A simpler system architecture and new functionality are features of Tait's latest low maintenance simulcast solution.

The completely redesigned TaitNet QS2 Simulcastnetwork architecture replaces the original Quasi-Sync system, launched in 1993 and enhanced over the next ten years.

"QS2 is probably the most cost-effective, high-end simulcast system available today," says Tait Systems Product Manager, John Billows.

"We believe it's the only system that automatically equalises the three key parameters of system audio: bulk delay, group delay and amplitude. This corrects for differences in site linking characteristics and ensures users receive distortion free audio or data."

Mr Billows says QS2 represents a decade of Tait experience with low maintenance simulcast solutions. "The new system architecture is simpler and more flexible, easier to understand and manage, and provides a raft of new features that we know customers want in a simulcast network."

TaitNet QS2 Simulcast is now more affordable due to the simpler system architecture, which overcomes the needs for several of the hardware modules required in the original system.

New features include the ability for a site to operate independently as a talkthrough repeater if a link is lost, or in 'Breakout' mode if an emergency creates a high level of voice traffic in a particular location. QS2 also allows higher data transmission rates and encryption, the use of different link types for different sites, and improved alarm reporting.

The improvements in flexibility include easy configuration with any standard VT100 terminal, a comprehensive selection of inputs and outputs for integrators, and simple network expansion. A QS2 system can be set up with a bare minimum of test equipment; a simple audio level meter will suffice. A new site can be installed with the addition of a card at the Central Control Site and a Remote Site Card with the new base station.

"TaitNet Quasi-Sync has proved popular right around the world," says Mr Billows, "with more than 30 systems installed in United States alone.

"It's the ideal solution where radio channels are scarce, and there is a need for seamless, wide area group calling."

Mr Billows says that at a time when some public safety organisations and utilities are moving to cellular for 3G-type data services, TaitNet QS2 Simulcast provides an effective emergency voice back-up.

"Many ambulance services, for example, use 3G high speed data for conveying text despatch and patient information. But 3G systems are managed by a public network provider, and the ambulance services are usually mandated to have guaranteed communications, even in a major disaster. QS2 provides a private, 'all informed', low latency backup network. It's cost-effective, spectrally efficient and provides guaranteed operation."

Mr Billows says other customers have used TaitNet QS to extend the life of their analog base stations and terminals by simply overlaying the QS control equipment over existing RF network infrastructure.

"For many public safety customers, particularly those outside of the large urban areas or in less wealthy countries, it will be a long time before digital radio equipment will provide a suitable feature set at an attractive price. No other technology can provide the kind of wide-area, immediate channel access PTT operation that QS2 provides."

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