PRODUCTS
Eventide rolls out digital logger
Eventide has introduced the VR778, the company’s fourth-generation digital logger, the first Linux-based digital voice logging and archiving system. The introduction of the VR778 provides public safety communications professionals with a full-featured logging and archiving system that is purpose-built for mission-critical applications with fault tolerant features such as dual hot swap power supplies, fan assemblies and dual redundant hard disks.
The VR778 features variable recording compression rates of 13.3, 16, 32 and 64 Kbs, giving users complete control over recording time and quality. Storage capabilities include a standard mirrored RAID 1 system with dual 120 GB hard disks (380 GB RAID 5 optional), which can record 19,800 channel hours at 13.3 Kbs.
Also standard is a DVD-RAM (dual DVD-RAM optional) offering 1,540 recording hours per DVD.
Optional archive drives are 4 mm DDS-3, DDS-4 or a 120 GB removable hard drive.
A front panel Graphical User Interface (GUI) offers complete control of all functions on the VR778, creating a fully functional stand-alone unit.
Front panel features include an easy-to-read, bright 320 x 240 color TFT LCD screen, soft and hard keys, the easy-to-scroll Eventide navigation wheel, keypad, playback speaker, volume control, LED indicators, and line-out and headphone jacks.
The VR778 also can function as a network server, allowing up to 16 separate users to simultaneously access the system via any standard Windows XP or 2000 networked PC workstations, using Eventide’s Call Record Browser software. The Call Record Browser supports live monitoring or playback with talking/time/date of up to eight simultaneous channels.
Motorola debuts CLS radio series
Motorola Inc. announced its newest line of business two-way radios: the CLS Series.
The Motorola CLS Series radios have been designed to answer the growing demand of retail and restaurant users who are looking for a lightweight and affordable wireless communication solution to help maintain business efficiency and competitive edge. With an easily accessible Push-To-Talk (PTT) button on the front of the radio combined with the headset accessory, users can have instant access to co-workers and easily manage requests and tasks with hands-free convenience (hands-free available on 1410 model with optional accessory).
Designed for non-stop environments like restaurants and retail outlets, the CLS two-way radios are durable and lightweight. Weighing just under five ounces, the radios can be worn or held for long periods of time without burdening the user, allowing them to keep up with constantly changing surroundings and customer demands. The rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries provide the CLS with up to 12 hours of battery life, outlasting a typical eight-hour work shift. Simple and easy to use, CLS Series radios are ideal for high employee turnover industries.
Incorporating features designed specifically for everyday work conditions, the CLS Series is ideal for business use. Operating on 56 business exclusive frequencies and featuring 121 codes, the CLS will help ensure a clear signal is readily available (FCC license required). Drop-in charging (charger included standard with each radio) and the optional CCS (Cloning, Charging, Storage) Station help keep CLS radios centrally located and charged. The keypad lock feature helps prevent accidental changes to settings — limiting unnecessary downtime. In addition, dual pin accessory connections help bolster product durability and longevity.
The radios are equipped with three selectable call tones and the VibraCall Alert feature (available on the 1410 model) that silently notifies the user of incoming transmissions with a vibration.
The CLS radios are also available in single or multi-channel models allowing users to communicate one-on-one or with separate work groups.
CLS Series radios are available in one-watt models, providing a range up to five miles, 200,000 square feet or up to 15 floors (range varies based on terrain and conditions).
With a one-year U.S. limited replacement warranty, the Motorola CLS Business Two-Way Radio has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $169 with no monthly service charges, airtime fees or connection costs (FCC license required).
Cisco WLAN feeder cables available
Times Microwave Systems has announced the availability of a wide range of antenna cable assemblies for Cisco/Aironet WLAN bridges and access points. Times has optimized the reverse polarity TNC connectors used on these assemblies to provide very low VSWR in both the 2.4 (802.11b) and 5.8 GHz (802.11a) band for the highest data rates.
These assemblies are available in the standard LMR construction for outdoor application as well as other cable constructions for other installation environments. The DB version is recommended for installations where the cable will be exposed to severe environmental conditions.
The assemblies are also available in LMR-FR, a “Riser” rated LMR cable for vertical runs installed in-building. LMR FR cables are UL/CSA CMR/MPR (PCC-FT4) listed. There is an LMR FR-W version. This “off-white” outdoor weather grade PVC jacket is designed for outdoor or indoor antenna feeder cable runs and is designed to blend in with light-colored building exteriors and most office color schemes.
The assemblies also are available in LMR LLPL (plenum rated), for installation anywhere within a building, including air handling spaces above false ceilings.
The cable assemblies supplied by Times Microwave Systems are 100 percent tested for VSWR and Insertion Loss. Max. VSWR of 1.25:1 in the 2.4 GHz band and 1.35:1 in the 5.8 GHz band. The assemblies are available in LMR-200,400 and 600.
Wi-Fi diagnostic tool introduced
PCTEL Inc. has introduced a handheld device for measuring propagation, monitoring traffic and detecting unwanted interference and intruders in Wi-Fi (802.11) networks.
