RadioComms Asia-Pacific May/Jun 2012

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DEP expo

Disaster Response Emergency Management & Public Safety Australian National Expo 2012

22nd & 23rd October 2012 Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

1 MEETING PLACE

4 CONFERENCES

1 EXHIBITION

Conference 1

ER+MA

CONFERENCE 2012

Emergency Response

Community Resilience Field Operations Volunteer Management Disaster Recovery

Assisting you with the continuous improvement of operations both during the emergency stage and throughout the recovery phase.

Data Protection Data Recovery Data Centre Management Non Routine Operations Communications Technology

Discussing vital issues required to ensure an organisation or company can respond to and effectively cope with disruptions, including IT, data or other large scale emergency situations.

& Management Australasia

Conference 2

Conference 3

Public Safety & Communications Conference 2012

Public Safety (government policy, community engagement) Public Security Public Safety Communications

Exploring key policy and management issues including security and the transition to the new vision for public safety communications which will enable public safety professionals to respond quicker and more effectively.

Conference 4 CCTV & Surveillance IP CCTV Solutions Loss Prevention Asset Protection

Offering insight into key solutions for dealing with the myriad of migration challenges involved with implementing CCTV networks and moving from analogue to digital CCTV systems.

www.depexpo.com.au Organised by:

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities

For more information please contact us on: +61 2 8908 8555

on your wavelength 6 radio head 10 Linking PMR sites - not all about high bandwidths 12

contents

on the cover 4

Radio Comms Asia-Pacific May/June 2012

roadmap for RF A coverage testing

20 RF modules for robotic wheelchairs 27

Practicalities of private LTE

32

radio@work Westfield radio system

38

radio@work River Island digital radio system

ec

ditor’s omment

My first memory of radio was the twoway walkie-talkies my cousins and I used around the backyard when we were playing ‘cops and robbers’.

Today, radio systems are used for applications from the humble children’s walkie-talkie to RFID tags in clothing and other materials to the control of vehicles in space.

Radio has had over 100 years of development, from the first transmission

by Hertz and Marconi through thermionic valves to the transistor and more recently, digital radio.

One very important use of radio is in the public safety sector. For emergency service and security personnel, radios help them keep in touch in disastrous and dangerous situations. The APCO Australia conference held recently proved to be something of a ‘think tank’ on public safety.

Presentation topics included LTE and where it is heading, why dedicated spectrum is needed for public safety communications in Australia and social media’s role in emergencies. I’m hoping to publish some of the papers in later issues of the magazine.

Huge distances between cities have always put this country at a disadvantage when it comes to radio communications, but with hardware becoming cheaper and more versatile, some of these challenges are receding. For the protection of people and property, this can only be good news.

In this issue we feature a study on RF devices for robotic wheelchairs on page 20. These devices are used on manual wheelchairs to wirelessly transmit basic commands to move the chair. This is said to offer several advantages over electronic wheelchairs.

Also, read about the Zinwave radio system on page 32 that can carry all major mobile carriers in the 850, 1800 and 2100 MHz bands. The system was part of a $1.2 billion investment to redevelop the Westfield Centrepoint mall and includes 330 retail stores.

Kylie Rhodes, Editor rc@westwick-farrow.com.au

www.radiocomms.com.au

May/June 2012 - RADIO COMMS

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on the cover

T

he Rohde & Schwarz CTH allows dependable testing of analog FM radio systems even under challenging environmental conditions.

The radio test set was designed specifically for outdoor use.

Ensuring the smooth functioning of transceivers is the key to successful communications. The CTH100A/CTH200A performs this type of work without requiring expert knowledge. The user can simply connect the device under test (DUT) to the CTH and immediately begin transmitter and receiver measurements.

The CTH includes all the measurement functions needed for reliable testing of transceivers.

The measurement results are clearly presented on a display that is optimised for outdoor use, so the measured values are easily readable even under difficult lighting conditions. With its high measurement accuracy and straightforward operation, the device delivers high performance and functionality.

As soon as the radio to be tested is hooked up to the test set via a BNC cable and an antenna or a load is connected, the device can start the measurements. If the transmitter is activated, eg, by pushing the talk key, the test set begins by measuring the transmit frequency and shows the result on the display.

The device simultaneously measures the forward and reflected power, along with the frequency, and presents the results on the display.

The measured values are updated continuously so that any changes that occur will be displayed immediately. In this manner, it is possible to determine whether the transceiver's transmit module outputs the desired power.

Using this measurement, the CTH can detect any decrease in transmit power or a transmitter failure. The reflected power measurement allows

4 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

the antenna matching to be determined for insight into the power that is actually radiated by the antenna.

For a fast functional test of the transceiver, CTH performs an over-the-air measurement.

After the CTH200A's built-in antenna has been extended, the radio test set is able to detect and evaluate signals over the air. A bargraph provides information about the received power.

Based on the transmit frequency, which is also evaluated, it is possible to check the frequency accuracy and to verify whether the displayed power is output by the transceiver under test. Using this simple test, the entire setup, from the transceiver to the antenna, can be checked.

This is useful when radio systems need to be tested just before they are put into operation and there is insufficient time for a complete functional testing, eg, in applications involving emergency services.

If the antenna is located at a significant distance from the transceiver, the CTH200A can check the connection between the antenna and the transceiver with its built-in cable fault finder.

Based on the velocity factor, the device can adapt to different types of cables and precisely determine the distance to the fault. The test set indicates if no antenna is connected and whether the connection is fault-free. The distance-to-fault measurement has universal applications and is not limited to antenna systems.

The device can transmit the measured values via the RF connection to the transceiver for output over the DUT's loudspeaker. This makes for suitable operation even under extremely challenging conditions, when it is impossible to directly read the display, eg, in cramped environments or in the dark when there is no display lighting.

Rohde & Schwarz www.rohde-schwarz.com

A.B.N. 22 152 305 336 www.westwick-farrow.com.au Head Office Cnr. Fox Valley Road & Kiogle Street, (Locked Bag 1289) Wahroonga NSW 2076 Australia Ph +61 2 9487 2700 Fax +61 2 9489 1265 Editor Kylie Rhodes rc@westwick-farrow.com.au Technical Advisor Mike Smyth Chief Editor Janette Woodhouse Publisher Geoff Hird Art Director/Production Manager Julie Wright Art/Production Tanya Scarselletti, Jeanette Teuma Colleen Sam Circulation Manager Sue Lavery circulation@westwick-farrow.com.au Copy Control Mitchie Mullins Advertising Sales VIC, SA, WA - Lachlan Rainey Ph 0402 157 167 lrainey@westwick-farrow.com.au NSW, QLD - Lisa Gilbert Ph 0414 283 933 lgilbert@westwick-farrow.com.au New Zealand - Jordan King Ph 0800 44 2529 jking@westwick-farrow.com.au USA - Huson International Media East Coast Ph +1 212 268 3344 West Coast Ph +1 408 879 6666 ralph@husonusa.com UK - Huson International Media Ph +44 1932 56 4999 gerryb@husonmedia.com Asia - Lachlan Rainey Ph +61 (0) 402 157 167 If you have any queries regarding our privacy policy please email privacy@westwick-farrow.com.au Subscriptions: For unregistered readers, price on application

September 2011 total CAB Audited Circulation (Aust + NZ) 4,225 (84% personally requested) Print Post Approved PP247345/00004 ISSN No. 1448-9201 Printed and bound by Pegasus Print Group +61 2 8822 0716 All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide.

Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. Information indicating that products are made in Australia or New Zealand is supplied by the source company. Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd does not quantify the amount of local content or the accuracy of the statement made by the source.

www.radiocomms.com.au

GENERAL FEATURES • 5 W (136-174 MHz) Models • 5 W (400-470, 450-520 MHz) Models • Meets ETSI EN standards • 260 CH-GID / 128 Zones (LCD Models) • 64 CH-GID / 4 Zones (Non LCD Models) • 12-Key Keypad Models • 8 Character Alphanumeric Aliases • Backlit LCD & Keys • Function / Status LCD Icons • Transmit / Busy / Call Alert / Warn LED • On / Off Volume Knob • 16-Position Mechanical Selector • 4 Front PF Keys (LCD Models) • 3 Side PF Keys • Emergency / AUX Key • Built-in Motion Sensor • 500 mW Speaker Audio • Zone / CH Number Voice Announcement • KMC-48GPS Speaker Mic Option • KPG-141D Windows FPU • Flash Firmware Upgrading • MIL-STD-810 C/D/E/F/G • IP54/55 Water & Dust Intrusion • PC Serial Interface • SDM Manual Input* • Transparent Data Mode* ®

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• 25 & 12.5 kHz Channels • Conventional & LTR Zones • FleetSync / II, MDC-1200, DTMF* • QT / DQT & 2-Tone (Conventional Zones only)* • 5 Tone Encode/Decode Conventional Zones only)* • Voice Inversion Scrambler (16 Codes) ®

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DIGITAL – GENERAL • NXDN Digital Air Interface • AMBE+2™ VOCODER ®

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These trunked features are primarily system programming and operational dependent. Priority Monitor also requires NX subscriber settings. *4

JVC KENWOOD Australia Pty Ltd Ph: (02) 8879 2266 Fax: (02) 8879 2233 www.kenwood.com.au commsales@kenwood.com.au

T

he Holst Centre, Imec and their partners in the EU FP7 project ORICLA have created what is said to be the world’s first RFID (radio frequency identification) circuit made in low-temperature thin-film technology that allows reader-talks-first communication.

The technology behind this prototype can provide RFID tags that are inexpensive and have enough performance to be used as intelligent item-level tags on the packaging of retail consumer goods. Such tags can be used to provide buyers with information on eg, price, characteristics or freshness, or to allow vendors to implement automated billing and inventory management.

Thin-film RFID chips are made on plastic foil, with organic or oxide thin-film semiconductors. Until now, RFID tags with such thin-film chips on plastic were based on a tag-talks-first principle: as soon as the RFID tag gets powered from the RF field of the reader, it transmits its code to the reader.

