¡ñ Press Releases
¡ñ TracStar™ systems mobile satellite communications
equipmentand AID earthquake and disaster recovery efforts in china
Contact: Michael Sherman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Telephone: 1-407-218-8572
Email: press@tracstar.net
TracStar™ systems mobile satellite communications equipment AID earthquake and disaster recovery efforts in china
TracStar Systems, a Cobham Company,
Provides Humanitarian Assistance In Devastated Sichuan Province
Deploying Emergency Voice, Data and Video Communications
Orlando, Florida, May 22, 2008 ¨C TracStar, a Cobham company, is providing its mobile satellite communications antenna systems for use by emergency response organizations in the relief and communications efforts in China's Sichuan region. TracStar¡¯s antenna technology, mounted to the top of response vehicles, is enabling rescue workers to communicate using voice, video and data while moving within the region where normal communication infrastructure has been severely damaged.
TracStar has also dispatched a technical team to the region to help deploy critical communications to the damaged areas, and is loaning additional emergency communications packages to support humanitarian efforts in remote areas that cannot be reached by vehicle-mounted systems. The emergency systems are centered on TracStar¡¯s Portable Quick Deploy Satellite Earth Station with the capability to restore communication in minutes, providing voice, data and video capabilities.
Chen Rong, a spokesperson for the companies involved said, ¡°TracStar¡¯s mobile satellite products are critical for communications to emergency search and rescue teams and relief efforts in earthquake areas.? We have broadband communications from vehicles moving through the region and can restore communications to emergency operations facilities.? The equipment is simple to deploy and operate and performs in the most adverse of conditions.? TracStar¡¯s equipment was also used extensively in the aftermath of the February snowstorm in China.¡±
¡°Rescue and relief responders require immediate and reliable communication solutions to save lives and affect the recovery.? We will continue to do all that we can to support our existing customers and provide humanitarian relief in the aftermath of this terrible disaster¡± said David Provencher, Co-Founder/General Manager of TracStar.
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If you¡¯d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with David Provencher, please send an email to press@tracstar.net.
About TracStar Systems
TracStar Systems, Inc. is a leader in mobile satellite communications technology and interoperability solutions. TracStar's automated satellite acquisition and tracking antenna technology enables mobile broadband communications including voice, data and video transmissions.? TracStar¡¯s products are distributed worldwide to commercial and government users. More information on the company can be found at http://www.tracstar.com.
About Cobham:
Cobham plc is an international company, headquartered in Dorset, UK, engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced aerospace and protection systems for land, sea and air platforms. Cobham specializes in the provision of components, sub-systems and services that keep people safe, improve communications and enhance the performance of aerospace and protection platforms. More information on the company can be found at http://www.cobham.com.
¡ñ TracStar systems?™ and Clear Channel Satellite Deliver
deployable high-speed Satellite Signal Anywhere, anytime To
the State of Florida for hurricane and emergency
preparedness
Contact: Michael Sherman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel. 662-893-8360
Cell Phone: 901-351-9861
Email: msadvertising@aol.com
TracStar systems™ and Clear Channel Satellite
Deliver deployable high-speed Satellite Signal
Anywhere, anytime To the State of Florida
for hurricane and emergency preparedness
Incorporates Firetide® Satellite-Linked Wireless HotPort™ Mesh
To Set Up Broadband Communications Networks
Without Relying On Land-based Internet Connection
Orlando, Florida, November 22, - TracStar Systems, Inc. a leader in mobile wireless broadband communications and mobile satellite communications technology and Clear Channel Satellite, a leader in global satellite communications for all business types, announced today that the Florida Division of Emergency Management received delivery of the $1.6 million procurement of TracStar's newest product line, their Integrated Emergency Response Network communication system, the Local Wide Area Mesh (T-Mesh). In support of rapid, remote, and mobile emergency communications deployments in Florida areas stricken by hurricanes and other major disasters, TracStar was selected by the state as the preferred vendor for the project. T-Mesh was the creative result of coupling TracStar¡¯s Mobile Broadband Satellite Communications System, the MVS960P, with Fireside¡¯s wireless multi-service mesh technology, Wireless Access Points, and a microwave link to a remote MESH network and Clear Channel Satellite¡¯s XtremeSat? uplink and VSAT bandwidth services.
