Cimarron Technologies Corp.

End of Life for all Transcrypt Products - Ouch! Don’t let this affect Your Customer’s Security!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:06 GMT

Transcrypt has finally bowed out of the scrambler/encryption business.

Cimarron Technologies has not!

At Cimarron, we feel all transmissions should be encrypted. Cimarron carries plug-in and wire-in versions of all three Encryption Levels:

Programmable Fixed Inversion: Entry Level encryption can be programmed to match the inversion frequency of any other manufacturer's fixed inversion encryption. (VQS-400/QS-4000)
HOP PTT Inversion: This level of encryption changes the inversion frequency with every Push-To-Talk. This keeps your inversion point changing and more difficult to track. (VQS-420/QS-4200)
Fast Frequency Hopping Encryption: This encryption changes the inversion point (frequency) 10 ~ 100 times per second using a 64-bit crypto key; that's over 18 quintillion keys! (VQS-500/QS-4000)

Cimarron's Secure Voice Products bring high level encryption within reach of all businesses. Software Defined Encryption from Simple Inversion to HOP PTT to FAST HOP means we have the right fit for your particular use. Why use encryption? Click HERE.

Daniels Repeater Channel Steering using the C25 Decoder

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:08 GMT

Putting the versatile C25 APCO P25 Decoder to work!

The C25 series decoders can be programmed and configured to do much more than just show the Source ID of the transmitting radio. In this case, the Forest Service needed just a little bit more.

In order to cross their analog and digital repeaters systems, they needed the Daniels repeater to change channels based on the received NAC code. The C25 can do this because we decode the received NAC using the discriminator output of the Daniels repeater. For their case, we added a special function to allow the NAC to be referenced to a look-up table and toggle binary outputs based on the NAC. This channel change corresponds to an analog transmitter sending out a particular CTCSS tone.

The Daniels repeater has a 4-bit binary input to control their channel selection. We routed our binary output to change channels based on the received NAC.

The setup (shown below) works reliably and is very cost efficient.

Contact me anytime to find out what other features and functions the C25 decoder is capable of!

~Currently working on a Fire Station paging project (4 separate pages per station with auto-acknowledge for each). Each page triggers it's own individual output !

MDC-1200 and APCO P25 paging to Fire Stations

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:13 GMT

Use the C25 decoder for remote control of garage doors, lights and sounder!

The C25 can be assigned a 4-digit HEX ID. This ID is valid for both MDC-1200 and P25 formats. This is perfect for a system that now uses MDC-1200 to page fire stations but will be moving to APCO P25 to page fire stations.

The C25 decodes both MDC-1200 and APCO P25 at the same time.

Being assigned (programmed) with an ID allows the C25 decoder to be individually paged and present a changing output to trigger outside devices.

The C25 will decode:

APCO P25 Individual Calls
MDC-1200 Short Call
MDC-1200 Long Call

These decodes will trigger an output which remains latched until the Clear button is pressed (also available remotely). An internal sounder within the C25 is also activated.

The default output is an open collector (500mA sink). You can also program the C25 to use one of the internal relays to trigger, providing an open or closed contact to your external device.

C25 I

ANI and Encryption Newsbrief Vol 9

Tue, 10 May 2011 18:32 GMT

Cracking the Code: Cimtech Turns 20

Cimarron Technologies (CimTech), a leader in secure voice protection, celebrates 20 years of working with organizations in the public and private sectors to ensure safer interpersonal communications.

Steve Barry started CimTech in 1991. Dissatisfied with corporate life and its constraints, he decided to go out on his own. His passion was electronics and he decided to address a niche he felt was underserved. Steve developed a better, less expensive product than was on the market at the time.

Starting out with nothing but will and wits in the early days brought a backlash from the company they were taking business from. The company was so frustrated with CimTech eating their lunch, so to speak, that they hired a private detective to find out anything they could about Cimarron. Steve relates that "the angered competitor resorted to searching our dumpster at night for information to use against us. However, the discovery that we had chicken salad for lunch apparently did not help them much. That competitor dissolved after Chapter 7 bankruptcy several years later."

It wasn't long before CimTech captured the alphanumerical identification market, and it continues to dominate that niche area today. In retrospect, it's easy to see that part of Cimarron's success is because of its ability to focus on and master one specific market category.

Decoding Success

What's the secret to the company's longevity? According to Steve, it's "hiring the best people and listening closely to customers. Our engineers do what it takes to figure out the solutions to radio challenges we want to solve. They take a mathematical approach to problems." Steve says. "There are no shortcuts to good work, and everyone at CimTech knows this."

What it comes down to is this: CimTech provides its clients with great products, great documentation and great service. Steve points out that "all CimTech products are made in the USA, and all customer support is inhouse, not offshore."

Coding the Next 20 Years

Looking to the future, Steve says the company will continue to adapt and change with the technology. "We're not perfect," he admits, "but I love a challenge and every day our customers push us to reach even higher." All Cimarron products are extremely flexible; no two radio systems are alike, and no two Cimarron solutions are alike. One of CimTech's biggest challenges is bridging the gap between analog and digital technologies. Steve explains that "there are a lot of dividing lines between county and state radio systems. We help agencies bridge those gaps." And it looks like Cimarron Technologies will continue to bridge those gaps for years to come.

Kenwood TK-690-790-890 ANI install

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:45 GMT

We have a new format for installtion instructions!

Check out the revised Application Note for the very popular Kenwood mobile. Installation instructions can be found HERE. The installtion makes use of two connectors on the mobiles Main Board. The CIM-1200 is wired to the two matching connectors. Wire the connectors and plug it in!

