Rugged, Portable Time-Domain Reflectometers Are Next-Generation Replacements for the Popular Tektronix(R) 1502C

Mohr and Associates today announced the availability of CT100 Series Automated Metallic Time-Domain Reflectometer (TDR) Cable Testers for modern analog/RF and digital communications systems. CT100 Series TDRs come with CT Viewer(TM), a full-featured TDR analysis software package.

CT100 Series TDR Cable Testers

The CT100 and CT100HF are rugged, portable, high-resolution TDRs featuring a rich set of software tools that let the operator rapidly detect and localize subtle cable faults, recall frequently used test configurations, and store cable scans for later analysis either on the device itself or on a host PC using CT Viewer(TM). With test frequencies extending to more than 8.3 GHz (CT100HF), these instruments are ideal for use with most modern communications systems.

According to Mohr and Associates, the CT100 is the only commercially available replacement for the popular, discontinued Tektronix(R) 1502C TDR. “Many organizations rely on the superior resolution of the Tektronix(R) 1502C, and have made significant investments in associated training and support programs. The CT100 has even better TDR specifications and its basic operation is very similar, so these investments won’t go to waste,” said Charles Mohr, Principal Engineer of Mohr and Associates.

CT100 Series TDRs feature horizontal cursor resolution of 0.003 in. (75 microns) and system risetimes as low as 60 ps (20-80%, CT100HF), providing length measurements up to 500 times more precise and spatial resolution up to 20 times sharper than most competing instruments. With sequential sample rates up to 250 kHz (more than 500 waveforms per second), these instruments are also uniquely able to capture rapid transient faults.

CT100 Series TDRs weigh approximately 5 lbs. (2.3 kg) and feature a bright color screen, USB and 10/100 Ethernet connectivity, and support for USB peripherals including keyboards and barcode readers.

CT Viewer(TM) TDR Analysis Software Package

CT100 Series TDRs come bundled with CT Viewer(TM) host PC software, a full-featured TDR waveform analysis software package designed for Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP/Vista. CT Viewer(TM) lets the operator rescale, compare, and perform math transforms on stored TDR waveforms. The software uses Microsoft(R) SQL Server(R) for reliable data storage.

Together, CT100 Series TDRs and CT Viewer(TM) form the basis of a robust industrial cable maintenance program. To learn more about CT100 Series TDRs, visit http://www.mohr-engineering.com/ct-100. To learn more about CT Viewer(TM), visit http://www.mohr-engineering.com/ct-viewer.


MetaGeek Selects Resound Marketing to Launch Wi-Spy DBx

The Company’s Latest Addition to its Line of USB-based Wi-Fi Spectrum Analyzers

Princeton PR Firm Puts Technology Media Savvy To Work for MetaGeek, Coordinating Hands-On Evaluations of Wireless Networking Troubleshooting & Optimization Device With Top IT Industry Press

Resound Marketing (www.resoundmarketing.com), an integrated marketing and PR agency focused on helping clients “make some noise(sm),” today announced that MetaGeek (www.metageek.net), a leading innovator and provider of USB-based Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer solutions, has selected the firm to lead the product reviews effort for Wi-Spy DBx – its newly released dual-band Wi-Fi analyzer that covers both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Resound will coordinate hands-on evaluations with influential media covering wireless networking devices, to help promote the capabilities and benefits of Wi-Spy DBx – which is designed to be the smallest, most cost effective Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer in its class.

Resound has supported MetaGeek at the past three Interop conferences, scheduling on-site product demos and interviews with attending press and analysts – including Network World, Information Week, PC Magazine, Processor, Current Analysis, IDC, and others. Resound has also helped to coordinate feature coverage of MetaGeek’s Wi-Spy USB spectrum analyzer in Popular Science, PC World, eWeek, Computerworld, PC Magazine, CNET, Wi-Fi Planet, WiFiNetNews, Telecommunications, and more.

“As a small, growing company, we’ve found PR and media placement to be one of the most cost-effective ways to get the word out about our products,” said Bob Deely, CEO of MetaGeek. “Working closely with our team, Resound has done a great job of helping boost the credibility of Wi-Spy through product reviews and other positive press coverage – and we look forward to continued success working together with the Wi-Spy DBx launch campaign, and beyond.”

Source: Resound Marketing


The USB 598 modem by Sierra Wireless offers a new compact, ultra stylish design with expandable storage and GPS capabilities in a device that is simple to set up and use

Sierra Wireless announced the launch of the Sierra Wireless USB 598 with service on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network. Available exclusively from Sprint as the Sprint Mobile Broadband USB Modem 598U by Sierra Wireless, this new USB modem offers a convenient and reliable mobile solution that allows subscribers to connect to email and online applications as efficiently as they do at the office or at home.

The 598U by Sierra Wireless is optimized for the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, and supports EV-DO Rev. A technology where available. The Sprint Mobile Broadband Network offers average download speeds between 600 kilobits per second (kbps) and 1.4 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds average 350 to 500 kbps. Users only need a few seconds to email a presentation to a client, send a report to a professor, update a travel blog, or share photos online, from anywhere on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network.