Besides offering Broadband over Satellite, T-Mesh delivers Voice over IP (VOIP), Radio over IP, Video, Remote Sensing such as Weather, Hazmat and Radiation and Access to secure Web
based incident management, Email and Instant Messaging.
Each system consists of a kit that includes T-Mesh, to provide mobile satellite equipment, connectivity and interoperability, using Clear Channel¡¯s XtremeSat? network access service and an outlying network, deployable on seven tri-post mast antennas, including portable microwave antennas to create this new mobile area network package. The MVS Series, a highly mobile two-way high speed broadband earth station, becomes the home base for this wireless infrastructure for emergency preparedness systems. The design of this series allows non-skilled personnel to operate Very Small Aperture (VSAT) Ku-band satellite communications equipment and access Clear Channel Satellite services quickly and easily. The auto-acquire terminals automatically locate the satellite and access the Clear Channel network, all with the push of a single button, without scheduling or phone calls for alignment verification.
Each package completes one area network and increases the communication coverage from one of the TracStar MVS system¡¯s deployed locations, either on an emergency vehicle or a suit-case configured fly-away unit, to seven additional locations up to 5 miles away from each T-Mesh deployed satellite base location. ¡°Our T-Mesh package enhances the State of Florida's traditional two-way emergency radio communications, providing a wireless broadband network on site that greatly increases the effectiveness and safety for the emergency teams," said David Provencher, president of TracStar Systems. "Because the systems are so portable, they can also be ready and waiting for immediate deployment as soon as it is physically safe to do so. They can be used and reused in many different locations and situations, increasing their value and cost effectiveness."
TracStar¡¯s T-Mesh system is fully self-contained and operates totally independent of external test equipment, computers or satellite modems. The satellite antennas are designed for simplicity of operation, reliability and precision pointing. Each antenna is capable of being configured to acquire every Ku-band satellite, world-wide. From any mobile TracStar location, the signal is broadcast via Wi-Fi¡¯s 802.11 standard. Although use of WiFi in this situation is not proprietary to TracStar, their expertise in sophisticated integration to make it work in emergency disaster situations like this one for Florida, is simply part of their core competency.
Firetide¡¯s AutoMeshTM protocol allows the mesh network to form automatically, overcoming line-of-sight barriers that can cripple other wireless solutions. Seamless operation outdoors and indoors allows the network to extend into public facilities, such as administrative buildings, stadiums and convention centers. And where wiring does exist, the EthernetDirect feature allows for use of a full-duplex 10/100 Mbps link to enhance performance even further. Rather than running miles of network cabling, an emergency team simply places the wireless mesh nodes wherever network access is needed. When powered up, the nodes automatically link to each other wirelessly, to form a mesh network that covers the entire area, communicating instantly with the TracStar base station and satellite reach back to the Clear Channel network.
In a report ¡°The Federal Response To Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned¡±, submitted to the President in February, 2006, it was recommended that the Department of Homeland Security should establish and maintain a deployable communications capability, to quickly gain and retain situational awareness when responding to catastrophic incidents. Provencher continued ¡°Any business or service organization that needs to send and/or access information, Anywhere, Anytime, where quick mobile and remote communication is a necessity, needs TracStar Systems.¡±
Since the early introduction of the mobile VSAT product in 2002, TracStar controller systems have been used on over a dozen antenna types, operating anywhere in the world a Ku band satellite is available in the orbital arc. From Homeland Security to mobile offices, to DoD applications in the Middle East, to hurricane recovery operations in the southeast, the TracStar antenna system is known for performance when and where it is needed. Approximately 2000 TracStar auto-acquire Ku-band VSAT Transmit/Receive antenna systems and/or Auto-Acquire antenna controllers are currently active worldwide in commercial, government and military markets.
