lincoln county tennessee emergency communications district simulcast two-way radio system

Lincoln County Tennessee Emergency

Communications District

Simulcast two-way radio system for Law

Enforcement use

System Bid Specifications.

May 12, 2010

Fayetteville, Tennessee

1

Lincoln County ECD

Simulcast Radio System

I. General: A. Lincoln County Tennessee Law Enforcement Agencies have been using a voted multi-repeater conventional two-way radio system for several years operating on the frequency of 460.025 Megahertz (Mhz). Due to the nature of the terrain in Lincoln County it is not possible to achieve seamless, county wide radio coverage from the current radio system in its present form. Therefore the Lincoln County Emergency Communications District is seeking proposals for a four tower site, simulcast two-way radio system to operate on 460.025 MHz. A land-mobile simulcast radio communication system is to be defined as a grouping of radio repeater stations that transmit simultaneously with no degradation in signal or audio quality. The repeater receiver audio is to be linked to an existing Raytheon JPS voting comparator system at the Lincoln County 911 Center where all received signals will be “voted” upon, the best being selected for retransmission purposes based on signal strength and audio quality. B. In order for a simulcast type of dispatch radio system to work properly all transmitters must transmit on the same frequency to within one cycle per second (1 Hz). All broadcast audio whether it be from the dispatch center, a portable or a mobile radio must be timed so that it leaves all of the transmitters in the systems transmitter at exactly the same time with a delay of no greater than 70 microseconds (us). Simulcast is considered controlled interference since multiple transmitters, if not coordinated very carefully, will interfere with each other. In a simulcast radio system all transmitted information must be heard at all receiving stations at exactly the same time. The modulated information is broadcast from all sites so it arrives in overlapping, or non-capture, zones in-phase and on-frequency in order to create near-seamless coverage. C. In order to implement a simulcast system and maximize intelligible communications in non-capture (overlap) areas:

1. Audio shall be delayed so that all receiving stations (portable, mobile or fixed) receive the transmitted information with a delay of no greater than 70 microseconds.

2. The carrier frequency of each of the transmitters in the system shall be within 1 Hz at the transmit center frequency.

3. Outgoing CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch Signaling) shall be launched from each site within the same microsecond, so it arrives in over lapping areas, in phase and on frequency.

4. Transmitter deviation (modulation) shall be precisely measured and adjusted so that recovered audio from every transmitter is within 0.2dB of one another.

The successful bidder will be permitted to use two transmitting sites that are already in use and designate two new locations within Lincoln County Tennessee where simulcast capable repeater stations can be placed to provide complete radio coverage of the entire

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Lincoln County ECD

Simulcast Radio System Continued county, without sending the signal unnecessarily into adjacent counties. In the creation of the desired radio system the successful bidder will be allowed to make use of county owned structures for antenna and equipment support. The successful bidder will be allowed to make use of any county owned equipment presently in-place that is deemed compatible with the new equipment being installed and/or otherwise useful in creating the new simulcast radio system, such as but not limited to wire or radio links, towers, voting equipment and equipment enclosures.

II. Bidder Qualification: A. In order to qualified to answer this RFQ bidders must submit:

1. A certificate of insurance to Lincoln County ECD showing blanket coverage for liability, worker’s compensation and vehicle coverage for $2,000,000 with Umbrella coverage to $5,000,000. COI must come from be signed by a representative of the insurance companies in question.

2. The bidder must show proof that his company is a properly established business in good standing, is licensed for his primary business location and that he has expertise in the field of two-way radio emergency communications.

3. Bidder must show proof that he is licensed in the state of Tennessee as a general contractor if the bid price exceeds established values under State of Tennessee rules.

4. If tower and antenna work is to be done “in-house” by the company submitting the accepted proposal those doing the work must be statutory employees of the bidder or be employees of a sub-contractor. (See Below)

5. If the qualified bidder is successful and must use sub-contractors for any part of the equipment sale and installation he must:

a. Provide the same qualifying documents for the sub-contractor including a certificate of insurance for the same amounts listed above.

b. Show that the subcontractors meet the IRS’ standard for being considered subcontractors.

c. Show that tower and antenna work is done by those qualified by their training, experience and available equipment. Training must be quantified. Showing safety training cards by nationally recognized companies, or company proof of training is sufficient.

d. Be responsible for adherence to all state, federal and local regulations by his subcontractors.

