IWCE doubles as product showcase
IWCE has always been a popular forum for companies to launch new products and services. This year’s show proved to be no exception.
What follows represents a samplings of the new products unveiled in Las Vegas.
JPS Communications
JPS Communications introduced a pair of new products at this year’s show.
The first was a gateway extension to its ACU-1000 interoperability unit that extends interconnectivity to areas where radio communication has typically been inaccessible.
Designated the PortaLink system, this transportable, self-contained unit operates on battery power and gives operators the ability to attain clear radio communication and real-time video in compromising environments with a set-up time under five minutes.
The lightweight PortaLink system includes two rugged Pelican cases containing a secure Ethernet hub for high-speed data transmission and a 2.4 Ghz spread spectrum YAGI antenna on each end to facilitate wireless communication up to five miles away.
Typically, one case is set-up in the remote location where communication is desired.
The second unit is stationed at a command center where the ACU-1000 is located, bridging the remote location into the entire ACU-1000 Interoperability System.
For applications where video is necessary, a case containing a video unit featuring an NTSC Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera can be incorporated into the system.
The PortaLink comes standard with radio communication capabilities; other options such as an auxiliary power supply, remote audio terminal, camera case, video monitoring and recording device, ultra-rugged laptop and touch-screen monitor are available at additional cost.
All additional components are contained in color-coded cases for easy identification and feature a smart battery charger.
JPS Communications also announced the development of a lightweight DC-operated interoperability solution for tactical applications using the proven technology offered in the original ACU-1000 system.
Designated the ACU-T (Tactical), this 8-pound portable unit sets up in minutes, features quick-lock tool-less connectors for each of its six interconnect modules and provides an LED display of current connections on each of these nets for simplified communication management in the field.
Much like the ACU-1000 interoperability systems, the ACU-T can be customized to include any combination of radio and phone modules and is fully compatible with the JPS ETS-1 network interface for remote operation.
The ACU-T is fully compatible with ACU-1000 software.
It also provides drip-proof controls to ensure reliable operation in challenging environments, and features two DC inputs, allowing operators to quickly change batteries without a loss in power.
Applications for the ACU-T range from everyday emergency response to more tactical applications such as chemical spills, storm power outages or any incident where a fast, rugged interoperability solution is needed.
The ACU-T also provides smaller organizations with a means to affordably achieve interoperability without the complexity of a larger system.
Optional equipment can be used with the ACU-T including the ETS-1, NXU-2, STU-III adapter, PortaLink and all types of radios.
Anritsu
Anritsu Co. introduced the Cell Master at IWCE, a handheld field test for maintenance, troubleshooting and optimization of 2.5G and 3 G base stations and networks.
The instrument combines the functionality of a cable and antenna analyzer, spectrum analyzer power meter and T1/E1 analyzer in an instrument that weighs less than five pounds. Cell master allows users to perform a wide array of verification tests and signal analyses.
Cell master is designed to conduct diagnostics and verification of base station RF cable feed-line and antenna systems over the air signal identification, interference analysis, power measurement, voice and data traffic error and fault location of T1 and E1 circuits. Most functions are available with the press of a button.
The interface can be displayed in any of six languages.
Kenwood
Kenwood Communications introduced the TK-7150/8150 LTR and conventional mobiles. These new 50-Series mobiles are compatible with FleetSync, a text messaging technology developed by Kenwood that the company says is for cost-effective fleet management.
The TK-7150/8150 also offers a single head remote option for space saving installation. These 50-Series mobiles operate on conventional systems with dual priority scan or LTR trunking systems or a combination of both types of systems.
The TK-7150/8150 has a data compatible input port for integration with mobile data equipment, capable of data speeds of 4800 to 9600 bps.
The VHF model offers 50-watt operation, while the UHF is rated at 45 watts. In conventional mode, the 50-Series offers 128-channel operation and in LTR mode, a maximum range of 32 zones X 250 talk groups.
The radios have a high-resolution 12 character alphanumeric display and also include six Programmable Function keys, each programmable for one of 24 functions.
MDS
Microwave Data Systems unveiled at IWCE its latest series of radios that will support customers in the 700 MHz guard band.
The new MDS LEDR 700S is a full duplex, point-to-point, digital radio operating in the 746-794 MHz frequency range. The MDS LEDR 700S provides maximum data throughput and is scalable from 64 kbps to 384 kbps. It supports point-to-point transmission applications, public safety, long-haul telecommunications links, cellular backhaul and SCADA communications.
The MDS LEDR 700S is one of the few radios available today that operates in the 700 MHz guard band spectrum. The 700 MHz guard band is open for use in both fixed and mobile services. It consists of six megahertz of paired spectrum allocated to protect public safety operations from harmful interference coming from immediately adjacent bands.
In response to the increasing demand for spectrum and to promote efficient use of this spectrum, frequencies on this guard band are available through licensees called Guard Band Managers. Guard Band Managers, such as Maryland-based Access Spectrum, must adhere to specific technical and operational measures designed to minimize interference to the public safety licensees.
The radios have yet to be approved by the Federal Communications Commission. They cannot be sold or leased until the FCC approves.
MSV
Mobile Satellite Ventures announced at IWCE that the two and three axis SpaceCom antennas have been approved for use with mobile terminals on MSV Satellite Network.
The SpaceCom tracking system is based on a patented technology that the company said ensures rapid and accurate tracking. The unit is self-contained, and needs no outside input form outside sources to acquire and track satellites.
SpaceCom, based in Denmark, designs, develops and manufactures satellite tracking antenna systems for use on mobile platforms.
Sinclair
Sinclair Technologies Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of fixed and mobile antennas, announced the release of its SC481 omni antenna. Designed specifically to provide enhanced coverage for cities, towns and highways, Sinclair says the SC481 delivers a gain of 10.5 dBd, a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of 1.3:1, and passive intermodulation (PIM) operation of -110 dBm.
Sinclair’s family of SC481 antennas also incorporate a parallel feed design to deliver improved pattern control and a higher null fill of -20 dB, the company says. Made with rugged components, SC481 antennas are designed for simple installation and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. The antennas are enclosed in fiberglass radomes to minimize tip deflection and coverage variations in severe wind conditions, the company says. Heavy-duty fiberglass radomes are also available for deployment in extreme weather conditions.
Radiall/Larsen
Radiall/Larsen Antenna Technologies, a developer of small antenna products for wireless communications, introduced four new antennas for wireless local area network (WLAN) at the international Wireless Communications Exposition (IWCE).
The first new product, a radome omni antenna, is a high-gain, omni-directional antenna for subscriber unit applications, the company says. It delivers a gain of 10 dBi with a small footprint of 14.1 inch length × 0.9 inch diameter. The antenna is available in three frequency ranges: 2.4 GHz, 5.2 GHz, and 5.8 GHz.
The second new antenna is an omni-ceiling mount antenna designed for wireless local area network (WLAN) indoor coverage applications. Radial/Larsen says its patented Rad-Slim design provides low profile with a gain of 2 dBi.
The third new product is a wall-mounted, directional patch antenna designed to improve indoor communications that experience poor reception. It delivers a gain of 7.5 dBi with a footprint of 4.7 inch × 3.5 inch width.
The fourth new product is a family of planar array antennas for point-to-point applications. The antennas use a Radiall/Larsen proprietary silk-screen patented process to obtain accurate performance and long life, the company says.