Scout Dispatch Console Positions

Each Scout position consists of a standard computer housing Avtec software, including the Software Media Workstation, and USB dispatching peripherals. Scout console software runs on a Windows 10 computer with any compatible pointing device or an LCD touchscreen. The computer connects to a local VPGate system via Ethernet to access endpoints.

The Scout User Interface software provides a user-friendly dispatching environment. The console screen displays virtual buttons called pads which the dispatcher operates via touch or by mouse click. The dispatcher touches the pads to answer calls, select functions, and move from screen to screen. And for dispatchers who work various territories according to need, Scout offers dispatching by Communication Landscapes called CommScapes. A dispatcher who is responsible for multiple CommScapes selects the appropriate one at login. The Scout System Administrator configures and maintains all console screens and all CommScapes from the Scout Manager software application.

Scout positions have the option of being configured for dispatcher login. Dispatcher login can either be configured for Project Authentication, which requires the entry of a username and password, or Windows Authentication, which enables authentication via the Windows OS platform. With dispatcher login, a dispatch center can use free seating with customized configuration. A dispatcher occupies any console position and logs in to a console that displays the dispatcher's unique screens. To support touchscreen console setups, the login dialog box accesses a software keyboard.

Scout also features Console Intercoms to provide dispatchers the ability to have two-way conversations with one another from the consoles. The dispatchers can place an intercom call as either a regular call or an emergency call, forward intercom calls, send one-way intercom group pages to multiple dispatchers, make All-Call announcements, and place a regular or emergency group ring call that converts to a one-to-one conversation when another dispatcher answers. The intercom endpoint pad can be configured with visual and audible signals that notify the dispatcher of a missed intercom call and a request to return the call. In addition, intercoms can be configured in PTT mode or in full duplex mode.

The Scout software provides the most feature-rich and configurable interface in the console industry. Every screen element, from graphical backgrounds to pad sizes, colors, and fonts, can be configured to meet a company's unique needs. Despite the wide array of features, the Scout Manager configuration application simplifies designing, maintaining, and deploying console screens.

Scout Position Hardware Components

The Scout dispatch console position includes the hardware components listed below.

USB Speakers

The Avtec or Motorola USB speakers provide Select and Unselect audio for the Scout console. They are compact and easily stackable, ideal for confined spaces. Each has a volume control, a Power/Audio Activity LED indicator, and an adjustment that permits setting a minimum volume level. With the Software Media Workstation, Scout supports up to 11 speakers per console position.

USB Jack Box

The Avtec USB Jack Box provides a means of interfacing peripheral accessories such as headsets or handsets. The unit features a manual volume control as well as a mute-indication LED. Audio levels and microphone sensitivity can be adjusted to support various handsets/headsets. The jack box connects to the Scout console via USB port and is typically mounted under the desk or table where the console is installed.

USB NENA Jack Box

The Avtec USB NENA Jack Box includes integrated circuitry that routes audio from a NENA-compliant call-taking system to the dispatch console providing a seamless workflow for the dispatcher. The forward-thinking design reduces the complexity for the dispatcher when workflows require communication to field radios currently installed at the operator position. The jack box connects to the Scout console via USB port.

USB Desktop Microphone

The Avtec or Motorola USB Desktop Microphone features large, momentary buttons for push-to-talk (PTT) and the base supports multiple flexible microphone elements to fit the needs of any dispatcher. An LED indicator provides a positive visual notification that PTT is active. In addition, a top-surface Avtec logo illuminates when the microphone is active. The profile of the microphone prevents dispatchers from engaging PTT accidentally. It is easy to install and configure and connects to a console via USB port.

Dispatcher Computer and Monitor

Each Scout console position requires a computer running the Windows operating system. Scout supports Windows 10 for its recent versions. Unlike competitors’ systems, the computer is not proprietary and can be customer supplied. Each console also requires a display monitor that is compatible with the position's computer. Scout supports screen resolutions up to 2560 x 1600. For most users, Avtec recommends using 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 20-inch to 24-inch LCD touchscreen.

Software Audio Package

Software Media Workstation

Scout’s Software Audio Package, the Software Media Workstation (SMW), is a flexible, mobile, software-based dispatching solution providing portability for a dispatch center or expanding dispatch capability quickly for disaster management or during special events. To minimize dependencies on computer hardware and sound cards, Scout’s SMW runs within the console and handles all of the audio processing, such as patching, transcoding, gain control, and mixing. The SMW software is a configurable component of the console position and uses Avtec or Motorola USB peripherals, standard USB peripherals, or built-in audio devices.