Dear Friends and Industry Colleagues,

Hello, I hope you are well. It has been a busy week for me. I went to the APCO (association of public safety communications officials) trade show in Indianapolis this week. If you didn't get a chance to attend, I took some photos and a report follows on some companies that caught my eye. This was a big show for something as specialized as radio and 911 communications. Of course, not nearly as big as a consumer electronics show.

I found over 100 e-mails waiting for me when I got back home yesterday evening. If you are expecting an answer from me, I will get caught up with my correspondence as soon as I can.

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JUST INCASE YOU HAVEN'T HEARD—W32 BLASTER WORM

Discovered early this week, W32.Blaster.Worm is a malicious program that exploits the DCOM RPC (Remote Procedure Call) vulnerability recently discovered in Microsoft Windows operating systems. Using the Internet, the virus will attempt to download and run a file called msblast.exe on vulnerable systems running Windows NT 4.0, 2000, XP, or Server 2003.

Unlike traditional viruses, the W32.Blaster does not depend on opening an e-mail attachment to spread; it can propagate rapidly to other computers without any action by the user.

WINDOWS USERS
Just in case you haven't gone through the various steps of eliminating the "Blaster Worm" from your computer and installing the patch so that it will not become re-infected, following are links to a web sites that tell you what to do.

What You Should Know About the Blaster Worm and Its Variant

Symantec Worldwide Home Page

MACINTOSH USERS
All you Macintosh users have to do is smile. Macs are not affected by this worm. Don't tell anyone—maybe the hackers won't notice us.

Rumors and Paging Industry Gossip

For three years there have been rumors about a SkyTel and WebLink Wireless merger. Serious discussions started after the Metrocall/WebLink merger fell through. As recently as last month I heard that WebLink made an offer of $20M for SkyTel but that the MCI WorldCom bankruptcy court rejected it, saying that SkyTel was worth more than $120M. So the deal was off. Then a few days later, insiders said that negotiations were continuing on the WebLink/SkyTel deal and that an announcement was expected shortly. Almost a done deal.

The latest—and confirmed by two sources—is that the parent company, MCI WorldCom, has definitely decided to keep SkyTel. This off-again-on-again story can rest for the time being. It should be no surprise since SkyTel is an excellent company, is well managed, and I hear they even make a profit, although they are not reported separately in the MCI WorldCom financial reports.

The Health and Prosperity of Paging

Here I go on the soapbox again. Do you remember the joke about the hot dog stand on the street corner selling hot dogs at very low prices? When asked how he did it, the owner responded, "I only lose a little on each one, but then I make it up in the volume."

We have laughed at this joke for years and frequently made it an analogy to the situation at PageNet. When PageNet—the largest paging company in the world—went bankrupt and the rest of the big paging companies followed, we quit laughing. It wasn't funny anymore. They say a "recession" is when your neighbor loses his/her job and a "depression" is when you lose your job. Well I lost mine and so did many thousands of others, so to me we are in a depression. PageNet doesn't exist as a standalone company anymore, but that spirit of "growth at any cost" apparently lives on.

Here is my point: we are in this mess because of predatory pricing! It looks like the paging industry is being run by a bunch of MBA weenies who can't see any further than the end of their noses. They must show the banks, that bought them out of bankruptcy, immediate short-term results with no concern for the future and no notice of the health and prosperity of the rest of the paging industry. These wimps evidently never learned long-term strategy in grad school. Maybe it was because of too many fraternity beer parties or smoking dope. If they don't have enough vision and innovation to grow their businesses, they just create "churn" by cutting their prices and stealing customers from other paging companies. This is hurting the whole industry. Stop thinking of other paging companies as being your competitors! In case you haven't noticed your competitors are the cell phone companies who give their cell phones away for free just to get the monthly billings.

One of the few smart things that I ever heard Bill Clinton say was: "Insanity is believing that the same behavior will produce different results."

—nuff said.

