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Effective communication is crucial for efficient operations and worker safety at waste hauling companies, landfill operators, and recycling facilities. Whether deploying a new system or enhancing an existing one, understanding the latest innovations in radio communications can significantly impact operational efficiency and Return on Investment. This article reviews the different Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems that use licensed UHF and VHF frequencies, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) systems that use nationwide 4G/5G/LTE networks. In addition, this article will cover hybrid interconnectivity solutions and dispatching applications.
The LMR Landscape
Land Mobile Radio (LMR) refers to digital two-way radios using UHF and VHF narrowband frequencies. The key technology behind modern digital two-way radios is Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) with 12.5 MHz channel spacing. This technology improves performance and reliability by doubling the calling capacity of analog systems, allowing multiple users to share the same digitized radio frequency by dividing it into time slots.
As the industry evolved from analog to digital, several standards emerged:
NXDN: Based on the dPMR standard, NXDN was developed by Kenwood and Icom, NXDN uses Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDMA) with non-overlapping subchannels for digital call channels. FDMA requires more infrastructure due to complex base stations and uses two RF channels for two talk channels, so it does not deliver call capacity per channel like TDMA. NXDN radio systems are less expensive than P25 and TETRA.
DMR: Developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and promoted by the DMR Association, DMR is widely adopted and provided by most manufacturers. DMR has high transmit power and fully leverages TDMA technology for higher call capacity, data rate, and range. DMR interoperability is excellent among different manufacturers and is the most widely available and cost-effective professional radio system.
Other benefits of DMR and TDMA technology include improved audio quality, longer battery life, and farther range. DMR technology reduces noise and preserves voice quality, especially at the farthest edges of the transmission range. Digital voice coders specified in the DMR standard enable receiving radios to detect and correct transmission errors, resulting in clearer communication. TDMA transmits information in short bursts, conserving battery power and improving battery life by 40%. TDMA 12.5 MHz channel spacing allows for better frequency reuse, increasing the coverage area.
P25 and TETRA are other LMR standards worth mentioning. P25 is used by public safety agencies for interoperability with other government agencies. P25 uses TDMA technology but has high infrastructure costs and the radios are very expensive compared to DMR and NXDN. TETRA is an LMR standard used primarily in Europe and by a handful of utility companies in the US. TETRA is well-defined, so 99% of features work on all TETRA radios. TETRA uses TDMA technology but divides the channel into four digital time slots at 6.25 MHz channel spacing for higher call capacity. The trade-off is shorter transmission range, requiring a higher density infrastructure, making TETRA one of the more expensive radio systems.
DMR Radios
are available as handheld and mobile radios that are supported on various repeater and trunking systems. Handheld radios are lightweight and durable, with accessories like microphones and earpieces. Mobile radios are used in vehicles and have higher transmission power for wide-area coverage.
DMR radios include all the benefits of the and can be ruggedized to MIL-STD 801G for impact durability and IP68 rated waterproof and dustproof. Intrinsically Safe models are approved for use around flammable gases, vapors, or dust in e-waste and recycling facilities.
The newest technology in DMR radios includes and lithium polymer batteries. AI-based noise cancellation extracts the human voice from background noise in real-time, providing clear communication in loud environments. Lithium polymer batteries are lightweight and provide up to 24 hours of operational use.
DMR radios are designed for worker safety with features like a one-touch emergency all-call button, priority interrupt, Lone Worker, and Man Down. Additional features include GPS for dispatch location tracking, Bluetooth for wireless accessories, and advanced AES encryption for secure communications.
Migrating from Analog to Digital
radio systems improves performance and reliability for waste and recycling operations. DMR technology, with its superior voice quality, offers clear audio even in noisy environments such as loud trucks, landfill sites, and recycling facilities. DMR radios with TDMA technology also provide longer battery life, and farther transmission range.
DMR radios support both analog and digital modes, allowing for gradual migration without the need for a complete system overhaul. Old analog radios can be replaced over time with digital radios, and when all the analog radios have been replaced, a DMR Tier II repeater can be installed for extended coverage and managing the channel traffic.
This flexibility is particularly beneficial for waste and recycling companies that want to upgrade their communication systems gradually without significant upfront costs.
Range of DMR Repeater Systems
is a professional two-way radio system that uses repeaters for voice and data communications. Tier II uses DMR standard compliant radios and requires FCC licenses. A DMR Tier II Repeater Site consists of a repeater, antenna systems, power supplies, backup batteries, and monitoring systems. The repeater is the heart of a professional DMR radio system. Repeaters receive low鈥恖evel signals from handheld and mobile DMR radios and retransmit the information at a higher power level over a greater area.
What is the range of a repeater system? Unfortunately, the answer is 鈥渋t depends鈥�.
The range of a repeater system can be anywhere between 25 and 50 miles. That includes the distance of one radio to the repeater, and the distance from the repeater to the other radio.
There are several variables that affect the range of a repeater system:
Obstacles 鈥� buildings, hills, walls and trees are the primary determinant of the range of radio systems. UHF and VHF wavelengths go farthest with a line of site, like in flat open country or on the ocean. Dense buildings can limit the range to a few hundred feet.
Antenna 鈥� the higher the antenna, the fewer obstacles for the radio signal. This is why antennas are installed on towers, the tops of buildings, and mountains.
The Radios 鈥� The transmit power or the radio, Rx sensitivity, antenna gain, and attenuation will also impact the transmission range.
