Radio Report

Budget/Stadium Towing
and Recovery
1095 E. Michigan Ave. Phone 734 482-6831
Ypsilanti, MI 48198-5805 Fax 734-482-6835
Communications &
Coordination
PARTONE:
Two-Way Radio & Communications System
Client Proposal for: Budget / StadiumTowing
Conductedby: RonaldW.Wilbanks
December 3, 2000

Chapter
Introduction1
Communications & Coordination Report
Two-way Radio & Communications Proposal for: Budget / Stadium
Towing.
Executive Summary:
Currently, Budget and Stadium Towing Companies utilize two-way radio technology
systems that are incompatible with each other. This rather acute problem can be solved
by currently available technology, which is already in place. The systems that will be
examined in the scope of this report are as follows:
1) Nextel, utilized by Stadium Towing and Recovery, is a nationwide wireless
communications network that utilizes: cellular, data, fax, paging, and two-way radio
technology. Nextel has varying rate structures based on group or private calling.
2) Bearcom, LTR Two-way radio system, utilized by Budget Towing, is a trunking radio
system that selects from one to five radio channels and assigns the first available
channel to the user, thus eliminating any time loss while waiting for a clear channel.
This system allows for unlimited airtime with a flat rate fee based on the number of
radios that each customer wishes to currently use or add in the future.
3) Conventional two-way radio repeater used by Bill Martin Towing, until 1998. Provides
essential two-way radio communications over the entire area covered by both Budget
and Stadium Towing. This system, which is licensed for both repeater/talkaround
(direct) simplex communications, is currently valid until December 2002. This
repeater can be re-activated for a small fee and placed back into operation as a
redundant “failsoft” radio system, to the Bearcom LTR system.
A decision must be made shortly in regards to future telecommunications systems for both
Budget and Stadium Towing Companies. This report will attempt to analyze both systems
currently in place and provide cost effective measures, for future growth of both
companies communications needs.
Future Expansion Probabilities:
Currently, the Nextel system has very limited growth potential and would require the
procurement of a new base transmitter(s) to facilitate a larger number of radios on our

system. In addition, the use of group call functions are prohibitively expensive, as will be
discussed later in this report.
The Bearcom, LTR (Trunking), UHF, two-way radio system, currently in use by Budget
Towing, allows for the ability to add 16 group and numerous private call channels for each
user, with an unlimited number of portable and mobile transceivers assigned to each
talkgroup, thus allowing much greater flexibility.
How Does Trunking Radio Technology Work?
Trunked radio systems are those, which share a small number of radio channels among a
larger number of users. The physical channels are allocated as needed to the users who
are assigned talkgroup channels. The users only hear units on the same channel. This
uses the available resources more efficiently since most users do not need the channel
100% of the time.
The term trunking comes from the telephone industry. For over 100 years, the lines
between telephone exchanges have been shared between customers. In early telephone
exchanges, operators would call an adjacent exchange and patch thru a call when a
customer was located there. She just selected the next circuit, which was not in use. Now
the allocation is automatic but the results is the same.
Radio channels were shared since the early days of radio. The operators would have to
listen on a frequency to determine if it was in use. Mobile telephone systems similarly
required a customer to find an inactive channel manually. These systems were upgraded
by hardware that could find a vacant mobile-telephone channel automatically and by two-
way radios with sub-audible (CTCSS) tone equipment, starting in the late 1950s.
In the mid 1980s, microcomputers created a revolution in control applications. A real
computer could be put inside a two-way radio. The result was the development of cellular
telephones and trunked radios. Both systems have a central computer, which manages
the system. It communicates with the mobile radios via a data signal. The user does not
hear these control signals and need not be concerned with them.
When a trunked radio user wishes to talk with someone on the same (talkgroup) channel,
he simply presses the microphone (PTT) button. The mobile radio then sends a data
signal to the controller requesting a channel. The controller responds with a physical
channel number. The requesting radio switches back to receive long enough to hear this
information. At the same time, all the other radios hear the same conversation. Those with
the same talkgroup channel selected, follow to that physical channel. They use that
channel just as any other two-way radio would.
These radio systems use repeaters. The base station transmits from a tall tower or
building on the base frequency. The mobile units listen on that frequency but transmit on
another frequency paired with it: the mobile frequency. The base station receives the
mobile frequency and repeats the audio onto the base frequency paired with it. Thus any
mobile that can hear the base station, can hear all other mobiles, which the base station
hears. These repeaters extend the mobile-to-mobile coverage.
2

