FUTUR TRENDS
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For the half-million users of mobile radios in the United Kingdom, next month's launch of a low-cost data terminal could mean the start of a revolution in the cab cornmunications business.
The new unit, called the E-Note, has been developed by telex specialist Trend Telecommunications. It features a full keyboard, a small display and a small thermal printer. The whole unit can be connected to any existing mobile radio, including cellular phones and Band 3 units, for less than 21,000.
Just as Sinclair and Amstrad awakened a new market for home computers through aggressive pricing, so it is possible the Trend E-Note will bring in-cab data transfer within the budget of huge numbers of customers.
Unlike in-cab facsimile machines, which currently allow operators to send existing paperwork to and from the cab, the ENote allows the driver to input information into the machine and produce new paperwork. It can even be programmed to print invoice forms which could prove very use ful for operators making deliveries E-Note weighs 1.58kg, is roughly the size of a video cassette and is powered from the vehicle's electrical supply. The unit will automatically print out incoming data information even when the driver is away from his cab, so details of the next delivery drop can be forwarded to the driver even when he is busy organising his current delivery.
One particularly attractive aspect of the unit's operation is its ability to deal with voice and data communications at the same time, so the driver can talk to his base and receive the details of the day's work in one call.
Each E-Note is fitted with a memory (32K, though this can be extended to 64K) which enables the driver to compose his message on the keyboard before sending it. This feature is designed to minimise the length of calls.
Trend says that E-Note has other applications, such as telex communications or electronic mail, at a price of around 2600. For mobile communications a special modem communications circuit is required, and it is this that boosts the price to 2999 ex-VAT.
The modem for the system was developed by Corrunsolve International, a Brighton-based company which will market the E-Note for mobile applications in this country. Commsolve claims to have used clever software techniques to overcome problems of blackspots on radio systems when transmitting data.
Trend has already secured orders for the system, including one from a large American operator. In this country one of the largest vehicle recovery operators is also looking at E-Note for use in the cabs of its vans.
Many other companies are launching into the data transmission market for mobile communications, so it seems likely Trend's price lead will not last for long. Several of the largest communications providers, like Racal and Securicor, are launching products on their systems. Trend has set the price mark: now let battle commence.