Rapidcom News

Rapidcom is the OFFICIAL CHOICE of the state of Louisiana for post-Hurricane Katrina related communications!  Read on to find out why, and how these communications modules can work for your location as well.

Coverage of Comlabs' Rapidcom product has appeared in the following media sources:

For full coverage of all Rapidcom related news stories, please click here or see the News & Events section of our website.

Rapidcom Overview

 Enclosure
 Satellite Antenna & Modem
 Computer & Data Connections
 Voice Connections
 Wireless Data System
 Public Safety Communications Equipment
 Photos & Multimedia

Comlabs' Rapidcom Communications Module is a self contained, transportable communications platform designed to provide communications capabilities for rapid response efforts, as well as short term infrastructure replacement.  Designed for use in the field to establish temporary command and control, Rapidcom is a fully transportable communications solution capable of providing wireless internet connection, 4 voice lines, 2 way satellite connection to the EMnet data stream, VHF and UHF radio connectivity and more, enabling users to establish in and outbound communications almost instantly in emergency affected areas. 

Materials For Download:
Rapidcom Promotional Flyer (.pdf)
Rapidcom Spec Sheet (.pdf)

Enclosure
The Rapidcom enclosure is a rugged custom cabinet designed to house generators, propane tanks, and equipment payload.  The enclosure also serves as the mounting platform for a .96 meter satellite antenna system, and provides mounting capability for four or more additional antennas, as may be required for VHF/UHF/800 MHz public safety communications systems.

The enclosure measures 48”W, 48”H, and 64”L.  These measurements relate to the actual enclosure itself, and do not take into account the transportable satellite antenna, or other antennas.  The enclosure supports an equipment payload bay of two 19” relay racks, as well as an electrical load center, lighting, and environmental control capability.  Environmental conditioning is provided by up to six 4” exhaust fans, which are thermostatically controlled.  The enclosure is designed with transportation in mind, and as such it will fit within the confines of a standard short bed pickup.  When configured for pickup mounting the equipment payload bay door is located at the rear of the unit, thus allowing operation from the rear of the pickup with the tailgate down.  The enclosure is supplied with corner mounted eyebolts designed to allow transportation and deployment by helicopter as well.

The Generator compartment contains space to accommodate two 1000W propane fired generator/inverters.  Air supply to this compartment is delivered through a filtered air plenum system designed to provide adequate air flow and cooling as required to allow operation of the generators with the compartment door closed and secured.  In most cases only one generator will be operational, with the second unit available as a spare if needed.  The enclosure can also be powered by external power, as well as supply generator power to a GFI outlet mounted by the antenna connection panel.

The Propane compartment is designed to house and secure, up to three standard 20lb. Propane tanks. These tanks supply a common manifold and regulator; are provided with individual shut off valves to allow easy tank replacement, and provide in most instances up to 72 hours of continuous operation of the Rapidcom system.  An external connector is also available to support the use of larger propane tanks.

Satellite Antenna and Modem
The .96 meter auto-deploy antenna system supports single button activation, and includes all the equipment necessary to establish a two way VSAT satellite connection to Comlabs VSAT system.  The dish when stowed adds approximately 17 inches of additional height to a Rapidcom system.  Typical acquisition times are less than 10 minutes.  The satellite antenna is connected to the satellite modem, through a bulkhead mounted connector panel, located on the side of the Rapidcom enclosure. 

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Computer and Data Connections
Rapidcom systems are supplied with either a 16 or 24 port Ethernet switching hub.  Generally, all systems supplied on a Rapidcom platform can be remotely configured and administered by Comlabs personnel from our offices.  This requirement is critical to the ability to deploy these units quickly, and without on site technical support.

The Ethernet switching hub is used to provide Ethernet connections to other on board systems, as well as connections external to the Rapidcom platform.  A connection access panel, with a separate access door, is provided to support these external connections.

Voice Connections
Rapidcom systems include provisioning for up to four VOIP telephone lines.  These circuits are derived from the VOIP router, and typically connect directly to an included phone system. Each phone handset is capable of accessing up to four phone lines.  As an alternative Rapidcom systems can be supplied with a NEC hard wired phone system, which supports up to eight incoming lines and up to 12 phones.  Connections to the NEC phone system if supplied are wired to the connection access panel.

VOIP connections can require the installation and connection of a VOIP router to a customer provided telephone system, which provides dial tone for the VOIP circuits used by Rapidcom.  Alternatively Comlabs can source the dial tone for the VOIP circuits from our central hub system for an additional monthly fee.