6. The successful bidder responsible for adherence to all state, federal and local regulations by his employees.

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Lincoln County ECD

Simulcast Radio System Continued

III System Specifics The Lincoln County ECD 911 two-way radio simulcast system shall consist of the following:

1. Four (4) each identical new UHF-FM two-way radio repeater stations capable of operating on the frequency of 460.025 Megahertz (127.3 CTCSS) and maintaining that frequency to a tolerance of plus or minus one Hertz (1Hz).

a. Each station will be capable of a minimum of 25 watts output power b. Each station will be equipped with a new band-pass-band/reject

duplexer, 7/8 inch LDF5-50 (or equivalent) coaxial cable, connectors, lightning protection modules (Polyphaser or equivalent), three (3) coaxial cable grounding kits and new DB408 antennas. (See spec sheet 7 for a list of appropriate radio repeater manufacturers)

2. Each station shall be configured to retransmit audio and/or data information simultaneously whenever a mobile, portable or dispatch radio transmits that data.

3. Transmit audio shall be timed so as to arrive at all listening receivers with a delay no greater than seventy microseconds (70us).

4. All simulcast repeaters shall be independently linked by wireless medium to a voting panel at the Lincoln County ECD. The voting panel controls transmit and audio functions of the simulcast system and selects the best receiver of the four for any given exchange of information.

5. Critical timing functions shall be controlled by signals from the Global Positioning System (GPS). The following shall be required.

a. 1 each Primary audio delay module (Voter Panel) (see spec sheet 1) b. 4 each Transmitter delay module (Repeater Sites) (see spec sheet 2) c. 1 Each Audio and Push to Talk Controller (Voter Panel) (see spec

sheet 3) d. 5 Each Spectracom 8185B or equivalent (GPS Master Oscillator) with

appropriate fixed location GPS antennas (see spec sheet 4) 6. Appropriate radio linking for two repeater sites both less than eighteen miles

from the Reservoir Hill tower site. Assumes clear line of sight. Wireless line eliminator system should be as free from delays as is possible. The wire line eliminator system should be digital in nature and capable of multiple IP addresses. Internet connection for the purposes of linking the transmitter sites to the central site is not acceptable due to inherent network delays.

a. Shall operate in the 4.8Ggz (licensed public safety) band. b. Appropriate antenna systems shall be used to give a line of site signal

capability of a minimum of eighteen miles. Acceptable signal level shall be no less than -70 dBm.

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Lincoln County ECD

Simulcast Radio System Continued

7. Radio equipment for two of the remotes sites shall be housed in a weatherproof cabinet installed on a concrete pad. The cabinet shall include a self contained air conditioner (air cooler) capable of maintaining a summer time temperature of eighty (80) degrees Fahrenheit. The cabinet shall measure 62”H x 25” W x 34”D (19”or 23” Racking) (see spec sheet)

8. Emergency battery power for each equipment location shall be provided. (Specification Sheet 6)

9. Items now in use that may remain in use are: a. JPS-Raytheon voting panel located at the Lincoln County Emergency

Communications dispatch center. The successful bidder may, at his discretion, replace the voting system with another of his choice.

b. Tower sites at Icy Bank (Howell, TN) and Reservoir Hill (Fayetteville, TN). It would be impractical for the successful bidder to choose not to use these two sites but it remains at his discretion.

c. Pilot Tone Generators and connectivity equipment at those sites may be replaced with items at the successful bidders discretion.

d. Transmitter shelters. These may be used at the successful bidder’s discretion.

e. Any of the above items not used must be noted in the bidder’s proposal along with all costs associated with the decision not to use.

10. Successful bidder shall be responsible for: a. All permits associated with electrical service at repeaters sites that do

not presently have said service. b. Licensing assistance to for sites which are not presently licensed for

stations transmitting on 460.025 Mhz. Licensing fees shall be paid by Lincoln County ECD.

c. Ensuring proper operation of the finished system including on site adjustments as needed for a minimum of one month after the system is put into full service. These services will be at no additional charge for labor or travel. Repair parts not in warranty will be considered billable to the Lincoln County ECD 911 Board.

d. All warrantees associated with new equipment shall be handled by the successful bidder at no additional cost to Lincoln County ECD.