Logic Trunking Radio (LTR) Technology:
The Logic Trunking Radio (LTR) protocol is one of the oldest and most reliable trunking
formats available. The LTR was invented in the late 1970's by E. F. Johnson Co.
Currently, there are many manufacturers of equipment that is compatible with the LTR
format, unlike the others (Motorola and MACOM) that have proprietary trunking codes.
This is why LTR is more popular with the business users as the equipment can be 1/3rd
less in cost than the proprietary systems, this is of course due to competition among the
two-way radio vendors.
Here is an overview of how the LTR format works: Unlike Motorola and GE trunked radio
systems, LTR does not have a dedicated control channel. Each radio repeater has its own
controller and all of these controllers are synchronized together. Even though each
controller monitors it's own channel, one of the channel controllers is assigned to be a
master channel that all controllers report on. Each of these controllers sends out a data
burst approximately every 10 seconds so that the subscriber units know that the system is
there.
LTR Trunking Talkgroup Concept:
All trunking radio systems, utilize the concept of talkgroups which are different channels
that can be programmed on two or more radios, based on the needs and desired flexibility
of the user. Such talkgroups can be used to divide a companies operation from one
district to another. Talkgroups are in essence building blocks that can be changed and
reconfigured for dynamic or future growth. For instance, the following is a list of talkgroup
examples:
• Budget Dispatch
• Stadium Dispatch East
• Stadium Dispatch West
• Unit-to-Unit
• Tactical
• Management
• Repair Garage
Each LTR radio has an alphanumeric display that would be identically programmed
according to our wishes and desires for standard uniformity.
Chapter
3

System
Coverage
2
System Location and CoverageAnalysis.
Nextel Radios:
Advantages:
• Nextel is a nationwide communications provider, which uses a cellular phone web
infrastructure of radio towers, to ensure 95% coverage throughout the areas they
serve.
• Radios are programmed for either “private” or “group” call functions.
• Area coverage plans can vary from local, regional, or nationwide, depending on
the user’s requirements.
Disadvantages:
• Can presently only talk to one radio at a time, this limiting dispatch time and the
ability to coordinate logistical planning.
• Group call rates start at $0.13 per minute, for each radio logged on. This
becomes prohibitively expensive when used by two companies our size.
• Users are at the mercy of Nextel’s continuing planned obsolesce and are required
to purchase new radios every five years or so.
• Nextel plans on a rate increase effective by mid-2001 that will cause an overall
increase in their two-way radio rate programs.
4

Bearcom LTR Trunking Radios:
Advantages:
• Bearcom is an International telecommunications solutions provider for large
corporations, governments, and small businesses in over 75 countries.
• LTR Radio systems are rapidly growing around the world as a cost effective
means of communications for small and large businesses alike. Many industry
users include: busses, delivery companies, motion picture & television, public
safety, railroads, towing, and trucking.
• Currently, Budget Towing operates on this system with excellent coverage
throughout the area served by them.
• Budget’s Radios are fully upgradeable and can be reprogrammed to serve our
needs until late 2005, when FCC frequency spectrum planning will make them
obsolete.
• More cost effective to use than Nextel radios.
• Less likely, that driver will loose the radio, since its permanently mounted in the
truck.
Disadvantages:
• Lesser coverage range than Nextel. However, just as effective for our area of
operations.
• Radios cost more per unit but monetary savings in airtime can realized over time.
LTR System Location and Coverage Areas:
1. Bearcom’s primary site for the Ann Arbor area is located at 5330 Scio Church Road,
in Scio Township [See Appendix A-2]. The terrain is 314 meters (1030 feet) above
sea level. The LTR site located atop a radio tower 61 meters (200 feet) above the
terrain. This site has a radius coverage area of 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the main
site.
2. Bearcom’s secondary site is located in Detroit atop General Motors World
Headquarters building, which is 223 meters (700 feet) tall [See Appendix A-3]. This
site provides a radius coverage area of 56 kilometers (35 miles) from the main site.
5

