News CLOUD-BASED ALERTS
Free-standing towers
Comms Connect STAND NO 17
The Flight Bros free-standing
New Zealand-based application developer and emergency network provider CLOUD M has migrated its emergency alert tools and system to IBM Cloud to improve reliability and performance. Through an easy-to-use mobile app, a simple web interface and a back-end database and distribution system, Alerter enables government agencies, communities and families to broadcast emergency updates in real time, helping people coordinate responses to avoid harm and establish recovery plans. Audio and visual alerts can be sent to emails, text addresses, smartphones or social networks. “When you’re in the emergency alert business, seconds matter,” said Richard Gill, CLOUD M CEO and founder. More info: bit.ly/1M9g8oz
tower comes in a modular design
25 KHZ PHASE-OUT IN NEW ZEALAND
Flight Bros Pty Ltd
of 10 sections as well as several special-purpose sections that can be mixed and matched to create a total of over 30 tower designs. These range from 16 to 60 m in increments of 4–5.5 m. The tower components are manufactured using production line jigs to ensure tight tolerances. All welds are AS1554 Structural Purpose compliant using modern electronic MIG welding machines operated by certified welders, as well as being cyclonic rated. The hollow sections are provided with drainage holes to prevent the build-up of condensation for maximum corrosion protection and to ensure full internal galvanising protection. All towers are supplied with each section packed in a purpose-built stackable transport stillage, while all fasteners and accessories are preassembled for immediate use. www.flightbros.com.au
Radio Spectrum Management in New Zealand has extended the deadline for the phase-out of 25 kHz-channel LMR equipment to 31 December 2019 for all licences operating in frequencies above 470 MHz (F band and TS band). On that date, all such licences will be revoked. It says the deadline has been extended because the level of congestion in those bands is not significant relative to the cost of transition for users of the bands. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (and its predecessors) has been encouraging the phase-out of 25 kHz channels in LMR bands since the early 1990s. More info: bit.ly/1MekEp0
Six millimetre-wave handheld analysers Keysight Technologies has
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added six millimetre-wave models to its family of FieldFox handheld analysers, including the N9950A, -51A and -52A; as well as the N9960A, -61A and -62A. The models allow users to replace three or four single-function instruments — benchtop or handheld — that are typically used for maintenance and troubleshooting of systems that operate at or
LANES TRIAL AT AFL GF Telstra, in conjunction with Ambulance Victoria, conducted a trial of its LANES technology at the AFL Grand Final. Paula Rujak, general manager of Telstra’s Network Technology & Innovation division, said that it was the culmination of months of work. The trial encompassed the full Emergency Grade LTE Advanced Network for Emergency Services (LANES) capability, including access prioritisation. “When 100,000 fans all wish to jump online, post selfies at the game, stream instant replays and comment on social media, it can make the network very congested and difficult for Emergency Services to use their data effectively among teams on site,” said Rujak. More info: bit.ly/1Wwdk9O 24 Critical Comms - Nov/Dec 2015
above Ka-band frequencies. They also deliver laboratory-grade measurements that enable field personnel to fully characterise demanding radar and satellite systems. Three combination-analyser models cover 32, 44 or 50 GHz and provide spectrum analysis, vector network analysis and cable and antenna testing in a rugged, portable unit. The three spectrum analyser models cover the same frequency range, and in all six models, it is claimed the spectrum measurements are up to eight times faster than those made with comparable analysers. The range is optimised for field testing and the fully sealed enclosure (no fans or vents) is compliant with US MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 standards. They are also type tested to meet MIL-STD-810G requirements for operation in explosive environments (Method 511.5, Procedure 1) and meet IEC/EN 60529 IP53 requirements for protection from dust and water. The analysers can be upgraded with vector voltmeter, TDR cable measurements, built-in power meter, pulse measurements, spectrum analyser time gating, interference analyser (with spectrogram) and GPS receiver. Keysight Technologies Aust Pty Ltd www.keysight.com
www.CriticalComms.com.au