The Mobile Digital Communicator (MDC) uses its own packet message protocol which allows it to work in conjunction with a wide variety of equipment.  Some equipment providers have implemented their own delivery protocol however this same equipment can often be configured to operate in "transparent mode" allowing delivery confirmation to be handled by the MDC application itself for more efficient throughput.  Various wireless products, usually referred to as RF Modems allow data to be transmitted on a dedicated radio frequency specifically licensed to your agency.

These units provide an industry standard RS-232 or RS-422 asynchronous communications interface and can offer 32 bit CRC error checking with RF throughput speeds as high as 9600 baud, 19,200 baud or higher.  While these speeds may sound slow in today's world of Megabit speed consumer electronic communication devices, you must realize that these devices typically operate at much higher wattage (power) and are capable of transmitting signals for miles (very similar to typical voice radio systems used by law enforcement)
 

		We developed the Crimestar MDC product using and subsequently recommend the  ESTEEM family of RF modem products which offers high speed rugged integrated RADIO and MODEM devices operating in the VHF LO, VHF HI and UHF frequency bands with an output power of up to 30 Watts (UHF).  External amplifiers can be used to increase transmitting power. Esteem also offers a secure, encrypted high powered (1 watt) 54MBit  802.11g clustered radio system that can extend your department's existing ethernet network throughout your city or campus.
		Another popular manufacturer of integrated RF mobile devices that work for this type of application is DataRadio.  This company offers devices that operate in the VHF LO, VHF HI, UHF, 800 & 900 Mhz frequency ranges.

  

* Crimestar recognizes that there are many equipment manufacturers that may be able to supply similar hardware.  Crimestar Corporation  has no specific business affiliation with either of the two companies mentioned above.  For more specific information about their products, services, pricing or equipment financing options please visit their respective website or contact those manufacturers directly.

 
Back to the: General MDC Description Page