Catalyst announced the joint marketing of a new Incident Command solution

Catalyst, a provider of Radio Control over IP solutions, announced the joint marketing of a new Incident Command solution combining the best of Harris Unity® XG-100 Multiband Radio technology with Catalyst’s command and control software. The new product, the Incident Commander Element (ICETM), provides an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) for local management of multiple frequency bands for talk around, vehicular repeating, and interoperability.

By choosing the Harris Unity® (XG-100M) mobile radio as the integral control station component, agencies are able to support multiple frequency bands in a single transceiver. The Unity is a full-spectrum multiband mobile radio than can instantly scan between Low Band, VHF, UHF-L, UHF-H, 700, and 800 MHz frequencies. The radio also supports DES and AES standard encryption, and supports Project 25 Phase 1 and 2. When space or power is limited, using the Unity radio with the Catalyst ICE software package can save precious resources and provide the ultimate flexibility to communicate quickly across the full range of channels and scenarios.

ICE is a deployable incident command solution that provides radio voice communications across several frequency bands for Project 25, EDACS, MDC 1200, and conventional, while providing enhanced graphics and control to the user. This rugged, compact, and efficient solution offers essential information for fire ground, emergency medical, special rescues, utility restoration and other critical communications incidents. A single hardened laptop integrated with up to four mobile radios delivers commander control with an easy to use GUI. ICE can operate in a stand-alone mode or be linked back to the agency’s primary radio system.

When the mission requires operation in talk-around mode, it can be difficult to coordinate activities without the benefit of the main dispatch center. ICE allows the Incident Commander to monitor voice communications from these local radios across the primary frequency bands using one integrated tool. Commanders will see a call log of every call placed including Unit ID, a time stamp and Emergency messages. The audio is recorded and may be replayed on-scene or can be easily transferred to other tools for post processing.

Agencies can link back to their primary radio system via either RF (by patching two of the ICE mobile radios together) or via an IP connection. “With ICE each person can continue to use their own agency-specific radio and let ICE provide the means for local interoperability and dispatch,” said Robin Grier, President of Catalyst. “ICE makes it easier than ever for the commander to stay in charge, record and replay messages, and connect back to the main system as needed.”

“With our full spectrum capabilities, the Unity XG-100M mobile radio provides a unique RF dynamic to the ICE solution that no other multiband radio can provide,” said Todd Perdieu, Senior Radio Product Line Manager for Harris Corporation. “Our multiband RF solution will allow ICE to operate on any frequency band, across multiple technology types, enabling our end customers to focus on their mission, while we deliver their communications.”

In addition to the multi-band Unity radio, ICE can connect single band radios like the Harris XG-75M mobile, Momentum HDM 150 mobile, or mobile radios from other manufacturers for SmartNetTM, DMR, or other communications systems.
Catalyst markets Radio Control over IP technology for the Critical Communications Industry and is a force for change in the effort to bring Internet-derived technologies into mobile radio applications. Catalyst focuses on products that leverage standard Windows®-based computers to reduce cost and increase the efficiency of network operators and end users. Catalyst’s extensive product line significantly enhances legacy dispatch communications systems by seamlessly bridging wireless and wireline communications networks for network-based interoperability.