Wireless Networks Hum During Blackout

The night the lights went out in the better part of six states, wireless networks suffered some setbacks but were not crippled, carriers said. Soon after the massive power outage, callers jumped on the nation's telecommunications networks, many having to dial several times to get a call through.

news@2 direct -- 8/15/2003 11:24:00 AM

Source: Wireless Week News

Press Release

SolidLink™–a rugged, climate-sealed, spread-spectrum data radio designed for rapid and flexible deployment in challenging network environments

Seimac, a Chelton Group company, has been providing rugged and reliable tracking, satellite and data communications products since 1978. The company has gained a strong reputation in military and scientific circles for building the sort of remote data acquisition and communication equipment that can confidently be airdropped into the midst of winter storms on the open North Atlantic. Seimac’s products embody expertise in ultra-low power microprocessor design, RF design, embedded software design, and mechanical packaging design for hostile environments.

The SolidLink™ data radio carries the Seimac tradition forward, merging sharp-edged innovation with rugged reliability. SolidLink™ provides a highly flexible and scalable system for applications in remote monitoring, telemetry, industrial SCADA, and automation.

SolidLink™ is a low-power, frequency hopping, 2.4 GHz spread-spectrum radio with adjustable transmit power in the license-free 100mW to 1 watt range. Users can readily configure SolidLink™ data radios as master, repeater, or terminal units in networks of anywhere from 2 to 999 units. With the SolidLink™ Network Manager, a graphics-based PC application, users can build a network by visually dragging and dropping connections between radios. SolidLink™ Network Manager software also supports real-time diagnostics and network monitoring. It only takes one SolidLink™ data radio to make a repeater. A single unit can receive a master signal and retransmit to remotes. Since most competing systems require two units configured back-to-back, SolidLink™ repeaters save power, space, and money.

SolidLink™ offers a maximum sustainable serial data rate of 57,600 bps without repeaters, or 28,800 with repeaters. Error correction (over air) is 32-bit CRC, with resend on error. SolidLink™ employs an RS-232 hardware data interface. The unit supports Modbus and DF1 protocols. Supply voltage is 8-30 VDC. Very conservative power consumption reduces operational and maintenance costs. An omnidirectional antenna is standard, but a variety of directional antennas can also be accommodated. Since SolidLink™ is designed for outdoor deployment, the antenna is attached directly to the unit. Because there is no antenna cable, there is no corresponding loss of signal strength.

The SolidLink™ unit is engineered to be deployed outdoors in harsh conditions. It is designed to operate at temperatures ranging from –40 to +75 degrees Celsius, and 100 percent humidity. As for precipitation, SolidLink™ is actually submersible to 12". Shock and vibration tolerance meet military standards (MIL STD 810). For additional protection, a lightning arrester can be fitted between the antenna and radio circuitry. Sealed within an extruded aluminum case, the entire unit measures 6.5" x 3.5" x 2", and weighs just over one pound. The case design incorporates patented elements, including a sliding fastener track that can accommodate mountings ranging from masts to 19" DIM racks.

SolidLink™ can offer data security, safety, and convenience advantages over fixed frequency and hard-wire systems. The frequency-hopping technology employed by SolidLink™ is inherently covert. It is radio-silent to conventional receivers, greatly reducing the risk of signal interception and hacking compared to fixed-frequency systems. Since SolidLink™ is a wireless technology, it can also offer much greater safety and convenience than hard-wire systems in utility and industrial settings where potential high-voltage hazards exist.

The SolidLink™ data radio is manufactured by Seimac in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. For more information about Seimac, the SolidLink™ data radio, or other tracking, telemetry and communication products, visit www.solidlinkradio.com.

