New Thales Liberty(tm) Triband Handheld

mancow · Post by **mancow** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 2:48 pm

It's weird. When I called them about new keypads and side ports I got several in the mail a few days earlier with a nice letter from them. They even threw in coasters and other marketing items in the last battery order.

I guess it's hit and miss and it depends on who you talk to.

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 11:11 pm

http://mrtmag.com/iwce/news/p25-radios-thales-0228/

"Although the radio currently is being field tested by the DHS and public-safety agencies, Stephen Nicholas, Thales’ marketing communications manager, said he expects it to be available in 2009 with a cost of approximately $4000 to $6000 per device. All Thales products are metal-cased and submersible; however, the radio currently doesn’t meet full military specifications."

rmi2065 · Post by **rmi2065** » Thu May 01, 2008 7:25 am

Well, what the hell... I'm on board, put me down for one. I just hope a Batboard group buy does happen.

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Thu May 01, 2008 10:37 pm

ya.. and most of us will never hear the end if our spouse find out how much we spent.. eeekkk....

Post by **dls00** » Fri May 16, 2008 10:52 am

Moto is working on a Tri-band: VHF & 700/800MHz (no UHF) for their customers like Phoenix/Mesa that have 800MHz (and eventually 700MHz) and VHF.

I'm surprised that there isn't any chatter on this board about it. But I'm new (new ex-Mo) to the board. Now in the distributor biz....

adorsett · Post by **adorsett** » Fri May 16, 2008 12:25 pm

So does anybody have any actual pictures of this thing to post?!

Tom in D.C. · Post by **Tom in D.C.** » Fri May 16, 2008 2:42 pm

Pictures of this "thing" are on page 1 of the thread.
One of our admins has actually seen and handled one
the units. Also see:
http://www.thalesliberty.com/image_file ... y%20AD.pdf

adorsett · Post by **adorsett** » Fri May 16, 2008 3:06 pm

Tom in D.C. wrote:Pictures of this "thing" are on page 1 of the thread.

Well I was kinda looking for the real pictures, not a 3D rendering... Maybe a picture of someone actually playing with it, and hopefully a screenshot or two of what the real GUI looks like.

It's time to decide if I buy my XTS5k or wait until Christmas for a new toy.

2wayfreq · Post by **2wayfreq** » Tue May 20, 2008 9:23 am

I would be inteested in any new Moto Tri-Band radio info anyone gets ahold of. Our county will supposedly have this equipment in late 2010 and I'll get to mess with it.. And ofcourse, a new thread for that topic as well.

Sorry Alex

Jim1348 · Post by **Jim1348** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 7:41 pm

Does anybody know if any of these are out in the field anywhere yet or are there any reviews on these yet?

ads47 · Post by **ads47** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 4:31 am

They are in the process of being tested and displayed at various shows. Most parts are fully functional. The units we have looked at worked very well and were extremely well designed, very impressive unit at that price point.

ads

radioinstl · Post by **radioinstl** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 8:41 pm

We will be at APCO with them, Stop by and visit

mancow · Post by **mancow** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 8:45 pm

Isn't that in KC this year?

Bringing any MBITRs ?

Nexrad16 · Post by **Nexrad16** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 7:06 pm

I'll take one!

satwa · Post by **satwa** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:39 am

sorry, deleted

radioinstl · Post by **radioinstl** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 5:20 pm

If anyone has any questions on the Liberty, feel free to email me or come see me at APCO.

Scott Glazer

Product Applications Specialist
Thales Communications Inc.
22605 Gateway Center Drive
Clarksburg, Maryland 20871
scott.glazer@thalescomminc.com

satwa · Post by **satwa** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 5:53 pm

Hi Scott
email sent
regards
Mitch

Rayjk110 · Post by **Rayjk110** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:59 pm

You can now order Demo units of the Liberty. I've ordered Demo's thru my Department and received an email stating they should arrive to me some time in early August.

http://www.thalesliberty.com

smokeybehr · Post by **smokeybehr** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:38 pm

I'm in on whatever group buy happens. Expect to see a whole bunch of Circle M gear getting dumped either here or on eGay when it all goes down.

Jim1348 · Post by **Jim1348** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:09 pm

I am told that this is not compliant with 9600 baud systems. Does anybody know for sure?

n7maq · Post by **n7maq** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:25 pm

Jim1348 wrote:I am told that this is not compliant with 9600 baud systems. Does anybody know for sure?

It will do P25 trunking.

