Harris, Midwest Radio ink Jefferson County deal

Harris Corp. and dealer Midwest Radio Systems this week announced the sale and installation of Intraplex Synchrocast multiplexers to increase the coverage and reliability of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s department and 911 dispatch center, which is located near St. Louis.

Using Harris’ simulcast solution, Jefferson County can use its six low-power tower sites to provide seamless coverage to an unprecedented 95% of its jurisdiction. Without simulcast technology, different transmission delays associated with each site could make voice communication unintelligible when handoffs are needed as mobile units travel in overlapping coverage areas, according to Bob Brown, business development manager for Harris.

Also used by low-power radio stations to expand their broadcast coverage range, the Intraplex Synchrocast system synchronizes the broadcast signals via GPS satellites and precision digital timing. By using more transmitters at lower power, simulcasting can allow for improved in-building coverage, Brown said.

“It’s also more cost effective, because you most likely can use the existing two-way radio equipment,” Brown said.

Indeed, the system can support future data broadcasting efforts as the technology supports a voice-data network, which would eliminate the need for future investments in base stations, transmitters or other infrastructure—a characteristic noted by Midwest Radio Systems, which won the Jefferson County contract.

“We chose to team with Harris to ensure the delivery of a highly reliable product that met our customer’s need for on-demand support,” Doug Bell, lead technician for Midwest Radio Systems, said in a prepared statement. “Harris has a broad knowledge of mission-critical solutions for public safety and offered a superior product that enhanced coverage and capabilities. In addition, the system’s versatility—particularly its ability to support data broadcasting efforts—was very attractive.”