1

Lincoln County Tennessee

Emergency Communications District

Specification Sheet 1

Channel Timing Unit (CTU) One Channel Timing Unit shall be used at the origination site (Lincoln County ECD

Dispatch Center) in order to provide test and timing signals to the Automatic Timing

Units which have been placed at each transmitter site.

The Channel Timing Unit (CTU) used to time outgoing signals from the voter panel

shall be that manufactured by Convex Corp. of Sterling, VA or approved equivalent

To be approved any CTU other than that specified above must meet the following

specifications:

Fixed Gain: The CTU provides unity gain (0 dB) amplification of all frequencies.

Deviation of individual transmitters can be adjusted using the FLAT

GAIN amplifier in the Automatic Delay Line units (ADL) at each

transmitter site. ADL Flat Gain is adjustable from 6 dB loss to 6 dB gain

in 0.1 dB steps and it can be remotely controlled by the LAN port or touch

tones from the central control unit. (Voter panel).

Mounting: Wall or rack mounted

Connections: A two-piece connector with screw locks for audio and power wires.

.

LAN Port: Ethernet 10 Base-T compatible with 100/1000 base-T Networks Control

via Telnet Session with link activity indicators.

1 PPS Input: UTC (Coordinated Universal Time),

One Pulse Per Second input.

Input Z:> 1.5K Ohm/TTL Logic

Time Mark: Low to Hi transition

Minimum pulse width: 1 uSec.

PTT Input High Impedance / Bridging input Input Z: 100K Ohm / TTL or E / M

M Type I, II, III: Key < -20v / Idle > -20v

M Type IV, V; E: Key >-20v / Idle <-20v

TTL: Key <+2.5V / Idle > + 2.5V

TTL Inv: Key >+2.5V / Idle <+2.5V

PTT Switch: Normal: PTT asserted – passes voice, Idle: PTT not active – applies Test

signal.

Tone Keying: Detected for Test Unit control passed through for far end PTT control

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Channel Timing Unit (CTU) Continued

Frequency Range: 4Hz to 3400Hz

Gain: Unity / 0.0dB

I/O Impedance: 600 ohm – balanced, floating

I/O Return Loss: Greater than 26dB

Input/Output Level: +10dBm max

Nonlinear Dist: Less than 1%

Noise: -60dBmC typical

Environmental: -30 degrees to +60 degrees C, 0 – 95% R.H.

Power: 10 VDC to 18 VDC / 250 mA max

Dimensions: 1.7” H x 4.25” W x 9.4” D

Weight: 1.3 Lb, 0.6 KG

WARRANTY

Unit shall be warranted to be free of manufacturing defects for a period of one year from the date of shipment.

1




Transmitter Site Audio Delay Controllers (ADL)

Automatic audio delay lines shall be used in the creation of the Lincoln County single

channel simulcast system in order to negate the necessity of future adjustments to the

audio delay.

Audio delay modules used at each transmitter site shall be manufactured by Convex

Corp. of Sterling, VA or approved equivalent.

In order to be an approved equivalent product the following specifications must be met:

Flat Gain: Flat gain amplifies or attenuates all frequencies to compensate for

different link losses between the control point and the transmitters. Flat

gain is controlled by the LAN Port or touch-tones. It provides precise

level adjustments that can be made from the control point (voter). This

permits a system to be conveniently adjusted from the central location.

Gain is adjustable from 6 dB loss to 6 dB gain in 0.1 dB steps.

Mounting: Wall or rack mounted

Connections: A two-piece connector with screw locks for audio and power wires.

.

LAN Port: Ethernet 10 Base-T compatible with 100/1000 base-T Networks Control

via Telnet Session with link activity indicators.

1 PPS Input: UTC (Coordinated Universal Time),

One Pulse Per Second input.

Input Impedance >1.5K Ohm/TTL Logic

Time Mark: Low to Hi transition

Minimum pulse width: 1 uSec.

Touch-Tone

Control: Addressable 00 to 98

Detector

Range: 100 mSec minimum

DTMF

LED: on = valid Touch-Tone

Command

ACK: 976 Acknowledge tone

DTMF

Security: 8 Character Sequences

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Transmitter Site Audio Delay Controllers (ADL) Continued

Bulk Delay

Range: 300 to 700,000 microseconds in 1 microsecond steps

Delay

Measure: 0 to 700,000 microseconds, 1 microsecond resolution

Polarity

Control: Normal or Inverted selection

Automatic or Manual operation.

