A mobile interoperability platform, EMCOMM-1 is based in northeast Florida. It contains communications equipment including radios from HF thru 2.4 GHz, as well as satellite PTT with POTS interface.
EMCOMM-1 and its state-of-the-art equipment, large antenna and flashing lights made an appearance this year at IWCE in Las Vegas. Owner Mike Lee and his assistant Phil McElrath traveled over 2,300 miles and across eight states, from Florida to Nevada. It took Lee and McElrath two weeks and nearly 12-15 hours of driving time a day to make the journey. Traveling through heaving winds and rains, and the occasional traffic jam, EMCOMM-1 finally made it to Las Vegas.
The show was a great success, as EMCOMM-1 was definitely a highlight. People all around could not help but stare and inquire about this impressive communications vehicle. Excitement was all around, and it followed Lee and McElrath even as they left Las Vegas.
During the return trip back to Florida, Lee and McElrath made a stop in Memphis, Texas for fuel. As they pulled EMCOMM-1 into the fuel station, a Hall County Deputy Sheriff came up the passenger side of the vehicle. The deputy mentioned he had been following EMCOMM-1 for about three miles and noticed the Icom logo on the vehicle. Coincidently, Hall County Sheriff’s Office uses Icom radios to support their sworn staff.
Like at IWCE, the Chief Deputy was curious as to what EMCOMM-1 was and had to learn more. He asked if the group could stop by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office to talk with the Sheriff and other deputies in the department. Not wanting to disappoint, Lee and McElrath spent a delightful 45 minutes at the Hall County Jail!
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- EMCOMM-1 Heading to IWCE
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- EMCOMM-1 outside of Hall County Jail
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- Deputies take a peak inside EMCOMM-1
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- Icom’s VE-PG3 inside EMCOMM-1
They were able to explain the concept of mobile interoperability and why Icom’s solutions are so unique. Especially the Icom VE-PG3 controller and how it interfaces to Icom land mobile, aviation and marine radios, as well as other equipment in the 700/800 MHz bands.
This was an outstanding opportunity to demonstrate Icom equipment in the field, in real-life situations. Even though by sheer coincidence, EMCOMM-1’s time in jail was well spent demonstrating the mantra of ‘Icom Everywhere’.
Note: EMCOMM-1’s next deployment will be to the Dayton Hamvention, May 19 -21, 2017. If you are coming to Dayton, make sure you stop by and say hello. We would love to show you the capabilities of EMCOMM-1.
