Spectrum Manager Application Guide

Two-Way & SMR - Two-way service providers and SMR operators will find  Spectrum Manager useful for logging repeater usage, licensing and coordination (see below), interference reduction and identification of unauthorized users.  can be set up to provide logging, alarms, external device control and tape recording based upon frequency and PL/DPL tones. Since  can support the concurrent control of up to ten receivers, large systems can be monitored. The Digital Audio Logger can be used to help track down unauthorized users.

Site & Network Management -  can solve some of the unique problems of site management. Using modems and remote access software such as PC-Anywhere or Carbon Copy, monitoring equipment can be placed at remote sites and controlled from a central location. The Digital Audio Logger can be used to record audio for later transmission, or DSVD modems can be used to provide simultaneous audio and digital control.

Law Enforcement, Surveillance and Countermeasures - s’ monitoring tools are useful for intelligence gathering, dispatch overview, intersystem coordination, surveillance and emergency management (see below.) The Spectrum Analyzer and Band Scope tools are particularly useful in countermeasures work. The Digital Audio Logger can be used for unattended audio recording.

Emergency Management - Effective management of radio resources during large scale emergencies is a critical need. This task is difficult because of the variety of different (and often incompatible) radio systems in use.  Spectrum Manager is a powerful tool that gives on-scene managers instant access to radio intelligence, and the ability to quickly adapt to local requirements. By using preset frequency lists and the  tactical display, emergency coordinators can get instant visual and audio information on the tactical situation. In addition, the monitoring environment can be quickly tailored to the nature of the event with point and click channel controls. Each channel has a text name, so memorization of frequencies is unnecessary.

Two-Way System Engineering - The  Traffic Analyzer is designed to provide an easy method of recording system loading data. All statistics are aggregated by hour, and include Erlang, call count, air time and average signal strength. In addition, raw measurements can be recorded directly to disk, and augmented with GPS position and time if necessary.

Licensing and Coordination - Traditionally, locating frequencies for re-use has been expensive, time consuming and often unreliable.  Spectrum Manager makes this task easy by automating the process. Because it uses sampling techniques, a significant number of channels can be examined with a single radio. Accuracy of the data is assured, even when some or all of the channels are heavily used. In contrast, conventional techniques require a radio dedicated to each channel to prevent loss of accuracy. Since  records data in standard DBASE format, it’s easy to integrate usage statistics into reports, proposals and even other business software.  also includes the ability to directly access FCC license databases, such as the Percon Regional CD ROM.

Wireless - Low power, unlicensed (part 15) technologies are increasing the demand for "quiet" spots in the spectrum. Many new systems, such as Spectrum Manager equipment monitors, irrigation controls, alarm systems, wireless telemetry and remote controls share frequencies that can have high powered users.  Spectrum Manager offers a convenient, portable and inexpensive method of finding usable channels prior to installation. Later on, if interference is suspected or observed,  can track it down and identify alternate channels to use.

Interference Resolution - Intermod interference is always a difficult problem to solve. Often, the hardest part is determining which transmitters are causing the problem. The  Interference Correlator uses a coincident event correlation technique to identify the unknown signals quickly.

Broadcast System Engineering -  provides a low cost tool that can be used to gather field strength information for a number of stations for comparative studies. The GPS option makes "drive around" studies simple and economical.

Cable TV - A common problem in cable TV systems is interference caused by the entry of unwanted signals into the transmission system. The  Interference Correlator can be used to identify the frequency of signals causing interference.

Paging - Paging system operators will find  an valuable tool for monitoring channel air time, competitive studies and investigating coverage problems. The GPS option can be used to record measurements on the road.

Cellular & PCS -  offers a low cost alternative method of gathering channel use and coverage data that is independent of network infrastructure. The Traffic Analyzer has the unique ability to measure signal strength from several sites at the same time, and to tag measurements with GPS derived time and position.

TV, Radio and Print News Media - The news media makes extensive use of radio technology to catch emerging stories, report on traffic conditions and coordinate field activities. The  Conventional Scanning Tool and Tactical Display are well suited to news desk use. The ability to rapidly focus scanning activity allows non-technical users to tailor the listening environment to a specific incident without memorizing frequencies or having to look up channels in a book, just by clicking the mouse. Frequency lists can be prepared in advance by technical personnel.