Motorola has launched its first TETRA (TErrestrial Trunked RAdio) handportable with integrated GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) technology, the MTH800.
The newest addition to Motorola’s portfolio of terminals, the MTH800, offers integrated GPS; a new user interface; a full colour display and end-to-end encryption. The integrated GPS receiver ensures dispatchers can see the location of resources enabling them to get help to officers when and where they need it. For example, if users activate the emergency button on the TETRA handportable, their location is immediately known so the appropriate action can be taken. GPS not only increases safety but also dramatically increases the efficiency of the management of resources, it is claimed, as dispatchers know which tasks are in hand and where officers are at all times.
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GPS receivers previously drained battery life and were large and bulky and therefore could not be integrated successfully into terminals. Through the use of innovative chip design, Motorola’s receiver has very low power consumption, helping achieve a terminal with exceptional battery power, outlasting the usual ‘shift and a half’ expectation. The new terminal chip set also increases the memory, capacity and speed, meaning thousands of phone numbers and talk groups can be stored, compared to hundreds in the past. The MTH800’s new user interface is fully customisable and provides an icon/text-based menu along with one central phone book. The high-resolution colour screen display offers quality images and is readable in varying light conditions as well as from different angles. This feature is practical when using the radio outside. The screen provides a greater number of pixels than in the past, making an easier viewing experience.
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Security is an ever-important feature for public safety users and the MTH800 supports Class 3 air interface encryption, as well as the option of end-to-end encryption for users that require an additional level of security, such as drug squads.