Frequency

Range: 4Hz to 3400Hz

Gain: Unity / 0.0dB

I/O Impedance: 600 ohm – balanced, floating

I/O Return Loss: Greater than 26dB

Input/Output Level: +10dBm max

Nonlinear Dist: Less than 1%

Noise: -60dBmC typical

Environmental: -30 degrees to +60 degrees C, 0 – 95% R.H.

Power: 10 VDC to 18 VDC / 250 mA max

Dimensions: 1.7” H x 4.25” W x 9.4” D

Weight: 1.3 Lb, 0.6 KG

WARRANTY


1



Specification Sheet 3 SPECIFICATIONS - Audio / PTT Panel

Audio / PTT Panels are used in radio systems to distribute (baseband voice frequency) audio and push-to-talk (PTT)

control from multiple sources to multiple base stations. Lighted front panel switches provide manual PTT override

control for individual base stations. PTT controls permit base stations to be keyed, disabled, or track normal console

control.

Audio / PTT Panels shall be Model 2240A as manufactured by Convex Corp. of Sterling, VA, or approved equivalent.

In order to be an approved equivalent product the following specifications and operating functions must

be met:

Audio and PTT distribution shall be configurable by 3 internal switches which can be set to fan out inputs to 3, 6, 9

or 12 outputs, or various other configurations. Panel audio distribution capability shall consist of 12 Audio Outputs,

and 12 Audio Inputs. One in each group three audio inputs shall have a mute feature that can be controlled by PTT

logic. The mute feature serves to provide console or voter priority of talk out audio. Audio Input summing

configuration shall be controlled with four switches. Each audio input shall have a, multi-turn, logarithmic, front

panel gain control that provides +/- 6 dB range of adjustment. Each group of three Audio Outputs shall have a (unity

gain) front panel “monitor” jack for setting audio input gains. Each audio output shall have a, multi-turn, logarithmic,

front panel gain control that provides +/- 6 dB range of adjustment. All audio inputs, outputs, and monitor jacks shall

be balanced, floating, and have a 600 Ohm impedance.

PTT distribution capability shall consist of 12 PTT Outputs that track the distribution setup of the audio, and 12 PTT

Inputs that can be distributed. 12 PTT Inputs shall be provided with “ORing” logic that tracks the audio “summing”

setup. Four “mute” logic controls shall be provided at appropriate points for muting one in every three audio inputs.

All PTT inputs shall have a configurable “Key” detector. Key detectors shall accommodate: E/M or TTL / Digitac

logic types with either key polarity. All PTT Outputs shall be independently configurable among: E/M or TTL /

Digitac logic types, with internal “pull ups” provided for TTL / Digitac settings. All PTT Outputs shall have an

individual, lighted, front panel override control that is selectable among: keyed, disabled, or normal - which tracks

the PTT input status.

PTT override control shall be remote controllable through an Ethernet, 10 Base-T LAN Port that is provided on the

rear panel. A remote terminal shall be capable of reading the status of each front panel PTT switch and remotely

overriding panel settings. Audio / PTT Panels shall be packaged in a 1U high, 19” rack mounting format with moniyor jacks, gain and PTT override controls on the front panel. I/O shall be brought out on the rear panel using “Telco” type 50 pin connectors. An RJ-45 modular jack shall be provided on the rear panel for LAN Control. Power options shall include: Universal AC; or 12, 24, or 48 Volts DC. Panels shall have dual redundant power supplies that are individual fused, and front panel power status indicators.

