Quick Dips

Digital Radio

Marine Air Systems and Industrial Research Ltd have joined forces to put an advanced digital microwave radio system on the market ahead of competition from Germany and Japan. The partnership is expected to earn between $4 and $5 million over the next year.

The product is designed to meet the telecommunication needs of small, isolated countries where laying telephone cables is uneconomic. It handles radio signals which can carry up to ten circuits. These can be used for telephones, faxes, PABX systems or for computer communications.

A grant of $180,000 from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology enabled the firm to engage IRL to develop the complex frame-relay software needed for the system and to accelerate research and development.

MAS managing director Neville Jordan said that research had identified a gap in the market between products carrying only one or two circuits and very expensive ones carrying up to 30. He noted that a small amount of research funding would bring some substantial gains in foreign exchange. Several orders and over 100 enquiries have already been received from around the world.