As an indication of the impact TracStar Systems has had on this first-responder industry and the other markets it serves, in 2005, it was purchased by Cobham. Cobham plc is an international company, headquartered in Dorset, UK, engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced aerospace and defense systems for land, sea and air platforms and services that keep people safe and improve communications. TracStar was a natural addition to Cobham¡¯s systems.
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If you¡¯d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Dave Provencher, please call Michael Sherman at 662-893-8360 or send an email to msadvertising@aol.com
About TracStar Systems
TracStar Systems, Inc. is a leader in mobile satellite communications technology and mobile wireless broadband communications. TracStar's automated satellite acquisition and tracking antenna technology delivers mobile broadband satellite communications to commercial, government, and military customers. The company's core expertise is comprised of automatic satellite acquisition and tracking equipment, antennas and telecommunications services.
TracStar Systems have many other major applications, not only during emergencies, but in every day mobile satellite communications. These include Oil and Gas Companies, News Organizations, Law Enforcement, Military, and Government Organizations, Construction Sites, RVers, Mobile Office Applications, Mobile Education and Broadband Internet Access and Video Conferencing for all Industries and individuals. Any business or service organization that needs to send and/or access information, Anywhere, Anytime, where quick mobile communication is a necessity, needs TracStar. More information on the company can be found at http://www.tracstar.net.
About Clear Channel Satellite
Clear Channel Satellite Services Inc. (CCSS) is a leading US satellite systems integrator providing comprehensive network and space-time services, specializing in mission critical systems for broadcasting audio, video and data, enterprise recovery services, business grade internet/intranet access, paging and full range of unique applications. CCSS provides protected space-time services worldwide with prime capacity on SES Americom fleet. CCSS is an authorized reseller of equipment manufacturers including: TracStar/AvL, Andrews, Agilis, Baird, Prodelin, Radyne/ComStream, Comtech/EFData, Miteq, EMS, NJRC, Norsat, Rad, Starguide, Suman, Terasat and Wegener satellite systems. SCPC, MCPC, TDMA, DAMA and DVB/RCS platforms are supported from our 24/7/365 network operations center including colocation, automated satellite spectrum monitoring, customer care and repair service center located in Englewood Colorado. More information on the company can be found at www.clearchannelsatellite.net.
About Cobham:
Cobham plc is an international company, headquartered in Dorset, UK, engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced aerospace and defense systems for land, sea and air platforms. The company has five technology divisions and one in the service sector that collectively specialize in the provision of components, sub-systems and services that keep people safe, improve communications and enhance the performance of aerospace and defense platforms. More information on the company can be found at http://www.cobham.com/home.aspx
About Firetide
Firetide is a privately held wireless mesh technology company that develops equipment for deploying high performance, scalable wireless mesh networks quickly, easily and affordably. Firetide's multi-service mesh networking solution is ideal for building a backbone infrastructure for video surveillance, Internet access HotZones, public safety networks and temporary networks in a variety of environments such as, airports, hotels, campus environments or other locations where wiring is too difficult or expensive to install. More information on the company can be found at http://www.firetide.com.
¡ñ TracStar™ introduces high speed Secure Broadband
SATELLITE communications on-the-move Anywhere, Anytime
Contact: Michael Sherman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel. 662-893-8360
Cell Phone: 901-351-9861
Email: msadvertising@aol.com
TracStar™ introduces
high speed Secure Broadband
SATELLITE communications on-the-move
Anywhere, Anytime
In-Motion Satellite Terminal Rapidly Acquires
And Locks On Satellites With The Push Of A Single Button
Continuously Tracking the Satellite On Any Road Condition
Orlando, Florida, November 11 - TracStar Systems, Inc. a leader in mobile wireless broadband communications and mobile satellite communications technology has introduced another new addition to its mobile MVS Series of Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite communications systems. The MVS450M is a ¡°Communications-On-The-Move¡± (COTM) product. It¡¯s a mid-profile less than 12" tall vehicle-mounted satellite communications system enabling secure high speed IP communications of any broadband application including voice, data, and video while in-motion on any road surface, improved or unimproved, turning 360¡ãcontinuously, without loss of signal. Speed (in deployment, satellite acquisition, blockage reacquisition and two-way communication), proven reliability (in performance) and user-friendly operations are all key to successful VSAT communications. The MVS450M delivers the full package while tracking Satellites at speeds up to 95mph.