But in retail applications, many tags will try to contact the reader at the same time, requiring an effective anticollision mechanism.

Such a scheme is said to have never before been implemented; tag-talks-first RFID anticollision measures have been limited to about maximum four tags and come at the cost of a slow reading time. “ With this technology,” said Paul Heremans, Imec director of large-area electronics and coordinator of ORICLA, “we are, for the first time, able to realise a reader-talks-first low-temperature thin-film transistor (TFT) RFID circuit. When the RFID reader first powers and contacts the tag, it transmits a clock and identification data. The tag then uses this data and clock to determine when to send its code. This mechanism for the first time allows implementing a practical anticollision scheme for thin-film RFID tags.”

For this new RFID tag, a complementary hybrid organic-oxide technology was used, combining a 250°C solution-processed n-type metal-oxide TFT with typical charge carrier mobility of 2 cm2/Vs with a pentacene p-type TFT with mobility of up to 1 cm2/Vs. A high-k Al2O3 dielectric was used, which increases the transistors’ current drive.

The realisation of this technology is supported by the EU FP7 project ORICLA. The project partners are the project coordinator Imec (Belgium), the Holst Centre - TNO (The Netherlands), Evonik Industries AG (Germany) and PolyIC (Germany).

6 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

© iStockphoto.com/Tobias Helbig

Bidirectional communication for thin-film RFIDs

NZ animal ID scheme inches closer

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n electronic national identification for 11 million cattle and deer is one step closer with the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Bill in Parliament’s Committee Stage.

Federated Farmers is certain its robust analysis has achieved better outcomes for farmers.

“While Federated Farmers has been opposed and vigorous in scrutinising NAIT, we’ve also had to work hard to ensure whatever becomes law actually works,” says Anders Crofoot, Federated Farmers spokesperson on animal identification.

“NAIT is not universally popular among farmers but Federated Farmers also recognises it is on track to become law. The scheme right now is vastly better than what it started out as.

That’s only due to our robust input.

Radios for Mississippi public safety network

T

ait Communications will be providing digital radios to the Mississippi State public safety network. The National Guard, Highway Safety Patrol and the Department of Corrections will use the company’s P25 digital portable and mobile radios designed and manufactured in New Zealand.

The Mississippi Wireless Information Network is used by approximately 9100 public safety and state government agency personnel.

The P25 standard, which is also used by New Zealand Police, allows for improved communications within and between agencies - especially emergency services.

“Perhaps Federated Farmers’ biggest achievements are in making NAIT open to new technologies and convincing those who’ll run the scheme, NAIT Limited, to use the educative carrot instead of the Bill’s legislative stick.

“Of course, the NAIT Bill says something completely different.

Federated Farmers will be watching out for our members given there are some stiff penalties in the Bill.

“As the planned go-live date is only 1 July, farmers cannot develop procedures with the scheme still undergoing usability trials. The reality is that thousands of farms are yet to tool-up along with carriage firms, stock yards and, potentially even, some processing plants.

“NAIT is getting there but there is a heck of a lot of work to be done before and after its launch.

“We’re realistic enough to know there’ll be fishhooks involving data entry, tags and even the readers. That’s why a phased rollout is best. But it’s unhelpful for politicians to speculate about what other livestock could be in NAIT when the scheme hasn’t even started.

“There’s another issue Federated Farmers is uneasy about and that’s how NAIT will be applied to around 175,000 lifestyle blocks. There could be hundreds of thousands of stock ‘off the grid’ and it seems to be a farming constituency with a low awareness of NAIT. “NAIT won’t have the manpower to police compliance and nor will MAF. NAIT risks resembling Swiss cheese if we don’t ensure compliance on these lifestyle blocks,” Crofoot concluded.

Tait has tested its radios in a high-tech P25 laboratory at the company’s Americas headquarters in Houston, Texas - a facility which has been recognised by the US Federal Government.

Frank Owen, managing director of Tait Communications, commented, “ This is another example of a specialist public safety communications solution delivered by Tait. We have seen strong growth in the last two years in the US and about 30% of our export demand is from the Americas.

“Tait is looking forward to working closely with Mississippi public safety agencies to provide high-quality, competitively priced infrastructure, terminals, applications and service solutions.”

www.radiocomms.com.au

C4i expands national air defence system in Thailand

C

© iStockphoto.com/ Rachel Donahue

The future of public safety communications

T

he ninth annual APCO Australasia conference was held on the Gold Coast, Queensland from 12-14 March.

Po l i c e , f i r e , a m b u l a n c e a n d c r i t i c a l communication services met with radio product and software providers at the Gold Coast Conference Centre to talk about ‘The future of public safety communications and what does it look like?’

Exhibitors included ComGroup, Auria Wireless, Zetron, Motorola Solutions, Icom and Harris.

The major topics talked about at the event included LTE and where it is heading; social media and how this will help public safety

www.radiocomms.com.au

© iStockphoto.com/ RDan Tero

4i will deliver another installation of its SwitchplusIP end-to-end IP communication system to the Thai Air Force with delivery expected early this year. C4i delivered the existing air defence system in 2008 which has provided the Thai Air Force with a complete nationwide end-toend IP solution. The system consists of over 20 operational sites scattered across the country, linked together via an advanced IP network allowing every site to work together appearing like a single, very large system, providing flexibility for resource allocation across the country while still retaining complete standalone autonomy should the network be removed.

“The SwitchplusIP system delivered to the Thai Air Force is the largest end-to-end IPbased communications system we are aware of in use by any air force in the world today,” said Peter Harrison, C4i's managing director.

“It provides the operators with transparent

access to communication assets located all across the country as if they were all in the same room. This cutting-edge technology delivers the often talked about goal of ‘any asset, any operator, anywhere’ currently being sort after by many air forces across the globe,” Harrison said.

The air force is able to incrementally grow the system by adding sites, operators or assets when required; in this case, a mobile air traffic control system can be networked allowing command centre operators to use and communicate with these remote assets and operators through the IP network.

agencies in the future; phase II of the P25 standard and how this will affect the user; and why dedicated spectrum is needed for public safety communications in Australia.

The 37 presentations were held in two streams with topics covering international communications and disaster relief; the role of spatial information and how it can be managed; using cloud computing to improve public safety outcomes; tapping into social media to build awareness; P25 phase II interoperable communications for public safety; the future of mobility and mobile computing; harmonising government radio networks and the 400 MHz LMR band plan; 4G/LTE technology in public safety; P25 and TETRA standards current status and future directions; and allocation of broadband spectrum for Australia’s public safety services.

The 2013 conference will be held in Adelaide, South Australia, at the Adelaide Convention Centre. For more information, please visit the APCO website.

Radio telescope receivers for ALMA

D

aniels Electronics has successfully completed a $1.3 million contract with the Canadian government for the assembly and test of radio receivers used in the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) development of 84-116 GHz heterodyne receivers for the international Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) telescopes.

ALMA is located at 5000 m elevation in the Chajnantor Plain of northern Chile. The resolution and sensitivity of the array will provide a leap forward, making it a pre-eminent radioastronomy facility. © iStockphoto.com/Pgiam

NRC’s contribution to the project included 73 extremely sensitive 84-116 GHz receivers.

The nucleus of the receiver is a superconductorinsulator-superconductor (SIS) tunnel mixer which downconverts the RF signal collected by the radio telescope to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal centred at 6 GHz with a bandwidth of 4 GHz. A cryogenic high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) amplifier is used to amplify the IF signal by more than 30 dB before it is delivered to the ALMA back-end system. The SIS detector and the HEMT IF amplifier must operate at a cryogenic temperature of 4 Kelvin. NRC has developed a cryogenic 4-8 GHz HEMT amplifier for this application.

Apparatus licences available The ACMA is providing all 500 MHz spectrum licensees with the opportunity to apply for apparatus licences in the paired 500 MHz segments to replace device registration under their spectrum licences.

This will allow for the continued operation of radiocommunications services after 31 May 2012.

Apparatus licences issued in accordance with these arrangements are intended to be direct replacements of existing device registrations. They can be issued before spectrum licence expiry on 31 May 2012 and licensees have been encouraged to apply for apparatus licences as early as possible.

Spectrum licences and device registrations will remain valid until 31 May 2012, with any apparatus licence issued before 31 May 2012 having a date of effect of 1 June 2012.

For further information about this process or the associated fee structure, please send an email to lais@ acma.gov.au, with ‘500 MHz conversion’ in the subject line. Alternatively, call 1300 850 115.

May/June 2012 - RADIO COMMS

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Sepura improves lone worker safety

© Eric Drouin-Snecma

T

o overcome the communications constraints presented by a large industrial complex, and to ensure rapid response in emergencies, Snecma Propulsion Solide has adopted Sepura STP8000 handportable TETRA radios with man-down functionality.

Snecma Propulsion Solide, part of the Safran group, designs and manufactures solid rocket motors for missiles and space launchers. About 1200 employees work at its plant in Haillen, France; a campus site combining research and manufacturing facilities with office functions in numerous buildings, offering a number of barriers to seamless communications in certain areas of the site.

The TETRA deployment at this plant is a collaborative solution provided by Sepura and its French partner Sysoco. The radios have been integrated with Sysoco's DIGIProtect system to allow real-time management and tracking of Snecma’s TETRA radio fleet, through an indoor localisation system consisting of radio autonomous beacons and outdoor localisation deployed via the radios’ GPS receiver.

One reassuring feature is the alert call for lone workers; an automatic call generated by motion sensing technology which detects loss of verticality of the device or absence of movement. DIGIProtect allocates priority transmission to calls generated in this way, and the radio beacons are placed to optimise indoor localisation in an alert scenario, when the radio would send its identity to the closest beacon.

The software at the control centre enables the visualisation of all sites on a despatch screen, instantly flagging up the identity of the individual concerned and the precise sector covered by the relevant beacon. In an emergency this information can save valuable time, and possibly lives, by guiding rescue teams to the exact location of the incident.