Jim

Post by **alex** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:13 am

n7maq wrote:
Jim1348 wrote:I am told that this is not compliant with 9600 baud systems. Does anybody know for sure?
It will do P25 trunking.

Jim

Keep in mind it's a standards radio. What does this mean? If it's a published and open standard and is licensed, they will put it into the radio. Since P25 is an open standard it will support these systems without any problems. In cases where certain vendors "add" features, those features will probably not appear in the Liberty.

Example: TMS isn't something that (I think, correct me if I'm wrong) is part of the P25 spec. It's something Motorola added on. This would not be in the Liberty.

Example: MDC will not be in the liberty because it's not an open standard and Motorola will not license it due to the fact it's considered legacy. (If it was really consider it legacy, how come it's still in main line production radios? That's what I thought...)

-Alex

Post by **escomm** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:28 am

I am pretty sure MDC1200 is off patent and Motorola can no longer control licensing on it. If I'm incorrect someone please set me straight.

Post by **alex** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:43 am

I've heard the same thing - bottom line is that I'm not sure how that all works since I am obviously not an IP lawyer. I've mentioned it to Steve at Thales as well, and he said that they approached Motorola and Motorola said they weren't licensing it anymore. Since it's in probably a very high percentage of Public Safety radios I would think it would be something that would be worth their time and expense to include.

-Alex

radioinstl · Post by **radioinstl** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:57 pm

escomm wrote:I am pretty sure MDC1200 is off patent and Motorola can no longer control licensing on it. If I'm incorrect someone please set me straight.

one of the patents is but there are about 3 others that are not. as Alex said, I am not a lawer either

MDC-1200 is patented under US patents 4,457,005 4,517,561 4,590,473 and 4,517,669

4,457,005 is expired not the others.
you can search them here https://ramps.uspto.gov/eram/patentMaintFees.do
or look here to bring up the patent http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm

jban · Post by **jban** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:17 pm

I am supposed to get one of the new Motorola multi-band units to field test around December. Would still like to get my hands on the Liberty though.

mr.syntrx · Post by **mr.syntrx** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 3:21 am

smokeybehr wrote:I'm in on whatever group buy happens. Expect to see a whole bunch of Circle M gear getting dumped either here or on eGay when it all goes down.

The folks who did the P25 stack for this radio are "two years ahead of us (Motorola)", according to a particular /\/\ engineer. It's a pretty exciting piece of kit.

mr.syntrx · Post by **mr.syntrx** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 3:22 am

jban wrote:I am supposed to get one of the new Motorola multi-band units to field test around December. Would still like to get my hands on the Liberty though.

I believe Thales are running a demo program for bona fide agencies.

panthersvolfd · Post by **panthersvolfd** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:25 pm

Guys I heard today from couple of EMA people in Puerto Rico, that an initial order was placed for 48 Liberty Radios. I'll keep you informed.

Nexrad16 · Post by **Nexrad16** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 8:37 am

The demos are being run through DHS. Those that are "on the list" will get them in Jan. while in Boulder CO (NTIA/NIST) where Thales will provide training on the radio and define the demo program/expectations. Thales with the assistance of DHS (funding) appear to have done a great job with this radio. We'll know more once field testing begins. It is a solid radio.

Post by **escomm** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 9:37 am

Does this mean Thales has specs on rx-sensitivity now?

Nexrad16 · Post by **Nexrad16** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 10:45 am

I would have to believe they have everything all lined out now with the exception of any proprietary technology.

panthersvolfd · Post by **panthersvolfd** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:27 pm

Have pictures of them of an actual usage of the Radio in Puerto Rico. Will post them soon.

panthersvolfd · Post by **panthersvolfd** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:33 pm

pics

http://picasaweb.google.com/ebconsultin ... directlink

Post by **escomm** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 4:40 pm

Nexrad16 wrote:I would have to believe they have everything all lined out now with the exception of any proprietary technology.

I don't see any information on their website indicating the RX specs (or TX specs for that matter)

adorsett · Post by **adorsett** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 8:43 am

Thanks for the actual pictures, that is exactly what I wanted! I did get to handle one right before Christmas. Are they actually shipping units now? If so, how do we actually get a sales rep to sell us one? And even better, what happened to the group buy idea?

Thanks,
Andrew

ka8ypy · Post by **ka8ypy** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 9:27 pm

adorsett wrote:Thanks for the actual pictures, that is exactly what I wanted! I did get to handle one right before Christmas. Are they actually shipping units now? If so, how do we actually get a sales rep to sell us one? And even better, what happened to the group buy idea?

