By John Francis
The Basics of Motorola Two Way Radios
Motorola two way radios work almost like a cellular telephone in that they are used as a method of communication between people in different locations but there are a few major differences between the two way radio communication and telephone communication. The most noticeable difference between two way radio and telephone communication is that to the people talking on two way radios have to take turns talking -- this is called the 'half-duplex' mode of operation (telephone conversations, where people can be talking at the same time, uses what is called full-duplex mode).
There are two frequency bands in use for two way radios these are the Family Radio Service (FRS) band and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) band. The FRS band is specifically used for short-range communication between two way radios -- short range is defined as 2 miles or less. The GMRS band is used for two way radios uses that require longer range operation, where the users may be up to eight miles from each other.
Some two way radios are only able to use the FRS band but almost all Motorola two way radios in commercial use are able to take advantage of both the FRS and GMRS bands.
One important note about GMRS operation: The FCC regulates two way radios that operate on the GMRS band and requires users of this type of radio to obtain a license and pay a fee. The GMRS license is good for five years and costs $80.00; the license must be obtained by an adult (the radios operating under the license may be used by minors but only with the licensed adult's knowledge and permission). Go to the FCC's Internet page at: http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=general_mobile
for more information on GMRS licensing.
Channels! There are 22 channels commonly used on two way radios: Channels 1 through 7 can be used by all two way radios whether they are using the FRS range or the GMRS range; channels 8 through 14 are reserved for used by radios using the FRS band and channels 15 through 22 are reserved for use by radios using the GMRS band. How this works in practical terms is pretty simple; basically, all the two way radios within eight miles of each other that are set to the same channel will be able to communicate with each other. The catch is, everyone with a radio receiver set to that channel's frequency will also be able to hear whatever is said -- so be careful about what you say. To combat that problem, most Motorola two way radios are also equipped with "privacy codes." These privacy codes will break up a single channel into many sub-channels which gives the radio users much more privacy.
About the Author: Find out more about Two Way Radios.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: Samsung The ElephantBy Carl Delfeld
Samsung dominates life in its home country like no other company in the world. But the slogan “what is good for Samsung is good for South Korea” is open for debate.
The South Korean economy is a paradox. It has become the third largest economy in Asia after Japan and China. Its 48 million citizens have in one generation enjoyed a sizable jump in their standard of living and no country has benefited more than South Korea from the rise of China which has become a vital export market. Its sovereign credit rating was recently upgraded due to reduced tensions with North Korea and it enjoys foreign exchange reserves of over $200 billion. The Korean people should be full of satisfaction for a job well done but instead are rather a discontented lot.
Its per capita income is about one third that of the OECD average. Economic growth is expected in the 3-4% range closer to a mature economy than an Asian tiger. Unemployment is becoming an issue and a stronger currency and relatively high wage levels are crimping exports which account for 40% of its economy. Exports are up only 7% this year after a 31% jump last year. After a credit card binge, average net consumer borrowing is equal to 100% of disposable income and the bank of Korea recently bumped up its benchmark rate for the first time in three years.
What is going on here? Somewhat surprisingly, South Korea is experiencing many of the same outsourcing issues that Americans complain about. It was the largest investor in China last year with over $6 billion in fixed investments. Its largest steel maker POSCO announced its intention to invest $12 billion in a steel plant in India where it already runs 24 steel companies. Hyundai manufactures 600,000 autos in China and its affiliate Kia makes 150,000 more.
Meanwhile Samsung Electronics has become Asia’s largest technology company by market cap (larger than Sony), and its largest maker of memory chips and flat panel screens and mobile phones. Samsung enjoys a credit rating higher than South Korea’s sovereign rating. With 62 affiliates, the Samsung group dominates life in Korea like no other company in history. It represents 15% of the nation’s total economic activity, 25% of the capitalization of the KOSPI stock market and the taxes it pays represent almost 10% of total government income!
Samsung, up 25% so far this year, is still attractive at about 11 times consensus 2006 earnings estimates and its operating profit was up 29% in the third quarter. Despite third quarter net income declining 30%, a strong fourth quarter is expected. There is a shortage of LCD television panels and its flash memory chip global market share exceeds 60%. As prices have come down flash chip sales have gone up 40%.
But the company is not a terrific play on the South Korean economy. Rather it is a global play on its three key markets and the expected payoff from its extraordinary commitment to R&D. The South Koreans are discontented because the five largest companies are growing outside the country more than in it and at a stage of development where it should be more competitive manufacturing onshore. The challenge is the low cost manufacturing platform with huge economies of scale just next door – the issue is China. Samsung already has already has 29 plants and 50,000 workers in China.
Since China is already starting to manufacture stuff like machine tools that the South Koreans were busily exporting in 2003 and 2004, South Korean planners believe it must quickly transform itself into a finance, communications and transportation hub – akin to the role of Singapore or Switzerland. The question then becomes do they have the right companies, the right skills and what is its competitive advantage?
Together, Samsung, POSCO, KEPCO (Korea Electric Power) and SK Telecom account for almost 50% of South Korean stock market’s market capitalization. To use a basketball analogy, the South Korean starting five are strong but its bench is a bit thin and its team has lost the home court advantage. The problem is not Samsung but rather that they need about ten more Samsungs.
The top four companies also make up 40% of the South Korea iShare (EWY) ETF which is up 29% so far this year. Samsung alone accounts for 23% of this ETF and buying the iShare gives you more exposure to the top ten South Korean companies. I am trimming our position in the South Korea iShare to take some profits off the table and with the expectation that the stronger won and higher interest rates will lead to a slowdown in exports. Together with the likely re-emergence of the North Korean problem, this may very well undermine investor confidence.
Bottom line: buy Samsung based on valuation and top notch global reach and R&D but expect tougher going for the South Korean economy as China turns from robust export market to direct competitor.
About the Author: Carl Delfeld is head of the global advisory firm Chartwell Partners and editor of the the "Asia-Pacific Growth" newsletter and is the author of "The New Global Investor." For more information please visit http://www.chartwellasia.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=16547&ca=World+Affairsca=Computers+and+Technology">http://www.isnare.com/?aid=57488&ca=Computers+and+Technology
The path breaking feature which will make this phone a surefire winner in the race is the feature – Comes With Music – that will permit users to get access to an unlimited number of tracks from Nokia’s own music store for one whole year and after the offer expires after a year, all the tracks will remain in the phone memory.
It also features the most powerful built in stereo speakers in its category along with an FM Radio. Thus Nokia has a winner up its sleeves which will appeal both to music junkies and shutterbugs alike.
About the Author: Gaurav Sharma, a renowned tech blogger presents his deep insights on the latest Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Tube Smart Phone. He even presents a 20 point comparison of Iphone and Nokia 5800 in his blog.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=314895&ca=Computers+and+Technology