Gear

SPREAD SPECTRUM MODULE

RF Monolithics, a developer of machine-to-machine wireless communications, released the DNT900 — a long-range, frequency-hopping spread spectrum module for original equipment manufacturers. The product operates in the 900 MHz ISM band suitable for wireless sensor networks, among other applications. It costs $69 per unit.
www.rfm.com

TACTICAL ROBOT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

The Talon Responder robot from Foster-Miller offers capabilities comparable to the company's military version but at a price point designed for law enforcement and fire and rescue agencies. Among its features are three infrared, illuminated color cameras, including a zoom camera with a pan/tilt mast. A laptop controller with gamepad controls allows operation of the robot from a safe distance — ranging from 500 to 1200 meters (1600 to 4000 feet) — depending on the radio option selected.
www.foster-miller.com

MOBILE RADIO FOR ENTERPRISES

Kenwood USA unveiled the TK-7102H/8202H, a Mil-Spec mobile radio that offers eight channels and two groups for conventional operation. In addition, the VHF/UHF 45 to 50 W mobiles accommodate multiple signaling protocols, including Kenwood's FleetSync application, and are designed for enterprise users in challenging environments, including transportation and utility fleets. Additional features include enhanced audio, backlit keys, emergency call features and eight programmable I/O ports. The standard package includes microphone, cable and mounting bracket.
www.kenwoodusa.com

WLAN platform

Arada Systems, a developer of next-generation WLAN software, unveiled the Loc-Air platform, an 802.11a/b/g-based, low-power design for applications such as RFID, sensor networks and security devices. The solution combines software and hardware and features Atheros' 802.11a/b/g WLAN technology with a tuning range of 2.3 to 2.7 GHz and 4.9 to 5.9 GHz. It also features single-chip GPS technology, an accelerometer and a temperature sensor, according to Arada.
www.aradasystems.com

RUGGED NOTEBOOK COMPUTER

General Dynamics Itronix announced the GD6000 rugged notebook for the law-enforcement market. Based on the company's GoBook VR-2, the new notebook has been optimized specifically for in-vehicle applications. It weighs 6.2 pounds and meets the MIL-STD 810F standard for temperature range, vibration resistance, dust protection and humidity. In addition, its shell includes reinforced hinges to protect against vibration when an officer is involved in a high-speed vehicle pursuit.

The notebook has an Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 processor, a 120 GB hard drive and 4 GB of memory. It also includes integrated GPS and wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, cellular data and Bluetooth). An embedded module supports data encryption, while optional software lets users, via a subscription service, remotely erase data on the computer or lock its contents if it's lost or stolen. The notebook starts at approximately $3495. — MARY ROSE ROBERTSwww.gd-itronix.com

WCDMA DUPLEXER

Avago Technologies, a supplier of interface components for communications applications, unveiled a Band 8 WCDMA duplexer. The ACMD-7605 offers 1.3 dB typical Tx insertion loss and 3.5 dB maximum IL over-temperature, which significantly lowers power consumption and improves talk time, according to the company. It also offers over-temperature isolation performance of 51 dB minimum in the Tx band and 48 dB minimum in the Rx band.
www.avagotech.com