“The radio dispatcher software has a very friendly and intuitive user interface. It is easy to import plans, both of external areas and buildings, and the software is simple to configure, especially for setting and amending security guard rounds,” explained Martial Nancy, the DIGIProtect software manager at Sysoco.

“One of Snecma’s operational priorities is the control of risks at its site,” says Pierre Letta, marketing manager for Sysoco. “Workers can now go about their daily tasks with complete confidence that they’re never going to be out of contact. Lone workers will never actually be alone; direct contact with base assures it.”

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Radar prototype tracks orbiting objects

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prototype of a radar system developed by a Lockheed Martin-led team is now tracking orbiting space objects, bringing the US Air Force’s Space Fence program one step closer to revolutionising space situational awareness.

Using powerful, ground-based radars, Space Fence will enhance the way the US detects, tracks, measures and catalogues orbiting objects and space debris with improved accuracy, better timeliness and increased surveillance coverage.

The prototype radar recently met a key contract requirement during a series of demonstration events by proving it could detect these resident space objects, as they are referred to by the air force.

On 29 February, the US Air Force granted its final approval of Lockheed Martin’s preliminary design for the system.

“The successful detection and tracking of resident space objects are important steps in demonstrating technology maturity, cost certainty and low program risk,” said Steve Bruce, vice president of the Space Fence program at Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems & Sensors business. “Our final system design incorporates a scalable, solid-state S-band radar, with a higher wavelength frequency capable of detecting much smaller objects than the air force’s current system.”

This technology will enable the decommissioning of the ageing Air Force Space Surveillance System (AFSSS), originally installed in 1961. Today, with hundreds of thousands of objects orbiting the earth, space debris and risk of potential collisions threaten national space assets

providing critical services, including GPS, banking and telecommunications.

Bruce added, “Space Fence will detect, track and catalogue over 200,000 orbiting objects and help transform space situational awareness from being reactive to predictive.

The air force will have more time to anticipate events potentially impacting space assets and missions. Our net-centric design approach allows Space Fence to be easily integrated into the broader US Space Surveillance Network of sensors already operated by the air force.”

The prototype was developed under an 18-month, US$107 million contract awarded by the air force in January 2011. The air force has said it plans to award a Space Fence production contract later in 2012. The first of several Space Fence sites is expected to reach initial operational capability in 2017.

Twisted pasta-shaped waves a sign of the future?

I

talian and Swedish researchers have successfully twisted radio waves to allow a potentially infinite number of channels to be broadcasted and received. The phase twist looks like a fusilli pasta-shaped beam.

The researchers, from the University of Padova in Italy and the Angstrom Laboratory in Sweden, transmitted two manipulated radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band from a lighthouse on San Diego Island to a satellite disk placed on a balcony of Palazzo Ducale in Venice 442 m away. The waves were able to pick up two separate channels.

A wave can twist from its axis a certain number of times either clockwise or anticlockwise; therefore it can adopt several configurations. For example, one can use five orbital angular momentum states, from -5 up to 5, including untwisted waves, and have 11 channels in one frequency band.

This twisted wave may solve the problem of radio congestion and the reduced availability of frequency bands.

The results of the experiment have been reported in the Institute of Physics and German Physical Society's New Journal of Physics.

www.radiocomms.com.au

Linking PMR sites

- not all about high bandwidths A common thought among radio professionals is that when linking analog and digital PMR base station sites, a large bandwidth is needed. This is not always the case.

MiMOMax Wireless senior designer Dr Kishore Mehrotra has contributed towards the research and development of products in the areas of power electronics, control systems, wireless protocols, power amplifier linearisation and MIMO wireless communications. He has over 30 years of experience in the electronics industry. He has a B.Tech (Electrical) degree from IIT Kanpur and a PhD from IISc Bangalore.

10 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

However, a common misconception about PMR linking solutions is that a large amount of bandwidth is needed. The fact is that “megahertz bandwidths” are not needed to provide an optimised low latency PMR network linking solution. Instead, there is a growing recognition of the value that ultraspectrally efficient narrowband systems that have been cleverly designed to achieve the desired QoS (quality of service) are a good fit for linking PMR sites. In fact, if the QoS issues are overlooked then the systems selected on the basis of ‘megahertz bandwidths’ alone may still lead to excess delays and data loss.

Low latency, jitter and high reliability are the most critical attributes for a network link carrying VoIP packet data. By being aware of these issues, it is possible to design narrowband products that are able to achieve latencies that are better than 10 milliseconds.

By using a combination of intelligent radio design and smart software features, it is possible to support a large number of PMR channels in narrow bandwidth while still maintaining very low latency and jitter.

MiMOMax uses multiple input multiple output technology and space time Minimum Residual diversity, in combination with high orNumber of ethernet 25 kHz ders of modulation and M-DAP (data acP25 trunked bandwidth Kbps channels celeration protocol), to get the capacity and QoS management. M-CAM modulaQAM256 10 116 tion, forward error correction processQAM64 8 74.4 ing architecture combined with a timely re-send feature are used to enhance the QAM16 5 42.8 reliability.

Finally, training algorithms for the QPSK 2 11.2 equalising in fading channel conditions ensure high availability. The M-DAP assigns high priority to critical data packets. M-CAM is an adaptive modulation feature that enables the constellation to be varied from higher order quadrature amplitude modulation to quadriphase shift keying based on the equaliser’s error performance.

The total system bandwidth available to transport the required number of channels is dictated by the modulation rates available for a particular application.

The table below gives the absolute minimum number of P25 trunked or conventional channels that can be carried when using a particular modulation rate in a typical 2x2 MIMO link occupying 25 kHz bandwidth.

The residual bandwidth in the table above is available for PMR link management and it is possible to carry more channels depending on the ethernet’s non-VoIP data rate requirements.

In conclusion, PMR linking solutions need to be robust and have the ability to rapidly re-train in the presence of destructive interference so that the overall availability is as high as possible in any given environment. Moreover, very low latency and jitter is critical so that the linking solution does not add to the overall system latency and jitter performance. Optimum linking solutions are those that support FEC schemes but not at the cost of excessive latency. www.radiocomms.com.au

signal testing

A roadmap for RF coverage

Coverage testing has become a required part of the wireless communication system engineering cycle. Most system operators are familiar with the signal strength test, but is testing the quality, not quantity, of the signal just as important?

Carl Peek, president, Survey Technologies Incorporated

T

he wireless system in place may be adequately meeting the needs of the agency; however, technology changes and federal or local legislation require that this existing system be replaced or significantly changed.

In these cases, the system designer must: benchmark the coverage of the existing system; specify the new system, based on existing coverage performance; and test the new system to meet coverage specifications.

Most system operators are familiar with the signal strength test for analysing the signal quantity of a wireless system over an area of intended coverage. This has long been the standard for new system compliance tests.

However, the ultimate test of a signal is not quantity, but quality - the ability to communicate, which can be measured in SINAD for analog and BER for digital systems.

Drive test packages, such as STI Field Test 7, automate over-the-air measurements while driving or travelling throughout an area of interest. The test system can be set up to combine many types of measurement data with 12 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

“The system designer must: benchmark the coverage of the existing system; specify the new system, based on existing coverage performance; and test the new system to meet the coverage specifications.�

time and location in a measurement database, which can then be analysed for a variety of purposes.

Signal quality Digital Signal quality for digital signals is measured by Bit Error Rate (BER). BER and signal strength measurements combined, during drive tests, provide wireless engineers with an indication of the quality of the wireless link across the service area tested. Transmitters are usually equipped to create a known bit pattern for tuning and testing their performance. These patterns can be transmitted over the RF link and received, decoded and analysed for accuracy.

Some manufacturers’ P25 radios have the ability to decode a standard pattern and provide a BER. Also, some manufacturers of digital radio test sets have developed highly sensitive instruments that can decode BER off the air. System engineers must determine whether they want a calibrated instrument conducting this analysis or if they are testing the ability of a radio to receive and decode the signal around the service area. Both are valid tests.

Digital radio test set and subscriber unit solutions are both used for analysing the digital signal quality of wireless systems, such as P25 systems.

Drive tests of signal strength and BER, concurrently, are the best way to measure the performance of a digital voice link. Comparing the two reports shows a small area, about one third of the way from the bottom, where a very slight drop in signal strength results in a disproportionately large drop in signal quality (BER). A small hill to the north causes only a small attenuation in signal strength. However, the signal quality is greatly affected due to distortion of the signal around the edges of the hill. www.radiocomms.com.au

signal testing

Analog Signal quality for analog signals is measured by SINAD. Engineers with analog voice link interests can use a drive test package, such as STI Field Test 7, to make audio SINAD measurements of a two-tone signal being transmitted over their voice link. The engineers' test radio receives the signal and the test system digitises the signal across the radio speaker or ear piece.

An FFT is performed on the audio sample to convert the time sample to a frequency spectrum. The power of the desired two tones (Ssgnal) is then compared to the power outside of the two tones (noise and distortion).

Signal strength, along with audio SINAD measurements, is the best way to analyse the performance of an analog voice link.

Distortion Signal quality measurements, such as SINAD or BER, will uncover areas of signal distortion or co-channel interference, where signal strength is high but quality is reduced. This allows the system designer to take action to counteract the effects of the distortion.

STI Field Tes 7 P25Survey Test Ch1-RSSI 4/14/2012 4:31:36 PM Scale=15,000:1 10 cm = 1.5 km Plot Center=N 45:42:54.02 W 123:56:6.71 P25 Tait Radio survey at 853 MHz. STI Field Test 7 Coverage Test

System compliance Compliance testing is one of the major reasons that system engineers are mandating drive tests. Performance specification and methodology are the most important part of a new system acceptance plan. A testing methodology, including a tile analysis of the test results, can be used to quantify the coverage of the system.

After data collection, the area of interest can be analysed statistically using analysis based on rectangular tiles.