69th Annual Conference & Exposition August 10 - 14, 2003 Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome Indianapolis, Indiana
Simulcast Solutions Ed O'Connor Ed is THE expert in Radio Simulcasting. Let him know you saw him in this newsletter. Simulcast Solutions web site.	Ritron Steve Rice Ritron is an excellent Land Mobile Radio equipment manufacturer. They are located just north of Indianapolis in Carmel, Indiana. I was impressed by their people and their product line. I am looking into their telemetry products and will report more on this in a future edition. That is Steve Rice, the company president, in the photo. I also met Jack Pelzman their marketing guy and Devon Sherer their VP of sales. Nice folks all. Ritron web site.
TGA Technologies Brian Claise • Barry Kanne • Bob Bunker This is the company to watch! If anyone can "save the day" for the paging industry, it will be TGA Technologies. They have a terrific line of paging infrastructure products and are filling the vacuum left by the exits of Motorola and Glenayre from the paging industry. TGA web site.	Seimac Sergio Martinez I must confess that I didn't know about this company before the show. I like their products very much and Sergio was knowledgeable and helpful. They have a miniature OEM satellite module that was the most interesting new product that I saw at the show. It looks very promising. More to follow in future issues as I learn more about it. Solid Link web site.
Zetron As usual Zetron had a great booth, staffed by knowledgeable and helpful people. Zetron has a well-diversified product line I am sure this was an important show for them. Although not a paging show, they did promote their excellent line of paging products. Zetron web site.	Vytek Wireless Bob Spiller Vytek is one of the leading companies filling the vacuum left by the exits of Motorola and Glenayre from the paging business. They have a new line of UHF and 900 MHz paging transmitters due out in a couple of months to complement their existing VHF model. This will be good for the paging industry. They have many other paging products. Please call me if you need anything. I am a manufacture representative for them. Vytek web site.
Motorola Motorola always has an impressive booth at these trade shows. They had their usual "army" of helpful people and interesting products. Just look at the crowd waiting to see these Mobile Data products. Motorola web site.	RELM Communications Please see information about business opportunities with RELM, BK Radio, and Uniden following in the products and services section of this newsletters. RELM web site.
Bickford Broadcast Vehicles This doesn't have much to do with paging or wireless data, but I couldn't resist the temptation to show you some "ultimate mobile radio" installations. The one on the left was built for the Maryland State Police and I want one just like it! It has dozens of radios inside. Tekkie heaven. Now if I can just come up the the approximate purchase price of $400,000.00. Do you think my neighbors would complain about that big antenna tower sticking up from the back of the SUV? Bickford web site.	Daniels Electronics Robert Small Daniels Electronics manufactures many different types of radio transmitters. They are located in Victoria, BC. Daniels web site.

Coming soon.

Zetron's Simulcast System uses GPS timing information to ensure that the broadcasted transmissions between the nodes of the Simulcast System and associated transmitters are synchronized to very tight tolerances.

This system is ideal for public or private paging system operators that use multiple transmitters and wish to create new paging systems or to build out existing systems into new regions.

For more information about Zetron's High Speed Simulcast Paging System, the Model 600 and Model 620, go to:

www.zetron.com/paging. CLICK

Coming soon.

Product Description: TGA's SNAP System is designed to accept and deliver messages using network-based interconnect and certain message handling protocols. Control and configuration capabilities are included to format messages and associated content or routing information into acceptable parameters for delivery to a wide variety of devices and services.

TGA SNAP consists of several TGA software modules installed on a commercial quality computer running Microsoft's Windows 2000 Operating System. The version of Windows 2000 can be either Professional or Server with certain operational and functional differences defined elsewhere.

TGA also offers an option for customer-supplied commercial quality computers where TGA installs and configures the software. TGA may require the proposed computer in advance to determine its compatibility, performance and configuration. Check with TGA Sales to obtain the detailed specifications of a customer-supplied computer.

MESSAGE HANDLING FUNCTIONS

INBOUND:
Accepts messages from client systems using the following protocols and forwards them to the TGA PRISM Message Gateway. Up to 20 simultaneous SMTP inbound connections and 1 outbound connection are in the standard configuration.

• SNPP
• SMTP (email)
• HTTP (web)

• SNPP
• SMTP (email)

• Subscribers may have a different alias address for each of the three software modules.
• Subscribers may have a multiple alias addresses for each software module.

• Inbound messages are originated from Email clients, SNPP clients, and Web clients. They are processed by the TGA SNAP and forwarded to the TGA PRISM Message Gateway for transmission based on the Class of Service(s)* selected in the Subscriber’s database record.