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Wireless Data System
Rapidcom systems also include an enterprise quality 2.4 GHz wide area network capability.  This system includes a bidirectional amplifier, and is supplied an omni directional 12db gain antenna.  The system also includes a 4.9 GHz public safety network capability as well.  Rapidcom systems can be deployed as a stand alone communications module providing both voice and data capabilities locally, or configured as a hub system to supply voice and data connection to up to five remote communications modules (RCM).  When configured to support remote systems, the main Rapidcom unit provides both local wireless network connectivity, as well as a link to the remote systems.

Public Safety Communications Equipment
Comlabs Public Safety Communications option includes the installation, configuring, and testing of a Raytheon JPS ACU-1000 and associated radios as specified by the customer.  Pricing is dependent upon customer specifications.

A critical component of the Rapidcom system concept is that every Rapidcom platform can be deployed quickly, and without the requirement of on site technical support.  In order to meet this goal Comlabs is currently designing the unique capability to remotely program and configure the transceivers on board a Rapidcom module.  Current technology allows for the remote access, and control of radio systems, but not the remote programming of the radios.  Once this design effort is complete Comlabs customer support will have the capability to remotely access and program the frequencies and characteristics of every radio installed in a Rapidcom system.  The current design effort will provide this remote programming capability for selected Kenwood transceivers.

Photos & Multimedia
Rapidcom Helicoptor Airlift (1)
Rapidcom Helicoptor Airlift (2)
Rapidcom Helicoptor Airlift (3)

Rapidcom Communications Module w/ Trailer Mount
Rapidcom Communications Module w/ Satellite Collapsed
Rapidcom Auto-Deploy Satellite System
Rapidcom Generator & Fuel Tank Cablins (Exterior)
Rapidcom Payload Bay & Expansion Rack (Interior)

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Rapidcom Configurations

Rapidcom is a highly configurable platform, with a large payload bay and two equipment-mounting racks.  Communications Laboratories offers a number of pre-designed packages that can be outfitted upon initial purchase, and also offers a wide range of custom options as well.

Rapidcom Base Communications Module
The Rapidcom Base Communications Module is the base level of equipment configuration in the Rapidcom series.  The Base Communications Module gives the user the capability to establish a carrier-quality wireless internet connection and four voice lines when deployed.  The configuration includes:

- Rapidcom Enclosure
- Electrical load panel
- Thermostatically controlled fans
- Two 1000 W propane generators
- Three 20lb propane tanks
- .96 Auto-deploy Satellite Antenna System
- Satellite modem
- 2.4 GHz Wireless WAN system
- 2.4 GHz 12 db Omni antenna
- 16 Port Ethernet switching hub
- 4 Port VOIP Router
- Telephone System
- External antenna for phone system
- Rack Mounted Battery Back Up unit

Rapidcom Remote Communications Terminal
The Rapidcom Remote Communications Terminal is designed to be deployed a half mile or more away from a Rapidcom Communications Module to enable extended range field communications.  The configuration includes:

- Transportable case
- 2.4 GHz wireless LAN
- VOIP router and DHCP server (4 VOIP lines)
- 24 port Ethernet switch
- Telephone System
- Omni-directional antenna
- Battery backup

Rapidcom Public Safety Communications Package
The Rapidcom Public Safety Communications Package is designed to add radio communications and interoperability to the Base Communications Module.  The package includes:

- Public Safety Interoperability Unit
- DSP-2 radio modules (4)
- Kenwood 7180 VHF transceivers (2)
- Kenwood 8180 UHF transceivers (2)
- Power supply, fusing and cables

Rapidcom Base Equipment Package
The Rapidcom Base Equipment Package is offered by Comlabs as an additional option for those who would like to install the Base Communications payload in a location seperate from the traditional Rapidcom Enclosure.  Excellent for mobile command centers or larger communications trailors, the Base Equipment Package provides all of the versitility of the Rapidcom Base Communications Module.  The package includes:

- .96 Auto-deploy Satellite Antenna System
- Satellite modem
- 2.4 GHz Wireless WAN system
- 2.4 GHz 12 db Omni antenna
- 16 Port Ethernet switching hub
- 4 Port VOIP Router
- Telephone System
- External antenna for phone system
- Rack Mounted Battery Back Up unit

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Rapidshares Ownership Program

Rapidcom Features & Benefits

Highly Transportable Communications System

• Rugged, transportable enclosure
  
  • Can be transported on a trailer, in the back of a pick-up, or even slung under a helicopter for deployment in extreme locations.

Auto-Deployable VSAT Satellite Link

• Transportable satellite receiver
  • Can handle transport from site to site without repackaging, component tie downs, or other special considerations.
• Rack and Flat Surface Mounting Options
  • Can be permanently fixed to the roof of a vehicle, strapped down for easy removal, and set up in a variety of settings.
• Automatic satellite acquisition, using Global Positioning System (GPS), compass and level sensors
  • When instructed to do so, the satellite dish will unlock itself from transport mode, make all the necessary adjustments to find the satellite it is programmed to work with, and lock onto it.
• Automatic stowage
  • When instructed to do so, the satellite dish will fold and lock itself down for transport.

