Radio Holland Introduces Expanded Marine Communications Line

Radio Holland USA, B.V., one of the nation's largest distributors of advanced communications and navigational equipment, recently had a "hands-on" private exhibition of their Total Shipboard Communications Center at the Houston headquarters complex. Attendees at the three day session included a wide range of technical and operational personnel from the shipping and marine electroncis industries. According to Sal Berte, general sales manager of Radio Holland, the program was planned to provide potential customers with an opportunity to see the most modern equipment live in a real-life environment.

Among the equipment on display was Radio Holland's new FCC type approved TR 4750 survival craft/ lifeboat radio. This ultracompact system transmits on the 500, 2182 and 8364 kHz international distress frequencies, and meets all current applicable SOLAS, ITU and FCC requirements for two-way communications.

For use on 500 and 8364 kHz, the TR 4750 incorporates an automatic switching and automatic keying device which transmits the radiotelegraph distress signal on both frequencies, as well as the DF dash on 8364 kHz. A built-in twotone generator provides automatic transmission of the radiotelephone alarm signal on 2182 kHz. The unit will operate either from an external 24 VDC battery or from the built-in hand-cranked generator.

Circle 20 on Reader Service Card As the exclusive distributor for Sailor radio equipment in the U.S., Radio Holland had virtually the entire product range available. Included was the new FCC type approved Program 1000/B 400W SSB radio system with fully automatic telex capability; the new FCC type approved 500 kHz main/reserve SOLAS radio station; the complete VHF radiotelephone line including the new ultracompact full duplex RT 2047 with scanning, dual watch and selective calling all in a package occupying less than one-half cubic foot, the well known multi-remote RT 146; plus Sailor's new CRY 2001 compact scrambler that permits up to 16.8 million possible code combinations for the ultimate in communications security.

This line of Sailor equipment is manufactured by S.P. Radio A/S of Aalborg, Denmark, in a modern factory capable of producing in excess of 20,000 sets annually. The company's product line has become known worldwide both for reliable operation and the distinctive green finish that provides a nylon finished, scratch-free surface that is highly resistant to salt water.

Circle 21 on Reader Service Card The Program 1000/B short wave communications system is able to meet all maritime communications needs in the frequency range from 1.6 to 27.5 MHz due to the unusual design flexibility. A variety of receivers, transmitters, exciters and power supplies can easily be mounted in the Sailor 19" rack to satisfy the communications requirements of every size vessel. In addition, the antenna coupler can be mounted directly at the foot of the antenna for maximum efficiency.

The system can also operate under full remote control to meet the requirements of an automated radiotelex station. In the ARQ mode, the system works through a single antenna and has switching speed sufficient for telex operation over a single simplex frequency.

One configuration of the Sailor Program 1000/B is the Nordic Maritex Terminal. Maritex is an automated radiotelex system for the exchange of ship-to-ship or ship-toland information. The central Maritex equipment is located at Gothenberg Radio and gives subscribers the ability to automatically transmit and receive telex messages 24 hours a day. The system is open to shipowners of all nations and complies with land mobile and diplomatic applications as well as marine.

Circle 22 on Reader Service Card At the other end of the communications spectrum, Radio Holland also featured Comsat Telesystems' new MCS 9100 compact, lightweight satellite communications terminal, integrated with the new Philips PACT 250 teleprinter that offers a large CRT display. Another product shown was the Telesystems "in-asuitcase" portable satellite communications terminal.

Circle 23 on Reader Service Card In the VHF radiotelephone range, Radio Holland offered two Sailor products. The first was the familiar RT 146, which is a full duplex synthesized set for all international maritime VHF channels. An unlimited number of full function control units may be used with the system.

The new RT 2047, as mentioned earlier, is a remarkably compact full duplex unit operating on all available VHF frequencies and including such standard features as dual watch, selective calling, scanning, and the ability to program as many as 60 private channels where permitted.

The new Sailor CRY 2001 compact scrambler was also available for demonstration. This unit provides up to 16.8 million possible code combinations via its use of both time and frequency division scrambling techniques. With the CRY 2001, full privacy is assured even with selective or group calling. It may be used with VHF, SSB, or ordinary telephones.

Circle 24 on Reader Service Card In navigation equipment, Radio Holland provided one of the first public demonstrations of the new NCD-39 electronic charting system from Odin Electronics, Inc. This unit is capable of storing navigation charts in digital computer memory, then displaying them at a scale of your choice on a bright 12" monochrome CRT display. It will interface with most popular loran or satnav receivers to provide position tracking information in real time.

The user may overlay a wide range of information and even personalize charts with wrecks, drilling rigs, shoals, etc. A password security system protects private chart data and an automatic chart stringing function supports long voyages.

Circle 25 on Reader Service Card The three day seminar was considered to be an outstanding success by all attendees.