Lucent
Lucent Technologies Inc. introduced software that will turn down transmitter power levels when the user is not speaking into the handset, effectively increasing talk time by extending battery life up to 30 percent. The discontinuous transmission feature will be generally available for network operators to install in their Lucent-supplied Time Division Multiple Access networks in the fall. (908) 582-5700.
Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless Inc. unveiled its AirCombo 350, a Cellular Digital Packet Data solution connecting laptop computers to enterprise networks via wireless networks. The solution uses Sierra Wireless’ AirCard 350 wireless modem, a true Type II PC Card wireless wide area network interface card for notebooks supporting Windows 95, 98 or NT. It also uses the AirBooster 350 vehicle-mounted power amplifier, which increases the AirCard 350’s output power from 600 milliwatts to a full 3 watts. (604) 231-1100.
Gemplus
Gemplus said it will launch GemXplore CASE 2.0 and its Subscriber Identification Module Object Designer and Advanced Development Tools plug-ins. Gemplus will leverage Symantec’s VisualCafe 3.0 Professional Edition in its Object Designer plug-in, allowing Java developers to design and develop Java Card applets for SIM cards in a familiar and complete environment, which can be used to create value-added services for the Global System for Mobile communications market. (650) 654-2917.
BellSouth Wireless Data
BellSouth Wireless Data L.P. released version 2.4 of its Powertool software, the company’s application development tool for the Inter@ctive Pager 950 manufactured by Research In Motion Ltd. Enhancements include support of global positioning system technology and upgrades that allow multiple customer applications to co-reside with the RIM BlackBerry wireless e-mail solution for Microsoft Exchange environments, as well as an application simulator designed to automate the development process. (800) 726-3210.
Nettech Systems
Nettech Systems Inc. and Puma Technology Inc. formed a strategic alliance under which Puma will use Nettech’s Smart IP middleware to support its Intellisync Anywhere software product line. Smart IP essentially allows for the transfer of non-Internet Protocol information over IP networks. Intellisync software lets users update information on wireless devices with data existing on corporate networks via a wireless link between the two. (609) 734-0300.
Motorola
Spirit GT professional two-way radios now are available from Motorola Inc. The Spirit GTs allow multiple people to talk to each other simultaneously. The radios come with built-in hands-free capability. Spirit GTs are available in one- and two-channel models and have a built-in interface eliminator to block out unwanted channel chatter. Spirit GT radios have a range of 200,000 square feet and 15 floors indoors, and up to four miles outdoors, said Motorola. They also come with a variety of accessories such as headsets and carrying cases. (800) 247-2346.
Safco Technologies
Safco Technologies Inc. introduced the Portable VoicePrint MultiPak, a newly designed and smaller version of its in-vehicle wireless voice quality measurement system. The new system is 80 percent smaller than the previous in-vehicle product, and can be quickly mounted into the back of most minivans and sport utility vehicles. The Portable VoicePrint MultiPak simultaneously tests up to eight wireless networks using cellular and personal communications services air interfaces. It collects and analyzes call quality data on both the forward and reverse paths on a single computer. (773) 467-2693.
Global Wireless Data
Global Wireless Data is offering the CompUtil PowerCradle 950, a vehicle-mounted cradle for use with Research In Motion Ltd.’s Inter@ctive Pager 950. The CompUtil PowerCradle 950 provides both global positioning system tracking and two-way wireless data communications via the BellSouth wireless network, while also providing battery charging and lighting functionalities for the RIM Inter@ctive Pager 950. The cradle comes in three versions ranging in price from $300 to $590. (770) 447-4990.
Zetron
Zetron Inc. released its PageCenter paging communication system, which can replace PeopleFinder applications. PageCenter allows paging initiation from the numeric keypad, RS-232/TAP, telephone, alarms and dual-tone multifrequency handheld radios. Other features include enhanced group calling and an integrated two-way radio. (425) 820-6363.
