July 2024

7/24/24 | Issue 32

AWIN Upgrade: Microwave Replacement

As the statewide upgrade of the AWIN system continues, a special method was used to replace the microwave equipment at the Forrest City site on July 1, 2024. The routine measures for lifting the microwave link into place using cables and pulleys could not be performed due to the presence of PBS television equipment installed on the tower. Removing the PBS equipment and remounting it would have come with considerable costs. Instead, the State's contractor hired ET Tower to lift the equipment into range near the top of the tower by helicopter. Not only was this done quickly and efficiently with cost savings for the State, but it was fun to watch. Check out the video below.

Brand Neutrality with P25

One of the questions AWIN hears is whether two or more different radio brands can communicate with each other on the AWIN system. For example, what if a city's police department has Motorola or Tait radios but the fire department wants to purchase Kenwood, BK, EFJohnson or another P25 radio? What if the city uses all one radio manufacturer but the county uses another? Will there be complications? The short answer is NO, thanks to Project 25.

Project 25 (P25) was developed after communications challenges were identified during the attack on 9/11, and again during Hurricane Katrina. P25 is a suite of standards for digital two-way land mobile radio communications that enables interoperability between radios using this standard regardless of manufacturer.

The P25 Compliance Assessment Program (P25 CAP) is a formal, independent program that tests LMR equipment for durability and compliance with P25 standards. Results are published by the Department of Homeland Security. Radios which have been deemed eligible and placed on their list of Approved (Grant-Eligible) Equipment will work on the AWIN system. There must also be an AWIN-Authorized Radio Programming Shop that has been certified and approved to program radios by the selected manufacturer.