AUDIO COMBINER / DISTRIBUTION AMPS

Frequency Range: 4 Hz to 5000 Hz (0.1 dB Bandwidth)

Response Variation: Less than 0.1 dB, 4 to 5000 Hz

Inputs / Outputs: 24 Floating, Balanced, 600 Ohm

Gain: 0 dB, +/- 6 dB / 24 FP controls

I/O Return Loss: Greater than 26 dB Input/Output Level: +10 dBm maximum

Noise: Less than -60 dBmC

PTT CIRCUITS

Outputs: 12 High Current (100 mA) Outputs

E/M, TTL / Digitac / Relay Closure

Inputs: 12 E/M Type 1-5, TTL/ Digitac

M Type I,II,III: Key <-20 V / Idle >-20 V

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Specification Sheet 3 SPECIFICATIONS - Audio / PTT Panel Continued

M Type IV, V; E: Key >-20 / Idle <-20 V

TTL / Digitac: Key < +2.5 V / Idle > +2.5

AUDIO / PTT COMBINER CONTROL

4 Switches: 1 to 12 Inputs to 12 Outputs, or

1 to 6 Inputs each to 6 Outputs each, or

1 to 3 Inputs each to 3 Outputs each, or

various other combiner options.

AUDIO / PTT DISTRIBUTION CONTROL

3 Switches: 1 to 12 Inputs to 12 Outputs, or

1 to 6 Inputs to 6 Outputs each, or

1 to 3 Inputs to 3 Outputs each, or

various other distribution options.

AUDIO MUTE: One of each input group can be muted by

4 Switches PTT controlled / mute enable

PTT CONTROL Manual / Remote

PTT Switches 12 (3 Position) Front Panel Switches

KEY: Keys transmitter / Lit Red

NORMAL: Console control / Lit Green = PTT

DISABLE: Disables PTT / Lit Red

LAN Port Ethernet 10 Base-T / Control via Telnet

Session ( Windows Hyperterminal )

Link / Activity LEDs

Comm. Simple Menu displays status of all PTTs

Select a PTT to be Keyed or Disabled

ENVIRONMENT: -30 to 60º C, 95% R.H.

I/O CONNECTORS: Two 50 pin Telco Connectors

DIMENSIONS: 1.7" H x 10.4" D x 19" W. / 5 lbs.

POWER: AC, or 12, 24, 48 VDC,

WARRANTY

Audio / PTT Panels shall be warranted to be free of manufacturing defects for a period of one year from the date of

shipment.

1




GPS Master Oscillator

Master oscillators provided shall be Model 8195B as manufactured

by Spectracom Corporation of Rochester, NY, USA, or approved

equivalent.

In order to be an approved equivalent product the following specifications must be met:

Performance Specifications Frequency Outputs: Four buffered rear panel 10-MHz outputs; 750 mV rms sinewave, 50-

ohm impedance 30-dB harmonic suppression. One front panel output.

Quartz Output Accuracy:

locked: ±1 x 10-11 typical, 24 hour average

unlocked: ±2 x 10-9/week typical aging

Crystal Programmable Precision Frequency Offsets: Zero offset plus 4 positive and negative

steps. Step sizes in Hz are: ±3, 5, 7, 9 at VHF Hi and ±0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 at UHF.

Optional CTCSS outputs: Up to two low frequency RS-485 level outputs, to the nearest 1/3

Hz. Synchronized to GPS on-time point. Replaces data sync outputs. Requires one Model

1118CTCSS filter board per base station to be synchronized.

Optional Frequency Outputs: 12.8-MHz or 5-MHz

1 PPS: TTL signal, accuracy is ±130 nSec typical.

Sync Outputs: 1544 kHz and 2048 kHz @ RS-485 levels.

Data Clock Outputs: 9.6 kHz, 18 kHz, and 1 PPS at RS-485 levels.

Data Sync Outputs: 64 kHz, 18 kHz, 17-2/3 Hz, 33-1/3 Hz at RS-485 levels.

Alarm Outputs: Relay contacts SPDT, 2A @ 30 VDC.

Data Ports: RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces for maintenance and performance monitoring.

Received GPS Signal: L1, C/A Code transmitted at 1575.45 MHz

Power: 115/230 VAC ±15%, 50/60 Hz.

optional 12 VDC; ±13.8 VDC ±20%.



Internal batteries only available with 115/230 VAC power.

Max. power consumption 60W for oven stabilized crystal; 80W for

Rubidium.

