CRS Accessories has launched the GPS-speaker microphone, claimed to be a marriage of two-way radio systems and GPS technologies giving improved communications for groups, such as the emergency services.
The device allows, through GPS, accurate peer-to-peer positions through existing two-way radios.
The microphone can be used as a traditional standalone GPS unit or be connected to a two-way radio and receive three added benefits of transmitting location, text messages, tracking information etc, over any radio network.
Field users can locate group members' positions as it tracks, receives and sends text messages with no additional equipment.
The device can accommodate nine groups of 10 persons. However, integrated with Google Earth, Kmz or Gpx navigational/mapping software, the group configurations are unlimited.
The microphone is fitted with a man down/SOS feature. When activated it will continuously transmit the user's GPS coordinates at predetermined intervals. If used in conjunction with the lone worker feature, now standard in many two-way radios, it will provide a safety mechanism for staff working unsupervised.