A growing range of TETRA-enabled computers and other devices is creating the tools to exploit new opportunities for wireless data applications. Rob Lovelace, of the specialist developer TETRAtab, talked to Richard Lambley about users’ differing needs

While TETRA systems have been spreading steadily worldwide, their potential for data applications has been overshadowed by the explosive growth of 3G cellular networks, driven by cheap mobile devices and applications.
Many mission-critical data applications do not require a broadband connection, yet users have often been driven to rely on the public networks as a radio bearer because of a lack of TETRA-enabled data devices.

A company which has been working to change this is TETRAtab, which was formed four years ago to produce the Data Companion, a PDA-style handheld terminal which it developed in partnership with  the UK public safety service provider Airwave. Today, the company retains its unique specialism in TETRA data, but users are now offered a much broader range of device types to choose from.

“TETRAtab’s strategy following the Data Companion was to take the best of what the commercial market had in terms of computing devices and to TETRA-enable them”, said Rob Lovelace, a founder of the company. “And the reason why we’ve been doing that is because we were at the cusp of the revolution which was about to happen in terms of tablet devices – which is all history now, in terms of Ultra-Mobile PC all the way through to the iPad-style, slate-type devices that are fashionable today.

“The development cost of those types of devices is extremely high – but that is what people are expecting in terms of the quality and market usability.”

A choice of forms

Progressing by way of TETRA versions of popular Samsung compact PCs, TETRAtab has now assembled a range of TETRA-ready devices in variety of formats. These it identifies by codes modelled on the numbering used by BMW for its luxury car ranges. For example, the T-series denotes a tablet device. “We realized that, being the only person in the sector at the moment, that if we do not give clients a choice of form factors to use, then it’s like, ‘have this or nothing’”, Mr Lovelace explained.

“Our next generation T-series is based on a seven-inch slate-type device”, he went on. “Most of the European agencies that run national TETRA networks require Windows as an operating system for the security element. So we are working with a very specialist supplier to be able to provide us with a Windows 7 slate in a seven-inch form factor.”

Other current models include TETRAtab’s U-series of USB-connected devices – which include the only available USB TETRA modem. “You can plug that into any Windows computer”, Mr Lovelace said. “We provide it with some specialist TETRA monitor software to allow you to do either a direct IP data link with your computer or, because it’s a single bearer, you can have it as an SDS email operator as well.”

This device incorporates the Motorola TOM100 TETRA modem, a card measuring less than 5?cm square. “The reason why that was selected is because it is the first truly power-managed device for integration into computing devices.”

Integrated TETRA

Another new device, described as the world’s first TETRA-enabled ultra mobile PC, falls into the H, or handheld series. It can run Windows XP or Windows 7. “Full Windows 7, not Windows 7 mobile”, Mr Lovelace emphasized. “This does exactly the same as a desktop would do. It has integrated 3G and integrated TETRA. So we see this device as being hopefully a worthy successor to the Motorola PDA.”

Battery life of this model in ordinary use is expected to be about ten hours. Mr Lovelace comments: “This one uses lithium flat battery technology, which is a very expensive investment unless it’s put on a very high-volume commercial device. So this is doing as good as the latest smartphones in terms of battery management, and yet running a full Windows operating system.”

Other machines include the R, or rugged series – an IP64-rated PC by JLT, fabricated in a solid aluminium block.

Portable, convertible

But perhaps TETRAtab’s most original-looking model is the C-series (convertible) machine, a slimline notebook PC which can be converted into a tablet by rotating the screen. This is offered in a TETRA version, a 3G version, or with both together. Adapted from the Classmate, an Intel-designed machine for educational use, it enables TETRA users to benefit from the advanced design and production volumes of a much bigger market. “It’s sold about 4½ million today, this device”, Mr Lovelace commented. “And the reason why is because it’s built for schools and the education sector.
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