Scribbles

Motorola

The company’s Wireless Data Group has sponsored a group of students at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to develop new software for testing the radio coverage of wireless data communication networks.

The software—running on PC compatible computers—together with Motorola’s Info TAC Two-Way Messenger, measures the radio coverage in areas serviced by the DataTAC system, Motorola’s wireless data network. A global positioning system (GPS) instrument supplies the location information to the software.

Solectek Corp.

The Campus Area Network and wireless data network innovator has launched a new warranty program for its AIRLAN product line. The new warranties, which cover products ranging from the AIRLAN/Access to the AIRLAN/Bridge Ultra, now feature warranty periods from one year to lifetime.

Epson America, Inc.

The Torrance, California-based company recently boasted about winning the Electronic Design News’ 1994 “Innovation of the Year” award for its CARDIO-486 credit card-sized computer motherboard.

The CARDIO-486 contains all the controllers, memory, and I/O interfaces needed to create portable computing devices including medical and factory automation equipment, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, among other devices.

Scriptel Holding, Inc.

The Columbus, Ohio company announced that it has been granted patents related to its digital pen (digitizer) technology in Japan. These patents compliment similar patents that Scriptel has secured in the U.S., Canada, and several European countries.

Phoenix Technologies Ltd.

Recognizing the importance of small memory footprints in mobile computing devices, the system-level software manufacturer recently announced that its latest version PCMCIA software, dubbed the PhoenixCARD Manager Plus v3.2, offers total functionality in under 15 KB.

Phoenix claims that its competitor’s products require between 90 and 110 KB of memory to offer the same features.

RadioMail Corp.

Buoyed by what it sees as an attractive opportunity for overseas growth, RadioMail recently revealed its plans for expansion, including hiring three new executives (see next page) along with the addition of up to 25 new staff positions within the next six months.

This would have the effect of increasing the company’s staff size by approximately 50%. RadioMail recently established offices in the Netherlands, Japan, and Sidney, Australia, from which to attack those wireless messaging markets.

Calcomp

To better reflect the character of the devices produced at its Scottsdale, Arizona facility, Calcomp has renamed its Digitizer Division to the Input Technologies Division. The new name is more fitting in light of the fact that the division produces 3D input devices and scanners, in addition to its pen-based systems.

MicroTouch Systems

The Methuen, Massachusetts manufacturer of touch screen technology has introduced a new 14-inch resistive touch screen for CRT displays. MicroTouch is offering a Starter Kit for $595, a savings of 25% over its nearest competitor, according to the company.

The Starter Kit consists of a sensor, a serial controller, the necessary mounting hardware, and a set of drivers supporting all major operating systems. All this and a five year warranty.

ARDIS

The nationwide wireless data service provider is taking the next step in making ubiquitous electronic messaging even more appealing. The company recently lowered it prices, offering users of Motorola’s AirMobile Wireless Software for Lotus cc:Mail a two tier program depending on usage patterns.

The first tier, designed for mobile executive types, allows 100 message units, totaling up to 24 KB, to be sent for $19.95 per month. Each additional message is priced at 36 cents. The second tier, more appropriate for heavy duty users, allows up to 5 MB per month for $75. Each additional second tier message is priced at 19 cents.

Symbol Technologies

Recognizing the value of open systems interoperability for wireless local area networks, the Bohemia, New York leader in bar code-based data terminals has introduced a new high-performance wireless LAN based on the forthcoming IEEE 802.11 standards.

The system, dubbed Symbol Spectrum 24, uses a network bridge architecture to provide transparent connections to wired Ethernet LANs at a data rate of 1 Mbps. The system employs frequency hopping spread spectrum technology and operates in the 2.4 GHz band.

SystemSoft Corp.

While Windows 95 promises to offer plug-and-play capability with peripherals including PCMCIA cards, SystemSoft has decided to lend users a hand with their older legacy cards and those conforming to the PC Card Standard.

The product, dubbed CardWorks, includes all the features of the company’s entire PCMCIA software suite, including CardSoft and CardWizard. SystemSoft has also stated that CardWorks will support the CardBus standard for high-performance 32-bit cards when available.

RadioMail Corp.

The style of Hong Kong business makes wireless communication more than an advantage, it’s a necessity. Now San Mateo, California-based RadioMail is working to capture a piece of the wireless data action in the soon-to-be former British colony.

The company recently demonstrated the range of wireless messaging services that it plans to make available in July. The RadioMail service will operate using Motorola’s AirCommunication network, which RadioMail promises will make wireless two-way communication possible between Asia and the US.

Megahertz Corp.

Judging that its customers want more XJACK, this Salt Lake City, Utah subsidiary of U.S. Robotic Corp. has begun to offer its unique and patented XJACK connector on its entire product line including modems, Ethernet adapters, and now, Ethernet-modem combo cards.

Megahertz also announced new cellular direct-connect capabilities for its 14.4 Kbps PCMCIA fax modem products. Using the new solution enables you to connect directly from the modem to the cellular phone without an interface device.

The direct connection system features connections to popular Motorola and Nokia cellular phones and supports the MNP-10EC error correction protocol.