What's New? 2007/2008

Established: 1957

December 2008: Mid-State Technician earns Master certification

Dave Petrie, Communication Networks & Systems Technician has completed the rigorous Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA) process for his ETA Master Technician certification.

A technician with six or more years combined work and electronics training may be eligible for the ETA Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) certification.

The Master certification was created to showcase those technicians who are able to demonstrate proficiency in the many fields of electronics.

In addition to the Associate level certification, one must successfully obtain six other certifications, with no more than two originating from the same specialized category , in order to qualify. Passing score on ALL ETA exams is 75% or higher.

A successful ETA Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) will receive an engraved wall plaque and wallet card, valid for life. The Master level certification is designed for, but not limited to, professional electronics service technicians, technician-managers, consultants and electronics educators.

This is the highest level of ETA certification available.

December 2008: Onondaga County adds three towers

Mid-State Communications is providing and installing 3 new towers which are part of Onondaga County's new communications system.

This photo is of the Elbridge tower site under construction, reaching its final height of 180 feet.

Forty feet from the top, two Tower Technicians can be seen working on the construction.

November 2008: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Is improving campus safety with the addition of a Whelen Outdoor Warning System from Mid-State Communications. The system supplements the existing text messaging system. It consists of 3 Whelen WPS2905 and 1 WPS2910 Tone and Voice Electronic Sirens. This system can provide voice announcements and tone warnings and is a two way system providing remote diagnostic feedback and silent testing.

The advantage of a voice Whelen Outdoor Warning System is, clear instructions can be immediately propagated to people outside without the long delay associated with dialing systems or email text messaging systems.

When the need is for immediate communication to a large number of people outside, no other technology is better than a Whelen Outdoor Warning System.

October 2008: Bergey Wind Generator at Black Mountain

In October Mid-State provided and installed a Bergey Wind Generator for a New York State Agency on a remote mountain top in the Adirondacks. There is no vehicle access to this mountain top.

Mid-State utilized the services of two helicopters, one for heavy lift and another for personnel and light lift. Mid-State finished this project under budget and ahead of schedule.

This Bergey wind power generator will charge the batteries providing power to the agencies two way radio communications system as there is no commercial power at the site.

July 2008: Mid-State Communications is appointed a Premier Service Partner by Motorola

Mid-State Communications has been an authorized Motorola Service Station (MSS) since 1957.

In 2008 Motorola replaced the MSS designation with a 3 tiered service provider designation.

Mid-State Communications is one of only 3 former Motorola Service Stations in New York State that have completed the very rigorous qualification process to achieve the highest tier designation

Motorola Premier Service Partner (PSP) is the highest level of service relationship. It represents the greatest level of Motorola/Servicer agreement and interdependence. Motorola Servicers who attain this level have demonstrated consistent capabilities in performance, personnel and commitment to Motorola products and services.

June 2008: MotoDriven at Mid-State on June 6th.

Motorola's Technology Exhibit on wheels will be here all day on June 6th. Stop by and see the latest from Motorola.

May 2008: Mid-State technicians obtain certification

Chuck Roberts, Dave Zimmerman, Jim Filippazzo and Dave Petrie earned their Certified Electronics Technician ETA CET-a certification. Dave Petrie has additionally earned his Senior Certified Electronics Technician CET-sr certification.

May 2008: Tompkins County installs a Motorola Astro 25 System

Tompkins county has installed a 10 site, simulcast & voted, 800Mhz state of the art Motorola Astro 25 7.x System. The system is currently undergoing testing and optimization. When complete the system will provide improved coverage and interoperability over Tompkins's older system.


Dave Petrie, left and Larry Price, right make adjustments to the system.

Can you find Larry in the picture?

March 2008: Cornell University boosts safety with a Whelen Campus Mass Notification System

Mid-State Communications is currently providing and installing a custom designed, Whelen Campus Alerting System for this Ivy League university. The Whelen system will be comprised of 4 strategically located Tone and Voice units.

February 2008: Ithaca College warns with Whelen

Ithaca College will be using a Mid-State Communications supplied system for notifying students and staff of emergency conditions. Two sites using the Whelen WPS2900 Series will provide the college campus with tone and voice warning which will help keep people informed in both the north campus which includes the majority of the academic buildings and sports fields as well as the south campus including playing fields and the newer residence housing area.

July 2007: 3rd Annual Safety Day

On July 5, 2007, Mid-State Communications held its third annual Safety Day. All non-emergency operations were shut down and the work day was dedicated to safety seminars, discussions and equipment inspections. This day is in addition to weekly safety meetings, tailgate safety meetings and pre climb safety meetings. Click here for more detail.

June 2007: Mid-State becomes a Certified Service Center

Certified Service Centers carry the mark of excellence. They have proven that they have what it takes to be listed among the very best service centers. They enjoy preferred status among manufacturers and customers alike.

John Corney has received his Certified Service Manager certification.

May 2007: Skidmore College boosts safety with Mass Notification System

Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs NY, has purchased a Whelen WPS2903 Mass Notification system from Mid-State Communications & Electronics. This multi hazard alerting system is being purchased to alert college faculty, staff and students of emergencies and other situations on and around the campus that require immediate notification and action.

April 2007: Anritsu Site Master Training

Gene Bevers, Quality Assurance Manager for Mid-State Communications received training and passed his written and hands on lab exam for the Anritsu Site Master and is now a certified sweeper. Congratulations to Gene.

March 2007: New York Mills picks Omni Alert Siren

NY Mills FD is replacing their old air horn system with a new Whelen Omni Alert 04 Electronic Siren from Mid-State Communications.

Note: This siren is very unobtrusive and almost unnoticeable from the ground.

February 2007: Mid-State Personnel receive advanced Motorola training

Larry Price & Mike Long successfully completed a rigorous 1 week training course at Motorola's training center in Schaumburg, Illinois on February 2nd. The course is titled Advanced Networking Essentials in Motorola Communications Equipment. Congratulations to Mike & Larry.

January 2007: East Syracuse Fire Department picks Mid-State & Whelen

East Syracuse FD has chosen Mid-State Communications and Whelen to provide a Omni Alert 1 Siren for their new firehouse.

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2006.

Updated: March 13, 2009