DRB-25 Digital Basestation

Unprecedented remote diagnostics and maintenance and flexibility in digital radio migration

Introducing any major new communications technology has the potential to create compatibility problems with users of existing services. Without a solution, you might find your users hesitant to adopt the new standard, regardless of the features it offers.

Westel's DRB-25 APCO Project 25 digital basestation fundamentally alters the dynamics of digital radio migration. It delivers compatibility not only between analog and digital modes, but between different bands as well - all within a single unit.

Now you can upgrade your basestation equipment for the future without making all your terminals obsolete. And what's more, Westel's DRB-25 even lets users in different bands talk together directly.

A completely integrated radio communications solution

Westel's compact and robust package provides one or two high power digital radio transceivers from a single power source. RF performance of both the VHF (136 – 174 MHz) and UHF (380 – 520 MHz) versions complies with APCO-25 and TIA / EIA specifications.

With in-built P25 IMBE vocoding and DES encryption and the ability to connect to existing tone-based remotes and console systems and 2W and 4W PSTN circuits the DRB-25 offers all the security and features you need in digital mode, as well as retaining complete compatibility with existing analog terminals.

Westel's advanced features give you a higher degree of flexibility than has previously been available on a system of this size. Migration strategies become simple and economical, whether you are migrating from digital to analog, or between frequency bands.

Features & options

Crossband operation

Surveys conducted for the Public Safety Wireless Advisory Committee identified crossband operation as "ranked highest among features that are considered essential for public safety" (survey by Southeastern Institute of Research, November 20 1995).

What distinguishes Westel's DRB-25 from other radios is its ability to allow crossband communications between terminals operating on different frequencies, significantly enhancing the potential for inter-agency communications. With the appropriate options installed, you can provide a seamless link between users on VHF and UHF channels.

Crossmode operation

Westel's advanced technology even supports conversations between analog and digital channels, in the same or different frequency bands.

The DRB-25 automatically ensures the correct routing of the call, and lets you set up talkgroups with a mix of both analog and digital terminals.

Easy configuration & diagnostics

We understand that getting your system on the air quickly is a priority, so we've made sure that programming the Westel DRB-25 couldn't be easier. Key parameters (such as frequency, operating mode, timer settings and talkgroups) are set through a series of Windows dialog boxes, allowing you to easily modify the behavior of any radio in an instant. 

The DRB-25 is designed for unattended repeater or basestation operation and can be managed and diagnosed remotely through a serial connection.  The in-built IP connection allows for remote diagnostics and maintenance using local or nation-wide IP-based Intranets.

Flexibility

Westel's compact dual radio configuration is a very cost-effective solution for remote locations. One channel can be used as a basestation or repeater for general communications, while the second channel acts as a link to other basestations / repeaters, or to the PSTN. This configuration permits high quality digital communication over the radio link with support for all Project 25 features.

Alternatively, the second channel may be used in remote locations as a "hot standby" to provide even higher levels of system reliability.

Upgrade options

Westel's policy of continuous product improvement means that additional features are always in development.  With its modular construction the components of the DRB-25 will be completely compatible and re-usable with future developments.

Planned product development options include:

• Data transmission (software upgrade)
• Over-the-air rekeying (software upgrade)
• Voting

Feature summary

• VHF (136 - 174 MHz) or UHF (380 - 520 MHz) frequency bands.
• 100 W (VHF) or 50W (UHF) RF output.
• Configurable as single or dual channel with any mix of frequency bands, channel modes and output powers.
• 512 programmable channels per radio, with each channel programmable as Project 25 digital or TIA / EIA 603 analog.
• Programmable channel scan of up to eight channels.
• Optional RS232, Ethernet and general purpose I/O interfaces.
• Optional 2-wire or 4-wire+E&M wireline interfaces for remote control or telephone interconnect.
• Compatible with industry standard tone remote control consoles.
• User-friendly configuration and diagnostic software for local or remote configuration (for use under Windows 3.1, Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0).
• Self-test diagnostic routines.
• 240 / 110 VAC or 12 VDC versions.
• Available as a standard 19" rack mount subrack, as a desktop unit or housed in a secure floor mount cabinet.

Standards compatibility

Westel's DRB-25 radio basestation is designed to meet or exceed the following: