Category Archives: Transceivers PMR446

KOMUNICA NC-PRO-QD: PROFESSIONAL AND ROBUST HEADSET

Komunica NC-PRO-QD

The brand ‘Komunica’ is known for the wide range of Antennas and Audio Accessories. Recently they introduced a very special audio accessory the NC-PRO-QD.

Komunica NC-PRO-QD on mannequin

HEADSET FOR 2-WAY RADIO
It is a headset to be used in combination with a two way radio system. This is professional and robust headset with noise cancelling system and is ideal in very noise environments even when a helmet is needed.

Padded Ear Cup for Maximum Comfort

The earphone has padded ear cups, type gel, for maximum comfort, which provide maximum attenuation of ambient noise.

Boom Microphone with Noise Cancellation

GOOSENECK MICROPHONE
The microphone is a Gooseneck Boom Type with Noise Cancellation. This headsets is supplied without cable. For several brands and wirings a PTT cable is available. So it is important to choose the correct cable to connect your radio to the headset NC-PRO-QD.

Jack on Earpad to connect the NC-PRO-CAB Cable


Red PTT on Ear Pad

On the left ear pad is a red PTT knob. You still need a cable to connect the headset to your radio. That gives 2 options for transmitting, use the large PTT on the cable or push the button on the ear pad.

CABLE SPECIFICATIONS:
• Cable with large round PTT “In-Line” permits you use freely when you wear gloves.

NC-PRO-CAB comes with a large PTT


• Durable and Eco-friendly PU cable with reinforcement.
• Strain relief made from TPE material, soft and strong.

3 TYPES OF CABLE AVAILABLE
From stock we supply now 3 types of NC-PRO-CAB cables:

NC-PRO-CAB-K is the PTT cable for 2-PIN Kenwood transceivers


NC-PRO-CAB-K = Cable with round big PTT, connection 2-PIN Kenwood
NC-PRO-CAB-ICF1000 = Cable with round big PTT, connection 2-PIN+Screws for ICOM
NC-PRO-CAB-IL = Cable with round big PTT, connection 2-PIN Icom The NC-

2.5 mm Jack on PTT of NC-PRO-CAB for finger PTT

RING FINGER PTT
PRO-CAB cables have a 2.5mm jack available for optional Ring-Finger PTT, the PTT-PRO-1. This will allow to use the PTT with just using the small PTT on one of your fingers.

PTT-PRO-1 is a Ring Finger PTT



GENERAL FEATURES
• Headset for two way radio transceivers
• Boom microphone with noise cancelling, up to at least 20 dB
• Red PTT on ear-cup.
• Flexible microphone type Gooseneck Boom with Noise Cancellation.

NC-PRO-QD can be used when wearing a helmet


• Adjustable upper band and elaborated in fabric, ideal for its integration in work regulation helmet
• Reinforced metal rear band for perfect support and stability depending on each user
• Dual Earmuff with acoustic noise reduction material and comfortable gel ear pads.
• Behind the head metal band with overhead strap, ideal for use with hard hats.

Metal Band with overhead strap


• Designed for use in noisier environments, like airport fields, races, etc.

NC-PRO-QD used in combination with a helmet

MIDLAND GB-1 TEARS EUROPE APART

Photo: Midland GB-1, a PMR446 with fixed antenna

USA vs EUROPE
In the USA it is the FCC that rules the world of communications for all 50 states. In Europe we have the European Union, that are 28 National States. The EU is managed by the European Commission (EC). In the EU the kind of ‘FCC-department’ is called the “Directorate General for Communication-networks and Technology (CNET)”.

It might look the same structure but the difference is really big. Where the FCC has the complete power in all the US states, the European Commission can make Directives . The national governments have to implement the Directives as national laws. Can you imagine a European Directive written in English or French and translated by 28 national bodies in their own language….
Yes that often results in a ‘fight’ about the meaning of content of the Directive and meaning of national translations.

In our industry we have a ‘nice’ example for this struggle. There is a European Directive for the so called PMR446 regulation. It can be compared with USA radio’s for FRS or GMRS. The directive tells us the equipment for PMR446 needs to have a fixed antenna. So basically the idea was to have small portable radios, walki talkies, operating on 8 channels in the  446 MHz band.

THE EUROPEAN WAY
To put such a radio on the market the manufacturer needs a Document of Compliance. An accredited laboratory investigates such a product and if it is complying with all the applicable rules they give a Declaration of Conformity. In short this is the way to act when bringing radio’s on the European market with the necessary  CE or CE! ( CE-alert) sign. So manufacture according to the technical specs of the directive and ETSI norms, have it tested by an accredited laboratory, get the necessary paperwork done for CE and you are in business!

MIDLAND GB-1
This was exactly what Midland did when they put the Midland GB-1 on the market. A portable radio with a fixed antenna. The antenna was fixed with a  cable to the radio. The test lab saw no problem, it was according to the Directive, the antenna was fixed and not detachable.

The Midland GB-1 came on the market with all the necessary markings for CE, that is a CE sign and a listing of the countries for which applicable.

Photo: A dark shadow is already hanging over the listing of all EU-countries (some non-EU countries also adapted EU-laws)

It did not take long before some national European Authorities saw the product in the market and told Midland “this is not according to the Directive for PMR446”. Midland told them “this is the documents from an official accredited laboratory, so what can be the problem? “.

In such a case of discussion or rejecting by a national Authority , each Authority can inform the DG of the European Commission to file a complaint. There will be a short investigation and it might result in an instruction to all 28 national Authorities “take this product out of the market”.

In the case of Midland GB-1 there was a discussion between all the national Authorities in Europe and the votes were quite divided. Countries that had no problem with the construction of this radio were: Denmark, Malta, Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Estonia, Slovakia, Italy, The Netherlands.

Photo: The listing of the countries without objections

Countries’ that say “not allowed” were Croatia, Switzerland, Finland, Portugal, Norway, Austria, Belgium, Latvia, Luxemburg, France.

Some countries thought it was hard to decide and needed time to think: Bulgaria, Ireland, Sweden, UK, Greece, Poland, Spain, Cyprus, Lithuania.

Because of all the discussions in the various countries Midland had to change the paperwork for this radio and also the printing on the box. For an end-user it  looks easy but for a manufacturer this is quite a big and expensive operation to make a small change like this.

Photo: The Midland GB-1 used to be code C1198 but is now code C1198.01 also the barcode had to be changed.

So we have a European Commission making Directives. The national Authorities have to turn these Directives in to national law. But at the end of the day the national Authorities still want to have the final word.

The case of Midland GB-1 illustrates exactly how divided Europe can be. As a European tradesman I love the European Union for all the good things achieved. I just hope that people from national Authorities will start to think more European than they do now. Or the European countries must give more power to the European Commission and European Parliament. If there is a European Directive/Law there must be a product for the complete European market and individual countries should not have the possibility to ban products from their national market.

The Midland GB-1 is a fine product, it is manufactured according to the EU standards, there is a demand in the market for this product and it should be available for the benefit of all European people.

Photo: Midland GB-1, only legally available in some European countries

FINALLY IN EUROPE: THE FIRST VEHICULAR PMR446 IN THE WORLD!

At CES Las Vegas in January this year Midland USA introduced a mobile version of the USA version of European PMR446. (See my blog of 14 January 2015).

Midland Europe promised to have a similar European version very soon and now they claim to have it available mid-December of this year.
It is called the Midland GB1.

fotoMidland GB1, Transceiver PMR446 with ‘fixed’ magnetic mount antenna

Midland GB1 is a PMR446 portable transceiver. Mobile versions for this European standard is not allowed, but Midland found a legal way to bring this
on the market.
The technical standard for PMR446 tells us the antenna must be fixed to the transceiver. If that is not the case you can create a mobile device for PMR446 and that is not allowed.
The trick is that the standard does not describe how the antenna is connected. Midland chooses to have a fixed antenna, but there is a coax cable of 4 meter between the radio and the antenna, and so the coax is part of the antenna system.
A technical legal solution that makes it possible to create a ‘mobile’ device for PMR446. We only can say “Midland WELL DONE” as this will be a good solution for many users.

First shipment from Midland to Avera-Distributing is expected mid December. Place your orders now to get supply from the first delivery.

This what Midland has to say about the new midland GB1:

Midland introduces into the market the first vehicular PMR446 ever realized.
GB1, small and compact, has a metal chassis guaranteeing sturdiness and durability.
Even if reminding you of a CB, it works on the frequencies of a standard PMR466, with the advantage of not being subject to interferences and noise generated by vehicle engines.
The integrated magnetic antenna and the 12V socket allow immediate installation and a wider range than a CB.
Ideal for campers, cars and campings, GB1 can be used as a base station to talk to any walkie-talkie in range and use the PMR446 as never done before.

Main features:
– Microprocessor-controlled frequency
– ‘Flip’ function: the radio can be mounted with the speaker facing up or down; the display can read in either orientation
– Adjustable squelch on 9 levels
– SCAN function
– LCD display
– Integrated magnetic antenna
– TOT (Time out timer)*
– Side tone: noise blanker at end of transmission
– Monitor function
– Busy channel (BCLO-Busy Channel Lockout)*
– Broad/narrow band selection 25KHz/12.5KHz (only export version)*
– High/low power (only export version)

*Software programmable

Technical specifications:
– Frequency: 446.00625 – 446.09375 MHz (440 – 471MHz export version)
– Channels: 8 + 91 programmable with CTCSS
– Channel spacing: 12,5KHz ( 12,5KHz / 25KHZ export version)
– Output power: 0,5W (5W export version)
– Power supply: 12,6Vdc

Packging and codes:
Midland p/n CTE C1198 = Midland GB1
Box single pack:
Radio, microphone, microphone holder, integrated wired magnetic antenna, mounting bracket, fixing screws, supply cable with 12V car charger.

Programming software:
Midland p/n CTE C1227 = Midland PRG-GB1
Complete with USB cable to connect to a PC.

tweede fotoMidland GB1, Transceiver PMR446 with ‘fixed’ magnetic mount antenna

D-200 IS MIDLAND’S FIRST DIGITAL RADIO

Recently Midland introduced their first digital PMR radio. This is what they say about this new product:
D200 Photo HQ2
This innovative device allows you to communicate using two different protocols:
– DPMR446
– PMR446
Digital technology offers important new features: first of all, it enhances communication quality, which is much clearer than with the analogue system.
In addition, digital audio processing significantly reduces sensitivity to noise and interference.
Being new on the market the digital bandwidth is less congested than analogue frequencies.
It has twice as many (16) channels as in classic PMR446, being 8 analogue and 8 digital (these last onesyou  can even double by using the dedicated programming kit, partnumber C974.01.)
D-200 allows you to make individual and group calls. In particular D-200 comes with 3 customisable buttons that can be used to make three different types of calls – standard, individual and group calls. In addition, a powerful digital scrambler will protect communications from unwanted listeners and ensure maximum privacy.

Versions: DPMR446/PMR446
Colour: Black
Channels: 8 Analogic + 8 Digital preprogrammed
Tones: 52 CTCSS + 166 DCS
Export Version 5 Watt

SPECIFICATIONS
·· Analog/digital communication protocol
·· Automatic recognition of the analog/digital channel used and default mode reset (with the help of the programming software)
·· 16 analog/digital channels
·· Digital 6.25KHz filter
·· 166 DCS codes+ 52 CTCSS tones (analog bandwidth)
·· Individual and group digital calls
·· 32bit digital scrambler
·· Voice alert, Scan, VOX
·· High-capacity 1800mAh Li-Ion battery
·· External socket for 2-pin Kenwood
Accessories

PACKS AND CODES
Box single pack:
Radio, desktop charger, wall adapter, 1800 mAh Li-Ion rechargeable battery pack, belt clip
code C1159

PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE PRG 10
code C974.01
Customisation of channels and frequencies, digital scrambler

NEW MIDLAND BLUETOOTH WIRELESS ACCESSORIES FOR PORTABLE RADIO’S

Using a portable radio is ‘handy’. Using a portable radio with audio accessories like a speaker/mike, headset etc. is even more ‘handy’. Less ‘handy’ are the cables that you need to connect an audio accessory with the portable radio.

Wireless Bluetooth applications are very popular for cell phone use and on (motor)bikes or when skiing. Bluetooth for use in combination with portable radio’s like PMR446 is getting more popular now.

Midland recently introduced 6 new products in their WA (Wireless Accessories) range. Midland’s new “WA” range of Wireless Accessories can be used with any Midland wireless transceiver (fitted with a 2-pin socket). All devices come with a rechargeable lithium battery, with a USB cable for charging.

The WA range includes:

Bluetooth adapter; WA-DONGLE for 2-pin radio’s, including Kenwood. Plug the WA-Dongle into your transceiver and choose from various headsets of the WA range to suit your needs.

There are 2 types of dongles available, for radios with a:
• 2-Pin Audio accessory jack with ‘Standard’ wiring
• 2-Pin Audio accessory jack with ‘Kenwood’ wiring

Bluetooth headsets; WA21/WA31/WA29.
Each headset features a small PTT button. WA headsets can be used with all mobile phones with Bluetooth function.

Wireless PTT; WA-PTT
Combined with a WA-Dongle, it allows you to transmit hands free without having to use the PTT button on the headsets.

Link / Photo / Short Description of the available Wireless Accessories items:

CTE C1199 = WA-DONGLE

1
WA-Dongle, Bluetooth Adapter suitable for Midland 2-Pin Transceivers.

CTE C1199.01 = WA-DONGLE-K

2
WA-Dongle, Bluetooth Adapter suitable for Kenwood 2-Pin Transceivers.

CTE C1200 = WA-PTT

3
BlueTooth, Wireless PTT suitable for WA-DONGLE.

CTE C1201 = WA21

4
BlueTooth, Ear Hook Earphone, In-Line Clip Microphone, In-Line PTT (Suitable for WA-Dongle) and Control Box with Clip.

CTE C1202 = WA31
5
BlueTooth, Pneumatic Earphone with Air Tube, In-Line Clip Microphone, In-Line PTT (Suitable for WA-Dongle) and Control Box with Clip.

CTE C1203 = WA29

6
BlueTooth, Behind the Neck Earphone, Boom Microphone, Spiral Wire with In-Line PTT (suitable for WA-Dongle) and Control Box with Clip.

Schematic use of possibilities of new Midland WA-series:

7With this new Midland WA-series the use of BlueTooth audio accessories is possible for many types of portable radio’s.

All items are available from stock at Avera-Distributing,
Actual pricing on our website, check the links in this Blog.

Kenwood announces Analogue ProTalk 446

Last week Kenwood introduced their new PMR446 transceiver PKT23 in The Netherlands. Other countries will follow the coming months.
The PKT23 is different from other designs, it is small, compact, basic and fits in your pocket easily.
Kenwood made it easy for me, I do not have to write a whole story about this product. They published a good brochure that describes the features of this new model very well.

Enjoy the reading!

The new PKT-23 hand-portable is designed for ‘Light Weight and Simple Operation’, making it the ideal license-free radio for Retail / School / Restaurant / Shopping Mall / Hospitality and so on.

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Key Features

Simple and easy to use – No license required
This license-free two-way radio comes with a 1430mAh Li-lon rechargeable battery, battery charger and belt clip; there’s no need to buy extra accessories for basic operation. lt is ready to use right away.

Light Weight and Simple Operation
Fitting in the palm of your hand, the PKT-23 is easy to take anywhere your staff needs to go. At only 11Og, it can fit comfortably in an apron pocket or attached with the included belt clip. The front panel button layout makes the PKT-23 easy to operate.

Compact, reliable and robust
Users will appreciate just how light (11Og) this radio is. Yet, there is no compromise on build integrity; it meets or exceeds the IP54 dust and water intrusion standards as well as MIL-STD 810 C, D, E, F & G environmental standards, making it tough enough for outdoor use in any weather.

8 Channels with Voice Guide
The PKT-23 provides up to 8 channels, allowing you to assign channels to specific team members. The Voice Guide alerts you when you change channels. All channels are the approved UK/EU PMR446 Service frequencies for full compatibility.

Built-in self programming
Users can change several settings, channel frequency, QT tone or DQT code without using programming software.

