Farm Communications

Australian farmers have been having a better run since the breaking of the drought, and there is a strong outlook for food prices over the coming decades as Asian economies strengthen, and the Asian middle class continues to swell.

But, having run the gauntlet of the weather, and produced a crop, there is still the little matter of harvest. It is here that a radio phone system really can help farmers not just save money, but get the most from highly volatile markets.

Some of the benefits of a long range cordless system:

• Completely independent of the mobile network, works where no mobile coverage
• Walkie talkie function – create your own FREE radio phone network
• Stay in touch with grain markets without even getting off the header!
• Co-ordinate trucks and carriers
• Added safety of staying in touch with home

A long range industrial quality cordless phone such as the Engenius Durafon, provides all the advantages of a UHF radio system with blanket handset-to-handset coverage as well as normal phone functionality.   This long range cordless telephone is an extremely rugged system with its origin in military communications. The rugged construction makes it particularly well suited to the rigours of farming operations.

It is designed to deliver high reliability wireless phone communications up to 10 km.

A cordless telephone system consists of one or more handsets that communicate with a base station connected to a fixed telephone line. Phones such as the Engenius Durafon communicate in the 902-928 MHZ UHF radio frequency and achieve long range through the low frequency and high power output of the unit.

The system consists of a base unit connected to the fixed phone line (or lines), and 1 or more external handsets. The base unit has an antenna, but this can be supplemented with an external antenna (link) and low loss cable.

The handsets are two way radios that can also be used to talk to each other independent of the base station.

The Engenius Durafon systems provide a local, highly cost effective call network without the ongoing expense of mobile phone communications.

The Engenius Durafon long range cordless telephone is an extremely rugged system with its origin in military communications. It is designed to deliver high reliability wireless phone communications in a range of business and home environments including farming, mining, warehousing, factories, high rise buildings and across the housing estate at ranges up to 10 km.

Why is 900 MHZ an important frequency?

Engenius Durafon uses frequencies in the range of 902 to 928 MHZ. This is a lower frequency than cordless systems using  2.4 and 5.8 GHZ. Many people do not realise that range is better at low frequencies, which are affected to a lesser degree by physical barriers such as walls buildings and trees.

Another useful aspect of the 900 MHZ frequency is that it doesn’t conflict with WiFi networks. This is important because WiFi interference is avoided. Overlap with WiFi could also reduce the range.

Lower frequencies such as 900 MHZ are safer for human exposure. It is interesting to note that the (US) Federal Communications Commission permits more power to be used at these frequencies, further extending the range.

Engenius Durafon set up

The system consists of a base unit connected to the fixed phone line (or lines), and 1 or more external handsets. The base unit has an antenna, but this can be supplemented with an external antenna (link) and low loss cable.

The handsets are two way radios that can also be used to talk to each other independent of the base station.

Applications

The Engenius Durafon systems provide a local, highly cost effective call network without the ongoing expense of mobile phone communications.

Examples of applications include:

• Farms
• Mining operations
• Hotels and resorts
• Golf courses
• Building estates
• Warehouses
• Nurseries
• etc

In short, this phone system can replace mobiles on any network with a footprint equal to, or less than, those specified below.

Coverage

Independent testing by Wyle Laboratories, Huntsville Facility concluded

The EnGenius Model SN-920* was verified to have a cordless range of up to 8.8 miles (line-of site

distance with no physical impairments) and a usable In-Building wall/floor penetration of up to 12 floors.   See copy of the Wyle Labs test

* earlier model

Heavy duty construction

One of our Wirelessly customers owes quite a debt to the robust construction of his Durafon phone, when he was kicked in the chest by a horse! The phone – which was in his chest pocket – took the brunt of the kick. The customer survived, and so did the phone!

Engenius Durafon has a double coated rubber case that is both shock resistant and splashproof. This level of toughness is needed in the industrial workplace.

To Purchase

Here is the Engenius Catalogue.