The product, the Segue WiFinder, will be distributed and supported through Dynamic Telecommunications (DTI), a PCTEL company devoted to wireless test, measurement and network performance.
The Segue WiFinder leverages PCTEL’s Wi-Fi technology and DTI’s leadership in the wireless measurement industry.
The Segue WiFinder is hosted on a Pocket PC platform. The handheld test tool identifies regions and types of interference, unwanted subscribers and access points, measures network and radio parameters, and, with an appropriate post-processing tool, summarizes actions that will minimize performance disruptions.
DTI will sell the complete unit (Pocket PC, Wi-Fi Access Card, and the Segue WiFinder software) for $2,480.
Link offers tactical bridge
At a time when homeland security is a priority, Link Communications Inc.’s new TCB-I is an affordable solution for rapid field deployment where set-up times can be the difference between life and death.
The setup of the TCB-I is simplified even more by the built in “Radio Setup Database.” The user selects via dial the radio used and the TCB-I handles all of the adjustment settings automatically.
Zetron adds MDC-1200 features
Zetron Inc. announces the release of IntegratorRD 3.0, which brings a full feature set of MDC-1200 capabilities to its IWS (Integrated Work Station) dispatch solution. MDC-1200 is designed to help ensure the safety of radio users in potentially hostile environments such as correctional officers in prisons, or solitary employees working out in the field or in remote areas of a facility.
IntegratorRD 3.0 supports the full feature set of MDC-1200 capabilities, including:
PTT ID and Emergency Alert — certain MDC-1200 capable radios feature an emergency button. Pressing this button causes an alarm to appear on the radio console. At the same time, the alert signal is given priority over any other signal.
Call Alert and Selective Call Decode provides an efficient way to initiate a page or a voice message to an individual or group.
Radio check allows the system to silently test whether each individual radio unit is powered up and within range.
Radio disable allows the console operator to selectively disable a radio unit should it be stolen or lost.
Radio enable allows the console operator to turn disabled radios back on.
Radio monitor allows the console operator to selectively enable/disable a field radio’s PTT function, so the operator can monitor the audio without the user being aware.
Multi-format paging/dialing encoder
Midian Electronics’ new paging and dialing encoder, the PDE-1, offers paging in multiple formats in the same system. The PDE-1 is capable of DTMF, POCSAG at 512, 1200, & 2400 baud, Two-Tone for Motorola’s Quick Call 2, GE Type 99, Reach, Plectron, and Avcall 2+2, and Five-Tone for EIA, Eurosignal, ZVEI, DZVEI, DDZVEI, CCIR, EEA, NATEL, and MODAT.
Features include a 10 number speed dial, an alias database, and an optional gooseneck microphone.
Applications for the PDE-1 include using the unit as a test instrument or for on-site paging for hospitals, school campuses, factories, and industrial plants.
SCADALink
The SCADALink 900MB is a cost effective solution for remote monitoring and control applications. This is achieved by combining control and license free communications (frequency hopping spread spectrum radiomodem) fucntionality in one compact package. With integral Modbus compatible I/O (4 inputs and 4 outputs), no further equipment is required for many remote applications. Field systems costing one-half the cost of traditional systems can be achieved using the SCADALink 900MB for these applications. With RS232 and RS485 ports, the SCADALink 900MB can be easily used for remote communications to PLCs, RTUs, flowcomputers, and other intelligent control equipment. The SCADALink 900MB has a range of up to 20 miles.
The SCADALink 900MB can be used in a range of industries including oil and gas, water systems, mining and manufacturing.
Applications including remote monitoring and control of pump stations, pipelines, production equipment, water levels, and environmental conditions.
Linear unveils LTC1743
Linear Technology Corp. introduces the LTC1743, a 50Msps,12-bit Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) designed to digitize high frequency, wide dynamic range signals.
Communications and high-definition imaging applications needing wide dynamic range will benefit from the ADC’s 72.5dB signal to noise ratio (SNR). When undersampling 70MHz input signals, the LTC1743 delivers 69.5dB SNR and 73dB spurious free dynamic range (SFDR), enabling direct IF communications applications.
The LTC1743 offers the flexibility to configure the input and the output specifically for the application. With a ±1V span, the LTC1743 delivers 71dB SNR and 90dB SFDR. With a ±1.6V span, it delivers 72.5dB SNR and 85dB SFDR. A separate digital output supply pin allows easy connection to low voltage DSPs and FIFOs and the digital output includes an input overflow indication bit.
The LTC1743 is available in the 48-pin TSSOP package for both the commercial and the industrial temperature ranges. Pricing begins at $9.30 each in 1,000-piece quantities.
Summary of Features: LTC1743
12-Bits No Missing Codes: ±0.2LSB DNL, ±0.4LSB INL
Sample Rate: 50Msps
72.5dB SNR and 85dB SFDR @ 5MHz
Single 5V Supply
Selectable Input Ranges: ±1V or ±1.6V
Power Dissipation: 1000mW
48-Pin TSSOP Package