Thanks,
Andrew

Currently on GSA Schedule only at $5300 per unit for the portables. Mobile is a nice unit, but has some refinements coming before finalized.

radioinstl · Post by **radioinstl** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 4:54 pm

https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/tcb/rep ... 4102023501

GRANT OF EQUIPMENT
AUTHORIZATION TCB
Certification
Issued Under the Authority of the
Federal Communications Commission
By:

American TCB, Inc.
6731 Whittier Avenue Suite C110
McLean, VA 22101
Date of Grant: 04/21/2009

Application Dated: 04/16/2009
Thales Communications Inc
22605 Gateway Center Drive
Clarksburg, MD 20871

Attention: Kimberly Appleby , Director of Contracts

NOT TRANSFERABLE
EQUIPMENT AUTHORIZATION is hereby issued to the named GRANTEE, and is VALID ONLY for the equipment identified hereon for use under the Commission's Rules and Regulations listed below.

FCC IDENTIFIER: OKC-4102023501

Name of Grantee: Thales Communications Inc

Equipment Class: Licensed Non-Broadcast Station Transmitter
Notes: LAND MOBILE RADIO

Grant Notes FCC Rule Parts Frequency
Range (MHZ) Output
Watts Frequency
Tolerance Emission
Designator
BE EF 22, 74, 80, 90 136.0 - 174.0 5.0 5.0 PM 16K0F3E
BE EF 22, 74, 80, 90 136.0 - 174.0 5.0 5.0 PM 11K0F3E
BE EF 22, 74, 80, 90 136.0 - 174.0 5.0 5.0 PM 8K10F1E
BE EF 22, 74, 80, 90 136.0 - 174.0 5.0 5.0 PM 8K10F1D
BE EF 74, 90 380.0 - 454.0 5.0 1.5 PM 16K0F3E
BE EF 74, 90 380.0 - 454.0 5.0 1.5 PM 11K0F3E
BE EF 74, 90 380.0 - 454.0 5.0 1.5 PM 8K10F1E
BE EF 74, 90 380.0 - 454.0 5.0 1.5 PM 8K10F1D
BE EF 22, 74, 90 454.0 - 520.0 5.0 1.5 PM 16K0F3E
BE EF 22, 74, 90 454.0 - 520.0 5.0 1.5 PM 11K0F3E
BE EF 22, 74, 90 454.0 - 520.0 5.0 1.5 PM 8K10F1E
BE EF 22, 74, 90 454.0 - 520.0 5.0 1.5 PM 8K10F1D
BE EF 90 763.0 - 775.0 2.5 1.5 PM 16K0F3E
BE EF 90 763.0 - 775.0 2.5 1.5 PM 11K0F3E
BE EF 90 763.0 - 775.0 2.5 1.5 PM 8K10F1E
BE EF 90 763.0 - 775.0 2.5 1.5 PM 8K10F1D
BE EF 90 793.0 - 805.0 2.5 5.0 PM 16K0F3E
BE EF 90 793.0 - 805.0 2.5 5.0 PM 11K0F3E
BE EF 90 793.0 - 805.0 2.5 5.0 PM 8K10F1E
BE EF 90 793.0 - 805.0 2.5 5.0 PM 8K10F1D
BE 90 806.0 - 824.0 3.0 1.5 PM 16K0F3E
BE 90 806.0 - 824.0 3.0 1.5 PM 11K0F3E
BE 90 806.0 - 824.0 3.0 1.5 PM 8K10F1E
BE 90 806.0 - 824.0 3.0 1.5 PM 8K10F1D
BE 90 851.0 - 869.0 3.0 1.5 PM 16K0F3E
BE 90 851.0 - 869.0 3.0 1.5 PM 11K0F3E
BE 90 851.0 - 869.0 3.0 1.5 PM 8K10F1E
BE 90 851.0 - 869.0 3.0 1.5 PM 8K10F1D

ads47 · Post by **ads47** » Sat May 30, 2009 11:20 am

Well I took delivery of a dozen or so Liberty's today. Initial impressions, very impressed. I am glad there is finally a someone listening to users and there needs and building a radio that performs well.

oops nice thumb print

I guess a Thales in the hand beats a VaporX in the bush any day!

Over the next week we will be putting them through there paces and trying to find any weaknesses if there are any

ads

Nexrad16 · Post by **Nexrad16** » Sat May 30, 2009 6:40 pm

Hey.... Our APX demo just arrived today so I will bring it! I'd take a picture of it but my flash won't work... Damn thing. See ya tomorrow!