Bill Martin Repeater System, Location and Coverage Areas:
The Bill Martin two-way radio repeater is located at 5800 Cherry Hill Road, in Superior
Township [See Appendix A-4]. The terrain is 259 meters (849 Feet) above sea level. The
repeater is on a guyed tower, standing at 108 meters (354 feet) tall. The tower and
repeater are now owned by the Electronic Service Center, based out of Ann Arbor,
Michigan. However, Bill Martin Towing is fully licensed to operate on this now shared
repeater system through the FCC and granted rights from the tower sale since 1982.
6

Chapter
Cost Analysis3
System Pricing:
Nextel System Pricing:
Nextel offers two different communication modes: group and private. The following table
is a cost breakdown for each individual radio. For each additional radio, multiply by the
number of total radios for final price.
Nextel Radio System Airtime Fee: Per
Month
Cost Per
Year
Private Two-way $60.00 Per Radio $760.00
Single Group Call $5,616 Per radio $67,392.00
Two Group Call $8,640 Per Radio $103,680.00
Bearcom LTR System Pricing:
The Bearcom, LTR System, uses a different pricing structure with a flat fee for unlimited
airtime on all radios.
Bearcom, LTR,
TRS.
Airtime Fee:
Per Month
Cost Per
Year
1 Site & 1 Talkgroup $18.00 Per Radio $216.00
1 Site & 2 Talkgroups $20.00 Per Radio $240.00
2 Sites & 2 Talkgroups $22.00 Per Radio $264.00
Each additional talkgroup is $2.00 monthly, per each radio site.
7

Bill Martin Two-Way Radio Repeater:
The Bill Martin, two-way radio repeater costs are $12.00 per month for each radio
programmed onto the system. There is a $200.00 reactivation fee from the Electronic
Service Center, in Ann Arbor, who is the current owner of the repeater. After December,
2002 when the current license expires. There would be additional fees of $3,500.00 to
have a new license issued through the FCC coordinator, which would require further
review in conjunction with the Canadian Ministry of Radio and Television. The present
radio license of KNEH802, can be renewed indefinitely provided we abide by all FCC rules
and regulations, under Part 90 of the FCC Code of Regulations.
System Pricing Summary:
From the results gathered in the aforementioned price tables. The clear winner is the
Bearcom LTR, Trunked Radio System. In following table below you can examine the final
yearly cost comparison of the radio systems currently in place.
Radio System Monthly Cost * Cost Per
Year
Current Nextel System $900.00 $10,800.00
Bearcom, Current Budget
Plan
$270.00 $3,200.00
Bill Martin Repeater $180.00 $2,164.00
*Based on an average of 15 radios.
Now lets examine the monetary expenditures for the Bearcom, LTR system:
Bearcom, LTR Monthly Cost * Cost Per
Year
Current Budget Towing
Plan
$270.00 $3,240.00
Future plan 3 Talkgroups $330.00 $3,960.00
3 Talkgroups, + 1 private
for Management
$360.00 $4,320.00
*Based on an average of 15 radios
Now lets revise the above table for a more accurate number of radios for future growth
and managerial needs.
8

