Posted on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
I like to post quick notes on the progress of RFID as i find them in trade journals, and i thought this one would be interesting. I read an article in the March 2011 issue of Logistics Management detailing where the current efforts at implementing RFID stand. However, what i found most insightful was the insert in that article detailing what the top applications are for RFID. As a long-time dealer of UHF RFID antennas, particularly from Laird / Cushcraft, we are always looking to pinpoint what markets are using the 865-868 and 902-928 mhz UHF RFID technology.
Here is the list, as provided by Logistics Management...
What processes are enabled by RFID?
1. Real time tracking / locating of assets, 2. Receiving - unloading at the dock, 3. Picking - full pallet, 4.Confirmation of truck loading / shipping, 5. Putaway - manual processes, 6. Picking-split case or piece packing, 7.Staging-shipping dock, 8. Receiving-staging, 9. Replenishment, 10.Receiving-gate/yard activities, 11. Picking-case, 12. Packing/palletizing, 13. Value-added services, 14.Route products via conveyers/sortation systems, 15. Putaway-into automated storage systems, and 16. Marine terminal containers.
Well, that is what Logistics Management had to say, but on our level, we see a different line-up of implementations for UHF RFID readers and antennas. Some of the most popular applications we've seen are: library book tracking, hospital asset tracking, hospital patient tracking, hospital medication tracking, race timing (5K, marathon, etc) ski passes, legal document file tracking, voting machines and voting equipment tracking, car wash options, linen tracking in hotels, and farm animal tracking.
As always, if you have any thoughts on RFID, or any questions, don't hesitate to right me personally, or visit me at the RFID Journal Live Show 2011 in Orlando Florida. I will be attending the show with Arcadian Inc. and Laird Technologies, working booth # 742.
I'll be there to display the latest Laird UHF RFID antennas, as well as RFID antenna mounts, cables, etc.
Mike Crudele, Arcadian Inc., mikec@arcadianinc.com
Posted on Friday, March 4th, 2011
We are proud to announce that Laird Technologies has formally released the WPD136M6C-001 Multi-Band Mobile Antenna in advance of the IWCE 2011 trade show in Las Vegas, NV.
This tri-band unit is specifically designed for use as a public safety voice and data communications antenna. The heavy duty, unity gain WPD136M6C-001 operates in three different bands: 136 to 174 mhz, 380 to 520 mhz, and 760 to 870 mhz
Offering excellent quality and RF performance, it has an omnidirectional pattern that is vertically polarized (VPOL) with a 50 ohm match. VPOL increases the range of the antenna over hilly terrain and also minimizes the reception of interfering horizontally polarized (HPOL) UHF and VHF signals that are common in densely populated areas. Additionally, the antenna has a power rating of 100 watts max, with a PTT of 30 minutes.
“The WPD136M6C-001 antenna is a rugged multi-band mobile antenna designed for heavy duty vehicular and outdoor commercial applications,” said Rob Antonio, Laird Technologies Product Manager for LMR Antennas. “The antenna is specifically designed for the new interoperable multi-band radios that are being released by many of the major mobile radio OEMs.”
Arcadian is proud to be the very first distributor to have available stock of this antenna. Initial stocking orders are anticipated to arrive on April 4, 2011. For more information, pictures, datasheets, and pricing, please visit our web page at:
WPD136M6C-001
Regards,
Mike Crudele
Sales Mgr, Arcadian Inc.
mikec@arcadianinc.com
Posted on Friday, March 4th, 2011
I wanted to make all of our customers aware of this great deal that Laird is offering right now on their J34220V00-60N antenna. They are running a special on this unit in an attempt to win position in the WiMax and Broadband wireless antenna space.
Originally designed by Cushcraft, the J34220V00-60N antenna is a dual linear, vertically polarized, wide band, 60 degree sector antenna that covers the band from 3.4 to 3.8 GHz. That includes the popular 3.5 GHz band and the niche 3.65 WiMax frequency. The antenna meets all aspects of ETSI EN 302.326-3 SS3.
