ElectroneX - Electronics Design & Assembly EXPO
See Vicom at Booth D18 on the 8th & 9th September 2010 at the Australian Technology Park in Sydney.
For more information on the Electronex EXPO visit www.electronex.com.au
MilCIS Conference Early Bird Registrations
Vicom will be exhibiting at the MilCIS Millitary Communications and Information Systems Conference from the 9th - 11th November 2010.
Early Bird Registration Closes Monday 6th September. Register now and save money.
Go to www.milcis.com.au to register.
New Supplier: Geotest Marvin Test Systems Inc.
Vicom Australia is pleased to announce the addition of Geotest-Marvin Test Systems Inc to its range of test solutions.
A subsidiary of Marvin Engineering Co., Inc., Geotest - Marvin Test Systems, Inc. is a global producer of PXI and PC-Based test equipment and test solutions. Located in Irvine, California, Geotest is an ISO9001 company producing hundreds of products for the electronics test industry.
Their portfolio PXI, PC and GPIB based products address a wide range of automated-test applications and includes the broadest offering of "smart" PXI chassis and PXI digital instrumentation in the industry. Geotest's ATEasy software offers the industry's only integrated test executive and test development software framework specifically designed for test and measurement applications.
For more information contact vicom This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Willtek Now Available from Vicom
The acquisition of Willtek by Aeroflex enables Vicom to offer the full range of products backed up by Vicom's support team.
Willtek offer test solutions for:
- TETRA
- Cellular
- GSM-R
- Handheld Spectrum Analysers
For more information or product enquiries email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us +61 3 9563 7844.
New Audio Precision APx515
The APx515 is a high performance audio analyser optimised for production test. It is a best-in-class instrument for its speed, performance, automation, and ease-of-use.
APx515 can make all of the key audio measurements in less than three seconds. Despite its low cost, APx515 still has excellent performance, with a typical THD+N of –106, 24-bit FFTs, and 192K digital I/O as well as the one-click automation and ease-of-use of all APx Series audio analysers. Like all AP instruments, APx515 comes with an ISO:17025 Accredited Calibration and three year warranty, so its results are trusted everywhere.
June 2010 - LeCroy Product Special Offer
See our current LeCroy Promotions click here
Silicon Chip Magazine Promotion
A good oscilloscope should simplify how you work and shorten the time it takes to find and debug problems. The WaveAce combines long memory, a colour display, extensive measurement capabilities, advanced triggering and sample rates up to 2 GS/s and waveform memory up to 10 kpts/Ch (20 kpts interleaved) the WaveAce exceeds all expectations of a small affordable oscilloscope.
Ready to get one? Please click here to download the ordering form.
Click here to Download the Silicon Chip Article.
May 2010 - New Software Extends Capabilities of the Aeroflex 3500/3500A
Aeroflex has released software version 3.7.1 for the 3500 Series Hand-Held Radio Test Set. This software version includes several enhancements as well as bug fixes.
This new software version has added peak hold and average to the spectrum Analyser. Another feature is the capability to edit the source of many of the meters without entering the zoomed screen.
Enhancements of the new software:
- Added bar graph indicating progress in the ANT-CABLE test screen.
- Improved speed of the ANT-CABLE sweep when in a high RF environment. The maximum sweep time is now 15 seconds.
- Added edit fields for source on mini-tiles for audio level, AF counter, demod, distortion and scope.
- Created news default screens that can be recalled.
- Implemented a peak hold and average in the spectrum analyser.
- Changed the units for the tracking generator from dBm to dB. These new units represent the level relative to the maximum output of the 3500 (which is approximately +5 dBm).
- Added a zoom section for the P25 Demode tile, which includes setups for pass/fail and average.
- Added an On/Off indication to the generator tile to indicate the state of the RF generator.
- Added a peak hold indication to the mini modulation meter.
Improvements of the new software:
- Improved power bandwidth markers matching selection.
- Two issues with the normalize function that have been improved. The normalize is no longer affected by the external attenuation value. The normalize restores the pre-amp to its pre-normalize state.
- ANT-CABLE test screen now remembers range values.
- Fixed problem with the generator level that would occur when the user toggled between dBm and uV.
- Peak hold is improved for the modulation meters.
- Scope lockup problem that could occur when switching source has been resolved.
- Improved the loss value in DTF when units selected for DTF was meters.
- Not all fields for the SINAD and distortion meter were included in the save/recall.
- Fixed issue with zeroing the RF power meter when an attenuation value was entered.
- Fixed a lockup that occasionally would occur when editing the RF level field.
- External Attenuator settings from the Analog Duplex or Transmitter test screens are no longer used in the stand-alone Analyser.
Existing users of the 3500 Series can contact Vicom to upgrade their software version by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
April 2010 - Introducing the GPSG-1000 Portable GPS/Galileo Positional Simulator
Aeroflex’s truly portable GPS and Galileo positional simulator, the GPSG-1000, is easy to use, configurable and inexpensive. It fills a gap in the market by providing a low-cost 12-channel test set that creates three-dimensional simulations.
Highlights
- GPS signals simulated: L1, L1C, L2C, L5
- Galileo signals simulated: E1, E5a, E5b, E6
- Simultaneous GPS/Galileo simulation
- SBAS satellites simulated: WAAS/EGNOS L1, L5, MSAS*, GAGAN*
- Static or multi-leg dynamic positional simulation via waypoint entry system
- Programmable SV parametrics and health
- User or UTC referenced time and date
- Direct-connect to receiver or to installed system via antenna coupler
- Large touch-screen display with simple user interface
- Remote control interface USB/LAN
April 2010 - New standards change the economics of carrier ethernet deployments.
