Barracuda Industry Myths

Answers to Scary Sales Tactics Used Against Barracuda™

In compiling this list and updating it on an ongoing basis, BoardTronics hopes to highlight some of the less than informed sales presentations used against the Barracuda retrofit in the marketplace.

ANSWER #1: Motorola manufactured OSMAC field decoder/ pager units are a receiver ONLY and do not transmit a radio signal. In other words, they are a one-way communication from base-to-field, as they do not “talk back” to the base station. Therefore, because these field decoders/ pagers do not transmit, they are not in any way a part of the FCC mandate, as it clearly states in the mandate, “narrow band compliant equipment must be able to transmit at 12.5-kHz efficiency.” The Barracuda narrow band solution offered by BoardTronics was developed around a patent pending procedure to ensure the entire control system will be FCC compliant – guaranteed!

ANSWER #2: BoardTronics has been informed that the current OEM (The Toro Company) will no longer provide PCB repair support services through their authorized Toro irrigation distributors. Why they choose to discontinue service, we have no idea. BoardTronics has been providing best in class aftermarket services for OSMAC users throughout the US marketplace for over fifteen years. Those same services are and will continue to be available through any irrigation distributor in the US, Toro resellers included. In the event an OSMAC user does not have a local distributor who would like to assist with their control system needs, BoardTronics welcomes that business direct.

ANSWER #3: Radio frequencies have nothing to do with narrow band emissions. When users retrofit their systems with the Barracuda solution to be “narrow band” compliant there is a simple form that will need to be completed and sent to the FCC. This form is called a ”Narrow Band Emissions Designator.” This informs the FCC that the system is now operating narrow band equipment in conjunction with a current FCC licensed frequency. BoardTronics will assist with this form.

ANSWER #4: BoardTronics’ Barracuda retrofit does not require new equipment certification by the FCC, as it is equipped with a radio device that has already been certified by the FCC.

From FCC Email to BoardTronics dated December 1, 2011 @ 12:35 PM

OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

FCC Response:
Your response to question is divided into two parts: (1) Using equipment that is certified and (2) if certified (with an FCC ID) modifying the operator licenses to operate the equipment.

Part 1. Is related to using a transmitter/receiver that has an equipment certification. Based on your photo (with the current midland transmitter is certified under FCC ID MMASD225U2) and if the Maxon Radio is also certified you can use it as permitted under your operator license (see part II below). You do not have to obtain a new equipment certification.

ANSWER #5: Prior to retail delivery, BoardTronics has every Barracuda retrofit independently tested by an outside third party for the purposes of conducting a full and independent performance test and emissions (narrow banding) compliance certification. Every Barracuda retrofit is delivered with an emissions certification and equipment performance form.

BoardTronics does not expect field sales personnel to be electronic engineers or radio technicians. Customers should fully expect clear and truthful, sales and technical information in which to base very important and expensive business decisions. BoardTronics conducts all of its electronics design, manufacturing and technical support in house. Made in the USA because we refuse to outsource our intellectual integrity.