A verifiable specification statement for a communications system, using this quantitative form of analysis, might read: “Tile sizes will be 30 second rectangles. After qualifying 80% of the tiles in this geographic area with at least 10 measurement samples, at least 95% of the qualified tiles must have 100% of their measurements above -95 dBm.” STI Field Test 7 allows each of these variables to be customised for user requirements. This allows for an objective standard when writing contracts for system development and compliance testing of the performance of that system.

Legend >-110.0

>-110.0 to -113.0

-113.0 to -116.0

-116.0 to -119.0

-119.0 to -122.0

-122.0 to -125.0

<-125.0

Figure 1 Field Test 7 report of the signal strength from a small transmitter. www.radiocomms.com.au

“The method of using drive test measurements to calibrate a predictive result is especially useful when planning a wireless system expansion.”

Indoor coverage In many urban areas, public spaces such as transit stations, arenas, large shopping centres, schools and government buildings are now required to have a specified level of wireless coverage or performance. This is becoming more common as national, state and local governments are increasingly aware of the need for reliable communication in the face of potential disasters.

How are these requirements satisfied? The indoor testing option on STI Field Test 7 software provides the ability to perform tests where GPS reception is unavailable. The user provides a building plan, as a background map, and specifies a measurement route on the plan.

Measurements are performed while travelling between points on the

STI Field Tes 7 P25Survey Test Ch1-BER 4/14/2012 4:33:51 PM Scale=15,000:1 10 cm = 1.5 km Plot Center=N 45:42:54.02 W 123:56:6.71 P25 Tait Radio survey at 853 MHz STI Field Test 7 Coverage Test

>10.0 9.0 to 8.0 7.0 to 6.0 5.0 to 4.0 3.0 to 2.0 1.0 to .0

Legend 10.0 to 9.0 8.0 to 7.0 6.0 to 5.0 4.0 to 3.0 2.0 to 1.0 <.0

Figure 2 Bit error rate result, indicating signal quality; taken during the same drive test.

May/June 2012 - RADIO COMMS

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signal testing

Figure 3 Audio spectrum of a clean RF signal link; from the data gathered during an audio quality drive test using a two-tone audio signal. Note: The SINAD is 25 dB and the RSSI is -48 dBm.

Figure 5 Audio spectrum of a distorted signal showing harmonics of the two-tone audio signal. Note: The SINAD is 9 dB but the RSSI is an adequate level of -75 dBm

measurement route. Field Test 7 then locates the points geographically and uses the recorded measurements to create contour plots.

Uplink Uplink testing is important for two reasons. First, there is a difference in portable versus site transmitted power, which means the transmission from the mobile to the site (the uplink) is, typically, a weaker link. Second, the uplink and downlink in a voting receiver network architecture use completely different radio links.

For uplink testing, a mobile, in a test vehicle, transmits to the site.

Its position and the time of the transmission are recorded in one database.

Meanwhile, the test system at the site is measuring signal characteristics, 14 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

Figure 4 Audio spectrum of a noisy signal limited by signal strength. Note: The SINAD is 12 dB and the RSSI is -95 dBm. This chart shows the typical 1/f noise of an inadequate signal strength.

logging measurements and the time of each measurement. After testing is complete, the STI GPS Timer application can combine these two databases, based on time, and contour plots of measurement value over geography can be created.

If intermittent measurements are required, the GPS Timer application can be employed to synchronise transmission and measurement times and combine the databases after the measurements are complete.

GPS timer and push-to-talk (PTT) switch In cases where a transmitter cannot be turned on full time, a synchronised measurement is required. This special technique is enabled by a GPS Timer application and an external computercontrolled relay (PTT switch). The GPS Timer application is implemented as a separate standalone software application, or as an optional driver extension that can be added to several Field Test 7 drivers. These applications synchronise to GPS time of day and control measurement start and stop times, transmitter on and off time and the total cycle time.

The PTT switch is a hardware option which allows the user to energise a mobile transmitter through a relay closure.

Hang time testing The PTT switch activates a mobile transmitter, which causes a site transmitter to respond. The measurement is made immediately after the PTT switch deactivates the mobile transmitter and during the hang time of the site transmitter.

Synchronised testing The GPS timer application and PTT switch hardware activate a site transmitter at the same intervals that the mobile test unit is directed to make measurements by the GPS timer driver extension.

These STI-9400 hardware options allow measurements and the test signals to be synchronised to GPS time of day at different locations.

Coverage prediction Many propagation software packages have the ability to import and display drive test measurements so that an ‘actual vs. predicted’ analysis of signal strength may be performed. The method of using drive test measurements to calibrate a predictive result is especially useful when planning a wireless system expansion.

The existing system’s actual signal coverage can be measured and compared to the existing system’s predicted coverage. If necessary, the prediction can be adjusted to more accurately reflect existing measured coverage. This increases confidence in projected coverage for system changes or expansion.

In this way, models of the existing system are made with planning software, calibrated against drive test measurements and used to plan the system expansion.

To assure communication critical to the safety of our first responders, drive test measurements of signal quality, as well as signal strength, are essential steps in system design, construction and validation.

Survey Technologies Incorporated www.surveytech.com

www.radiocomms.com.au

newproducts

Wireless remote network module The WNM wireless network module from Moore Industries provides a low-cost wireless communications link between field sites that are in rugged or impassable terrain, with a single unit transmitting for up to 48 km and the ability to act as a repeater for a virtually unlimited transmission range, and in both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint network architectures.

The bidirectional WNM employs spread spectrum frequency hopping technology to avoid interference problems caused by crowded radio spectra. This technology allows multiple radio networks to use the same band while in close proximity. Operating at standard operating frequencies of 902 to 928 MHz (48 km range) or 2.4 to 2.4835 GHz (24 km range), the WNM does not require a regulatory licence and can typically be installed without performing costly RF site surveys.

When it is set in the Smart Switch Ethernet (SSE) mode, the WNM enhances the speed and reliability of data packet transmission by determining the most efficient path of broadcast (including direct to a single radio or to some or all radios in a network) on a packet-by-packet basis.

The WNM can be used with the Moore Industries NCS NET Concentrator System, as well as other SCADA and distributed I/O systems. WNM models are available for data communications networks that use ethernet and serial (RS485) communications.

The WNM utilises 128-bit AES encryption, 32-bit CRC error detection and ARQ for robust and secure communications. The industrial DIN rail-mount metal enclosure also ensures that the WNM can be used in rugged environments, including ambient temperatures from -40 to 75째C and relative humidity of 5 to 95%.

Moore Industries Pacific Inc Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N594

www.radiocomms.com.au

Low PIM connectors Pasternack Enterprises has released the 7/16 DIN line of low PIM (passive intermodulation distortion) connectors, designed for applications where intermodulation distortion is a concern.

The connector body is brass with white bronze plating for durability and corrosion resistance, and the contacts are gold plated with no nickel undercoat. The connectors are fully interchangeable with all 7/16 DIN connectors designed to IEC 169-4, CECC 22-190, DIN 47223and VG 95250 specifications.

Rojone Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N439

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newproducts

Lightning and surge protection

Times Microwave Systems has expanded the Times-Protect LP-GTR series of DC pass RF lightning and surge protection products.

With the addition of the LP-GTRN-35 series, the range with either the type N or 716DIN interface will now handle 50, 210 or 550 W. Designed to pass DC for applications requiring power to be supplied to the electronics, the series is suitable for distributed antenna systems and tower-mounted electronics.

The series is IP67 rated, bidirectional, suitable for outdoor as well as indoor installations and includes a universal grounding bracket. The N connector designs cover the entire frequency spectrum from DC through 3000 MHz while the 716 DIN types can be used from DC through 2500 MHz. Rojone Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N489

Microwave antenna range Andrew Sentinel microwave antennas have been released by Commscope.

The range provides reliable ETSI Class 4 performance.

Features include: a 40% increase in spectrum re-use and link density; designed to integrate with radio outdoor units; 10 dB or more off-axis interference discrimination; allows higher modulation schemes to be used; wind speed survivability up to 250 km/h (155 mph); smaller size for easier installation and maintenance.

CommScope Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N342

16 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

RF design software Agilent Technologies has released its high-performance software for RF and microwave board design, Genesys 2012.

The updated software provides enhancements in RF system simulation (including electromagnetic, circuit and statistical simulation), plus features to help designers improve the reliability of their systems.

The software is said to simplify analysis of RF systems with multistage conversions that enable system architects to easily visualise spurious signals across a broad frequency sweep.

Along with its unique root-cause-analysis capabilities, the software gives RF system designers power to quickly determine the source and path of spurious frequencies across the entire frequency range of the system. This enables efficient troubleshooting of the system architecture and frequency plan during system design, before hardware implementation.

The latest release provides improvements to the planar EM simulator Momentum GXF, including a quadrangle mesher to efficiently mesh a planar layout with the fewest number of unknowns. It also provides a one-click link to the company’s EMPro software for immediate full 3D EM simulation without having to redraw the structure, assign material properties or port locations.

The software provides wide coverage of circuit synthesis applications to tackle tough designs such as custom notched filters and wideband matching networks. Monte Carlo statistical analysis results can be exported into a spreadsheet for further analysis and reporting.

Agilent Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N438

Micro-ohmmeter The AEMC high-current Model 6290 micro-ohmmeter is a portable, microprocessor-controlled instrument.

It can be used to accurately measure very low contact resistances with test currents up to 200 A. The instrument employs the four-terminal Kelvin method to prevent errors caused by test leads and their contact resistances.

It has optimised filters and protection for measurements in electrical substations.

AEMC claims measurement accuracy is guaranteed through a signal amplification system, offset free with long-term stability. Resistance readings are shown in the alphanumeric display with up to 4½-digit resolution. It allows measurement resistances up to 20 mΩ, and resolution of 0.1 µΩ.

Test currents may be adjusted by the operator and are measured using an analog bar-graph indicator and backlit digital display.