Dave Provencher, TracStar¡¯s president said, ¡°Our MVS Series of in-motion satellite systems provide the fastest satellite acquisition and most reliable tracking in the industry. They¡¯re simple to install and operate, allowing non-skilled personnel to automatically and quickly acquire any satellite with a single button push. They¡¯re configurable for Ku-band satellites, worldwide, allowing users the freedom and flexibility to move quickly anywhere on the road using a very responsive Internet and Intranet interoperable TracStar MVS450M COTM satellite terminal.¡±
With TracStar¡¯s MVS COTM Series antennas, users enjoy the same reliable, secure, high-speed IP based data communications they are accustomed to in the office, but while in-motion. Users can get connected Anywhere/Anytime for applications such as secure high-speed digital communications and Internet access, Voice (VoIP) and Fax communications, Teleconferencing, Wide area private network extension and Video broadcasting. Federal, state and local government agencies typically use COTM for law enforcement, emergency response and home-land security communications, military rapid deployment, SATCOM On-the-Move applications and mobile offices.
The MVS450M COTM terminal also has applications in the business and private sectors for floating platforms, boats, limos, RV¡¯s, SUV¡¯s and the media, news gathering and multi-media production crews. All of these markets can enjoy the same reliable, secure, high-speed TCP/IP and data communications at remote locations and field offices as terrestrial connections. It works with every satellite modem and eliminates the need for special test equipment for antenna alignment, computers or peripheral equipment to operate the antenna and phone calls to network operators or service providers.
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If you¡¯d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Dave Provencher, please call Michael Sherman at 662-893-8360 or send an email to msadvertising@aol.com
About TracStar Systems
TracStar Systems, Inc. is a leader in mobile satellite communications technology and mobile wireless broadband communications. TracStar's automated satellite acquisition and tracking antenna technology delivers mobile broadband satellite communications to commercial, government, and military customers. The company's core expertise is comprised of automatic satellite acquisition and tracking equipment, antennas and telecommunications services.
TracStar Systems have many other major applications, not only during emergencies, but in every day mobile satellite communications. These include Oil and Gas Companies, News Organizations, Law Enforcement, Military, and Government Organizations, Construction Sites, RVers, Mobile Office Applications, Mobile Education and Broadband Internet Access and Video Conferencing for all Industries and individuals. Any business or service organization that needs to send and/or access information, Anywhere, Anytime, where quick mobile communication is a necessity, needs TracStar. More information on the company can be found at http://www.tracstar.net.
¡ñ Backgrounder
TracStar® Backgrounder
Emergency First Responder
Two-way Broadband Satellite Communications Antennas
Backgrounder
Recent natural disasters such as hurricanes Charlie, Katrina and Rita yielded many lessons and, at the top of the list, dramatically pointed out the need for restoring communications to the areas affected by the devastation left in their wake.
Summarized from a report delivered by Chief Harlin R. McEwen, Chairman, Communications and Technology Committee, in the Lessons Learned from Hurricane Katrina, the horrific events of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina gave the public a valuable education on how public safety communications are not always adequate and why communications are so critical to public safety being able and equipped to effectively handle such events.
In a report ¡°The Federal Response To Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned¡±, submitted to the President in February, 2006, it was recommended that the Department of Homeland Security should establish and maintain a deployable communications capability, to quickly gain and retain situational awareness when responding to catastrophic incidents. There is a strong need for rapidly deployable, interoperable, commercial, off-the-shelf equipment that can provide a framework for connectivity among Federal, State, and local authorities, to ¡°reach-back¡± to large headquarters units capable of providing superior support to deployed elements. Available technologies can provide short-term operability and support long-term interoperability for emergency responders. However, to keep pace with technology changes, DHS should consider commercial, off-the-shelf solutions.
The priorities which became critically apparent included the rapidly increasing need for Public Safety to have access to high speed secure text messaging, documents, photographs, diagrams and streaming video. And in this context, reliable means whenever public safety personnel need to communicate that works and can reach the intended public safety personnel directly or through a network (radio towers and base stations).
