Icom IC-F5122DD / IC-F6122DD

Utilities, pipeline operators, and highway crews need to pull data from equipment in places where cellular coverage is spotty and running new internet lines isn't practical. Meter readings, vehicle positions, and sensor data still have to reach a control point, and waiting on a carrier's coverage map isn't an option at a remote well site or water system. A private RF data link closes that gap, if the hardware can handle the data rates and the field conditions.

The IC-F5122DD (VHF, 136-174 MHz) and IC-F6122DD (UHF, 400-470 MHz) are transparent data modems that move that data over RF instead of cellular. They run 128 channels with 4-level FSK modulation at 9600 bps (12.5 kHz) or 4800 bps (6.25 kHz), fast enough for real-time monitoring. Output steps down in three stages, 25W/10W/2.5W on USA units or 25W/10W/6W on EUR units, and ships as RS-232 or RS-232-plus-Ethernet (10BASE-T full/half-duplex, 100BASE-TX half-duplex with auto-negotiation) for wiring into existing control systems. Individual, group, and all-call addressing plus 500-code data encryption keep multi-site networks organized and secure.

At 900 g (2.0 lb) and 150 x 40 x 134.7 mm, it mounts into vehicles, cabinets, or fixed installations without adding bulk, and it's rated MIL-810G (also meeting equivalent MIL-STD-810 C, D, E, and F) for temperature shock, vibration, humidity, solar radiation, and drop testing. Operating range runs -30°C to +60°C (-22°F to +60°F), holding up on rooftop tanks and roadside cabinets alike. It's built for utility meter reading, airport ground vehicle management, gate control, pipeline and well drilling management, highway traffic monitoring, and weather and environment monitoring stations.