The Pager Geek · Post by **The Pager Geek** » Sat May 30, 2009 8:38 pm

ads47

Have they fixed the boot time on the Liberty's yet? roughly 30sec still?

tpg

Post by **akardam** » Sat May 30, 2009 9:07 pm

Whoops... looks like the radio cut off the text there. Better file a bug report.

Wonder what the caution tape across the top of the display is for.

Too bad you have to squint to read the icons.

Post by **escomm** » Sat May 30, 2009 9:54 pm

A French company saying give me liberty....? I chuckled

The Pager Geek · Post by **The Pager Geek** » Sat May 30, 2009 10:03 pm

escomm wrote:A French company saying give me liberty....? I chuckled

Practice makes perfect

tpg

ads47 · Post by **ads47** » Sun May 31, 2009 5:43 am

The icons are really no problem to read, maybe its a bad pic, or you need glasses?? The boot time is a little long right now, but actual time to PTT capability is only a few seconds longer than a XTS5000, running voice files, dual systems and conventional. Turning it on prior to jumping out of the truck it is ready to talk before I am.

The software is still in beta and working bugs out, that's the purpose of them being here. The menu's however are far and above the best and most intuitive I have worked with in a radio.

The APX has alot to offer but being first to market will play alot especially with three bands ready to go. The type acceptance scores are also much better on the Liberty radio. Moto has been my primary work radio for several decades now, but it looks like there is some very true competition making huge headway and going to make the big blue giant realize its GAME ON.

ads

resqguy911 · Post by **resqguy911** » Sun May 31, 2009 7:13 am

escomm wrote:A French company saying give me liberty....? I chuckled

You do recall of course just where the statue of "Liberty Enlightening the World" is from, right? Seems appropiriate to me.
However-
I don't think we're here to debate semantics of where a company is or is not from. How many radios does Motorola or M/A Com etc make in the US these days? All of the Thales radios and their components are made right here in the USA.

"As a U.S. proxy company, Thales Communications is 100% American and, therefore, free of "foreign ownership, control and influence." "

Let us focus on the technology, not the politics. thats for other sites.

Nexrad16 · Post by **Nexrad16** » Sun May 31, 2009 7:38 am

HEY! I lost the APX in the Denver Airport. Anyone seen it? Danm....

Liberty font size is adjustable as I recall.

Now back to hunting my APX. See you in Indy in a couple of hours.

Post by **escomm** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 8:03 am

resqguy911 wrote: I don't think we're here to debate semantics of where a company is or is not from. How many radios does Motorola or M/A Com etc make in the US these days? All of the Thales radios and their components are made right here in the USA.

Actually you missed the entire point of my post, meant to cause a chuckle and not get you foaming at the mouth, but Thales is definitely moving up in the game as they have a fanboi or two.

I would like to know what exactly constitutes the definition of "everything" is made in the USA. Is that right down to the displays, microphone electrets, battery cells etc? Because none of these things are widely manufactured in the US, and it would be interesting to see how Thales managed to set up fabs for all the components.

You are correct that Motorola does not make radios in the US, the bulk of the components are fabricated in Penang and elsewhere and final assembly is done here in the US. I don't see a foreign fab as being a bad thing right off the bat, as long as quality control is solid. I think it's safe to say that Motorola's QC is top-notch.

I don't see any problem discussing where a company is from. Lord knows we've had enough to say about manufacturers in China. IMO, the only reason Thales set up a proxy company was so they could sell to the Feds. There are not many foreign defense contractors supporting Type 1 encryption (and I do believe the Liberty is Type 1 compatible, yes?)

resqguy911 · Post by **resqguy911** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 9:00 am

I'm not foaming! I missed the implied humor I suppose. No worries. And regarding 'everything' ok, maybe 'a whole lot'. By that I mean; they etch and SMT their own boards, machine the housings, design and test labs, etc. I don't work there, but its convenient enough to visit and see in person. I've not had the chance to visit Penang yet...

radioinstl · Post by **radioinstl** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:09 pm

escomm wrote: I would like to know what exactly constitutes the definition of "everything" is made in the USA. Is that right down to the displays, microphone electrets, battery cells etc? Because none of these things are widely manufactured in the US, and it would be interesting to see how Thales managed to set up fabs for all the components.

There are not many foreign defense contractors supporting Type 1 encryption (and I do believe the Liberty is Type 1 compatible, yes?)

Jeff, from the radio standpoint (the brick itself) it and all parts inside are 100% US origin. I am almost 100% that the antenna and battery are also (will let you know tomorrow on that).
The Liberty is not nor will be a Type 1 radio.