Summarized from a speech delivered by Sheriff Kevin Beary of Orange County, Florida, at the FCC Hurricane Katrina Independent Panel, in January, 2006, people plan for a disaster. Katrina was a catastrophe. She brought different challenges than the Florida hurricanes in 2004. Catastrophes are rare and usually cover wide areas. Catastrophes are often beyond the capability of local authorities.
Although Public Safety communications are delivered in a number of ways, most agencies relying on their traditional government owned or leased land mobile radio systems. Such systems are usually built to plan for unusual disaster stresses. Public Safety also relies upon commercial cellular services to augment and back-up their government systems. In the Katrina catastrophe, Satellite communications services (SatCom) were used where traditional land mobile services were out of service, but several problems were revealed. Hand held satellite radio telephones were ineffective because they failed when their batteries failed. (same as with traditional land mobile radios and cell phones), Personnel weren¡¯t familiar with how satellite radios worked and had not been trained in their operation, Satellite radios are not practical for local area communications and often limited to one-to-one communications.
The point was made that deployable systems were needed that can be brought into an area where communications infrastructure is temporarily out of service or has been destroyed. The lessons tell us to be prepared for more than the short time outages that we have traditionally planned for.
As a result of these catastrophes, an entirely new satellite communications market emerged to answer these needs. Many are compatible with virtually any VSAT (very small aperture terminal) network, an earthbound station used in satellite communications of data, voice and video signals, excluding broadcast television and many other video uplink applications. Speed is the key; speed in deployment, speed in satellite acquisition and speed in two-way communication, all based on proven reliability performance and user-friendly operations.
TracStar Systems™ was one of the front-running companies to step forward with systems that met all of these needs. It is a pioneer in navigation and inertial rate sensor packages, providing the fastest satellite acquisition and most reliable tracking in the industry. TracStar Systems, Inc. is a key player in delivering mobile broadband satellite communications and audio/video programming to many commercial, government and consumer platforms, (directly and through partnerships) using automated satellite acquisition and tracking technology. TracStar¡¯s Systems core expertise is comprised of platform stabilization, servo control and tracking equipment, antennas and telecommunications. TracStar Systems is an affiliate member of the Global VSAT Forum, representing the SatCom industry throughout the world. More information on disaster recovery and VSAT can be found at this site.
As evidence of a product solving a problem, in support of first-responder efforts for hurricanes Charlie, Katrina and Rita, the company provided the state of Florida exactly what they needed, TracStar¡¯s newest product line, LWAM?. In mid 2006, the Florida Division of Emergency Management received delivery of the $1.6 million procurement of TracStar's Integrated Emergency Response Network communication system, the Local Wide Area Mesh (LWAM). In support of rapid, remote, and mobile emergency communications deployments in Florida areas stricken by hurricanes and other major disasters, TracStar and Clear Channel Satellite incorporated Fireside?¡¯s Wireless Multi-Service Mesh Networks?, which Firetide branded ¡°EDWARD¡±, to create this new mobile network package. Each LWAM system consists of a kit that includes a TracStar mobile satellite communications terminal, using Clear Channel¡¯s uplink and Firetide wireless mesh nodes and AutoMeshTM protocol, deployable on tri-post mast antennas, including portable microwave antennas.
TracStar provides its MVS mobile satellite equipment, connectivity and interoperability (The ability of software and hardware on different machines from different vendors to share data), Clear Channel Satellite, the ISP provider selected for this deployment, the uplink and VSAT bandwidth services. And by incorporating Firetide¡¯s HotPort mesh network, TracStar created these unique communications packages. The MVS Series, a highly mobile two-way high speed broadband earth station, becomes the home base for Firetide¡¯s wireless infrastructure for emergency preparedness systems. The design of this series allows non-skilled personnel to operate Very Small Aperture (VSAT) Ku-band satellite communications equipment and access Clear Channel Satellite services quickly and easily. The auto-acquire terminals automatically locate the satellite and access the Clear Channel network.
