Two-Way Multifunctional Encrypted Radio

The Two-Way Multifunctional Encrypted Radio is a small, lightweight radio (approx. 5.25 by 2.75 by 1.25 inches, less than one pound), which can simultaneously monitor a surveillance channel of an undercover operative and transmit and receive on a command channel used by a back-up or security team. The radios have ten frequencies built into them at the factory in the range of 136-155 MHz or 150-176 MHz. The user can select any two of these. The frequencies can be analog or digital modes and narrow or wide band making them compatible with nearly all legacy equipment. The radio’s SD cards provide 8 hours of recording time. With its internal batteries, it has 1/2 watt of transmitting power and 4 hours of operating time. By adding an external battery pack, it can transmit at two watts and has 8 hours of operating time. The radio has several antenna options and a wireless earpiece with a transmitting microphone.

The operator can set the recording function to permanently and exclusively record the surveillance frequency or record whatever is being transmitted, either surveillance or command, or just the command channel.

During field testing, the radio was able to pick up a 1/2 watt surveillance channel up to a distance of 0.3 miles. At 0.5 miles, there was rarely any loss of the signal, and in a mobile surveillance scenario involving cars, it usually could receive the signal at one mile in the digital mode. The radio could easily communicate in the 1/2 watt mode between two of the radios up to one mile.

The developer, DTC Communications Inc of Nashua, NH, produced 10 units. DEA is using five of the radios and the military is using the rest in combat operations. DTC Communications plans to make the radios commercially available by the end of 2008.