LocusUSA has developed a patent-pending technology to determine how much Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) correction is being applied to a radio in real time while the radio is deployed in the field. LocusUSA’s DiagnostX measures the temporary AFC adjustment by capturing and analyzing all control channel transmissions from the subscriber.

AFC is an embedded technology incorporated into most LMR radios to temporarily adjust frequency misalignment or frequency error. This unique DiagnostX AFC Meter provides a report of the percentage of AFC engaged on all measured subscribers, identified by Radio ID. The DiagnostX AFC Meter is an add-on feature to the DX-2002 series which provides an evaluation of radio status based on specific metrics.

How does the AFC Meter benefit the radio system manager? The DiagnostX Viewer currently interprets and displays several metrics analyzing radio performance by subscriber ID. Sometimes a radio will show as being within spec according to the pre-set DiagnostX thresholds. The DiagnostX AFC Meter will display what percentage of AFC is engaged. This means that there is a temporary correction of Frequency Error of up to 1000 or 1500 Hz depending on the manufacturer. A radio that is extensively misaligned will experience issues connecting to the system. As the radio continues to drift further out of alignment AFC will no longer engage resulting in a hard failure. A radio like this, even while appearing to be temporarily in spec is a definite candidate for maintenance. The DiagnostX AFC Meter is the only tool available for identifying such radios.