Bearcom Options Monthly Cost * Cost Per
Year
Future plan 3 Talkgroups $330.00 $3,960.00
3 Talkgroups, + 1 private
for Management
$480.00 $5,760.00
2 Sites, 3 talkgroups $480.00 $5,760.00
*Based on an average of 20 radios
For a Ten-year price break down see: Appendix A-1.
Chapter
Equipment Costs4
Radio Equipment Costs andAnalysis:
Current Budget Towing Radios:
The Budget Towing, LTR Radio System, presently consists of GX4800UT mobile and
HX482UT portable, trunking radio units manufactured by Standard Communications, Inc.
in 1997. These radios meet the following specifications:
GX4800UT Features:
• 20 Systems/200 Groups
• 25-Watts Output
• 12.5/25 kHz Bandwidth
• Frequency Range: 450 to 480 MHz / 470 to 512 MHz
• Compatible with LTR and UHF Conventional Protocols
• Five programmable instant-access function keys
9

HX482UT (Handheld) Features:
• 10 Systems / 109 Groups
• 4-Watts Output
• Frequency Range: 450 to 480 MHz / 470 to 512 MHz
• Compatible with LTR and UHF Conventional Protocols
Advantages:
• Low unit cost.
• Easy to program via PC.
Disadvantages:
• Does not meet any Military specs. for method 810 C, D, and E, for shock,
vibration, moisture and hazardous environments.
• Standard was absorbed by Vertex in 1999 and they plan to discontinue these
models within the next year.
• Not compatible with new narrowband technology that will become industry
standard by late 2005.
• Life expectancy is only 5-10 years, depending on operational environment.
• Poor audio quality in the trucks, leading to many complaints by the drivers.
• Not compatible with Trident PassPort Protocol.
New Radio Equipment:
It would be advantageous to procure new radios that operate on the Bearcom, LTR
System that not only offer a high degree of dependability, but ease of service, installation
and above all are user friendly. In addition, any future radios should be able to grow and
expand not only with Budget / Stadium Towing, but with rapidly changing technology.
These radios should not only support voice communications but data transmissions as
well, should we ever decide to explore that option, with a simple upgrade to the existing
radio system, not a total system overhaul.
10

The radios should be able to support a redundant “failsoft” backup conventional system to
facilitate communications from Base-to-Mobile; Base-to-Base; and Mobile-to-Mobile,
allowing communications when the main system is not operational due to any kind of
failure. In addition, increased value can be realized from the conventional system by using
it in a direct repeater or conventional simplex mode, for tactical communications.
Motorola Model CDM1550-LS:
The Motorola model CDM1550-LS mobile radio is clearly the most logical choice for our
operations. This radio meets or exceeds all Military Specs. 810: C, D, and E and is fully
upgradeable with future technologies that will be implemented after 2005.
CDM1550-LS Features:
• 15 Trunked Zones; 16 Talkgroups each.
• 16 Conventional Channels.
• 14 Character alphanumeric display with user-friendly icons.
• X-pand Audio narrowband digital audio enhancement.
• 40 Watts output power.
• User programmable Scan functions: Group, All Group, Auto Group Select.
• MDC1200 Signaling on all LTR systems: Caller ID, Selective Call, and Call
Alert.
• Horn and Lights activation.
• Telephone interconnect capability.
• Mobile Data Terminal port.
• Fully supports Trident Pass-Port Protocol.
Trident Pass-Port Protocol:
PassPort is a trunking protocol developed by Trident Micro Systems that provides wide-
area coverage and offers users and system owners several enhanced features, including:
• Seamless roaming with automatic registration and de-registration between sites.
• Piracy and cloning protection through Electronic Serial Numbers.
11