Each package completes one area network and increases the communication coverage from one of the TracStar MVS system¡¯s deployed locations, either on an emergency vehicle or a suit-case configured fly-away unit, to seven additional locations up to 5 miles away from each T-Mesh deployed satellite base location. The T-Mesh package enhances the State of Florida's traditional two-way emergency radio communications, providing a wireless broadband network on site that greatly increases the effectiveness and safety for the emergency teams. Because the systems are extremely portable, they can also be ready and waiting for immediate deployment as soon as it is physically safe to do so. They can be used and reused in many different locations and situations, increasing their value and cost effectiveness.
TracStar¡¯s T-Mesh system is fully self-contained and operates totally independent of external test equipment, computers or satellite modems. The satellite antennas are designed for simplicity of operation, reliability and precision pointing. Each antenna is capable of being configured to acquire every Ku-band satellite, world-wide. From any mobile TracStar location, the signal is broadcast via Wi-Fi¡¯s 802.11 standard. Although use of WiFi in this situation is not proprietary to TracStar, their expertise in sophisticated integration to make it work in emergency disaster situations like this one for Florida, is simply part of their core competency.
TracStar¡¯s MVS Series tracking control system is an auto-acquiring terminal which automatically locates the satellite broadband and video services and accesses the user¡¯s network, all with the push of a single button with no scheduling or phone calls for alignment verification. It was integrated to the mechanical design for controllers and electronic driving boards designed by AvL for the deployable V-Sat system.
TracStar Systems was founded in 1996 by Dave Provencher, Chris Hadley, and the late Steve Schermerhorn. TracStar¡¯s president, Mr. Provencher, a former VP of Andrew Corporation, left to start TracStar Systems and his first mission was to bring technical innovation to mobile wireless broadband communications by designing a new satellite tracking control mechanism. TracStar has been manufacturing state-of-the-art, low cost inertial stabilization and satellite tracking systems since March of 1999. Coming from industry leaders such as Andrew Corporation and Harris Corporation, the founding partners had extensive backgrounds in stabilized antenna systems and telecommunications products for consumer, commercial and government markets.
This led to their first product, a domed on-the-move one-way mobile television broadcast receiving unit, the TracStar¡¯s Series for the RV industry, the SV360 being the latest generation of mobile satellite tracking antennas. These compact antennas and their control mechanisms were designed to receive Direct Broadcast Satellite television signals from a vehicle while on the drive or In-motion. Continuing into 2005, TracStar has manufactured and licensed technology for the manufacture of over 10,000 in-motion satellite TV antenna systems used primarily in the recreational vehicle marketplace.
Entry into the ¡°First-Responder¡± market came in 1999, as a result of the need for instant news coverage and disaster related communications, in co-development through a partnership with AvL Technologies. Realizing a coming need for mobile VSAT technology for portable communications systems, TracStar along with AvL Technologies began the design and manufacture of Ku band vehicle mount satellite antenna systems. Although AvL does not offer Turn-Key systems, the AvL positioner proved to be an excellent stable design with the near zero backlash requirements a precision pedestal should have for the emerging Homeland Security, DoD and business grade market segments the product was targeted for. Using technology learned in the in-motion satellite TV industry, the TracStar Systems mobile VSAT antenna controller quickly established itself in the industry as the dependable, reliable, low cost, and most import ¨C easy to use system. The one-button technology to deploy the antenna set a new commercial standard others use as their benchmark of performance.
Since the early introduction of the mobile VSAT product in 2002, TracStar controller systems have been used on over a dozen antenna types, operating anywhere in the world a Ku band satellite is available in the orbital arc. From Homeland Security to mobile offices, to DoD applications in the Middle East, to hurricane recovery operations in the southeast, the TracStar antenna system performed when and where it is needed. Approximately 2000
TracStar auto-acquire Ku-band VSAT Transmit/Receive antenna systems and/or Auto-
Acquire antenna controllers are currently active worldwide in commercial, government and military markets.