Remote High Speed Broadband

• Allows for high-speed Internet access to the user's Virtual Private Network (VPN), the Internet, and email.
  • Provides fast, electronic access to resources at the EOC or anywhere in the world.

VOIP Voice Connectivity

• The user's remote phone calls are made through the EOC telecommunications system and service provider. There is no additional cost for calls to the EOC, or calls local to the EOC. For calls long distance to the EOC, the user will incur the regular long distance charges associated with the EOC's regular long distance service provider.
  • Using Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) between the mobile communications center and the EOC telecommunications system, all telephone calls using Comlabs Remote EOC do not result in additional costs; all are included in the flat monthly service fee.

Access to the EMnet Data Stream

• Communications to and from the EMnet servers are direct via satellite, and do not pass through the Internet.
  • This is the fastest and most direct route to the EMnet servers, providing an advanced level of communications redundancy between the EMnet station and the EMnet servers.

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Rapidcom FAQs

 How transportable is the Rapidcom Base Communications Module?
 Do Rapidcom modules require a high level of technical experience to operate?
 What is the Rapidcom Remote Communications Module?
 Can I get the equipment payload from the Rapidcom Base Communications Module installed in something else
      besides the Rapidcom Enclosure?
 How do I generate the satellite bandwidth for the Rapidcom modules and how much does it cost?
 How do I generate dial tone for the VOIP lines in the Rapidcom packages?

How transportable is the Rapidcom Base Communications Module?  What happens if an area experiences total infrastructure collapse (including limited transportation options) and I cannot reach anyone in the area affected?
The Rapidcom Communications Module is designed specifically to handle such a situation.  Designed to be highly transportable, Rapidcom modules can be put on trailers, in the back of pick-up trucks, or even slung underneath a helicopter if need be.  This allows users in the field to establish in and outbound communications literally anywhere in affected areas, from hilltops, to jungle clearings, to the top of a parking garage in a flooded city.

Do Rapidcom modules require a high level of technical experience to operate?  Should I have a field technician assigned to each mission to make sure everything runs correctly?
All Rapidcom modules are designed not to require extensive technical knowledge to operate.  No field technicians are required to operate each module, and Comlabs has further taken the step of simplifying the operation of each unit to simply pushing a button.  By simply turning on the Auto-Deploy Satellite system, users can establish a carrier quality LAN and access to the EMnet data stream, and Comlabs is in the R&D stages of being able to remotely configure and administer all radio equipment in the Rapidcom modules.

What does this mean?  When a Rapidcom Base Communications Package is deployed and outfitted with our Public Safety Communications Package, by simply calling Comlabs from the field and telling us what frequencies are being used, we can remotely program the interoperability unit (ACU-1000), taking any advanced technical requirements out of the picture.  As with all Comlabs products, technical support and trouble shooting are all available at no extra cost to the customer as well.

What is the Rapidcom Remote Communications Module?
The Rapidcom Remote Communications Module is a smaller, more easily transportable component to the Rapidcom Communications Module.  Measuring approximately 18" high, 23" wide, and 24" deep, the Remote Module is designed to be deployed a half mile or more away from a Base Module in order to establish remote field communications with a temporary command and control set up.  Up to 4 Remote Modules can run off of one Base Module.

Can I get the equipment payload from the Rapidcom Base Communications Module installed in something other than the Rapidcom Enclosure?
Yes.  Comlabs offers all of the equipment from the Base Communications Module for install into any mobile command vehicle, for instance, in the form of the Rapidcom Base Equipment Package.

 How do I generate the satellite bandwidth for the Rapidcom modules and how much does it cost?
All Rapidcom modules require a yearly service contract with Communications Laboratories in order to provide satellite bandwidth and direct access to the EMnet data stream.  Packages are available in 1, 3, and 5 year time frames and custom packages can be negotiated upon request.  For additional information on available packages and pricing, please contact Comlabs directly at (321) 409-9898.

How do I generate dial tone for the VOIP lines in the Rapidcom packages?
There are several ways to provide dial tone for the voice lines in the Rapidcom modules.  As an added accessory for the modules, Comlabs offers our Remote 8 Port Voice Unit, which can be used at an Emergency Operations Center (or other location) to provide up to 8 dial tones.  These tones will be assigned from the pool of available lines at the location the Unit is installed at, and does not require that the lines be dedicated.

Another option to get the dial tone is to contract with Comlabs directly.  Along with our various service packages, Communications Laboratories also offers service with dial tone for 4 voice lines.  For more information about the different service packages and pricing, please contact us directly at (321) 409-9898.

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