Icom’s new hybrid LTE/digital two-way radio
Icom has launched its IP730D series, a new hybrid radio that can provide nationwide coverage over LTE networks as well as conventional VHF/UHF professional radio mode (IDAS digital/analogue radio modes) in one unit.
The company says the versatility of having two technologies (LTE & IDAS Digital PMR) merged into one, provides a range of options and applications for industries ranging from event and facility management to large utility infrastructure projects.
The IP730D series unit features two PTT buttons; the main PTT button and the sub PTT button. Customers can use one for LTE communication and the other for an IDAS/Analogue channel. The sub PTT button offers smooth switching between talking on LTE and IDAS/Analogue channels.
Its Bridge mode function relays received IDAS digital audio to the LTE radio group, while transferring the LTE radio conversations to the IDAS digital group.
The unit features built-in Bluetooth wireless technology, GPS function that can display the location information of the terminal on a PC map software or browser (LTE mode only) and is dust-tight and waterproof to IP67 specifications.
The different mode operations offer users the following service:
LTE Mode
LTE mode provides secure private push-to-talk nationwide communication over an LTE (4G) and 3G network. The IP730D series provides full-duplex operation in LTE mode. This allows users to talk and receive at the same time, much like a telephone conversation.
Professional Two Way Radio Mode
Conventional VHF/UHF two way radio mode provides a stable, local alternative allowing you to operate in extreme environments where cellular signals are inaccessible.
Bridge Mode provides a bridge between the two technologies. The IP730D series is able to transmit/receive to an LTE radio from an IDAS digital radio and vice versa by either Main PTT or Sub PTT or both at the same time.
Main features of the IP730D series:
• Compatible with RMS-IP LTE Radio Dispatcher
• Adding the optional VE-PG4 RoIP gateway you can expand the communication area and link with other/existing communication equipment within the system.
