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For the company’s other in-demand terminals, such as the MTP850S – Motorola’s latest TETRA portable, designed for mission critical users and IP55-rated for use in challenging environments – and the small, body-worn TCR1000 TETRA Covert Radio, end users can expect a similar range of accessories. Sepura From the 8000 series to the 3000 series, Sepura’s TETRA handsets are designed for operation in physically challenging environments. The company claims that these offer “the reassurance of continued operation irrespective of the knocks and drops” which they might encounter during tough operational use, typically in public safety, military, transport and the utilities. To support its terminals, the company offers a solid though relatively moderate range of accessories. For the 3000 series, they include ear-hanger earpieces, remote speaker-phones and a GSM-style, in-line hands-free kit. High and standard-capacity batteries are supported by a range of charging solutions, from a personal rapid charger to multi-dock chargers and in-vehicle chargers. A series of enhanced antennas is also available for interchange with the terminals by the end user, and of course carrying case options are available. A similar range of accessories supports the 8000 series handsets (STP8000, STP8100, STP8200). For mobile terminals, accessories range from application interface units, virtual and actual consoles, to antenna options. The company states that its mobile and gateway radio products can include an optional integrated GPS module and such a configuration is supported by a GPS antenna, associated cable and connector. And, of course… When EADS Defence and Security (now Cassidian) introduced its THR8 handheld radio, it added to an already healthy portfolio of TETRA terminals, which, like other OEM products, are supported by a range of ancillaries. The handset is accompanied by a wide range of audio accessories, chargers and a car kit with automatic connection to an external antenna. With a high-capacity battery, which the company says can deliver up to 3020 mAh, the radio is ready for long-duration operation even with the most intensive use. The company’s other handsets, as you would expect, are backed by similar supporting casts of OEM accessories. Specialist manufacturers There are, of course, some players which specialize in r&d and manufacturing of specific accessories – not always offering a full range, but using their specialist skills and understanding to produce top-class items. Germany’s CeoTronics specializes in headsets and associated equipment, selling products in more than 45 countries. But, as the company says, its solutions are “more than just headsets”. Its accessory cables are designed to withstand a load test with up to 50?000 bending actions at the mandrel. Special safety connectors provide increased accident protection by unfastening automatically on a tensile load of about 45?Nm. CeoTronics optimizes and checks the bone-conduction microphone calibration with a mini-shaker and uses the head and torso simulator from Bruel & Kjaer to measure the sound insulation values of heavy-duty communication headsets and earpieces. The same instrument is used to measure and check the company’s ambient sound reception (ASR) electronics with frequency response and level measurements on speakers and microphones. Accessories from CeoTronics accessories are designed for use with a wide range of handsets. For example, its standard neckband headset can be used with Motorola MTP700 and MTH800/MTP850 handsets, the Cassidian THR880i, and Sepura SRP/SRH2000er/3000er Series. Tailoring From audio accessory connectors and spares for a full range of handsets – Motorola, Cassidian (EADS/Nokia), Sepura – to listen-only and mic/PTT earpieces, Axess International offers a comprehensive portfolio of accessories with a bespoke tailoring service for even the smallest end-user order. Its acoustic-tube earpieces with PTT support Cassidian THR850/880/880i Light systems, as well as Motorola MTH650/800/850, and Sepura SRH3500/3800 and SRP2000/3000 handsets. Its 186 series acoustic tube earpiece, for example (picture, page 33), is designed to fit left or right ears and its coil cord suits under vest or body armour applications. Its acoustic tube is suited for operations in noisy environments. A range of throat and boom-microphoned earpieces is available, some vox-operated, some not, for use with all key OEM handsets. Earpieces with finger-held PTT aimed at the policeman on the beat include the company’s 3100/3200/3300/3500 series products. Further iPod/MP3-style earpieces – MP3E/MP3A/HPM64 – add to this portfolio and are described as ideal for covert operations. Speaker microphones, vibration pick-up microphones, radio batteries, battery analysers, tri-chemistry chargers, and a full range of antennas and mounts complete this non-OEM portfolio, from a company operating in this field for over 20 years.
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