By Murray Weiss
December 9, 2002

November 27, 2002 — A fire captain toiling in an FDNY lab crafted a powerful new radio from $1,000 worth of parts that might help overcome widespread communication woes that contributed to firefighter deaths in the September 11 attacks.

The experimental radio, which broadcasts a signal 10 times stronger than hand-held devices, successfully carried messages through dozens of floors of high-rise buildings in several recent experimental tests, officials said.

Capt. Michael Stein, 45, a 24-year veteran in charge of the FDNY research-and-development unit for the last three years, created the radio last spring and honed its capabilities during dozens of field tests and elaborate drills. The radio, which looks like a black lunch pail, could provide a low-budget solution. Commanders citywide could be equipped with the units at a total cost of about $50,000, the FDNY said.