In 2005, TracStar combined their in-motion TV antenna solution (MVS450) with the mobile VSAT antenna technology for a new emerging market. Com-on-the-Move, COTM, was born. Initially providing broadband capability for DoD markets, it is a mid-profile 25cm tall antenna system was developed through a joint alliance with ViaSat and SES Americom, The new MVS450M Series of VSAT satellite communications systems is a ¡°Com-On-The-Move¡± (COTM) product. This mid-profile 47¡±x 47¡±x12" tall vehicle-mounted satellite antenna system enables secure high speed IP communications of any broadband application such as data, voice and video signals. And it does it while in-motion on any road surface, improved or unimproved, turning 360¡ãcontinuously, without loss of signal. Speed (in deployment, satellite acquisition and two-way communication), proven reliability (in performance) and user-friendly operations are all key to successful VSAT communications. COTM delivers the full package and can actually lock on and track Satellites at speeds up to 95mph.
Mr. Provencher prides himself on the growth of the company and the contracts and sales that have been made over the years. As proof of the impact TracStar Systems has had on this industry and the markets it serves, in 2005, it was purchased by Cobham. Cobham plc is an international company, headquartered in Dorset, UK, engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced aerospace and defense systems for land, sea and air platforms. The company has five technology divisions and one in the service sector that collectively specialize in the provision of components, sub-systems and services that keep people safe, improve communications and enhance the performance of aerospace and defense platforms.
At recent government trade shows, TracStar partners have exhibited its new T-Mesh Network and COTM. The COTM Series from TracStar complements the MVS Series of auto-deploy/auto-acquire vehicle style portable antennas allowing non-skilled personnel to operate mobile VSAT satellite communications equipment enabling the user to access any broadband application over satellite. The MVS COTM Series antennas are typically owned and operated by Federal, state and local government agencies for law enforcement, emergency response and home-land security communications military rapid deployment, SATCOM On-the-Move applications, mobile offices, floating platforms, boats, limos, RV¡¯s & SUV¡¯s and news gathering/multi-media production crews.
With TracStar¡¯s MVS COTM Series antennas users enjoy the same reliable, secure, high-speed IP based data communications they are accustomed to in the office, while in-motion. Users can get connected Anywhere/Anytime for applications such as: Secure, high-speed digital communications High-speed Internet access Voice and Fax communications Teleconferencing Wide area private network extension Video broadcasting Broadband Anywhere ¨CAnytime
Also exhibited at these shows was the 1.2 centimeter Fly-away System. It has already been delivered to National Guard divisions in 12 states, with approval to go to all 50. This is part of the government project which it is being used for National Guard disaster preparedness, as part of the Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) program and was on display in the JISCC booth at the National Guard Bureau IT Conference in Dec, 2006. The System V2 was designed and developed by the SyTech Corporation under a contract to EFJohnson, in cooperation with TracStar Systems.
Along with the military, ¡°The American Red Cross is now ready to respond to emergencies with the latest in disaster response technology ¨C on wheels¡±. David Rudduck wrote on the Redcross.org site, ¡°Two fully-loaded satellite trucks that run an assortment of communications technologies essential for disaster responders were recently deployed during the Hurricane Lili relief operation. Donated by Ford Motors, the customized Excursions are part of the American Red Cross Disaster Services Technology Integration Program, or DS TIP. The DS TIP program is the result of an exhaustive effort to completely modernize the disaster preparedness, planning, and response technologies. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide a rapidly deployable modern office environment that does not depend on the local infrastructure, which is often damaged by the disaster.¡±
TracStar¡¯s main competition comes from Swe-dish, Advent Communications and GigaSat. Besides providing the fastest satellite acquisition and most reliable tracking in the industry, from a price point, TracStar is very well positioned for continued growth in many years to come with its existing product line, not to mention the new products in R&D.
Other present clients for TracStar products include General Electric, General Motors, Allstate, State Farm, FBI, EPA, CDC, US Army, US Marines, White House Communications Agency, FEMA, State Department, Border Patrol, and among others, the States of NY, MA, GA, SC, putting them at the forefront of the mobile deployable vehicle-mounted VSAT Ku-band satellite and fly-away satellite system first-responder disaster communications market, applicable worldwide. |