• Outbound messages are created from TGA PRISM Message Gateway input sources (such as trunks, TAP, TNPP and Email) and are forwarded to the TGA SNAP for delivery via Email or SNPP based on the Class of Service(s) selected in the TGA PRISM Message Gateway’s Subscriber’s database record.

TGA SNAP is a trademark of TGA Technologies, Inc.

Developers and Manufacturers of Paging and Mobile Data Equipment

Selective is a developer and manufacturer of intelligent paging receiver/decoders and mobile data equipment. The PDT2000 Paging Data Terminal is a large display pager designed for desktop or in-vehicle mounting and it, along with our range of other Paging Data Receivers provide a significant message processing capability. The PDT and PDR range have multiple uses and capabilities including:

• FLEX or POCSAG decoding
• TNPP input & output
• TAP input & output
• POCSAG output (encoder)
• Parallel printer output
• Serial inputs & outputs (up to 2)
• Relay outputs (1-256 or more)
• PC interfacing
• Interception
• Remote control
• Cross band repeating
• Paging infill
• LED Sign Control
• Remote Printing etc.

Our mobile data equipment includes a range of Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) which may be interfaced to a variety of wireless networks including trunked and conventional radio, paging, GPRS & CDMA cellular, Mobitex etc. Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and GPS solutions, Dispatch & Messaging software. Local area paging systems, paging interception and message reprocessing software, field force automation and mobile dispatch solutions. We export worldwide.

Web site: www.selective.co.nz

E-mail: info@selective.co.nz

• GL3000 Cards - LCC, UOE, Memory, CPU’s, QVSB’s, T1’s, DID’s, SIO, Drives
• TOWERS (NEW) Self supporting, Guyed, Monopoles, with all the hardware
• Transmitters:
  • (12) Motorola PURC 5000, VHF, 350 & 125W, ACB & Tone
  • (18) Motorola Nucleus, 350W, VHF, Advanced Control
  • (3) Glenayre QT4201, 25W Midband TX
  • (20) Glenayre RL70XC, Midband Link RX
  • (14) Glenayre GLT5340, 125W UHF TX
  • (45) Motorola PURC 5000, UHF, 225 & 110W, Advanced Control
  • (10) Glenayre GLT85/8600, 250/500W, 900 MHz w/C2000
  • (20) Motorola PURC 5000, 300/150W, 900 MHz,

Too much to list! Call or e-mail:

Rick McMichael 888-429-4171

rmcm@preferredwireless.com  CLICK E-MAIL RICK

Mark Dawson 972-467-8188

markd@preferredwireless.com  CLICK E-MAIL MARK

AAPC’s Mission Statement Defines Purpose

• Identifying issues of common concern to its members
• Providing an effective forum for the discussion and progression of issues relating to the industry
• Monitoring and addressing regulatory and legal matters as a unified organization
• Providing research into and development of our industry and its current and prospective markets
• Providing education and resources to address the challenges and trends affecting our operating environments
• Encouraging and maintaining high standards of ethics and services
• Championing the industry and representing paging carriers with a positive voice

Our industry must move forward together or perish individually. If you want to get involved, please click here. Come and join us!

Their "newsroom" is a great source of information.

They also host the Paging Technical Committee site. There is a lot of good paging-industry information here.

NEW

TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVERS
SALCOM designs and manufactures a range of VHF and UHF FM radio transmitters and receivers to integrate with systems data equipment as well as for voice operation. The design philosophy has always been to be low cost and yet meet the most demanding compliance requirements.

Salcom's synthesized UHF and VHF transmitters, receivers and transceivers are utilized in many areas of the telecommunications industry, often in conjunction with Salcom signalling products.

To realize additional market segments for the RF products, specialized OEM products have been developed utilizing the standard core technology. Most of these products are utilized in third party telecommunications and telemetry systems.

PAGING EQUIPMENT
Salcom manufactures an extensive range of POCSAG paging products suited to a wide range of system applications such as remote switching, automatic machine monitoring, security and fire alarm systems and nurse calling systems.

EMERGENCY TRANSCEIVER
A transceiver has been developed to meet the demand for a low cost, simple to use, fully immersible, floatable emergency radio. It provides a means of communication from aircraft to personnel in distress where they can not be reached and no alternative communication method exists.