Feature Definition: “Wireless Cloning”
The PKT-23 includes Kenwood’s exclusive wireless cloning which allows cloning of multiple portables by a single master portable with a simple “push of a button”…with no cables or wires attached.

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MIDLAND PMR446 PORTABLE TRANSCEIVERS

A new line we recently added to our assortment is a series of three Midland PMR446 portable transceivers.

The specifications of these models are basically the same. The difference is in the added accessories.

FEATURES, FUNCTIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS:
Combining the latest technology in radio communication along with a sturdy mechanical frame, M24/48/99-S makes the ideal and effective solution for the professionals who need to stay in touch with colleagues (construction sites, buildings, hotels, trade fairs, shows) or for leisure users that just want to keep up with friends and family. Its robust frame, ease of use and simple design make it ideal for use in any activity.

M24/48/99-S operates on the PMR446 band and is extremely practical and compact; It incorporates all the functions that you would expect to see on the latest and most advanced two way radio transceivers and guarantees reliability and maximum efficiency.

M24/48/99-S is equipped with an LCD backlit display and an Auto Power Save function which reduces battery consumption by up to 50%. All of the features on this outstanding radio are easily accessible thanks to the centrally mounted controls.

M24-S: The low cost model is the M24-S

1

This is a basic model that can operate on alkaline batteries. Or put in NiMH batteries and use a charger/adaptor.

M48-S: More accessories

2This set comes with rechargeable batteries, charger adaptor and two headsets.

M99-S: Includes high end accessories

3
M99-S comes with rechargeable batteries, desktop charger, adaptor, carry cases and ‘professional’ headsets.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Frequency band: 446.00625 – 446.09375 MHz
• 99 channels (8+ 40 pre-programmed channels)
• 38 CTCSS tones
• Output power: 500mW ERP
• VOX sensibility adjustable in 2 levels
• alphanumeric LCD Display
• Call key
• SCAN function
• Autonomy: up to 12 hours
• Working temperature: from -2° to +55°
• Weight: 95 gr (without batteries)
• Dimensions: 58x160x28 mm
• MC/CHGplug: 2 pin plug for audio accessories

HONG KONG ELECTRONICS FAIR

The first show I visited in Hong Kong was the China Sourcing Show. Read my former blog about this show. The second show I visited last month was the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. This trade show is much larger than the first one. It will take you 2 days just to walk along all the booths.

1Entrance of Hong Kong Electronics Fair


SIMULAR SHOW

The show is larger but also quite similar to the first show. Again we saw lots of headphones, selfie sticks/mono pods, action cameras, power banks, key boards and tablets.
But this show also has many more suppliers of coax, inverters, portable radios and even some CB manufacturers.

PORTABLE RADIOS

I wrote already about the many brands that copy other brands and here we saw it again. But this time there were many more manufacturers from portable radios like PMR446, 2m/70cm VHF/UHF and HAM. The result was a lot of the same. After visiting 10 booths with portable radios I did not bother to much anymore about checking all the others. Some brands we know in Europe and some we had never heard of and are not available in the western world.

2Wouxun HAM radio with power supply

3Wouxun Portable radios

4OEM manufacturer for portable radios

CB RADIO

Uniden is the only large manufacturer that brings CB radios on the market using their own name. They were not present with a booth, but we saw some traders offering this brand.

5Uniden PMR446

The factories that were displaying CB radios at the show are not known by CB users by name. But the brands they produce for third parties are well known in Europe. In the European market we never see a brand like Yosun, but in Asia live much more people than in Europe. There is a big market for radios in that area too. But Yosun is also producing for Albrecht and Lafayette.

6Unknown factory making well-known brands

ACCESSORIES

Personally I was a little disappointed about the number of companies showing accessories. A lot of portable radios, coax, connectors, inverters but CB accessories were hard tofind.

One booth showed antennas that were copies of President, Sirio and USA type of antennas.

7Antenna models from President, Sirio and others.

MIDLAND

It was a nice surprise to see that Midland had a booth at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. Also in USA at CES they are always present to show the latest items they sell.

