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First responders From its beginnings in providing components for motorcycle radio installations, Sonic Communications has now become a leading provider of audio accessories for police, and other first responder agencies, for both general and covert applications. It manufactures products to support handsets from the main TETRA manufacturers, including discreet, receive-only earpieces, personal hands-free (PHF) systems and microphone PTT solutions – ruggedized and allowing terminals to be worn at waist level – for MTH650/800 and MTP850 handsets. For tactical/covert applications, Sonic is a key port of call for any such end user. But, for obvious security reasons, managing director, Neil Barker, says that several of the company’s solutions simply cannot be talked about in an open forum. Noise reduction a speciality In Finland, Stop Noise has been developing and manufacturing accessories for TETRA terminals since 1995 for first responder, industrial and security applications, police and fire fighters. Handsets, light headsets, helmet-mounted solutions and ear defender systems as well as charging and carrying solutions form a staple part of this producer’s compact portfolio of products. With its products meeting a range of standards and approvals, the company responds to customer feedback to tailor its solutions for specific needs. “Our new Multi Handset 3 in 1 – audio, data and image – is a great example of our customer-oriented product development”, commented managing director Markku Nieminen. “The features of the device can be tailored according to the customer’s needs. Even the keypad can be customized. This way the usability of the device is on a completely different level compared to bulk making OEMs. And with our accessories we offer improved cost efficiency to our customers, so the price level is very reasonable.” Bone conduction Also in Scandinavia, Denmark’s Invisio prides itself on being a noise reduction specialist. Patented bone conduction technology is at the heart of its accessories for public safety and security, military, utility, industrial and transport applications. Standard and customized headsets, including dual in-ear headsets, intelligent systems, PTT systems and custom-made solutions, all use its own technology, which, instead of using traditional sound wave technology, employs a small ear microphone to pick up vibrations from the user’s jawbone. These are converted to sound, providing – according to the company – crystal-clear speech even under extreme conditions with no need of a microphone or boom, and without interference from external noise. Bone conduction is also used by other manufacturers. But Ole Konarski, of Invisio, explains: “Where Invisio has a worldwide patent is on having it the pickup of the vibration in the beginning of the ear canal – not to be confused with skull mics, throat mics, etc.! So Invisio Bone Conduction is definitely not just bone conduction.” And he adds: “When we talk about extreme environments where this is widely used, it is correct that the bone conduction is essential in our headsets – but we are also pretty unique in the sense that we provide waterproof versions, heat resistant versions etc. And the latest addition, which we are launching right now, is an ATEX/IECEX version of our headset.” Other patented features developed by the company include Invisio Soft Spring, which ensures that the headset stays securely and comfortably in place even for prolonged periods, and Invisio Cable Retainer. Price, performance German accessory supplier Akkuplanet develops and produces batteries, charging systems, earpieces and helmet solutions providing a comprehensive range of equipment with, what it calls “an attractive price-performance ratio”. From listen-only earpieces to mic systems and bone-conduction ear pieces, Akkuplanet’s range is comprehensive. Throat mics, behind-head headsets, speakers and a full range of adapters and connectors support OEMs such as Motorola and Sepura. Wherever TETRA networks are in operation around the globe, licensed distributors and resellers support the growing demand for accessories from TETRA users. Tetra Handsets and Accessories.co.uk is a UK TETRA distributor specialising in Motorola and Sepura equipment portfolio. It supplies a range of products designed for use with TETRA radios, predominantly for the emergency services and public safety agencies that have access to the UK’s Airwave network. Interestingly, the company states that its range of TETRA audio and carrying accessories is both OEM and non-OEM in origin to cater for the different budgetary requirements of its customers. In Ireland, Sigma Wireless is the exclusive distributor for Motorola TETRA products, including handsets such as Motorola’s Discreet TCR1000 Covert TETRA terminal, which is supported by the full range of TCR1000 accessories.
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