Capable of storing up to 200 readings in its internal memory, the device has a USB interface that can be connected to a computer to download the stored values. DataView software enables direct printout using a PC. Rugged, lightweight and water resistant, it is IP54 rated with closed lid. To prevent overheating, the device has internal thermal sensors in all sensitive components.

The device is suitable for testing switchgear contact resistance, circuit-breaker contact resistance, air-frame bonding, rail bonding and pipeline bonding.

AEMC Instruments Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N592

www.radiocomms.com.au

www.radiocomms.com.au

May/June 2012 - RADIO COMMS

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newproducts

DMR portable radios Motorola Solutions has released the SL Series portable radio as the latest addition to its Mototrbo range.

The digital two-way radios provide high voice quality, extended battery life and come with a set of features that are designed for increased productivity and enhanced worker safety.

The thin and light DMR portable range has a rugged, high-resolution colour display with a built-in photo sensor that automatically detects ambient lighting and adjusts the display brightness for viewing in all lighting conditions.

Intelligent Audio can automatically adjust the radioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volume to fit background noise so users will not miss calls in a high-noise environment or disturb others in quiet areas, and integrated Bluetooth audio allows users to connect Bluetooth audio accessories without an external adapter. The range also supports Bluetooth data connectivity to wirelessly transfer data between the radio and other devices such as barcode scanners, mobile computers or mobile printers.

The radios have three programmable option buttons that allow up to nine favourite features to be programmed for easy access and has vibrate alert, covert mode and an integrated antenna design that provides high-range performance.

The range includes earpieces, single-unit and multiunit chargers and a flexible wrist strap or swivel belt clip carry holder for portability.

Motorola Solutions Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N244

Waterproof handheld transceiver

Icom Australia has released the IC-F3033S/F4033S series of radios.

The units have the features of the IC-F3023S/F4023S series, but have a waterproof construction added for marine environments. The radios have been upgraded to an IP67 waterproof and dustproof construction, therefore protected from dust ingress and have passed water immersion tests of a one metre depth for 30 minutes.

The rechargeable battery of the radio has also been upgraded from 2000 mAh to a waterproof 2300 mAh Li-Ion battery. This gives the user a typical battery life of 17.5 hours and has been designed for reliability in extremely cold environments.

The series features all the standard functions, twotone, five-tone, CTCSS and DTCS are all built-in to allow group communications and selective calling capabilities. The unit also includes 128 memory channels and eight zones.

The radios feature a dedicated emergency button that, when pushed, provides personnel with employee safety alerts. A lone worker function is also available, and with an optional UT-124R board installed, the units are also capable of man-down functions.

Priority scan allows the user to monitor one or two priority channels while scanning. Mode dependant scan allows every channel to have its own scanning settings, which is convenient when moving from site to site - if the channel needs to be changed when moving from a different site, the scanning settings will automatically change.

Other features include an eight-character alphanumeric display, low battery alert, two-step power-save and capacity for internal option boards such as mandown, voice scrambler or a DTMF decoder.

Icom Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/M777

18 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

www.radiocomms.com.au

www.radiocomms.com.au

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RF devices

RF modules for robotic wheelchairs Mohd Thamrin, Rosman R and Sarmawi D S of Universiti Teknologi MARA

© iStockphoto.com/ selimaksan

RF transmitter and receiver modules were used to turn a manually controlled wheelchair into a robotic one by students at UiTM Shah Alam.

C

urrently, with increasingly sophisticated technology, wheelchairbound people can move more easily in electric-powered wheelchairs (EPW).

Unfortunately, the current state of EPW control technology does not provide adequate mobility and comfort for users.

This drawback can be improved by a user’s controller panel (UCP) to enhance its movement. The UCP, applied to the wheelchair control mode, is suitable for users with lower part disability since the execution of the tasks requires hand and fingers movement.

By implementing wireless communication, several advantages and flexibility can be introduced to the control mode.

Since human-machine interface is an essential element in robotic wheelchair control mode, the researchers studied the functionality and efficiency of the manual control mode. In particular, they examined the application of RF transmitters and receiver modules for wireless transmission.

A UCP and a model of robotic wheelchair were designed for the test.

The robotic wheelchair made use of a geared DC motor mounted on each 20 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

“UCP is plausible to provide a better manual control mode for robotic wheelchair locomotion. The implementation of wireless transmission on the controller panel extended the manual control mode.” of the wheels. The basic locomotion - forward, reverse, left and right turning - was controlled by users via UCP. It implements wireless technology which allows the controller panel to be mounted on the armrest of the wheelchair or can be held by users or even can be controlled from a distance by a third party. The wireless controller panel of the robotic wheelchairs uses RF modules for data transmissions.

The findings of this study have shown that UCP is plausible to provide a better manual control mode for robotic wheelchair locomotion. The implementation of wireless transmission on the controller panel extended the manual control mode, which was conventionally mounted on the wheelchair.

Unfortunately, inexpensive RF transmitters and receivers are only able to handle some basic wireless communi-

cations such as sending basic instructions to the microcontroller unit of the robotic wheelchair. The RF module does have some limitations - it can only provide one way data transfer and extra data can only be sent by transmitter to the receiver but not the other way around. This factor limits the UCP to be used in a remote monitoring system.

In short, the results prove that cheaper RF modules are feasible for simple, one-way wireless data transfer to transmit several basic instructions to the robotic wheelchair.

The researchers recommended more sophisticated wireless communication such as wireless sensor network (WSN) and wireless internet camera server (WICS). Such wireless communication could be implemented as the wireless monitoring system for the robotic wheelchair as it transmits real-time, high-quality video over the internet.

This will ensure safe and accurate robotic wheelchair locomotion control, especially within a confined area such as a public hall or shopping mall.

UiTM Shah Alam, Malaysia http://www.uitm.edu.my/index.php/en

www.radiocomms.com.au

www.radiocomms.com.au

May/June 2012 - RADIO COMMS

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newproducts

Loop Yagi antenna MiMOMax has released a high-gain, multiple-element loop Yagi antenna said to enable longer and more reliable paths over challenging terrains and/ or longer distances.

The antenna typically provides an additional 6 dB path gain compared to standard 10 dBi MiMOMax Loop Yagi designs. It has a tighter beam width and a typical gain exceeding 14 dBi. It is also lightweight, requiring only a single point of fixture to the pole.

Because of the compact design, it performs well in windy environments without generally requiring supporting struts or cables, thereby minimising the space on poles and towers.

It is both vertically and horizontally polarised and radiates in the biquadrature diversity format. This pattern-type diversity provides for increased signal quality and path resilience in challenging environments.

The antenna is designed to be compliant with ACMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RALI FX17 requirements for both medium- and high-density sites.

MiMOMax Wireless Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N126

DMR-based scalable radios Harris Corporation has announced the Momentum, a scalable digital solution that provides feature-rich functionality over an open technology platform.

The device fully complies with DMR standards and users will experience: powerful standards-based TDMA products that are compatible with DMR Tier II (conventional) and Tier III (trunked) compliant systems; IP connectivity to create wide area networks; integrated GPS for fleet management applications and solutions; combination of high-performance specifications and features with an intuitive, user-centric interface in a lightweight, durable package; products that meet industry and military standards to provide dependable connections under challenging conditions.

The range includes the following DMR standards-based, digital communications products: HDP150 - digital portable two-way radio featuring a large, full-colour liquid crystal display, full system keypad and user-defined softkeys and is simple to operate and offers a mobile-phone-like user experience; HDM150 - digital mobile two-way radio designed with a large, full-colour thin film transistor liquid crystal display and also features a large multifunction volume and channel selector knob with a robust internal speaker or optional external speaker for use in high noise environments. When configured with an optional desktop microphone and power supply, it can operate as a desktop control station; HDP100 - digital portable two-way radio offers efficient real-time communication and staff management; HDR100 - repeater detects whether the signal received is analog or digital and transmits in the appropriate mode, providing a suitable solution for users transitioning from analog to digital operation. It protects the userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investment by assuring compatibility with current analog systems and allows future migration to DMR systems.

Harris Corporation Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N134

22 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

www.radiocomms.com.au

INTRINSICALLY IN ANY SITUATION

INTRODUCING THE STP8X Intrinsically-Safe users need both a fully-featured radio AND a radio fit for their demanding daily operating conditions.

Sepuraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new rugged, robust STP8X is fully approved to the highlydemanding version 6 of the ATEX/IECEx standards AND is the first IP67-rated Intrinsically-Safe TETRA radio. With loud, clear audio, Bluetooth capability, a keypad designed for use with gloved hands and an easy-to-view screen, the STP8X is reliable, robust, secure AND full of features.

VISIT WWW.SEPURA-STP8X.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

sepura.com

newproducts

Signalling tester Anritsu has released the MD8475A-011 HSPA evolution signalling unit, with MX847510A-011 and MX847570A-011 software options to support verification tests of HSPA Evolution and DC-HSDPA smartphones and mobile terminals.

The signalling unit combines a line-up of hardware and software combinations to simulate base stations for mobile technologies. These options enable the unit to simulate both HSPA Evolution and DC-HSDPA basestation operations for configuring a connection verification testing environment.

The option controls the MD8475A GUI interface, making it easy to set the smartphone and mobile terminal test conditions.

Installing the MD8475A-011, MX847510A-011 and MX847570A-011 options supports function and service verification tests of the smartphones and mobile terminals.

Digital radio test set Aeroflex has released the automated test and alignment capabilities for Kenwood radios on the Aeroflex 3920 digital radio test set for the 5x101 series of mobiles and portables.

The test set provides fully automated test and alignment of the radios without the need for user interaction.

The system is said to provide consistent and reliable tests and alignment to manufacturer-recommended specifications and to industry standards, ensuring proper interoperability and a uniform standard of performance within the radioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s network.

Aeroflex Asia Ltd

Anritsu Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/M993

24 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N023

www.radiocomms.com.au

INDUSTRY TALKING Events to fill the social calendar ARCIA attended the APCO Australasia conference on the Gold Coast in March where we attracted new members and presented on disaster planning and the need to coordinate plans to provide interoperability, particularly in remote areas where infrastructure is limited.

