Several years ago, affordable and efficient digital 2-way technology was developed by ICOM for amateur radio communications.
These folks are very demanding. They want radios that talk far and cost little, with added features like texting and GPS. The system developed by ICOM was called D-Star. Today, it is the defacto world standard of excellence in amateur communications.
Additional information on D-Star is available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-STAR. Our point in referencing D-Star is simply to make you aware of the origins of an advanced and improved version of this technology known as IDAS (Icom Digital Advanced Radio System) first introduced in the USA several years ago.
A year after the introduction of IDAS technology, Kenwood introduced their version of compatible products developed through an alliance with ICOM. Still later, Ritron, and others joined in the development of this open standard system now known as NXDN.
In the United States, the most mature digital technology is known as APCO-25 or P25 which was developed specifically for public safety users with an emphasis on mixed mode capability (i.e. able to communicate in both analog and digtal modes), capable of handling both voice and data, and suitable for operation on either standard 25 kHz standard or 12.5 kHz narrow band frequencies. The IDAS system by ICOM meets these same objectives at half the cost. However, P25 is the only standard approved by the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA funding. Additional information on P25 is available at www.the-end-of-confusion.com.
The point is that IDAS is a superior solution since it meets all the original criteria established by APCO-25 at half the cost PLUS it has the ability to operate on Very Narrow Band 6.25 kHz channels and, like P25, it is open standard (i.e. available from multiple vendors which keeps cost lower). This web page has been developed to introduce you to IDAS as a user not dependent on government grant funding. If you are in that category, we think IDAS, or NXDN if you prefer, is the solution for you!
In closing this introduction, we should point out that there is a third advanced digital system by Motorola that while it offers advanced technology, we do not feel it is well suited for the needs of the majority of those we serve. It is called MotoTRBO. It is not open standard which means you have only a single vendor. It does not offer mixed mode operation through a repeater, and in the analog mode; it is incompatible with standard 2-tone paging used by fire and rescue users throughout the United States. However, we would be remiss if we did not provide those we serve with additional information. If you would like to know more about MotoTRBO, please visit www.motosbest.com.
If you are not quite ready to make the move to digital, you are not alone! Analog radios will be in operation at least until 2018. For those who want a system that can migrate from analog to digital and is capable of meeting all FCC technical standards for 6.25 kHz operation. Check out the EZ Migration Plan section for a simple and affordable migration solution.
For those who wish to use local area unlicensed radios or radios
primarily for personal use.
See www.mursradios.com.
For those who wish to review interoperability options, we offer
unique and affordable solutions at www.SDRPlus.us.
In conclusion, it you want the most advanced 2-way radio system available today, the answer is IDAS from ICOM. The purpose of this web page is to provide additional information on IDAS technology and how it can benefit YOU!
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This page was last modified on Saturday, January 16, 2010