In addition, this 50 ohm antenna is a high-gain sector unit, that is capable of working at 20 dBi Gain (at 3.5GHz)
Mechanical size 52.2" x 5.9" x 3.4" - mast mount, tilt mount kit 1.5" to 4.5" diameter - INCLUDED.
Antenna Weight 3.2 kg
Wind survival rating: Operational 100 mph / survival 136 mph
Antenna connection Type N female
We have VERY LOW PRICING, as low as $160 per unit (FOB NJ,) and We can ship this robust WiMax antenna from STOCK!
Contact us, and we'll get you any technical information you require, and/or pricing information.
Phone: 1-888-925-5967 Email: sales@arcadianinc.com www.arcadianinc.com
Posted on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
I just got a list of Network Vendors who have equipment that is available with MRJ21 connectors. Our vendor, Bel Stewart Connector, has been offering a portfolio of modular MRJ21 cable assemblies since 2010 that are fully compatible with Tyco Electronics.
These MRJ21 cable assemblies support increased patch panel density in Telecom applications, supporting gigabit ethernet, voice over IP, and PoE. The MRJ21 connector / cable assembly supports migration schemes for legacy products, including punchdown blocks, modular plug breakouts and standard RJ21 connectors.
The list of equiment vendors who have equiment compatible with MRJ21 includes:
Alcatel, Lucent Riverstone, Alcatel Timetra, Barco Xenia, EIT, Entrisphere, Foundry Networks, Force 10 Networks, Fujitsu, IBM, Motorola, NMS Communications, ProWorks, Shanghai Electronics, Stratex Networks, Tellabs Vivace, and UT Starcom.
Examples of specific network gear using MRJ21 include: Alcatel 48 Gbe ports, IBM eServer Bladecenter copper pass-thru module 15GbE ports, Force 10 E1200 blade and chassis 90 GbE ports/cards and Foundry BigIron RX-4,8 & 16 49 GbE ports/cards.
Cable connections include left or right 45 degree angel or 180 degree straight cable exit.
Check the standard Bel Stewart Connector MRJ21 cable assembly for CLICK HERE
Arcadian Inc is stocking many of the standard MRJ21 cables that data center installers require, and we can build to order any assembly that may be needed.
-Mike Crudele, Arcadian Inc., 1-888-925-5967, sales@arcadianinc.com
Posted on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
Had a conversation with a cusotmer in New York today on the subject of 900 mhz antennas for his M2M application. The company is currently using the Laird / Antenex Phantom antenna, part # TRA9023NP. That is a low profile, mobile type omni antenna with a permanant N-female mount. The NP suffix denotes "no ground plane requred" so this unit does not have to be mounted to a metal surface, which in this case it is not. The NP version of this antenna works well, but max gain is 3db, and i'm not so sure it reaches that potential with the way the customer was mounting it.
So, we discussed the merits of using a fiberglass omni antenna in this application. As a Laird distributor, we recommneded teh FG9023. This is a 3 dbi unit, it is very robust and made in USA, but a bit pricey - best for applications where you want to install it and never have to worry about replacing it. (Note, there is also a 6 db unit, the FG9026)
I also suggested looking at the OD9 series from the group formerly known as Pacific Wireless. These antenna are less robust, but will do the job, at a much lower price point AND the unit has 5dbi (or more) of gain. The antennas come with an 18 inch pigtail with N-female connector, part numbers are OD9-5, OD9-6, OD9-8 and OD9-11. They are 5,6,8 and 11 db gain respectively.
Customer is going to evaluate all of the above options in their application, where they are trying to cover just over 2,000 feet point to point (1/2 mile) and i'm going to try to update the blog on the results.
Applicable web links:
TRA9023NP
FG9023
FG9026
OD9-5 OD9-6 OD9-8 OD9-11