• System Migration Path - PassPort protocol operates on Tridents' Network
Trunking System (NTS) infrastructure, which also is compatible with radios and
systems operating on the (Bearcom) LTR protocol. In addition, the NTS
infrastructure has been designed to support migration to future digital
technologies.
The Motorola CDM1550-LS mobile radio’s ability to fully support user migration to future
digital technologies, makes this radio an even more logical choice, because it will not
become obsolete in 2005 and require the purchase of replacement radios at that time. In
addition, Bearcom has plans underway to covert to the Trident PassPort Protocol by early
2002.
Motorola Radius M1225-LS:
The Motorola Radius line has been in existence for over 15 years and has provided
reliable two-way radios for small businesses in many countries. While the Radius, radios
are not as durable as their mid-line CD1550 sisters and require frequent repairs in some
cases depending on the environment they are placed in operation. They can be a viable
short term, cost efficient alternative to the Standard Radios already in place.
Radius M1225-LS Features:
• Frequency coverage 450-474 MHz.
• Channel Capacity: Trunking Mode Capacity: Up to 8, Trunking Talkgroup
Capacity: Up to 16, Conventional Channel Capacity: Up to 2.
• Power Output: 40 watts.
Advantages:
• Lower unit cost.
• Can be used for temporary applications or installations.
Disadvantages:
• Radios will become obsolete after 2005.
• Motorola is considering discontinuing the Radius line as part of their current
downsizing program.
• Results: will be lack of parts and difficult to service or repair.
• M1225-LS mobile radio is fully compatible with the LTR format but does not
support the Trident PassPort Protocol.
12

Voice Encryption (Privacy):
The Bearcom LTR, system offers many great advantages, one of which is the option of
user privacy. The use of voice encryption or more commonly known as “voice scrambling”
provides a secure platform to conduct daily business. Many competitive businesses use
voice encryption countermeasures to prevent intelligence gathering, which could be used
against them and result in a substantial loss of revenue.
The Motorola CDM1550-LS offers the option of having voice encryption boards installed in
them and could be used to by us to prevent competitors from stealing our service calls;
thus, resulting in lost company revenue.
13

Chapter
Bids Received5
Bearcom International:
On October 31, 2000. Representative, Mark L. Campbell from Bearcom’s Farmington
Hills, Michigan office made the following bid:
• Bid Number: K20-003110-3-UTR-A
• Motorola CDM1550-LS UHF Band 450-470 MHz LTR Trunked mobile radio,
includes 40 watts RF Output, complete with: power cable, palm mic, mounting
bracket, scan, programmed & a two year warranty: $725.00ea.
• Motorola External Speaker: $40.00
• 5db gain antenna with mounting kit: $45.00
• Base Station Microphone: $100.00
• On site installation: $85.00 each
• Voice encryption (Scrambling) board: $175.00 each
• Installation and calibration of voice encryption board: $205.00 each
• Reprogramming of existing radios: $25.00 first radio; $10.00 each additional
radio.
• Final price for the CDM1550-LS, speaker, and antenna: $810.00 plus tax.
• Final price with voice encryption: $1,190.00
14

Second bid for M1225-LS:
• Motorola M1225-LS UHF Band 450-470 MHz LTR Trunked mobile radio,
radio.
• Final Price for the CDM1550-LS, speaker, and antenna: $610.00 plus tax.
On November 9, 2000. Mr. Scott Price from Advance Radio Technology, Cincinnati, Ohio,
made the following bid:
• On site installation: $183.00 each radio!
radio.
• Final Price for the CDM1550-LS, speaker, and antenna: $889.00 plus freight
15

Second bid for M1225-LS:
• Motorola M1225-LS UHF Band 450-470 MHz LTR Trunked mobile radio,
radio.
• Final Price for the CDM1550-LS, speaker, and antenna: $610.00 plus tax.
On November 10, 2000, Ms. Anna Minzey, with the Electronic Service Center in Ann
Arbor, Michigan, submitted the following bid:
• On site installation: $90.00 each radio!
• Reprogramming of existing radios: not applicable since they do not handle
Standard Radio Products.
16

Chapter
Final Comments6
Epilogue:
_________________________________________________________________________________
General Review and Recommendations:
After careful review of both the bids received and the level of services provided from each
of the vendors, I recommend that we go with Bearcom for all of our radio needs. This is
based on the following criteria:
• We only have to deal with one radio vendor for all level of services provided.
• Easy to program and service radios on site for less down time.
• Bearcom is the owner of the LTR system in question and already provides
services for Budget Towing.
• No hidden second or third party fees.
• All Motorola Radios come with a full coverage two-year warranty.
• High level of commitment to customer satisfaction around the world.
17

