Siyata SD7 handset taking over the baton from two-way radio

In some workplaces two-way radio has been the preferred communication tool for years and even decades. However, a newcomer to the market has the potential to take over the baton from two-way radio by offering a range of features that makes the transition from a land mobile radio to an LTE/WiFi capable device with push-to-talk (PTT) functionality appealing and hassle-free. That device is the SD7 handset from Siyata.

When choosing a device that will be deployed by a range of users within a workplace, ease of use is a key consideration. For groups accustomed to communicating via traditional two-way radio, the Siyata SD7 handset is designed to be simple to operate with a user experience that mimics the operation of a land mobile radio. Users press the PTT button to talk and release it to listen. Channel selection is via a rotary knob, avoiding the need to navigate through a maze of complex menus.

This ability to switch quickly between channels increases efficiency within large organisations where multiple work groups need to be contacted to attend to a job. For example, when a delivery arrives at a commercial construction site, the Siyata SD7’s PTT function can be used to contact the logistics team member who is needed to count and confirm receipt of the incoming stock. Then, with a simple turn of the Siyata’s channel selector knob, another group of workers can be called on to assist with unloading the delivered materials.

As business needs change and evolve, it is likely that talk group members will need to be updated. Using over the air programming (OTAP), Siyata SD7 devices can be configured remotely, avoiding costly downtime and the need for a technician’s visit.

The product features a customised Android 9.0 operating system and the type of sensor technologies found in a typical smartphone including GPS, Bluetooth and a gyroscope. These technologies allow for additional functions such as people and vehicle tracking via GPS or Bluetooth (within buildings) and generation of proof of service reports. This functionality can be used in industries such as cleaning where a cleaner’s rounds can be tracked via Bluetooth beacon to provide reports for clients showing when individual rooms were serviced.

Another significant feature of the SD7 is the SOS button, which helps to safeguard the health and safety of users under duress or in time-critical environments. The security industry offers multiple real-life examples of how effective this feature can be in alerting team members to potentially hazardous situations and enabling a quick response from nearby team members. In a situation where a security officer is under duress, the officer can use the SOS button to call for additional back-up. Using the Siyata SD7’s GPS technology, the nearest team member can go directly to the specified location to support the officer, while the wider team or communications centre remain on standby to react if the situation requires further escalation.

In addition to enhancing employee safety during night-time rounds, the Siyata SD7’s SOS button can be equally useful in busy daytime locations. When a security guard in a shopping mall is alerted to a shoplifter attempting to flee through the mall, the guard can quickly warn other security team members using the SOS button. With this timely warning, the security team can work together to apprehend the shoplifter before they can exit the mall.

Key attributes of the SD7’s handset includes its pocket size and ruggedness, with components designed to withstand dust, water, and unintentional impacts from being dropped. These characteristics suit deployment across a range of industries such as construction, utilities and building maintenance, facility management, security and emergency services. Having a device that can withstand the rigours of work out in the field can reduce downtime and improve productivity. In a situation where a water utilities worker is repairing a burst watermain and requires additional parts to complete the job, they can use the Siyata SD7’s PTT function to check if any other team members are free to dispatch the required materials, avoiding the need for the worker to down tools and leave the site.

Another feature of the SD7 handset is its long-lasting high-capacity battery which can last 12 hours on a single charge and can be augmented with a swappable battery.

In crowded or noisy environments, the Siyata SD7’s 2.5 Watt speaker provides excellent sound quality allowing for crisp, clear audio. Feedback from some users, such as security personnel at concerts or sports matches where crowd noise makes it difficult to communicate, is that that the clarity of sound offered by the SD7 matches that of traditional two-way radios in these environments. Alternatively, the SD7 has a range of audio accessories to customize the user experience. Whether this be a remote speaker microphone, a headset wire kit, or Bluetooth accessory, the SD7 can accommodate most situations.

For more information on the Siyata SD7:

Phil Dowd, Sales Manager Cellular
Logic Wireless
p: 1800 993 873
www.logicwireless.com.au/siyata-sd7