The LMR 100 series provides a primer for anyone needing to design a land mobile radio system. The series, which is targeted to systems engineers, field engineers and radio technicians, covers the following topics:

• Understanding LMR user needs;
• The LMR user RFP process and technology assessment;
• RF planning;
• Connectivity and backhaul;
• Dispatch, command and control;
• Interoperability;
• Radio site surveys, site selection, and field engineering;
• Radio frequency interference;
• Installation processes and standards;
• Program and project management; and
• Post-system project acceptance.

We welcome your feedback on these articles and also your suggestions on future topics.

Ira Wiesenfeld, P.E., is a consulting engineer who has been involved in the radio communications business since 1966. He is a senior member of the IEEE and has been a licensed amateur radio operator since 1963. He can be reached at iwiesenfel@aol.com.

Robert C. Shapiro, P.E, is the senior manager-systems engineering for Cassidian Communications, an EADS Company. He serves on the TIA TR8 committee as TR8.18 vice chair and is a senior member of the IEEE. He can be reached at bob.shapiro@eads.com.

Next: In the LMR 200 series, we apply a real-world perspective to LMR system design and engineering.