Closing Comments:
The purpose of this report is to examine communications services that are currently
available, which would solve our communications needs and do so in the most cost
efficient manner possible. Each of the vendors contacted expressed a sincere and honest
attitude in helping both our companies to reach a higher plateau of excellence through
improvements in communications technologies currently available. However, only
Bearcom offers the most cost effective and comprehensive product package to meet our
current and future communications needs.
The Bearcom LTR, system offers the best advantages for future growth. With the coming
integration of Trident’s PassPort Trunking Protocol, to the current LTR networks in 2002.
This makes the choice of using their network even more practical in the years ahead. In
addition to the aforementioned cost savings over the Nextel system already in place.
Bearcom plans on adding new features in the future that will make the LTR system even
more versatile to meet the our needs in the future to better serve our customers in a more
cost efficient and timely manner.
I strongly feel that after conducting this comparison between Bearcom and Nextel. The
cost savings alone are sufficient reason to gradually phase out the general use of the
Nextel radios currently in place. The only practical application I can see for them is if a
driver is going to perform a long haul service outside the coverage range of the Bearcom
LTR, system, where communications between him and the base are necessary. The
driver could in fact use his own personal cell phone contact the dispatcher if any
assistance is required.
Telecommunications technologies are changing everyday with new products being
introduced by manufacturers throughout the world. What is innovative technology today is
obsolete by tomorrow. However, I feel that the choices presented in part one of this report
will be useful for the next 5-10 years and maybe beyond.
18

Appendix A-1: Ten-Year Price Breakdown
Ten-year price breakdown between current Nextel Services and
competitive service providers. Rates show reflect current prices charged
for airtime and does not reflect any future increases for Nextel services
provided over the next ten years.
19

Appendix A-2: Ann Arbor LTR Coverage Area
Current coverage range provided by the Bearcom LTR site in Ann Arbor,
Michigan.
20

Appendix A-3: Detroit LTR Coverage Area
Current coverage range provided by the Bearcom LTR site in Detroit,
Michigan.
21

Appendix A-4: Bill Martin Coverage Area
Current coverage range provided by the Bill Martin Repeater site in
Dixboro, Michigan.
22

Appendix A-5: Bids Received.
Bids Received from radio vendors.
23

Executive Summary:.........................................................................................................................................1
Future Expansion Probabilities:.......................................................................................................................1
How Does Trunking Radio Technology Work?.................................................................................................2
Logic Trunking Radio (LTR) Technology:........................................................................................................3
LTR Trunking Talkgroup Concept:..................................................................................................................3
Nextel Radios:...................................................................................................................................................4
Bearcom LTR Trunking Radios:.......................................................................................................................5
LTR System Location and Coverage Areas:......................................................................................................5
Bill Martin Repeater System, Location and Coverage Areas:............................................................................6
Nextel System Pricing:......................................................................................................................................7
Bearcom LTR System Pricing:..........................................................................................................................7
Bill Martin Two-Way Radio Repeater:..............................................................................................................8
System Pricing Summary:.................................................................................................................................8
Current Budget Towing Radios:........................................................................................................................9
New Radio Equipment:...................................................................................................................................10
Motorola Model CDM1550-LS:......................................................................................................................11
Trident Pass-Port Protocol:.............................................................................................................................11
Motorola Radius M1225-LS:...........................................................................................................................12
Voice Encryption (Privacy):............................................................................................................................13
Bearcom International:...................................................................................................................................14
General Review and Recommendations:.........................................................................................................17
Closing Comments:.........................................................................................................................................18
Appendix A-1: Ten-Year Price Breakdown.....................................................................................................19
Appendix A-2: Ann Arbor LTR Coverage Area...............................................................................................20
Appendix A-3: Detroit LTR Coverage Area.....................................................................................................21
Appendix A-4: Bill Martin Coverage Area......................................................................................................22
Appendix A-5: Bids Received. .......................................................................................................................23
24

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