DAMM is excited to be launching the world’s first VHF TETRA radio at CCW 2019. With the new VHF FT5 radio, it becomes possible to utilize the extra coverage that can be obtained with VHF and maintain all the industry-leading features offered with TETRA.

The VHF FT5 is the result of a joint project between DAMM and Funktel GmbH and includes the following key features:

• 3W output power supporting infrastructure savings due to wider coverage
• Full, proven TETRA feature set
• Robust and shock resistant rubber coating to protect against drop damage
• Outdoor usage with IP65 protection
• Positioning – GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou

Explaining the reason for developing this new VHF TETRA radio, Senior Director Engineering Jochen Bösch says that, “Our customers have long been asking for a VHF TETRA radio. While UHF frequencies are by far superior in built-up areas, VHF is more suitable when it comes to open areas. With this VHF TETRA radio our customers can enhance their current range and benefit from the large coverage per site in rural areas”.

The radio is a perfect match to the DAMM BS422 MultiTech Base Station, which can also operate TETRA in VHF.

“Driven by frequency allocations and coverage considerations, we see a clear need for TETRA in VHF from many different countries,” says Jens Thostrup, DAMM CEO. “We are happy to be able to fill this gap in the market; unlike other manufacturers, who will not start development without a large up-front order, we believe that there is great potential in this market and are confident to invest in it,” he adds.