos.

How It’s Made: Whelen Lightbars

How would Whelen products enhance your fleet? Drop by the showroom on Old Dover road. Jim or Rick will be happy to provide a demo. 

When Accidents Happen …

In any business, the cost of device downtime can have huge implications: employee safety, decreased productivity and loss of revenue. In preparation for the unexpected you need a service plan that will protect not only against normal wear and tear but also accidental breakage to eliminate headaches, unexpected expenses and disruptions to operations. A service plan can also help to ensure your devices are repaired or replaced quickly and back in service to keep your operations running smoothly.

Motorola radios are built to perform well in rugged environments and extreme situations. Accidents, however, do happen. And unexpected repairs can put a dent in your budget. One of the best solutions to protecting yourself against the cost of unexpected repairs and extending the life of your devices is a service plan that keeps you covered for longer. There’s no doubt, your radios represent a substantial investment so it just makes sense to protect that investment and maximize its value.

Motorola’s Service from the Start with Comprehensive Coverage is a program which provides fast repair turnaround times and expert technical support. You’ll get coverage beyond standard warranty, providing the protection you need to reduce your total cost of ownership and ensure devices are back in your hands quickly.

Service from the Start for ASTRO® 25 and MOTOTRBO™ devices helps protect you from the unexpected with priority support and fast turnaround times. Features of the program include:

• Budget in advance for device maintenance to reduce unexpected repair costs and lower your total cost of ownership
• Service from the Start with Comprehensive Coverage provides no-questions-asked coverage against chemical, liquid and physical damage to protect you from the unexpected
• Devices are repaired or replaced quickly and back in service to keep your operations up and running
• Our Battery Refresh program is available as an option to your Comprehensive Coverage Plan, providing fixed price battery replacements over a 4-year period for APX™ radios

To further discuss the benefits of Motorola’s Service from the Start or any of the other service programs unique to 2-Way Communications Service, contact your account manager. He’ll be glad to help.

Read the Motorola’s Service from the Start Brochure.

View a video about the key features and benefits of Motorola’s Service from the Start offering for digital radios:

“Tech Support” Scam Calls

Initially a warning on your computer regarding PC security problems, these scams lead you to  “Microsoft Tech Support” through a toll-free number. You ought to know better than to call the number, and you probably do … but how about all the people at home, or your  employees hard at work while you’re away building your small business?

The “Tech Support” person leads you through what you might suspect – remote login, “checking ” your system, questions regarding history – then the pronouncement that the problem has been identified and it will cost only around $300 to fix … and if you agree, you’ve been scammed.

The article recently posted to WIRED by Andy Greenberg was interesting not only because of the description of the problem, but also for the details about the research conducted by the group at SUNY Stony Brook and its results. The bottom line:

“Don’t trust what your browser tells you about the safety and security of your system. People need to understand there’s no legitimate scenario where your computer will start beeping and ask you to call a toll-free number.”

 

For the full article, click here.

Takes a Licking and ….

Proudly made in the USA, Whelen products have been the backbone of many of the builds here at the 2-Way Fleet Division garage. They’re a solid, durable product that uses the latest in lighting technology. They’re designed to take the abuse experienced by any product that’s part of the public safety/public service scene.

That being said, there’s only so much built-in durability and weatherproofing can do, only so much of a beating any light can take. How much is too much? Take a look at this video submitted by an officer from Effingham County, Ga. His vehicle was parked at a school along a major state route and was impacted by a truck tire that bounced over an 8 foot fence. Pretty impressive, don’t you think?

Even if you believe your fleet will never be subjected to the same abuse, there’s other reasons why Whelen products can be right for you . With over 60 years of combined experience in mobile electronics and lighting, the Fleet Division can help you find the best products for your next project. Give them a call to get started.

Motorola’s MotoTRBO SL 7000e Series

Here’s a quick look at one of the MotoTRBO radios that’s part of the current Motorola promotion, the SL 7000e series.

The SL 7000e Series is designed for the the ultra-busy manager and features a slim and light form and incorporates high performance integrated voice and data.