Antenna Specialists
Antenna Specialists introduced two land mobile antennas designed specifically for the Orbcomm low-earth-orbit satellite system. Model ASP-5740RB and ASP-574ORBGPS are double tuned for both the transmit and receive frequencies, eliminating the need for field tuning. Just more than 4 inches high, the antennas are designed for severe service environments with applications such as mobile asset tracking of tractor trailers, transit buses and train cars, and also to monitor utility meters and oil and gas storage tanks and pipelines. Suggested price of the ASP-574ORB is $118, and the ASP-574ORBGPS is priced at $188. (440) 349-8643.
Morrow
Morrow Technologies announced the P9116 Spectrum Analyzer System, which performs remote monitoring of transmit or receive sites that are located outside a main facility. It covers the 100 kHz-1600 MHz frequency range and is packaged in a rugged industrial chassis that includes a power supply, Pentium controller, modem and various serial and parallel communication ports. When used in conjunction with a variable graphics array monitor and the graphical interface, the unit operates as a conventional radio-frequency spectrum analyzer. When used in a remote monitoring application, the field-located analyzer acts in a server mode, where data can be processed, stored, displayed, transferred and printed using a PC. (727) 531-4000.
Ericsson
Ericsson Energy Systems debuted the BZAU 480 01, a new power shelf which delivers minus 48 volts and is designed to power radio equipment as well as Internet and personal communication system applications. The unit contains a complete power system in one shelf, featuring front access plug-in modules, battery disconnect circuit breakers and centralized alarm and control units. The BZAU 480 01 can be equipped with up to four power modules with a rating of 900 watts each. It also provides load protection for 15 1-10A load circuit or five 30A circuit breakers plus input protection for two strings of standby batteries. (972) 583-5368.
XL Microwave
XL Microwave released Path Align, model 2000, a microwave antenna path alignment test set. The portable unit provides 100 dB of effective dynamic range and the transmitter section provides a fixed 0 dBm output, which is enough power to align to any link, while low enough to prevent interfering with adjacent active antennas. Four frequency channels are provided. The two-unit test set costs $17,500. (510) 428-9488.
Hewlett-Packard
Hewlett-Packard Co. revealed a family of semiconductor test systems designed specifically to meet the volume production-test challenges of system-on-a-chip devices. The HP 9300 SOC Series Performance Models use HP’s pay-per-use technology, which permits frequency to be upgraded easily with data rates of up to 1 gigabit per second. Series C-Models offer several fixed configurations and data rates of 200 megabits per second and 400 Mbps. Both series will support test heads having up to 448 or 960 digital pins and space for up to four analog modules. The HP 9300 SOC Series P-Models are slated to be available late this year for $4,500 to $6,500 per pin. The Series C-Models will be shipped in the first quarter of next year. (800) 452-4844 ext. 6590.
HP also introduced two solutions for testing Global System for Mobile communication mobile phones that use high-speed circuit-switched data technology. The test solutions are enhancements of the HP 8922 GSM mobile station test set, and allow fo
r the set up and maintenance of a variety of HSCSD calls while performing a range of mobile phone transmitter and receiver measurements. HP 8922 Option K09 allows all time slots to be measured simultaneously while controlling the signal level for each time slot independently. HP 8922 Option K17 is a more compact, single-box solution that performs measurements on one GSM time slot at a time. Both are available for $4,000. (800) 452-4844 ext. 6670.
PiRod
The SU Series solid-rod towers for the cellular, personal communications services, broadcast and mobile radio markets are now available. The towers’ solid-rod legs assure structural stability, eliminate internal corrosion and reduce ice accumulations, which results in lower wind loads. Features of the towers include knock-down design for shipping and easy assembly, welded climbing loops for secure access and adaptability to most existing antenna mounts. The SU Series towers are backed by a 10-year warranty. (219) 936-4221.
Cerulean
Cerulean Technology introduced version 2.0 of its PacketWriter field reporting system, which enables patrol officers to write and approve reports in real time. The PacketWriter solution uses Cerulean’s PacketCluster Patrol wireless technology software. Version 2.0 of PacketWriter offers support and interface for Oracle 8.0 database records; an accident reporting application with scene diagramming capabilities; advanced system administration with a Java-based interface that improves ease of use; and tools that allow for automatic upgrades to record systems, said the company. (508) 460-4000.