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Success Story
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At DPS, we really enjoy hearing our clients' success stories. Our featured story this month is on CapRock Services Corp.
Mr. Storm,
As we continue with Phase 1 of our alarm distribution project, I wanted to update you on the performance
of DPS Telecom and the products you have provided.
As is the case with many custom applications, we anticipated that we would come across unexpected
obstacles during the course of this project. This was not the case with the DPS Alarm Distribution Shelf
(ADS). Your staff was invaluable in helping my group determine the requirements for this system, and has
done an excellent job in designing, building, delivering and supporting the ADS. The engineering expertise
and customer service we have received from DPS has led to a seamless implementation of the alarm system
along CapRock’s two largest fiber rings.
The system itself combines an impressive combination of ability, adaptability and simplicity in its design.
Installation and configuration are as easy as any inside plant equipment we have ever worked with, and the
ADS compatibility with our existing monitoring systems at the Network Operation Center has made test
and turn-up a flawless process.
Please pass along my appreciation to everyone at DPS for the unsurpassed support they have given us. It
has been a joy working with you and your staff this year, and I look forward to continuing our relationship
in the future.
Sincerely,
Joseph D. Todd
Manager, Inside Plant Engineering and Installation
CapRock Communications
We'd love to hear your comments and stories. Use our testimonial form to submit your story.
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In this issue...
Monitoring Trends
FCC takes antenna structure lighting seriously
Featured Product
The NetGuardian DX expansion unit increases your remote alarm monitoring capacity
Tech Support
DPS now offers firmware upgrades online
Reader Survey
Tell us what you think of the new ezine format
Telecom Resources
The Federal Communications Commission
Telecom Churn Management, The Golden Opportunity
Monitoring Trends
FCC takes antenna structure lighting seriously
Imagine if a cellular tower light failed and went undetected for several hours (or even days). Without any warning, a failure in the lighting system could be the cause of a tragic event resulting in the loss of lives. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has several rules in place regarding antenna structures. The rules are there to ensure the safety of nearby aircraft. Below, we've listed a few examples of FCC rules that tower owners should be aware of.
Sec. 17.47 Inspection of antenna structure lights and associated control equipment.
The owner of any antenna structure which is registered with the Commission and has been assigned lighting specifications referenced in
this part:
(a)(1) Shall make an observation of the antenna structure's lights at least once each 24 hours either visually or by observing an automatic properly maintained indicator designed to register any failure of such lights, to insure that all such lights are functioning properly as required; or alternatively,
Tower Monitoring Solution
Did you know that the AlphaMax is an ideal remote tower monitoring solution?
DPS Telecom's AlphaMax unit can monitor your tower lights and report outages to up to 4 paging devices. Additionally, the AlphaMax can send alarm reports to DPS master stations giving you even more visibility.
With the AlphaMax you can turn on devices remotely (such as a spare tower light) by dialing in to the unit and entering a password code or you can setup the AlphaMax to automatically turn on devices for you.
If power goes out at your remote tower site, you can relax because the AlphaMax can be equipped with a backup battery supply that lasts up to two days!
Visit the AlphaMax product summary page
or call 1-800-622-3314 for more information.
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(2) Shall provide and properly maintain an automatic alarm system designed to detect any failure of such lights and to provide indication
of such failure to the owner.
(b) Shall inspect at intervals not to exceed 3 months all automatic or mechanical control devices, indicators, and alarm systems associated
with the antenna structure lighting to insure that such apparatus is functioning properly.
Sec. 17.48 Notification of extinguishment or improper functioning of lights.
The owner of any antenna structure which is registered with the Commission and has been assigned lighting specifications referenced in
this part:
(a) Shall report immediately by telephone or telegraph to the nearest Flight Service Station or office of the Federal Aviation Administration any observed or otherwise known extinguishment or improper functioning of any top steady burning light or any flashing obstruction light, regardless of its position on the antenna structure, not corrected within 30 minutes. Such reports shall set forth the condition of the light or lights, the circumstances which caused the failure, the probable date for restoration of service, the FCC Antenna Structure Registration Number, the height of the structure (AGL and AMSL if known) and the name, title, address, and telephone number of the person making the report. Further notification by telephone or telegraph shall be given immediately upon resumption of normal operation of the light or lights.
(b) An extinguishment or improper functioning of a steady burning side intermediate light or lights, shall be corrected as soon as
possible, but notification to the FAA of such extinguishment or improper functioning is not required.
If you're a tower owner, you'll find the rules on construction, marking, and lighting of antenna structures very informative. You can also register new towers by visiting the FCC's Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) portion of their website.
Featured Product
The NetGuardian Expansion Unit increases your remote capacity
Most of you know that the NetGuardian remote telemetry unit is one of our top selling products. What you might not know is that the NetGuardian's alarm capacity can be easily upgraded by adding the DX Expansion unit. Each NetGuardian DX allows you to add up to 48 additional discrete points for a maximum of 176 alarm points (3 unit max).
The expansion units are daisy-chained to the NetGuardian base unit. This allows you to fully utilize your existing NetGuardian and add to it if needed. If you are anticipating a need for more alarm inputs now or in the future, this is a great time to review your budget and growth plans. The NetGuardian DX costs a fraction of the NetGuardian base unit, so call 1-800-622-3314 today and find out how affordable increasing your alarm coverage can be.
"These [NetGuardian] units have performed very well for UniPoint. The dial-up capability allows us to provision the equipment prior to the WAN connectivity being in place."
B. Wood
Director of Special Projects
UniPoint Holdings
Tech Support
DPS now offers firmware upgrades online
We've added a new feature to our website; firmware upgrades available for downloading. We're starting off the new section of our website by making available firmware upgrades for the NetGuardian. In the near future, other product upgrades will be added, along with the developer notes associated with the new release.
DPS is also offering email notices dedicated to firmware updates. If you want to grab the latest version of firmware for your NetGuardian today, make sure you are registered by following the steps below.
- Sign up for the password protected areas of our website
- Sign up for our email newsletters
(or change your profile)
- Go to the download page
Telecom Resources
Federal Communications Commission
URL: http://www.fcc.gov
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website boasts an impressive assortment of tools for telecommunications companies and consumers alike. Beating 1,265 state and federal websites, the FCC website ranked first in federal agency government according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Brown University.
Telecom Churn Management, The Golden Opportunity
Author: Rob Mattison
Telecom Churn Management, The Golden Opportunity explains how and why churn is managed today. It discusses the Tele-centric (Customer Centric Telecommunications) model for customer management. The book provides the key Analytics that can give your company that competitive advantage.
>> Learn more about this book...
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