i.safe MOBILE, provider of explosion-proof mobile devices, with its partner RugGear, developer and manufacturer of rugged mobile devices, has launched two new 5G radios, offering secure communication in hazardous and industrial areas
These are the intrinsically safe IS440.1 for use in Zone 1/21 hazardous areas and the rugged model RG440 for use in industrial environments.
The new radios fulfil the handling requirements of conventional radios, but employ new technologies and can initially be deployed together with PMR radios and replace them in the long term. By using them in existing public or private (campus) networks (4G or 5G) or via Wi-Fi, secure and stable communication is guaranteed. The compact radios use PTT (via a third-party PTT app) and can be seamlessly paired with classic analogue and DMR devices for group communication via a gateway. Thanks to their interoperability, the devices can be operated across different technologies (via various PTT solutions) and device manufacturers.
The devices feature a fail-safe connection, the reliable QCM6490 chipset from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (supports 3GPP Release 15), a powerful, replaceable battery (2400 or 4800 mAh), a high-performance front speaker (>105 dB) especially for noisy environments, large operating elements (PTT button, rotary knob for PTT channel selection, SOS button), unique 8-pin interface for connecting headphones and heavy duty headsets (HDHS) as well as dual SIM (with automatic network switching). Both devices are compatible with Wi-Fi 6, NFC and Bluetooth 5.2. The IS440.1 and RG440 support private 4G/5G networks that deploy the CBRS spectrum and LTE band 68. The focus is on data protection, security, flexibility, quality of service and reliability.
Key target groups for the two new devices include industrial users in the chemical, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, food and logistics industries.
In addition to the application as a radio device, the IS440.1 and RG440 also offer companies the option of location-based tracking and a monitoring function for access restrictions, which can also be used as a security feature for visitors to the company premises, for example. Another application scenario is the ability to inform all employees immediately in emergencies or in case of evacuation measures. The NFC connectivity is used within the organisation for active access control, data transfer between two devices and the reading of tags.
For the safety of employees in hazardous, potentially explosive and exposed industrial areas, i.safe MOBILE and RugGear have integrated an SOS button on the devices, which provides a quick alarm function in emergencies via a third-party application. With its 8MP AF front camera the devices can also be used as a bodycam for inspection tasks/remote maintenance and in mission-critical areas, attached to clothing (e. g. breast pocket) with a clip.
The intrinsically safe, Ex-certified version, the IS440.1 5G radio is approved for use in Zone 1/21, both devices are MIL-STD-810H-tested and IP68-certified and can also be operated outdoors with wet hands and gloves.
The IS440.1 and RG440 radios will be available from Q1/2024.