We will start adding Application Notes moving forward in eacg product page. For example, you will find the Application Note for the CIM-1200 into the TK-790 on the CIM-1200 product page.

We have many more application in our archive. Contact tech support and we can check on the application you need!

Do you use Voice Inversion

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 21:58 GMT

Do you use Voice Inversion scrambling or encryption?

Many radio manufacturers are
now including Fixed Inversion scrambling in their radios…

Please consider these posts ~

From internet hobby groups:

“Voice inversion is not exactly secure. = < website where inversion ‘kits’ can be bought for $40.00 >. Voice Inversion Descramblers are everywhere and Voice Inversion is not the best. Why manufacturers’ thinks it is so great is beyond me.”
“For those interested in Voice inversion descramble. I can currently pick up Smithsfall police. A voice inversion descramble program can be downloaded from . Once I find the other tone carrier frequencies for Prockville, Berth and Yananoque I will have them. U can message me about them…”
“Does anyone know of any good software to decode voice inversion? “ (Answers posted below)
http://www.wpa...htm
http://www.scan...html
“Also if you have the cash there are two scanners on ebay right now that already have the software built in for descrambling inversion.. one of which is an export only not for US model but on ebay.. everything goes eh?”

Still want to use your fixed inversion system?

An inexpensive ‘step up’ can greatly increase your security.

A slightly higher step can truly secure your communications.

HOP PTT randomly changes the inversion frequency with every PTT. To quote one of the posters above, “Once I find the other tone carrier frequencies…”, all security is lost. Changing the inversion frequency with every PTT negates this type of eavesdropping.

The QS-4200 and VQS-420 are both HOP PTT inversion scramblers.

*Both also include fixed inversion scrambling as well. This is KEY to slowly migrating all users to HOP PTT by allowing the integration of the QS or VQS boards until everyone is switched over. Then a simple re-programming can make the change from fixed inversion to a more secure HOP PTT encryption system.

Fast Frequency Hopping constantly changes the rate and distance of the frequency jumps. Programming allows you to adjust the rate and distance boundaries to tailor the complexity to your system. The actual specific algorithm is protected by a key (with over 18 Quintillion possible combinations…)

The QS-5000 and the VQS-500 deliver the highest level of encryption for your analog voice channels.

Again, these boards include Fixed Inversion and HOP PTT to allow for migration to a more secure communications system.

Please give it serious consideration. Want to download this in PDF format? Click HERE!

As always, I encourage you to leave comments, questions or suggestions. Thanks for your time !

If you're going to IWCE in Las Vegas, come see us at booth 4084 !

Convert P25 IDs to MDC-1200 IDs

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:34 GMT

Use the C25 decoder to convert your incoming P25 ID's to MDC-1200 ID's your system already recognizes !

Changing out the entire console not in the budget? Make the change to P25 gradually with the C25 decoder. The C25 decoder can be ordered with the translate option. With this option, the C25 takes in P25 data and puts out an MDC-1200 data burst that your system already recognizes! Transition at a pace you can afford!

Check it out HERE!

If you're going to IWCE in Las Vegas, come see us at booth 4084 !

New Product Catalog Now Available

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:56 GMT

Our new product catalog is out and available for download and hard copy!

Low and High Res PDF versions are available for download. The Low Res versions are about 2.5MB while the High Res versions are about 15MB. You can also request catalogs directly at sales@cimtechcorp.com.

Drop me a note, let me know what you think.

Look for us at IWCE 2011 Booth 4084 !

Rich Galvan

C25 - The Translator

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:05 GMT

C25 I with Translate Option: P25 to MDC-1200. Simple

ANI and Encryption Newsbrief Vol 7

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:24 GMT

Cimarron Technologies Voice Encryption

Cimarron Technologies has several options to secure your voice channels even on a tight budget!

Consider these facts:

Radio traffic in the clear encourages security leaks
Trunked radio systems are NOT secure!
The iPhone App to listen to LIVE public safety is FREE
Most off the shelf scanners (portables and mobiles) now scan and track; EDACS, MOTOROLA, E.F. JOHNSON, LTR, etc.
You can buy simple inversion descramblers online for $40.00 that hook "right to your scanner's output".

Your voice channel solutions!

Available encryption boards from Cimarron Technologies!

VQS-400 / QS-4000:

Programmable inversion scrambling per channel
Can easily be programmed by you to match Kenwood, Icom, etc... (Any frequency between 2.1 kHz through 4.1 kHz)
Low cost
Use primarily when you Must interface to existing systems
Should be used as a stepping stone to higher security encryption.

VQS-420 / QS-4200: (Schools, Business, Taxi/Tow, City Agencies)

Enhanced Inversion scrambling, HOP PTT
HOP PTT changes the inversion frequency with every PTT
Includes Simple Inversion (helps to transition customers from Simple Inversion to a higher level HOP PTT)
Includes MDC-1200 Encode and Decode (radio enable/disable/mic monitor/caller ID, Call Alert, etc...)

VQS-500 / VQS-5000 (Public Safety, School / University / Casino Security)

Includes all the features of the previous boards.
Fast Frequency Hopping changes the inversion frequency anywhere from 1 to 100 times per second!
"Software Defined Encryption" means you scale the complexity (easier than it sounds) to fit your system.
You set limits for dwell and how far to jump. The specific algorithm is encrypted by a special key (Over 18 Quintillion possible keys)

QS boards are universal wire-in boards designed to operate in almost any portable or mobile.

VQS boards are Vertex Standard direct plug-ins. Fully integrated and recognized by the radio's software and firmware (even the new VX-450, VX-4500 and VX-4600 models!).