Physical & Environmental

Size: EIA 19" W x 3.5" H (2ru) x 12.5" D

2


GPS Master Oscillator Continued

Weight: 20 lbs. maximum

Connectors: Frequency outputs and 1PPS: BNC

Sync outputs: RJ-11

Data clock outputs: DB 9 Female

Data sync outputs: DB 15 Female

Alarm outputs: Terminal strip

RS-485 data: RJ-11

RS-232 data: DB 9 Female

Antenna input: Type-N

AC power: 3-prong connector, 7' cord included

DC power: Terminal strip

Indicators: Power, tracking GPS, oscillator locked, battery ready, battery

charging, battery fault, minor alarm, major alarm

Temperature: -30 to +60°C operating range: Oven stabilized

-40 to +85°C storage range

Humidity: 95% R.H. non-condensing

Antenna and Accessories GPS Antenna Assembly Height: 25"

Cable Connector: N type female

Cable Length: 200' maximum, 40' minimum; with preamplifier, 400' max.

Mounting: Hose clamps to fasten mast to vertical support.

Temperature: -30 to +80°C operating range.

Antenna Surge Protector - indoor Size: 3.83" L x 3.25" W x 1.25" H

Cable Connector: N type female

Grounding Required: No. 6 AWG or equivalent

Temperature: -50 to +60°C operating range.

If power fails, an optional battery maintains oven temperature and keeps the

GPS receiver active, allowing immediate operation after power restoration.

WARRANTY





Outdoor Equipment Shelters

Necessary outdoor equipment enclosures shall be those manufactured by DDB

Unlimited, Paul’s Valley, OK, and carry the model number OOD-62DD-GP-62, or an

approved equivalent

Any equipment shelter used other than the above must comply with the following

specifications:

Dimensions: 62” High X 25” Wide X 34” Deep

Heating and

Cooling: 6000 Btu 220 Volts W/ 400 Watt Heater

Electrical

Connections: 100 Amp Main w/Electrical w/Twist Lock

External Generator Plug

Door Alarm Switches

Interior lighting, Florescent

Spool-Up Side Box

Ground Bar

R3.3 Insulation

Aluminum

Shield: Top cover, shades cabinet from the sun.

Door Handles: Stainless steel – NEMA

Rails: Fully adjustable & anodyne coated.

Doors: Front and rear secured with three point locks and padlocking

handles.

Vents: Front and rear, top and bottom, filters supplied




Battery Backup Considerations

All radio equipment must be able of being powered by 12 Volt DC battery. Batteries

must have their charged maintained by appropriate charging equipment. Backup batteries

must be protected from the weather. Maintenance free batteries are to be used.

Charger Specifications: Samlex SEC1230A or approved equivalent.

Battery Specifications: Interstate DCM0100 or approved equivalent.

Any equipment other than the above must comply with the following specifications to be

an approved equivalent:

Charger:

Input Voltage: 120Volts AC

Output Voltage: 13.5 Volts DC

Charging Current: Maximum 30 Amps

Minimum 3 Amps

General: Switching Power Supply design.

External switching for adjusting between 2 and 3 stage charging.

Can be used as stand alone power supply/charger or a charger

only. Short-circuit and reverse polarity protection in a lightweight

and compact size. Adjustable for power supply/ charging

functionality. Compatible with deep cycle marine, RV and

industrial batteries.

Battery:

Maintenance Free

Thermally welded case-to-cover bond to eliminate leakage

Carrying Handles

Can be used in any orientation: upright, side or end mounting

recommended

Flame-arresting, one-way pressure-relief vent for safety and long

life

Low-calcium grid alloy for reduced gas emissions and ease of

recycling

12 Volts – 100 Amp-Hour Capacity @ 20-Hour Rate

Ampere-Hour Capacity to 1.75 Volts per Cell @ 77 Degrees

Fahrenheit (25C) 10.5 Volts per 12 Volt Battery.

Maximum discharge current 500 Amps

Both Charger and Battery must be free of manufacturing defects for one year from date

of shipment.




Manufacturers of Simulcast Capable Radio Repeaters

Any equipment other than the above must comply with the following specifications to be

an approved equivalent:

The following manufacturers have transmitters capable of external high stability

reference oscillators and are capable of maintaining the 1 Hz carrier frequency accuracy.

1. Harris (Ma-Com) Corporation MASTR III

2. Motorola MTR 2000, MTR 3000

3. Kenwood TKR-840

4. Daniels Electronics UT-4E450-00-800

5. Tait T805 Quasi-sync

There may be others.

lincoln county tennessee emergency communications district simulcast two-way radio system

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