Frag Out! Magazine

in the places where a radio communication func- tions in the limited scope, and a mobile network is just unavailable. In the configuration for the mi- litary services, the PIK is equipped with the MIS (Mobile System Integrator providing additional channel for the mobile C4I systems and an inte- gration of the different military communications systems. An unique feature of the PIK is also a possibility to use smart phone as a communica- tion device plugged into the system. It is referred to – at least up till now – the smartphones with Android OS, which after installing an application may operate function of the hand-held two-way radio.The PIK significantly extends a possibility of digital and unlimited communication while using the currently owned communication devices, but still someone may ask a question what will hap- pen if a mobile network will not work (for instan- ce, during war). Firstly, as it is indicated by the recent events, e.g. in Ukraine, if it does not come to the full-scale conflict, generally a mobile ne- twork infrastructure is not destroyed, and it even happens that both sides try to protect it. Why? Both sides are using the mobile phones as the one of communication means. So, in such a case the PIK will still operate as in pe- acetime conditions. But if the GSM network infrastructure would be destroyed, the com- munication system will return to the previous condition, so as before as PIK was introdu- ced. The users will be still able to use their radios according to their parameters and it will not require providing any ad- ditional activities. The PIK enables a data transfer to the terminals:UMTS –128 kbit/s, HSPA+ – 21,1 Mbit/s, CDMA-1x – 153 kbit/s. pik in use FRAG OUT! Magazine had a chance to play with PIK for few days. We received basic kit : two ga- teways, two hand-held digital radios and we have installed the PIK app on the smart phone. One ga- teway was installed on vehicle board, and the se- cond was used in both stationary and vehicleborn basis.An installation of the PIK system gateway in the civilian car took literally few minutes – it was only necessary to connect it a power supply (to the standard electric outlet in the car) and to the three outside mounted antennas. The antennas are assembled to car roof (suggested in one line) with the magnet bases which will hold place up to the speed of about 180 km/h (we did not check it with such a speed, but at 140-150 km/h they did not fall off). Additionally, GPS beacon might be at- tached and then a dispatcher has a possibility to check a location of the gateway in real-time. The device is switched on/off with one button; it will boot around 60 seconds (it is signalized by the green diodes by the relevant outlets). If it is used as a stationary device, it is powered by the power www.fragoutmag.com

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