APCOA announced an affiliation with ARCIA, which will enable the industry to contribute to requests for technical comment on APCO proposals. This affiliation is part of a worldwide move to develop alliances between what have been seen to be competing technologies and organisations, where in fact they should be considered to be part of a global interoperation to continue the development of two-way radio and its ability to provide public safety communications.

By the time of publication, the inaugural Queensland ARCIA Industry dinner will have been held at the Victoria Park Golf Course and the preparations for this event will have ensured the success of the evening. The Queensland event is the most recent of the regional networking dinners following Sydney, Adelaide and Perth, which will all be regular entries on the ARCIA networking calendar along with the gala dinner in Melbourne.

These events provide an unequalled opportunity for the industry to meet not only socially but to experience a wider view of the industry and where it is going. The next event will be in Adelaide in September and this again promises to be an entertaining evening at the National Wine Centre, a tremendous venue.

Membership continues to grow and ARCIA welcomes recent new members: AusOptic International, ComTel Network Solutions, STI Engineering, TCQ Pty Ltd, CSE-ComSource, Rojone Pty Ltd, Vinci Technology, and the South Australian Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure along with John Pepper, a new individual member. They join the growing list of over 130 corporations, manufacturers, suppliers, small businesses, end-user organisations, individuals and students that have joined together to promote and develop the radio communications industry.

Christian Kelly President Australian Radio Communications Industry Association

www.radiocomms.com.au

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newproducts

Personal RF field radiation monitor The RadMan personal RF field radiation monitor provides a warning of electromagnetic fields directly threatening humans in their presence.

When 50% of the maximum permissible exposure limit is exceeded, a warning buzzer sounds.

For noisy environments, earphones are included. However, the monitor also has LEDs displaying field strength measurements of approximately 12.5%, 25%, 50% and 100%.

Features include: wide frequency monitoring from 1 MHz to 40 GHz; shaped frequency response matched to national and international standards; simultaneous E and H field monitoring for near field use; detachable absorber cap to provide isotropic response for simple measurement tasks and leak detection.

TechRentals Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N340

Satellite terminal The Inmarsat 9502 BGAN M2M terminal from Hughes is an all-IP BGAN M2M satellite terminal with low power consumption.

The IP satellite terminal is said to provide reliable connectivity over the Inmarsat BGAN for IP SCADA and M2M applications.

The low power consumption (<1 W idle) of this modem makes it possible to provide end-to-end IP connectivity to sites off the grid and is suitable for power-challenged locations relying on solar battery arrays involving sensitive power use.

Delivering affordable, global, end-to-end IP data connectivity, the terminal enables applications in industry sectors such as SmartGrid, environmental, pipeline or compressor monitoring, well site automation and out-of-band management to primary site communications.

The modem can be controlled remotely via SMS and offers an integrated IP watchdog to ensure â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;always-onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; network connectivity and an auto-on/auto-context activation which automatically restores power and PDP connection to itself following loss of power and/or IP connection. The modem includes 10 m of RF cabling and an antenna that can be positioned remotely from the transceiver.

M2M Connectivity Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N574

26 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

www.radiocomms.com.au

long term evolution

© iStockphoto.com/ Thomas Dixon

Practicalities of private LTE A vehicle for change Dr Clive Horn, research leader at Tait Communications

Long term evolution (LTE) is the standard for wireless communication and it has been a global driver behind current technological and social change. In this article, Tait Communications research leader Dr Clive Horn examines the standard and offers practical advice when considering merging LTE with existing narrowband radio technology.

R

ich mobile data applications running on ever ‘smarter’ phones are a vehicle for global social and economic change.

Mobile broadband is the key technology that enables devices such as the iPhone to change the world with their ever more impressive data applications. LTE is at the heart of providing that mobile broadband.

Figure 1 illustrates how the demand for commercial data is increasing and overtaking commercial voice.

The adoption of any new technology requires careful analysis prior to deployment, including prediction of the impact on procedures and integration with back-office systems. For this reason, Tait sees the demand for LTE in our industry following at some distance behind commercial demand. However, once its value is fully understood, a rapid uptake of the technology is expected.

Having worked on LTE and P25 for some time, Dr Horn has listed some of the practical things needed when considering adding LTE to current narrowband radio technology.

A solution for data High-quality reliable voice coverage remains one of the fundamental cornerstones of the industry, and technologies such as P25 are designed for exactly that.

The emerging model for mission-critical www.radiocomms.com.au

voice and data networks is one of parallel systems: mission-critical voice with parallel mission-critical data. LTE represents a solution for data.

Directional antennas Within land mobile radio (LMR) systems, it’s common to operate with single omnidirectional antennas at a high site yielding wide-area coverage. However, to get useful range from broadband technology, directional antennas are generally needed.

Figure 2 shows a test-bed site with the di-pole antennas at the top for P25 and the directional panel antennas for broadband below. In this case, a microwave link for backhaul was used.

Figure 1: The increasing demand for commercial data

Backhaul capability The data rates at a broadband site can be very high. This has a knock-on effect on the design of the backhaul capability. The system designer needs to look carefully at whether any current backhaul technology can handle the potential data rates from broadband.

Data rates In P25, the data rate is essentially fixed over the very wide-area coverage. However, with LTE the data rate is related to signal strength.

Figure 2: Single omni-directional antenna at a high site yielding wide area coverage

May/June 2012 - RADIO COMMS

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long term evolution

useful to boost the signal to a cell-edge user, but may not improve the signal for geographically spread users.

“LTE is a good technical solution for highspeed data; however, like anything, expert engineering design is essential to make

Diversity

the solution perform to expectations.”

Public safety systems have used diversity for many years. Systems that use voting on the uplink are implicitly using a form of diversity - in this case, selection diversity.

Spatial diversity (multiple antennas) is great news for data transmission in a mobile environment. Technically, it means if the same signal is transmitted via more than one path to a user, the receiver can combine the signals to get better detection.

For diversity to work well, the two paths need to experience different fading.

In an urban or suburban environment, the paths are highly likely to be different because there are so many to choose from.

LTE employs diversity, for instance using the multiple antennas at a base site to transmit the same signal down to a user.

However, in a rural environment with a high-site base station, the benefits may not be so great. In this scenario, the two paths are practically the same (not sufficiently diverse), hence only a modest benefit other than the usual summing of signal powers. In a rural environment LTE may not offer the benefits expected, at least not from a single base site.

LTE is a good technical solution for high-speed data; however, like anything, expert engineering design is essential to make the solution perform to expectations.

Figure 3 shows how the data rate decreases with range. This is commonly referred to as “the wedding cake problem”.

Further, because the data rate available on the channel is shared amongst all users, the system design must ensure a minimum data rate at the cell edge.

Operational procedures will play a part in controlling the available data rate to each user. For example, the back office may decide they only need to receive streaming video from one cell-edge user and switch off other sources at the cell edge.

Multiple-in, multiple-out Multiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO) is not usually used in narrowband systems. However, it is a term used widely in broadband. To be more precise, this is referring to spatial multiplexing, where multiantennas are used for both the transmitter and receiver. For example, 2x2 MIMO uses two transmitting antennas and two receiving antennas to double the peak data rate, compared with a single antenna system.

Generally MIMO requires good signal strength to operate. It’s also important to note that the parallel transmitted signals traverse the ether via different paths (diversity). If they fail to do this, it may

28 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

Figure 3 The data rate decreases with range – “the wedding cake problem” not be possible to unravel the signals at the terminal.

The practical upshot of this is that because MIMO works well close to the cell centre in a multipath environment, it is reliable in an urban environment but may not be suitable in a rural environment.

Beam forming Beam forming using multiple antennas is another topical technology we see in LTE that is not used in P25 systems. Simply put, it means transmitting a pair (or more) of signals from the antennas so that when the signals arrive at a location, they combine to raise the signal energy in the target area. Remember, the more signal power available, the better the data rate.

However, the peak of energy may cover only a small area. Beam forming is

Tait Electronics (Aust) Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N633

www.radiocomms.com.au

NEW White Papers

now available online!

Networking voice communication and control systems Facing the challenge of networking voice communications and control systems in a mission-critical environment requires careful planning, product selection and implementation. This paper steps through a real-life case study which culminated in a hybrid voice communication and control system (VCCS).

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Five tips to reduce risk from modern web threats Modern web threats can infect your network, subvert systems into botnets or steal sensitive data. To meet these challenges to your security, you need to put in place user education and awareness, preventive measures and a modern web security solution. Read this guide for tips.

www.powerbox.com.au For these and more White Paper downloads, visit www.radiocomms.com.au/white_papers

www.radiocomms.com.au

May/June 2012 - RADIO COMMS

29

newproducts

LTE test mobile Aeroflex has announced that their TM500 LTE test mobile can emulate LTE Category 5 (Cat5) user equipment, allowing operators to verify the operation of their networks and equipment vendors to prove the performance of their eNodeB (LTE base stations) at the higher data rates that are enabled by Cat5 handsets and terminals.

The test mobile provides demodulation and decoding of downlink signals transmitted in 4x4 MIMO and transmission of uplink signals modulated using 64QAM, in support of these higher LTE data rates.

The addition of Cat5 support allows engineers to verify the signal processing function when testing systems at the higher data rates provided by LTE and its hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) mode permits validation of the Cat5 feature prior to integration into the eNodeB.

Inline high-power sensor Available to rent, the Anritsu MA24104A inline high-power sensor enables true-RMS measurements over the entire frequency 600 MHz to 4 GHz using its dual path architecture. This is said to allow measurement of CW, multitone and digitally modulated signals.

The inline high-power sensor includes the PowerXpert application software for data display, analysis and sensor control with the connected PC appearing like a traditional power meter.

Features include: true-RMS measurements to 150 W; standalone, low-cost, plug-and-play device; high power handling; 1 mW calibration need eliminated; can be used with Site Master with option 19.