The Sprint Mobile Broadband USB Modem 598U allows subscribers to replace their hardwired landline DSL service without the worry of finding a Wi-Fi hot spot, and save money by going completely wireless. This device is also fully backward compatible with EV-DO Rev. 0 and 1XRTT technology for use in areas where EV-DO Rev. A is not yet available.

“With so many mobile broadband devices available today, people are looking for a device that will provide more than just the basics. We are pleased to join forces with Sprint to deliver that to customers,” said Dan Schieler, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales for Sierra Wireless. “The 598U by Sierra Wireless offers enhanced GPS support, microSD card storage and transfer capabilities, along with high speed wireless connectivity via Sprint’s Mobile Broadband Network, all in a brand new lighted design that is compact, durable, and visually appealing.”

With enhanced GPS support, 598U customers enjoy simultaneous access to navigation and location applications, as well as additional information such as movie and restaurant reviews to help enrich their GPS experience.

To make it even more useful on-the-go, the 598U by Sierra Wireless includes a microSD(TM) expansion slot supporting memory cards up to 32 GB for convenient back up storage or file transfer, so users can carry high resolution images, large music files, presentations and other necessary documents with them wherever they go and share them as needed.

The 598U by Sierra Wireless incorporates a new innovative design with graphics that light up when the device is inserted into a laptop. Sprint’s SmartView(SM) automatic installation software, available for both Mac and PC users, installs directly from the modem the very first time it is inserted, and enables hands-free activation on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, making it quick and easy to get up and running.

The 598U by Sierra Wireless is now available in all Sprint retail locations including 1-800-Sprint1 and www.sprint.com. When purchased online, the card is free with a 2-year agreement. Details regarding coverage of the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network are available online at www.sprint.com/coverage.

Source: Sierra Wireless, Inc.


Celestron VistaPix 8×32 Binoculars

  • Author: USB World
  • Filed under: USB gadgets
  • Date: Jan 19,2009

Celestron’s VistaPix 8×32 LCD Binocular raises the bar for “see-and-save” technology.

  • State-of-the-art binocular and camera combination
  • Twice as bright as the 8×22 model
  • LCD 4x digital zoom increases magnification to 32x
  • Camera features 3.0 megapixel resolution
  • Unbeatably crisp, high-quality views
  • Flip up the 1.5″ LCD screen and preview images
  • Images can be zoomed, cropped and manipulated for album-worthy memories
  • Capture live action with 3-minute continuous video mode
  • No drivers necessary: mass storage allows you to plug-in and play
  • View images on your PC, laptop or TV
  • Comfy rubber coating for no-slip grip
  • Tripod adaptable
  • VistaPix Photo Manager, USB cable and carrying case included

Celestron VistaPix 8x32 Binoculars

Vivid images, advanced technology, exceptional ease and convenience – when it comes to seeing and storing images, the VistaPix 8×32 LCD is unbeatable. The binoculars help you zoom in on the action at stadiums, concerts, weddings, graduations – any outdoor event. Click-and-save your images with the high-quality built-in digital camera, then download pictures on your computer, and let your creativity soar!

Price: $199.95 Buy here:  Celestron VistaPix 8×32 Binoculars


Line 6 Offers POD Farm Platinum Free With TonePort UX8

POD Farm Platinum, the next-generation tone plug-in from Line 6, is available as a free download to all owners of TonePort UX8, Line 6′s most powerful USB 2.0 audio interface

Line 6, Inc. (www.line6.com), the industry leader in modeling technology for music products, offers POD Farm(TM) Platinum plug-in as a free download to all past, present and future owners of TonePort(R) UX8, the powerful, rack-mountable USB 2.0 audio interface.

“The POD Farm Platinum plug-in adds incredible value for new and existing TonePort UX8 owners,” remarks David Dolan, Line 6 Product Marketing Manager. “With superior specs for the recording guitarist, the TonePort UX8 now offers POD tone to any DAW; a dream collection of legendary amp and effects at your fingertips!”

Sparking the gear-lust in recording guitarists worldwide, POD Farm Platinum delivers a dream collection of amps, cabs and effects to any DAW. It’s packed with the sounds of 78 guitar modern and vintage amps, 24 guitar cabs, 28 bass amps, 22 bass cabs, 97 stompbox and studio effects, 6 mic preamps and Dual Tone functionality, providing the ability to play through two full rigs of amps, cabs and effects at once.

TonePort UX8 delivers the best specs in its class with eight simultaneous channels of 24-bit/96 kHz audio, the lowest noise for recording guitar and ToneDirect(TM) monitoring, which is exclusive Line 6 technology that virtually eliminates latency. The comprehensive I/O boasts eight balanced XLR inputs with high-quality mic pres with phantom power and -20db pads, eight 1/4-inch inputs and outputs, a pair of 1/4-inch guitar inputs, S/PDIF digital in and out, low-cut filters and pads, and more for a truly pro recording experience. Plus, rock-solid drivers ensure a stable, uninterrupted session.

Source: Line 6, Inc.