The bottom line is that professional DMR system dealers are experts in designing and installing systems that will cover the required areas. They will conduct a site survey and design a system that provides the necessary coverage.
Extending DMR Range and Capacity
Expanding the range and capacity of your radio system is essential for large waste management operations. DMR Tier II repeater sites can be to create a wide-area network. This setup allows users in different locations to communicate seamlessly, making it ideal for multiple landfill sites or recycling facilities with multiple locations.
For high-capacity group communications, provide dynamic channel allocation to enable higher group calling, making them suitable for waste management companies that require high-capacity group communications.
Developed exclusively by Hytera, XPT is based on the DMR Tier II Conventional Standard and adds capabilities normally found in higher cost . XPT uses a simple network switch to manage multiple repeaters to provide more channel capacity and add other valuable features.
DMR radio systems require an infrastructure investment for wide-area communications, but they are the most reliable communication systems available and are often the 鈥渓ast man standing鈥� during natural disasters and widespread power outages.
Push-to-Talk over Cellular Systems
radios offer instant nationwide communication using cellular 4G/5G/LTE mobile operator networks and Wi-Fi networks. This is particularly beneficial for waste hauling companies that need reliable communication across entire cities or counties without the hassle and expense of managing complex radio system infrastructure.
PoC is also referred to as Radio over IP (RoIP). Similar to Voice over IP (VoIP), RoIP devices are handheld two-way radios that access cloud-based PoC servers via the internet for nationwide calling. A data plan SIM card (like those used in cell phones) is installed in the PoC device to enable access to the internet using the 4G/5G/LTE cellular infrastructure of Mobile Network Operators.
Benefits of PoC Technology
There are numerous benefits to using PoC technology for waste management communication. One of the most significant advantages is the nationwide coverage provided by LTE cellular networks. This extensive coverage ensures reliable communication across wide areas, making it ideal for waste hauling companies with multiple service areas, or waste management and recycling companies with multiple locations.
PoC systems also offer high bandwidth and virtually unlimited call groups, providing the capacity needed for large-scale communications. Unlike traditional UHF and VHF radio systems, PoC does not require FCC frequency licenses, eliminating the costs and complexities associated with frequency management. PoC devices can typically be used right out of the box, allowing for rapid deployment and minimal setup time.
Types of PoC Devices
PoC devices come in various forms, including handheld radios, mobile radios, and smart devices. PoC radios are similar in performance and durability to DMR radios. They feature AI-based noise cancellation, long life lithium polymer batteries, LCD display screens, and emergency call buttons.
PoC mobile radios are designed for in-vehicle use, providing safe and legal communication while driving. These radios feature loud audio and speaker quality, accurate GPS tracking, and built-in Bluetooth for hands-free operation. Mobile radios are essential for waste hauling companies that need reliable communication for their fleet operations.
PoC smart devices are handheld computers that run Android business apps (similar to modern smartphones), offering a unified platform for communication and mobile computing. These devices feature high-definition cameras, built-in infrared barcode scanners, and long-lasting batteries, making them a valuable tool for senior managers.
Adding PoC to Existing Radio Systems
provide a simple and cost-effective way to add PoC devices to existing two-way radio systems. These systems offer an IP gateway between PoC radios and various existing radio systems, including analog and DMR radio systems.
Bridging systems enable seamless integration of PoC devices with existing radio systems, enabling waste and recycling companies to add mobile PoC radios to their existing networks, enhancing coverage and capacity without the need for expensive system upgrades.
Dispatching Applications
Both DMR and PoC radio systems are available with dispatching applications that provide centralized communications and GPS location tracking of remote workers and mobile radios in vehicles. These applications support centralized group calling, map-based tracking with time stamps, text messaging, and sharing of images and videos. Dispatchers can monitor calls and user locations, and manage communication groups, ensuring efficient operations and reliable service.
GPS tracking is an essential feature of dispatching applications, allowing waste management companies to monitor the movement of their fleet and ensure timely service. Geofencing capabilities enable alarm triggers when vehicles enter hazardous areas or stray from defined routes. This level of control is crucial for waste hauling companies that need to manage large fleets and ensure reliable communication.
DMR dispatching applications are typically run on a standalone computer or client server architecture, and PoC dispatching applications are typically web-based applications accessed through a web browser.
Summary and Systems Comparison
Understanding the different radio communications solutions enables informed decisions about the communication systems available on the market today. Whether opting for LMR systems or nationwide PoC solutions, the key is to choose a system that meets specific requirements and enhances operational efficiency.
There are some key differences between LMR/DMR radio systems and PoC systems:
Frequencies 鈥� LMR/DMR systems require FCC licensed UHF and VHF frequencies, while PoC uses existing LTE networks, so no frequency licenses are required.
Range 鈥� The range of LMR/DMR systems depends on the radio system infrastructure, while PoC provides nationwide coverage based on the mobile carrier鈥檚 coverage area.
Reliability 鈥� LMR/DMR radio systems are the most reliable communication systems available and are often the 鈥渓ast man standing鈥� during natural disasters and widespread power outages. PoC systems are based on the reliability of mobile carrier鈥檚 cellular network, and the reliability and redundancy of the PoC servers.
By leveraging the latest innovations in radio communications, waste and recycling companies can ensure reliable and efficient communication, improving overall performance and productivity.
By Ty Estes, Marketing Director, Hytera US Inc.
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