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On the World’s Stage

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As amateur radio operators, we often take for granted our ability to easily reach out to the far corners of the globe. A late evening QSO with Europe, while exhilarating, is by no means uncommon. We’ll regularly trade ‘fish stories’ about that crazy contact that we made on low power with a ramshackle antenna but rarely stop to think about just how strange a notion this would be to someone not familiar with our hobby. Double this effect for anyone not familiar with the principals of RF communication, and HF communication in particular. Read More...

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F52D: It’s More Than Just the Size

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For public safety, service and security workers, communication tools are key. There are numerous devices on the market designed for these individuals. But do these devices have everything? Do they have all the features you have become accustomed to, and are they compact in size for easy handling? Or do you have to sacrifice one for the other?

The F52D/F62D series is the newest edition to the Icom IDAS™ portable line-up. This new radio has it all, impressive features, modern design and compact in size. Building on the success of the F50V and the innovation of the F3400 series, this new radio will easily fit in the palm of your hands. The F52D/F62D is the smallest series on the market, which makes it perfect for discrete use and convenient carrying. Read More...

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How can Icom’s next generation IDAS™ help me?

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Next Generation IDASThe way we communicate has changed tremendously over the last two decades. As technology advances in two-way communications, so do our devices. A radio is no longer just a radio. With each new generation, additional features and functions are included. But what do all these features do? How do they fit in real-life situations and who will benefit from them?

Bluetooth®
With many states now passing hands-free laws, the ability to use a communication device while driving is changing. Two-way radios with built-in Bluetooth® provide hands-free communication. While paired with a Bluetooth® headset, commercial vehicle drivers are able to answer a call hands-free and still be complaint with FMCSA. Read More...

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Emergency Preparedness: How Will You Communicate?

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Emergency Preparedness ChecklistCommunication is essential, although we often take it for granted. Today we live in a world where information is instantly available. But what if there is an emergency situation and our communication tools are no longer working? How will you contact loved ones or emergency personal? September is recognized as National Preparedness Month. Icom America wants to provide our customers with some communication solutions, which could be helpful during an emergency.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are part of our daily lives, however they have vulnerabilities, especially during an emergency. Networks can fail. Cell towers or satellites could go down. Regardless of any failures, cell phones can still be extremely useful. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) messages can be received by your cell phone, even if the network is congested. Read More...

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5 Important Tips When Reviewing a School Emergency Plan

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Each year as summer begins to dwindle and the first day of school creeps closer, we start to wonder how prepared is our school for an emergency. Frequently reviewing your school’s emergency plan is a good idea, and the start of a new school year is the perfect chance to review. In efforts to raise awareness on emergency preparedness, Icom encourages schools to consider these five tips when looking over their emergency plan.

  1. Anticipate
    Identifying and understanding all the potential emergency situations for an organization is imperative in developing a school emergency plan. What type of serve weather frequents the area, or what are some medical issues students may have? These are common scenarios a crisis management plan should consider. Every situation requires a different reaction, and a school should plan accordingly. Review all the emergency scenarios in the schools plans and determine in anything needs to be re-evaluated or added. Do not wait for the crisis to occur, prepare for it now.
  1. Train
    Preparation and training for emergency situations helps reduce chaos and manage behavioral expectations of staff and students should a crisis occur. Review the roles each staff member has been assigned in the schools emergency plan. Provide updated training classes and rehearse the situation. Emergency response education is not just for the teachers, but the students as well. Running emergency drills teaches both students and staff the proper protocol in each situation.
  1. Communicate
    Assess the school’s communication procedures. When an emergency hits how does the school communicate with others in the building or emergency personal? Cell phone communication can be unreliable during an emergency, as networks can become overloaded and fail. Two-way radios allow staff to communicate with a touch of a button, whether they are on the playground, in a classroom or in the hallways. Radios also provide a safe, instant and reliable form of communication with first responders.
  1. Inventory
    Whenever a storm is about to hit, people run to the store to stock up on supplies in preparation for a potential emergency. Same concept should apply to a school’s crisis management plan. Although remember, advance notice of a potential “storm” may not be forecasted. Check the school’s inventory of emergency supplies at least once a year. Make sure all supplies are current and working: first aid kits, batteries, radios and more.
  1. Recovery
    After any type of incident, the school’s emergency plan should be evaluated and updated if necessary. Review all emergency equipment and supplies. If anything needs to be replaced or updated do so immediately. When reviewing an emergency plan always remember it is better to be over-prepared than under.

More information about school emergency plans is available online.

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IWCE is a Valuable Opportunity to Stay Connected

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IWCETechnology is a moving target. Reading literature or blog posts help, but there is nothing like having a conversation to truly make the connection.

Every year, technology professionals connect, educate and learn about the latest trends at Penton’s International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE). This great event, originally founded in 1977 as the “National Business Radio Dealer Conference,” has become one of the largest industry shows for two-way radio manufacturers. Last year, the Expo welcomed over 350 vendors and more than 7,000 tech buyers. Approximately 75 countries outside the U.S. were represented at the convention, making IWCE truly a global affair. Read More...

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Using Two-Way Radios with GPS on University Campuses

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University CampusAmong the most desired features that universities require of the two-way radio systems is GPS capability.  GPS (or Global Positioning System) provides university staff – such as Security patrols – real-time, location-sensitive information and coverage throughout the campus. Either in-vehicle, on foot, or even on bicycles, university dispatch centers can track patrols with GPS capable devices. Dispatch can see who the closest officer is to an incident and dispatch that officer immediately, then notify others to proceed to the location for backup. Universities view GPS on two-way radios as a major benefit to protecting students, staff, and facilities on the campus. Read More...

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50 Years of Radio, Now on Social Media

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Icom America Inc. logoFor over 50 years, Icom has produced innovative radio products for a broad range of industries. Starting out with Amateur radios, Icom grew into Avionics, Marine and Land Mobile radios and systems. Today, Icom has distribution throughout the world – including 35 years in the Americas as Icom America.

As Icom continues to push into new wireless communication areas, we are now rolling out a variety of IP-based products including the IP100H WLAN radio. We are also entering the realm of social media with this introductory blog post. We want to reach out to both our customers and our partners in new and interactive ways using this blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and more. Read More...