TechRentals Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N024

The test mobile's ′per antenna′ measurement capability allows engineers to validate eNodeB RF functionality with direct cabling, while its ′per RF path′ measurements provide a tool for use over the air during field trials, for studying the use cases that maximise the benefits of the four transmitter topology of 4x4 MIMO. A constellation plot is also available, which provides a rapid scan of the signal quality.

The test mobile can also be used in stress test cases at an early stage in the development of Cat5, where one or two of the units are used in an attempt to use all the eNodeB resources while other handsets or UE also require to be served.

30 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

P25 multisite trunking Daniels Electronics has announced the introduction of its P25 multisite trunking solution using the inter sub system interface (ISSI) protocol.

Building on the existing P25 trunked system, the multisite capability enables the company to build small multisite networks for public safety agencies or provide an open ISSI interface for end of the network and dead zone infill for large agency and statewide networks.

The solution is said to be complementary for end-of-the-network applications and a small capacity infill for niche remote and difficult applications.

Aeroflex Asia Ltd

Daniels Electronics Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N005

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N136

www.radiocomms.com.au

newproducts

Omnidirectional ceiling mount antenna

Active antenna systems

Laird Technologies has released the CMD69273 LTE MIMO two-port omnidirectional ceiling mount antenna for the in-building wireless industry.

The antenna provides cellular option for 3G and 4G data communications. Optimised for indoor requirements, it increases the throughput/capacity of cellular, UMTS and LTE/WiMAX wireless voice and data standards operating in the 698 to 960 MHz and 1710 to 2700 MHz frequency bands.

Featuring two oriented radiating elements, the antenna provides a specifically shaped pattern that is said to maximise coverage using a ceiling mount location. The elements also include linear horizontal/vertical polarisation components that address multipath polarisation propagation issues found in indoor environments.

Additional features include a low profile housing made with UL 94 VO materials and a flush mount allowing easy attachment to a ceiling tile.

Ubidyne has released the LTE 700 MHz uB700 and 900 MHz uB900 antenna embedded radios.

The uB700 full active antenna supports 4G (LTE) in the 700 MHz digital dividend band for broadband mobile networks in the US as well as the uB900 that supports GSM, UMTS and LTE in the 900 MHz frequency band to address mobile networks in Europe, Africa, Oceania, Asia and the Middle East.

Future products are in development for the European digital dividend bands of 800 MHz and highband, up to 2.6 GHz, as well as multiband solutions.

Clarke & Severn Electronics

Maser Technology Group

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N007

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N004

www.radiocomms.com.au

May/June 2012 - RADIO COMMS

31

@work

RADIO Project: Westfield radio system Application: Distributed antenna system

W

© iStockphoto.com/ David Joyner

estfield Sydney is a retail and office complex in the heart of the city beneath the Sydney Tower. In 2007, Westfield received approval to redevelop its existing Centrepoint mall and integrate it with the adjoining Imperial Arcade, Skygarden and Sydney Central Plaza.

The development represents a $1.2 billion investment for Westfield with the aim of creating a facility that will showcase the best retailers from Australia and around the world.

As part of the redevelopment, a Zinwave 3000 system provides in-building coverage as it can carry all major mobile carriers, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, covering the services of WCDMA at 850 MHz, UMTS at 2100 MHz, DCS at 1800 MHz as well as the PMR systems for the mall staff.

Stage 1 of the Westfield Sydney redevelopment opened on 28 October 2010 with approximately 130 specialty stores. Stage 2 was opened in April 2011 and the retail component completed in December 2011.

The completed facility has more than 330 stores with over 88,000 m2 of retail space.

The Zinwave distributed antenna system (DAS) is designed to futureproof in-building wireless coverage. It provides a cellular and wireless platform for adding new services within a wideband spectrum at present between 150 MHz and 2.7 GHz without upgrades, extra hardware or any new MMF or SMF rollouts.

The three-stage system consists of a primary hub, secondary hubs and remote units. It uses multimode or singlemode fibre cable for connectivity that gives true wideband capabilities, allowing simultaneous support of any wireless standard including 2G, 3G, LTE, PMR/LMR, DVB-H, TETRA, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, RFID etc.

Full management control over this spectrum allows new services to be added

on demand without deploying additional system components.

The technology can be configured in a single, dual-star or mixed architecture to meet exact service needs. In addition, it offers a service distribution feature with dynamic routing of the input signals to the output ports, allowing sectorisation.

Westfield Sydney is one of a growing list of buildings, which include airports, hospitals and corporate facilities, to take advantage of Zinwave’s support for multiple services over a single common infrastructure and wideband hardware platform. The system easily accommodates the specific services offered by all operators and required by visitors from around the world. Cellular sectorisation is supported by a built-in switch matrix that, by simple software configuration, selectively routes services to specific areas of the building as required.

The Westfield implementation was carried out by RFI, a Zinwave partner in this region.

“RFI has been involved in many highprofile rollouts, and we are particularly proud of the results achieved in this Westfield project using the Zinwave 3000 system in-building coverage solution. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Zinwave product in a high-profile, multiservice environment,” commented Steve Jacques, managing director of RFI. “This was an exciting, high-profile project for us and a suitable setting to showcase Zinwave’s unique 3000 system,” said Colin Abrey, president of Zinwave International.

“Our 3000 DAS provided a unique solution that had the ability to carry all major operators and also provide PMR services all on one hardware layer. The system offers ease of installation and scalability with the ability to add in services in the future with no additional hardware cost.”

“[The system] provides a cellular and wireless platform for adding new services within a wideband spectrum at present between 150 MHz and 2.7 GHz without upgrades, extra hardware or any new MMF or SMF rollouts.”

RF Industries Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/M381

32 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

www.radiocomms.com.au

newproducts

Ethernet bridge

Bitrode CDN series high-voltage battery testers are available with a number of battery parameter testing suites including temperature monitoring, high impedance reference electrodes for verifying performance of individual cells, pressure monitoring and polarity reversal in tackless formation applications.

The Bitrode CDN systems are controlled by Bitrode's Visual CN software (designed for Windows 95 and Windows NT). This allows the development of test programs utilising up to 99 steps of charge, discharge and rest. In addition, optional ramp charge-discharge modules are available, definable in user-specified increments with data acquisition available every second.

There are five models within the CDN range with maximum charge/discharge current ranging from 5-100 to 50-1000 A. The Bitrode CDN series testers are recommended for use in incoming inspection, pilot plant manufacture, specialised service applications, and R&D in market segments including defence, electric traction, emergency power supplies, and generally for the testing of multicell batteries.

B&B Electronics has announced its indoor/outdoor GhostBridge wireless ethernet bridge.

With a line-of-sight range of up to 15 km, the 5 GHz device creates a transparent, secure, high-speed (up to 150 Mbps) point-to-point link between two remote devices or networks, eliminating up to 15 km of wiring.

Sold in preconfigured pairs, the bridge requires no further configuration or software set-up.

The device features an 80째, 15 dBi sector antenna integrated into the housing, and a 5 GHz radio built from 802.11n 2x2 MIMO technology, connectivity between remote stations and a central office.

Users can bridge two networks or hard-to-reach nodes together. A PoE passthrough ethernet port also allows users to connect remote devices (IP camera or other) to a LAN. The operating frequency is 5470-5825 GHz, and the unit consumes 8 W. Preconfigured with WPA2, 128-bit security, the bridge provides secure, point-to-point data transmission. Users can also configure it to other standards. The 2-unit bridge operates over a wide temperature range (-30 to +80째C) and outdoor-rated, UV-stabilised enclosures protect the hardware.

Westek Electronics Pty Ltd

Micromax Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/K673

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/K628

www.gme.net.au enquiries@gme.net.au

www.radiocomms.com.au

SYDNEY (02) 9879 8888

MELBOURNE (03) 9558 9999

BRISBANE (07) 3278 6444

PERTH (08) 9455 5744

ADELAIDE (08) 8234 2633

AUCKLAND (09) 274 0955

May/June 2012 - RADIO COMMS

CR012

Battery testers

33

newproducts

Multifunction tester Megger has extended its range of multifunction testers with the MFT1825. The tester conducts all tests required to complete electrical certification for industrial, commercial and domestic fixed wiring installations.

As well as performing insulation, RCD and 2-wire non-trip loop tests, the tester is also able to perform a range of tests including 2- and 3-pole earth testing with an optional accessories kit.

The tester includes a safety feature whereby it can be connected across live mains voltage at any setting on any range without being damaged.

A visible and audible warning will be shown and sounded if a hazardous voltage is present. The tester has an EN61010 Category IV safety rating.

All Megger testers have ABS and rubber shells with an IP54 protection rating that offer protection against condensation, dust and dirt.

The instrument conducts a range of RCD tests, including AC, A, S and programmable and three-phase RCDs. The auto-test function means that complete test sequences can be run without resetting the RCD. For users needing to download and store data, the MFT1835 can store up to 1000 test results in its onboard memory. The company’s free download manager software enables users to download test results via Bluetooth.

The tester comes with a tough moulded carry case, test leads and calibration certificate.

Megger Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N593

Vehicle tracking terminal The VTT-1000 vehicle tracking terminal for fleet management system applications has been released. It has been designed for rugged environments, features an operating temperature range of -20 to +70°C and has a drop survival of 1 m.

The device features a 3.5″ TFT LCD touch screen, is embedded with an ARM9 400 MHZ CPU and is ready with pre-installed Windows CE 6.0.

The terminal features 128 MB DDRZ memory onboard and 256 MB of NAND Flash storage.

I/O interfaces include 1x Mini USB 1.1, 1x OBD-11, 1x RS232, 2x LAN ports and audio. In addition to Windows CE SDK, it contains APIs for application software development.

The device is equipped with a Cinterion MC55i wireless module and built-in antenna for machine-to-machine communication over GPRS. The module is awarded full type approval and certified by global carriers and operators.

The terminal is optimised with quad-band technology for worldwide roaming and it supports a diverse array of navigation software.