Here’s what’s new in these next-generation radios:

• Integrated Wi-Fi
• Over-the-air software updates
• Bluetooth® 4.0
• Indoor location tracking
• Integrated accelerometer for optional Man Down
• Upgraded audio for greater clarity at high volume
• Improved expandability
• Increased UHF transmitter power for greater range

SL 7000e Series radios include:

• SL 7550e: Color display, Full keypad, UHF
• SL 7580e: Color display, Full keypad, 800
• SL 7590e: Color display, Full keypad, 900

MOTOROLA SL 7550e FEATURES

• Dual internal speakers deliver loud, clear audio quality.
• Tri-color LED indicator for clear, visible feedback of calling, scanning, roaming and monitoring features.
• Contoured push-to-talk button provides comfort and is easy to access.
• Four-way navigation disc for easy scrolling through menus and channels (supports up to 1,000 channels).
• Three programmable option buttons for quick access to frequently used features; ability to program up to nine of your favorite features into a single programmable button; also supports emergency call.
• Audio connector port supports discreet wired audio accessories (wireless Bluetooth® audio also available).
• Built-in photosensor intuitively adjusts backlighting on the screen to optimize viewing in all types of conditions; special “day/night mode” changes screen and illuminates icons to make them clear and readable in varying light conditions.
• Large, high-definition, five-line, color display offers high clarity and resolution.
• Intelligent Audio feature automatically adjusts the radio volume according to the environment’s noise level.
• Innovative antenna design optimizes range performance.

Motorola SL 7580e Features

• Dual internal speakers deliver loud, clear audio quality.
• Tri-color LED indicator for clear, visible feedback of calling, scanning, roaming and monitoring features.
• Contoured push-to-talk button provides comfort and is easy to access.
• Four-way navigation disc for easy scrolling through menus and channels (supports up to 1,000 channels).
• Three programmable option buttons for quick access to frequently used features; ability to program up to nine of your favorite features into a single programmable button; also supports emergency call.
• Audio connector port supports discreet wired audio accessories (wireless Bluetooth® audio also available).
• Built-in photosensor intuitively adjusts backlighting on the screen to optimize viewing in all types of conditions; special “day/night mode” changes screen and illuminates icons to make them clear and readable in varying light conditions.
• Large, high-definition, five-line, color display offers high clarity and resolution.
• Intelligent Audio feature automatically adjusts the radio volume according to the environment’s noise level.
• Innovative antenna design optimizes range performance.

Motorola SL 7590e Features

• Dual internal speakers deliver loud, clear audio quality.
• Tri-color LED indicator for clear, visible feedback of calling, scanning, roaming and monitoring features.
• Contoured push-to-talk button provides comfort and is easy to access.
• Four-way navigation disc for easy scrolling through menus and channels (supports up to 1,000 channels).
• Three programmable option buttons for quick access to frequently used features; ability to program up to nine of your favorite features into a single programmable button; also supports emergency call.
• Audio connector port supports discreet wired audio accessories (wireless Bluetooth® audio also available).
• Built-in photosensor intuitively adjusts backlighting on the screen to optimize viewing in all types of conditions; special “day/night mode” changes screen and illuminates icons to make them clear and readable in varying light conditions.
• Large, high-definition, five-line, color display offers high clarity and resolution.
• Intelligent Audio feature automatically adjusts the radio volume according to the environment’s noise level.
• Innovative antenna design optimizes range performance.

If you’d like to learn more about these radios, or demo a MotoTRBO, call your 2-Way Communications account manager. It only takes a two minute phone call to get it started.

RADAR Certs / Kustom Signal

Earlier this week I made it over to Concord to take a couple of photos of Dan and Andrew. They were spending the better part of a day certifying the RADARs of 15 New Hampshire State Trooper vehicles. Dan, a former member of the 82^nd Airborne Division, was pretty enthusiastic about this facet of his work at 2-Way, and filled me in on the details.

2-Way Communications Service is the only authorized factory service representative for Kustom Signal in New England. We can certify not only the Raptor, Golden Eagle and Talon RADARs, but the Pro Laser 3 and 4 LIDARs as well. Certification is usually done on site, and removal of the RADAR units from a vehicle is not necessary. Same-day LIDAR certification happens on site as well. Of course, certifications can be completed at any of our offices too … and a warranty comes with all our work.

The RADAR/LIDAR van is fully outfitted, providing the availability of on-site factory certified repairs for most emergent needs. The van is even outfitted with a printer, so the customer receives a copy of the certification documentation before end of day.

If your annual RADAR/LIDAR certifications are due soon, call Travis at Communications Service (603-431-6288) to schedule a visit. We’ll come out at your convenience and get the job done quickly and correctly.