No more snap, crackle & pop The world’s first fully-featured, license free, digital wireless intercom Delivers exceptional sound quality Increased security for those operating in vital service Allows operators in services such as air traffic control and broadcasting greater mobility and freedom of movement through wireless connectivity

Following a rapid product development, leading technology company Cambridge Consultants Ltd (CCL) has helped Drake Electronics to develop the world’s first fully-featured, license free, digital wireless intercom. The intercom is intended for professional applications in the broadcast, theatre, air traffic and other ‘command and control’ environments, and is poised to set the new standard in communication within these fields.

The new system relies upon CCL’s DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) protocol stack which, following the production of a fully detailed product specification, was enhanced by CCL engineers for this specific role and then ported to the Drake platform. As a result, the new intercom, marketed by Drake as FreeSpeak®, provides users with digital-audio-quality sound. The device offers all the functions found on a traditional desk mounted intercom, but delivers the benefits of mobility associated with a wireless application. The system also benefits in allowing greater security and safety for those working in vital or sensitive areas such as air traffic control.

The internationally adopted DECT standard has been familiar in cordless telephones for a few years. What is less well known is that DECT is a complete cellular solution, in which any mobile unit can move seamlessly from base-station to base-station over the entire area of coverage. Not only that, but it can also deliver data rates higher than in simple telephony. In FreeSpeak®, the cordless link runs at 64,000 bits per second – enough for high quality sound as well as the complex intercom control signals.

Cambridge Consultants developed DECT standard software five years ago, selling initially to telephone manufacturers and also in point-of-sale data applications. Subsequently, the product has been enhanced and now provides software for high-rate data, telemetry, radio local loop and a raft of other applications. Because of DECT’s unique interference-avoiding capability and its cell-to-cell handover, reliable links are possible where other technologies (like W-LAN) fail.

Note to editors:
Cambridge Consultants Limited (CCL) designs and develops innovative new products, processes and systems. CCL enables clients to turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether launching first-to-market products, or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies.

With a team of over 200 engineers and scientists, CCL is able to offer solutions across a diverse range of industries including healthcare, telecoms, industrial and consumer products, automotive and aerospace.

Drake Electronics Limited is the British market leader in the development of high performance VCS solutions for ATC and related applications. Drake is based near London, U.K. and has over 25 years experience with over 2,000 systems worldwide.

Drake is part of the Vitec Group plc, a multinational company listed on the London Stock Exchange. www.drake-uk.com