SEA AIR AND LAND COMMUNICATIONS LTD
120 St Asaph Street
Christchurch, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 3792298 • Fax: +64 3 3651580

Two-way Radio Products

For over 55 years, RELM has manufactured and marketed two-way FM business-band radios as well as high-specification public safety mobile and portable radios, repeaters and accessories, base station components and subsystems. Products are manufactured and distributed worldwide under RELM Communications, Uniden PRC and BK Radio brand names.

Distribution agreements for Dealers and Stocking Distributors are available in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

If you have the ability to sell and service two-way radio equipment and would like to represent Uniden PRC, BK Radio, and RELM Wireless, please let me know as soon as possible. This is a unique opportunity. Requests for other countries will also be considered. Please call me today.

Radio Paging Transmitters

VHF PAGING TRANSMITTER

To request pricing and delivery information for the PTX-150, please click here. UHF and 900 MHz models now available as well.

You can check out their paging products here.

Check out the following four categories of two-way wireless data communications. We have the ability to customize solutions to meet your (or your customer's) needs.

To visit their web site for more information, click here.

If you see someone in the field (like salespeople, technicians, and delivery people) using paper forms, their company could probably save a pile of money, and get much better timeliness, accuracy and efficiency, by using converting to Outr.Net's Wireless Forms. Custom applications for as little as $995, delivered in just a few days.

Outr.Net has a web page on Wireless Forms for Timeports at: http://www.outr.net/overnight_pw.htm

Their latest newsletter is: "Crossing the Chasm" with Mobile Data

http://www.outr.net/newsletter_chasm.htm

Please call me so we can discuss your need or your idea.

Would You Like To Advertise Here?

If you have any wireless equipment that you would like to buy or sell, please let me know. I don't charge individuals for listing something for sale. If a sale is made through this newsletter, I ask the seller to send me a 10% commission, much the same as the voluntary payments that are requested on the Internet for shareware. It's on the honor system. There is no cost to the buyer.

There is a small charge for companies wanting to put their products in the newsletter and on my web site. There is no obligation for payment of a commission for this kind of basic advertising. I would be very pleased, however, to get involved in the sales process as a manufacturer representative—for quality wireless products and reputable companies.

It's only $15.38 per issue for the basic advertising package. ($400 for 6 months or 26 issues.)

Details about the advertising plans can be read here.  CLICK FOR MORE INFO

Wireless Messaging Software

InfoRad® Wireless Office (Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP) is designed for the professional who needs full-featured wireless messaging capabilities. Features include enhanced user interface,  message log with search function, scheduled paging,  group and individual message addresses, TAPI Smart™, multiple protocol SMS communication compatibility. AlphaCare™ support services available. With a 32-bit architecture, InfoRad Wireless Office is designed for compatibility with Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP. For more information on InfoRad Wireless Messaging software, and a free demo, please click on the logo.

  CLICK HERE

Unication Co., Ltd.

Introducing the new line of 802.11b products

Quantity—1,000 minimum each item—per order

These are wholesale, direct-from-the-factory products. To send me an e-mail for pricing information please click here.

Sea Air & Land Communications Ltd.

Designers and Manufacturers of Communications Systems

Following below is a comprehensive list of SALCOM product brochures. You can click on a product description and download a "pdf" brochure. Give it a try and then send me an e-mail or call me for additional information or pricing.

You can check out their web site here.

Legacy Technology Solutions LLC

Paging infrastructure repair with warranty. Please ask for Virgil Jarrard, President, and tell him Brad Dye sent you. They are located in the Dallas suburbs, and they occasionally have some good deals on reconditioned paging equipment as well. Check with them for current product availability. You can send Virgil an e-mail by clicking here.

Thanks to everyone for their comments and suggestions. Have a great week!

With best regards,	Brad Dye WIRELESS DATA CONSULTANT
	Voice:
	Fax:
	E–mail:	brad@braddye.com
	Web:	Consulting and Job search page CLICK HERE

FLEX, ReFLEX, FLEXsuite, and InFLEXion, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc.
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