NCJ Number
94705
Date Published
1984
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This guide presents background information to help law enforcement agencies analyze their base station equipment needs and select superior equipment to provide reliable communication between the control center and field units.
Abstract
The first section discusses the frequency bands available to law enforcement agencies and factors that affect coverage in communications between base and mobile stations. Advantages and disadvantages of the high, low, and UHF bands are explained, as are sources of electronic noise and radio interference -- common problems confronting the two-way radio user. The guide then describes basic equipment needed in a base station: a transceiver (transmitter and receiver), a control device, microphone and speaker, a transmission line, and an antenna. Specific topics covered include performance characteristics, costs, equipment options currently available to meet various needs, antenna site selection and design, desk-top versus cabinet transceivers, and installation procedures. Finally, the guide reviews the following types of auxiliary equipment: emergency power systems, considered an essential peripheral device; repeaters; satellite receivers; scanning receivers; tone-coding systems; and digital equipment. Tables, diagrams, and 29 references are supplied.