ICP Electronics Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N572

34 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

www.radiocomms.com.au

newproducts

Point-to-point wireless system The Ubiquiti AirFiber is a carrier-class, high-speed point-to-point wireless system and is an alternative for building-to-building fibre links.

It uses radio protocols to achieve up to 1.4 Gbps (1400 Mbps) of aggregate TCP/IP data throughput.

The ACMA permits classlicence operation of this product in the 24 GHz spectrum; no special licence is needed.

The system is expected to be available for sale in Australia in August 2012 following certification testing.

Freenet Warehouse Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N522

Membrane-based dehydration CommScopeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DryLine Sahara provides a reliable way to get a handle on humidity.

It features an air circuit path that can support large volume systems in a fraction of the space of traditional solutions.

The device works by using automatic pressure sensing and microprocessor control circuitry to activate and deactivate an air compressor.

The compressor operates only when needed to maintain transmission line pressure, which reduces wear and maintenance. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rely on internal tanks and regulators, so it constantly changes the air inside the cable to ensure maximum system performance.

The membrane cartridge design eliminates the parts required for pressure swings or heat regenerative dehydration.

Other advantages include: reduced noise and vibration; no cost for replacing nitrogen tanks or silica desiccant; enhanced range with support for systems up to 31,200 L/31 m3.

In addition to these benefits, the device occupies 80% less space than the previous industry standard for broadcast market dehydrators. It fits on a bench or the floor, even in crowded areas. Power, air and alarm connections are also easily accessible from the back of the cabinet.

CommScope Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N632

RF cables, connectors and assemblies

U.FL SMA BNC TNC N Type F Type and more

RG6 RG11 RG58 RG142 RG174 RG179 RG213 RG316 LMR series Leaky cables and more

Ampec Technologies Pty Ltd

Unit 1, 63-79 Parramatta Road, Silverwater, NSW 2128 Tel: +61 2 8741 5000 E: sales@ampec.com.au W: www.ampec.com.au

www.radiocomms.com.au

May/June 2012 - RADIO COMMS

35

newproducts

Vehicle tracking software The simTRAC vehicle tracking software can be used to track a vehicle fleet to help improve job planning and reduce fuel costs.

Users can set geofences to be alerted when a vehicle enters or leaves a specified area. Some companies set fences around suppliers’ and employees’ houses; the software is also useful to monitor weekend usage and speeding on company vehicles.

It is possible to view in real time where the vehicle is currently parked, whether or not it is turned on or off and for how long it has been on site. Furthermore, replays give users the ability to look back on the vehicles’ history to help visualise how economical job planning is.

Users can integrate to simPRO to visualise all planned jobs to obtain the most efficient job schedules or view the nearest technician for emergency jobs.

BER measurement enhancements for analysers Anritsu has released ISDB-T and DVB-T/H bit error rate (BER) measurement options for its MS2712E/MS2713E Spectrum Master handheld spectrum analysers and MT8212E/MT8213E Cell Master base station analysers.

The options expand the measurement capabilities of the models.

simPRO Software Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N590

Handheld digital multimeters The U1230 range of handheld digital multimeters provides features that simplify everyday tasks even when working in dark and noisy conditions.

The U1231A, U1232A and U1233A models are 3½-digit, 6000-count DMMs designed for installation and maintenance work in electrical, HVAC and utility settings. In dark spaces or at night, a built-in flashlight lets the user illuminate the work area while making measurements.

In noisy environments, the series enhances continuity measurements with a unique combination of alerts - loud beeps and a blinking backlight display.

The DMMs provide non-contacting AC voltage detection, helping users safely detect and avoid hot wires and alerting them with beeping/blinking alerts. All models are housed in compact, ergonomic cases and have an easily accessible control dial.

The BER measurements, together with the other digital video and SFN measurement options, help ensure digital TV transmitters are configured according to licence agreements and optimised for error-free reception over the entire coverage area.

For the ISDB-T BER function, the company has used Silicon Infusion’s Zaltys 3-Layer ISDB-T demodulator core technology. The core integrates a high-performance COFDM demodulation engine and a fully compliant deframer, which provides high-quality real-time measurements.

The frequency tuning ranges on the analyserss have been extended to 2.4 GHz. A frequency map for automatic channel selection from VHF channels 5-12 has also been added for European testing environments.

Agilent Technologies Australia Pty Ltd

Anritsu Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/M694

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/M992

FREE SUBSCRIPTION! Radio Comms Asia-Pacific is FREE to qualified ICT industry

professionals in Australia & New Zealand.

To continue receiving your free copy you will be asked to register every three years.

Quick registration @ www.RadioComms.com.au/subscribe 36 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

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newproducts

Catalogue released The 2012 Emona Test Instruments Catalogue is now available.

The 80-page publication covers instrumentation and equipment for the electronics industry, industrial service and plant maintenance, industrial electrical and electrical contracting, and science and life sciences laboratories.

The latest edition features products including digital oscilloscopes from Rigol, spectrum analysers from Rigol and GW, arbitrary generators from Rigol and GW, PC-based oscilloscopes from Pico and biomedical test equipment including an infusion pump analyser and defibrillator analyser from Rigel Medical.

There is also a solar installation testing section that includes the Seaward PV100 PV installation tester and a range of I-V curve analysers from the low-cost Mini-KLA from IMT Solar to the professional PVPM series from PV Engineering that can measure PV generation systems up to 1000 V at 100 A. Other catalogue sections include electrical safety covering workplace health and safety equipment featuring the PAC3760 plus combined appliance and RCD tester with optional PAC-TPL three-phase leakage tester, single and three-phase electrical installations testers with the InstalTest Combo.

Also available is PC-based and data acquisition for life sciences laboratories, as well as the traditional electronic test and measurement areas covering oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, function generators and counters.

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Emona Instruments Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N579

Handheld terminal and printer Unique Micro Design has released the Casio IT-9000 rugged handheld terminal with built-in, high-performance printer.

The terminal is targeted for use in mobile ticketing, mobile POS, meter reading, parking enforcement, traffic citation and route sales.

The unit is provided with a built-in printer, LAN and NFC as standard and options including WAN, GPS, 2D imager, magnetic card reader and two-megapixel colour camera.

The unit is suitable for outdoor usage with high durability (1.5 m drop, IP54 rating, operating temperature -20 to 50°C), long battery life (up to 15 h) and high LCD visibility in sunshine.

Desktop and vehicle-mounted charging cradles are available along with ethernet or USB communications cradles, battery chargers, screen protectors and cables.

Unique Micro Design Pty Ltd

5.

4.

2.

1.

3.

www.danelec.com 800.664.4066 or 250.382.8268 sales@danelec.com

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N014

www.radiocomms.com.au

May/June 2012 - RADIO COMMS

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@work

RADIO Project: River Island digital radio system Application: Simultaneous communication

on a single frequency

R

iver Island Clothing, a British retail company, expanded its brand with an additional 300 stores across the UK and Ireland, and internationally throughout Asia, the Middle East and Europe. To cope with this growth, the company moved to a 43,000 m2 distribution centre split between two units and located on 23.35 acres at Magna Park, Milton Keynes.

During the move, staff identified a problem with communication using an analog two-way radio system. A lack of coverage in particular areas gave opportunity to operation problems hidden in blind spots. The two different user groups using the same frequency often caused interference, confusion and lack of efficiency of communication.

To solve this problem, River Island asked Hytera to deploy its DMR system.

The system included PD785 digital portable radios and a MD785 base radio in the control room. The main requirement for the communications at the distribution centre was to provide clear and reliable audio communication within the two main units.

Two user groups (security and operations) required simultaneous communication while sharing one single channel/frequency. To meet the

requirement, the Hytera base station was installed in the control room with the security and operations teams using PD785 colour display/keypad radios in ‘pseudo-trunking’ mode. The result being that the two teams are able to communicate simultaneously, without interfering with each other’s communication or activity and without the need for an additional frequency licence.

Another benefit of this feature was that the control room base radio could monitor both channels without changing channel, creating comprehensive communication and less margin for error or missed communication.

After deployment of the Hytera DMR system, the previous issues with the analog radio systems were overcome.

The radio users found the coverage of the system exceeded the coverage requirement and the robust handsets matched the demands of the working environment.

“We found no one else could match the quality of the product offered and we are extremely happy with our purchase.

I have, and would, recommend Hytera to any other similar business and fully expect to use them for the foreseeable future myself,” said David Parker, security controller for River Island Clothing Co.

“ [With ‘pseudotrunking’] two teams are able to communicate simultaneously, without interfering with each other’s communication or activity and without the need for an additional frequency licence.”

Hytera Communications Co. Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N674

38 RADIO COMMS - May/June 2012

www.radiocomms.com.au

Wireless communication technologies for a modern world ...

Utilities Government Enterprise Transportation Public Safety

2012 In conjunction with the ARCIA Industry Gala Dinner

4–5 December 2012 Melbourne Convention Centre, Australia Call for Papers The 6th annual RadioComms Connect conference invites submissions for papers, workshops and panel sessions. If you are able to share your story you will be contributing to an exciting industry that is currently thriving and keen to learn from your experiences.

RadioComms Connect 2011 saw more than 700 participants — end users, dealers, consultants, manufacturers and their staff — gather for two days during the conference and exhibition, to learn, to network and importantly, to share.

In the first instance, please contact Lisa Crossley on 02 9487 2700 or events@westwick-farrow.com.au or visit www.radiocommsconnect.com.au to submit your paper online.

Closing deadline approaching The 2012 conference theme is: The Future of Professional Mobile Radio Key themes will include: • • • • • • •

Networks and Infrastructure Education & training SCADA/M2M Spectrum use and allocation Test and measurement New and emerging technologies Public safety communications

We also welcome suggestions you may have. Please contact us to discuss possible papers and topics.

Magazine partner:

In association with:

Supporting associations & media organisations:

WFevents, a division of Westwick-Farrow Media - ABN: 22 152 305 336

((( www.radiocommsconnect.com.au ))) May/June 2012 - RADIO COMMS

www.radiocomms.com.au

39

HMEC 460 SERIES

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