PRODUCT BRIEFS
General Dynamics introduces public-safety software
General Dynamics announced the availability of its AutoTest software for public-safety radios. The software, which is designed to test Motorola’s XTS5000, XTS3000 and Astro Saber radios, reduces overall test and alignment time from an average of 45 minutes to “as little as 10 minutes,” according to General Dynamics. The Windows-based program allows technicians to test frequency, power, modulation, distortion, squelch and SINAD, as well as any required realignment. The test data can be stored on a hard drive to maintain records.
P2T capability comes to bicycle officers
PVP Communications announced the introduction of the Cycle-One wireless kit for patrol bicycles. The kit includes a handlebar-mounted push-to-talk switch and a portable radio speaker/microphone that connects to the officer’s portable radio as a conventional shoulder microphone would. The Cycle-One requires no external power source, has a range of 10 meters, and enables an officer to keep both hands on the handlebar while maintaining a connection to the dispatcher, according to the company.
Peltor introduces discrete communications earpiece
Peltor Communications has unveiled the EarCom, a two-way bone conduction communications earpiece that is designed for use with Motorola, Kenwood and Icom radios. The EarCom lets users transmit and receive messages and is designed for use by law enforcement, security and casino personnel, as well as others who find themselves in situations where discrete or covert communications are required.
MRT’s Kinley authors book on RF devices
Noble Publishing has published “The Radioman’s Manual of RF Devices,” authored by Harold Kinley, who writes Mobile Radio Technology’s popular “Technically Speaking” feature each month. The book (ISBN 1-884932-45-2) provides an understanding of radio-frequency communications principles and offers detailed explanations on how to use a variety of RF devices and related accessories. The book covers 315 pages and is available for $94. Visit www.noblepub.com for more information or to order.
Motorola introduces digital video for public safety
Motorola has announced a mobile digital video solution targeted to the public-safety sector that is designed to address the growing need for in-vehicle video recording. The system consists of a mobile digital video recorder (MDVR) that would be mounted in a patrol car and a digital video management solution (DVMS) that would be located at the police department. The MDVR captures full-motion, DVD-quality video using the MPEG-2 format, while the DVMS automatically uploads, archives and organizes all captured video, and allows video clips and still images to be retrieved “within seconds,” according to Motorola.
Lumera, MAXRAD launch WLAN antennas
Lumera Corp. announced the introduction of a line of indoor/outdoor directional mini-panel antennas for use with 802.11a and 802.11b/g wireless networks. The antennas combine high gain with a directional beam and virtually no backscatter, the company said. Also, the small form factor allows them to be integrated into a laptop computer or other consumer electronic devices.
In addition, MAXRAD introduced the Michelangelo Model UFOD24003PT for in-building Wi-Fi and wireless LAN applications operating at 802.11b and 802.11g frequencies. Its design, which combines two “ultra flat” omnidirectional antennas installed with a dual-stud, above-ceiling mount, allows the user to keep the antenna “out of sight,” according to MAXRAD. Featuring 3 dBi of gain and isolation between the antennas greater than 25 dB, the model provides “outstanding” coverage and reduces RF interference for applications operating between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz, the company said.