8Midland present at Hong Kong Electronics fair

Midland has a large range of action cameras. In Hong Kong two brand new CAR CAMCORDERS were showed. One regular model and one with GPS included. Great small cameras for in your car to record all that is happening in front of you. A 5 cm display shows what is recorded. Soon these two cameras will be available from Avera!
Watch for the Street Guardian and Street Guard GPS!

9Midland Street Guardian, Car Camcorder

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW LAS VEGAS

Visiting these two shows was quite interesting. Mostly because it was my first visit to the Far East. Trade shows all over the world are quite similar. You also often meet the same people, but what else to expect in our consumer communication branch. It is a small world!

In January it is time again to visit the CES in Las Vegas. And you know: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas !”

But… I promise you all, I will write about the Consumer Electronics Show so you know what was happening there.

VISITING TWO ELECTRONIC SHOWS IN HONG KONG

Avera is importing many famous USA brands like GearKeeper, Magnum, Motocom, K40, Willson, Astatic, Solarcon, RoadPro etc. To meet these companies or brands I travel to the USA a couple of times a year.

To prevent travelling too much it is often easier to visit a trade show. That enables you to meet several companies on one location.

There are three major trade shows in the world for consumer electronics. In USA is the CES, Consumer Electronics Show. In Europe it is the IFA in Berlin. And in Asia it is the Hong Kong Electronics Show.

For more than 20 years I visit the CES in Las Vegas to meet business relations from USA and around the globe.. Although Avera is also doing business with several companies in Asia for over 35 years this was my first time to visit two electronic trade show in Asia.

CHINA SOURCING FAIR AT AIRPORT EXPO

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The first show that I visited was at the Expo Center near the Hong Kong airport, Just to walk along all the booths takes more than a full day. Surprisingly within 30 minutes we ran in to two relations from USA who frequently visit this show.

Let it be clear, there is no real trade show for consumer communications anymore. Our business is just a very small part of the general consumer electronic business. What we saw from many factories were items like mono pods/selfie sticks, power banks/USB chargers, headphones, keyboards, tablets. All kind of items that are popular by a large public, bought by many and made by many.

2headphones were available from many sources.

PORTABLE RADIOS

In the field of consumer communication there were many companies offering PMR446 or 2M/70CM portable transceivers.

In the past companies like Kenwood complained about a brand like HYT that was copying there products. Now a days HYT is grown to a ‘regular’ company and there are companies that copy HYT and their digital line called HYTERA.

You will find brands with nearly same names or nearly same logo’s that sell nearly same products.

3We know HYT but never heard before of HQT.

4 We know HYTERA but never heard before of KYDERA.


CB/27MHz

I hoped to see the few manufacturers of CB transceivers that are still around but I only found two. The only thing they showed that is not totally new on the market, but not regularly sold in Europe is a CB with a bluetooth dongle.
This enables you to communicate with a bluetooth device in stead of the regular CB mic.

5CB transceiver with Blue Tooth dongle.

6The dongle has a two pin connection,
on the front is the jack to plug in the dongle.

Another company manufacturing CB and 10 meter radios we saw was Anytone. There products are not very popular in Western Europe or USA. The quality is mostly not to be compared with Uniden/President or Midland.

7 Anytone showing some product.

So far the show at Asia Expo, next time I will write about the Hong Kong Electronics show that started October 13.

AB29 BEHIND THE NECK HEADSET

Recently Midland introduced the AB29.
Now available at Avera from stock.

AB29 Photo HQ 2014

AB29 is the brand new accessory of the Action Line, the range of products especially dedicated to softgunners.
AB29 is a headset to wear behind the neck, complete with adjustable boom mike and PTT.

This new item stands out from the standard speaker/mikes thanks to the particular behind the head arch, thin but robust at the same time, that can be worn even with helmets without causing any discomfort.

AB29
is very easy to use: just place the headset behind the neck and adjust the boom mike! Lightweight and very comfortable, AB29 has been principally designed for tactical combats and, once worn, guarantees an excellent stability, also for a long use.

As all the other accessories of the Action Line series, also AB29 distinguishes for its robustness, for the quality of materials and for the very strong and resistant cables, suitable for an extreme use.