Handset vendors marry form, function

NexGen City handset mixes VoIP, P2T

NexGen City has developed a voice-over-IP radio handset with push-to-talk (P2T) and personal digital assistant features that can be used with the company’s NexLink wireless broadband mobile mesh networks. Testing of the NexPaq personal communicator for first responders is underway, with the product planned for availability in the fourth quarter, according to the company. The NexPaq communicator is the industry’s first handset designed to deliver VoIP traffic with P2T over a mesh network, the company said. Powered by an Intel 400 MHz microprocessor, the NexPaq communicator uses the Linux operating system and includes a backlit display, keypad, cursor controls, and programmable multi-function keys. The radio has an emergency call button, a channel selection switch and volume control.

Motorola to incorporate Padcom roaming solution

Motorola has announced it would use Padcom’s TotalRoam solution to integrate Motorola’s advanced private voice and data networks with public wide area and local area wireless networks. Using the TotalRoam solution, a vehicle equipped with a mobile computer or a worker using a laptop is able to maintain wireless data communications across different networks with minimal user intervention, Motorola said. For example, a police car that uses Motorola’s private data system as its primary network may drive within range of the department’s Wi-Fi infrastructure; using TotalRoam, data communication will automatically and securely switch to the higher-speed network, allowing the officer to take advantage of the increased bandwidth to enable advanced applications and to support faster updates to local data in the vehicle. When the vehicle leaves Wi-Fi coverage, network service will automatically return to the primary Motorola network. The solution also enables switching between a Motorola private data network and a public wide area wireless network, Motorola said.

Wireless LAN planner for small enterprises

Wireless Valley Communications has introduced the LANPlanner SE, a software solution designed to simplify the planning and maintenance of wireless LANs for small and medium-sized enterprises. The solution provides the ability to build site-specific models for an unlimited number of facilities, scales to support WLAN configurations up to 25 access points and offers real-time prediction models that enable users to “instantly visualize network performance at any location,” the company said.

Motorola’s TETRA portable radio incorporates language support

Motorola has introduced the MTP750, a TETRA-based portable radio that integrates voice, data and encryption functions with multiple language support in English and Chinese, the company said. The MTP750 also offers improved ergonomics, more “intuitive” usage and faster response times, the company said. The MTP750’s four-way “game-like” navigation pad enables instant access to the radio’s menu and faster scrolling, as well as a compact talk-group knob that prevents accidental re-adjustment, enabling the user to stay in the selected talk group, according to Motorola. In addition, the MTP750 offers an enlarged emergency button that is designed and located so it can be triggered in “no-look” situations, Motorola said.

Icom debuts small mobile radios

Icom America has announced the IC-F33G series of handheld radios that are smaller and more powerful than other products in its niche, the company said. Features include the ability to tune splinter frequencies (2.5/3.125 kHz pitch), 256 channels, wide bandwidth (70 mg), 10 channels on two-tone, BIIS compatibility, a 14-segment, 8-character display on the LCD screen and a body that is 17% smaller and 27% lighter than the Icom F3G handheld. In addition, Icom unveiled the IC-F7000, a land mobile transceiver that can be used either as a mobile radio or base station. It has the ability to store 400 channels, 100 ALE channels, 100 telephone numbers, 100 selcall IDs and 120 ALE IDs. It also features a GPS input and an external 32 MHz reference input for accurate tuning.

Vertex Standard offers VHF/UHF portable radios

Vertex Standard has unveiled the VX-410 and VX-420 VHF/UHF portable radios. The units both offer up to 5 W RF output (selectable by channel), 32-channel capability, and scanning features including dual-watch, priority, group and follow-me. Each unit also offers built-in voice encryption, a compact, lightweight and rugged housing, 500 mW audio output and numerous over-the-air functions — such as stun/kill/revive — designed for public-safety applications.

TPL unveils RF power amplifier

TPL Communications has introduced the Smart RXR, the latest addition to its RXR Series of continuous duty RF power amplifiers. The Smart RXR adds the following features: controlled output levels, amplifier protection, local failure monitoring and outputs for remote monitoring. The unit will accept any of TPL’s standard amplifiers from VHF low band through 960 MHz, with output levels of up to 125 W. Smart RXR fits into a 7-inch vertical rack space and is designed for installation into a cabinet leaving sufficient room for airflow with the door closed, the company said. It has a circuit breaker/on-off switch and five LED indicators located on the front panel, as well as a self-contained switching power supply.

Astron Wireless adds low profile, dual-band omnidirectional antenna

Astron Wireless Technologies has added a low-profile, dual-band omnidirectional antenna to its LP series. The antenna provides coverage at PCS 1850-1990 MHz and 824-896 or 890-960 MHz. The antenna measures 4.5 inches in diameter at the base and 1-inch high to “virtually eliminate” any chance of antenna breakage often associated with installations on high profile vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks, the company said. The unit is weather resistant, built with a “rugged” UV-stabilized radome, and is backed by a manufacturers’ two year warranty, the company said.

Matrics introduces next-gen RFID reader

The Matrics AR 400 radio frequency ID reader is the second generation of the company’s RFID readers. In addition to providing typical RFID functionality, the AR 400 enables users to manage and service the readers through an internal network or remotely, including via the Web. This capability reduces time and maintenance costs associated with managing RFID systems, Matrics said. The AR 400 readers also provide real-time reporting of events and status using signaling network management protocol, the company said.

Phoenix Contact debuts ‘explosion proof’ wireless I/O system

Phoenix Contact has introduced the XANT explosion proof system that enables the safe installation of wireless I/O systems in Division 1 areas. The system features a cast aluminum enclosure designed to house a transmitter and antenna and which is impact resistant to UL requirements. It also includes an integral wire-sealing chamber, eliminating the need for a field-installed poured sealing fitting, the company said. A second model, the N4ANT is also available for any industrial or general-purpose areas rated NEMA 4X. Both models reduce installation labor costs and eliminate the need for conduit and wires in hazardous or other industrial locations, the company said.