COVERAGE STUDIES
Our engineering staff utilizes custom propagation software to design and pre-test RF coverage. A good propagation study is utilized to design a system that will provide coverage based on thousands of specific parameters. We also use this software to troubleshoot coverage issues, plan for budgetary design needs, and enhance future-ready solutions.
RCM uses RAPTR (Radio Analysis and Propagation Tool Repository). RAPTR propagation modeling is compatible with Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Telecommunications Systems Bulletin TSB-88 “Wireless Communications Systems – Performance in Noise and Interference Limited Situations – Recommended Methods for Technology-Independent Modeling, Simulation, and Verification.” RAPTR uses the Okumura-Hata-Davidson (OHD) model as described in TSB-88. Factors relating to environment and terrain combine to derive the total path loss value. RAPTR employs the Epstein-Peterson diffraction model in conjunction with the OHD model in a proprietary method to greatly enhance the path loss calculation. The diffraction calculations coupled with the environment database further increase the accuracy of the path loss calculation.
RAPTR uses a Tile Method for analyzing the propagation, a much more accurate method than the older radial method. Radial methods begin to lose resolution as the distance from the site increases as the distance increases between evaluation locations from radial to radial. The Tile Method uniformly predicts the coverage for a system by dividing the project area (i.e. City jurisdictional boundary area) into small areas called tiles. The size of the tiles used by RAPTR is three arc-seconds, approximately 300 feet per side. RAPTR models the propagation from a site to each tile in the project area. With the Tile method, the interaction of signals from different sites can be more accurately determined. This increases the accuracy of evaluating coverage for simulcast systems, voting systems, multisite networks, interference, and handoff (roaming).
The RAPTR path loss calculation methods are the result of evaluating over 189,000 different propagation paths as part of an extensive data collection effort performed by L3Harris over the past several years. These paths encompassed a variety of terrain and environmental features, ranging from over-water paths, to flat terrain in Florida, to mountainous areas such as Western Virginia, New Hampshire, and California. It also includes varying environmental conditions, ranging from highly urbanized areas to rural, open, and forested areas. As a result, the propagation model has been finely tuned.
SYSTEM DESIGN
At RCM, we pride ourselves on providing solutions that are tailored to your specific needs. Our systems are designed to suit your exact requirements don’t require you to have to settle for a “pre-boxed” solution. Let us work with you to design a communications plan that will give you the most cost-effective, feature rich, and future-ready system.
RCM is the largest Public Safety Solutions provider in the State of Maine. RCM maintains the SoMe Statewide LMR Trunked Radio Network and has done so for more than a decade. Outside of the Statewide network, RCM has designed, maintained, and supplied Critical Networks for 50+ Municipalities across the State. RCM is headquartered in Portland, ME, with three (3) additional locations in the State, providing Mission Critical Infrastructure for more than forty (40) years. As an industry leading solutions provider, RCM partners with the best-in-class Manufacturers within the LMR and IP market space, to ensure that end users have the flexibility to obtain the best products and services, while adhering to P25 Interoperability standards. This adherence to Interoperability reduces the burden of proprietary technology that can reduce flexibility and add additional costs over the lifecycle of any critical network.
INSTALLATIONS
Mobile installs are an essential need for our customers. We have installed and regularly service thousands of mobile radios, lights, sirens, boosters, data systems, and more. Weather it’s a single radio install or servicing a major fleet; RCM’s got you covered.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
RCM provides a 24/7 response capabilities that are unmatched by any other service shop in the state.
- During Normal Buisness Hours – Call our main number (207) 797-7503 and you will always have a live person answer the phone.
- After Hours Calls – Call our main number (207) 797-7503 and you will be directed to our emergency call-out menu. Leave a message and the on-call technician will be paged.
- RCM Technicians are on-call 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, and 365 days per year.
- The primary technician will normally respond to your call via phone within 10 minutes of receiving the emergency page.
- If the call is not responded to within 20 minutes, the second on-call technician will automatically respond to the call via phone.
- Customers should receive a phone response within 30 minutes of your initial call.
- We will then research and try to solve the problem remotely if possible.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Periodically testing equipment performance to identify future problems before they become problems.
Common Preventive Maintenance Items
- Antenna sweeps
- Power Plant performance
- Repeater/Base Station transmit power
- Repeater/Base Station receive sensitivity
- Modulation testing
- Radio Frequency Error
- Radio Frequency filters
- Network & Microwave performance
- Radio call quality
SITE WORK
From Towers to Site Shelters. We do whatever is necessary to complete the job. In these pictures we had to run multiple runs of cable underground from the shelter to a water tank.
MICROWAVE
We’re not afraid of heights.
Site connectivity is preferred with Microwave. “Ethernet in the sky”
Using only high quality, and top of the line technology, we ensure that your radios are transmitting properly. We literally climb to great heights to install and service our Microwaves across the state so that your systems run smoothly.
Because we invest in our team, because we have great relationships with our suppliers, and most of all because we understand the importance of your communications, we never scare off from those heights.
Can you spot our fearless leader in this photo?
FIRE STATION ALERTING
We can design, build, and install custom Fire Station Alerting systems that integrate into Dispatch centers.
- Send Alert tones and broadcast messages over intercom speakers.
- Multiple alerting zones
- Turn lights on/off
- Opening/closing/locking doors
LICENSING
RCM can help with FCC licensing by navigating the complex application process, ensuring legal compliance, and securing authorized frequencies to prevent interference. We can handle new applications, renewals, modifications, and construction notifications, often acting as a liaison with frequency coordinators for Part 90 VHF/UHF licenses.
DISPATCH FURNITURE
RCM can facilitate dispatch console furniture that meets all industry standards. RCM recommends “watsonconsoles“.
DISPATCH CONSOLES
At RCM, we offer a full spectrum of supplies, services, and installation needs for your dispatch center.
RCM supports a wide variety of dispatch consoles from Zetron, MindShare, Avtec, and others.
Dispatch centers are the heart of First Response. We understand the imperative nature of being able to relay information into the field and need to do so quickly, and accurately. This is why we pride ourselves on the details of ensuring your dispatch center works efficiently so that you can focus on your job, saving lives.