EXFO is first to implement EtherSAM, based on the ITU-T Y.156sam standard- the only Ethernet service test fully adapted to today's mobile backhaul, commercial and wholesale services for turning up and troubleshooting eight times faster, with 100% first-time-right results.
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, February 9, 2010 — EXFO announced today the implementation of EtherSAM, a new Ethernet service testing methodology based on the ITU-T Y.156sam standard, into its Ethernet testing products. This methodology is completely adapted to today’s reality and enables network operators to optimize the quality of service and reduce operational costs.
With the evolution of Ethernet services, widely used standards such as RFC 2544 are no longer adequate to fully validate service-level agreements (SLA). To address the limitations of current test methods, the ITU has introduced a new draft test standard, the ITU-T Y.156sam.
Working closely with the ITU-T standard body, EXFO is at the forefront of pioneering a new test methodology that recognizes the need for Ethernet networks to support new and more advanced services that come with next-generation network technologies, namely voice, video, e-mail, online trading and others. Due to their distinct nature, each service reacts differently to network characteristics such as latency, packet jitter and frame loss. Service providers must therefore know how each service behaves in every traffic prioritization scenario to properly configure their networks and ensure a consistent quality of service.
EtherSAM supports new multiservice offerings. It can simulate all types of services that will run on the network and simultaneously qualify all key SLA parameters for each of these services in a single test. It can validate the QoS mechanisms provisioned in the network to prioritize the different service types, resulting in more accurate validation, and eight times faster deployment and troubleshooting. EXFO’s EtherSAM approach proves even more powerful as it executes the complete ITU-T Y.156sam test with bidirectional measurements. Key SLA parameters are measured independently in each test direction, thus providing 100% first-time-right service activation—that is the highest level of confidence in service testing.
“Innovation has always played a key role in the company’s success and with the implementation of EtherSAM into our Ethernet portfolio, we are once again at the forefront of the innovation curve,” said Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's Vice-President of Product Management and Marketing. “This new methodology will revolutionize how our customers will execute their Ethernet testing by saving time when turning up services and by providing 100% first-time-right results, therefore directly optimizing the quality of service and reducing the operational costs of our customers.”
Contact Vicom now to learn how the new standards can make your job easier.
Download the Application Note for EtherSAM
March 2010 - Aeroflex IFR6000 testing capabilities based on CASA NPRM 10010S Amendments to Airworthiness Directive - AD/RAD/47
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has notified the Australian Aviation Industry, through NPRM 10010S, of possible changes to AD/RAD/47, with the additional testing to confirm the correct operation of transponders.
Key changes proposed:
NPRM 10010S - 3.5.1.1
Using a suitable transponder test set, ensure that:
- The duration of all reply pulses (pulse width) is between 0.35 and 0.55 Microseconds;
- The rise time of all reply pulses (0.1 of pulse amplitude to 0.9 of pulse amplitude) is 0.05 to 0.1 microseconds;
- The decay time of all reply pulses (0.9 of pulse amplitude to 0.1 of pulse amplitude) is 0.05 to 0.20 microseconds;
- The amplitude variation between one reply pulse and any other reply pulse is not greater that 1 dB.
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_100063
We can confirm that the IFR6000 is presently capable, and carries out as part of its automated testing, dot point items 1 and 4. The IFR6000 is not presently capable of displaying dot point items 2 and 3.
Aeroflex are currently reviewing the capabilities of the IFR 6000 and the potential requirements as directed by CASA. As part of the NPRM process, Aeroflex, through Vicom, will provide feedback to CASA in due course.
Any further questions can be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Vicom believes this Information to be correct at the time of publishing but advises users to make their own enquiries before making any decisions.
Vicom shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, defects or misrepresentations in the Information or for any loss or damage suffered by persons who use or rely on such Information (including by reason of negligence, negligent misstatement or otherwise).
Anyone proposing to rely on or use the Information should independently verify and check the accuracy, completeness, reliability and suitability of the Information.
March 2010 - APCO Australasia Exhibition
See Vicom Australia at the APCO Exhibition from the 15th - 17th March 2010 at booth 83.
For more information on the APCO Exhibition please visit www.apcoaust.com.au
February 2010 - EXFO Release new FiberBasix 50 Series Power Meter and Optical Light Source.
EXFO Quality 
- NBN/FTTx 'Ready' Kits (1310/1490/1550)
- LAN/WAN Kits (850/1300, 1310/1550)
- Great Prices
- Reliable
The EPM-50 Power Meter key features include:
- Ruggedised Design
- Interchangeable connector adapters
- 300 hours of battery life
- Tone recognition for fiber identification
- High power input capabilities
The ELS-50 Optical Light Source key features include:
- Ruggedised Design
- Excellent power stability for reliable loss measurement
- Interchangeable connector adapters
- Up to 60 hours of battery life
- Tone recognition for fiber identification
February 2010 - Free Technology Seminar
Click on the image for more information.
December 2009 - EXFO's Exclusive Single-Ended CD/PMD Analysis Method Achieves Standardisation
EXFO has announced that the standardisation of the SOP sampling analysis (SSA) test method on which is based its FTB-5700, a single-ended dispersion analyser specifically designed to address characterisation, upgrade and OPEX challenges in metro mesh networks.
Deploying fast services on mesh networks requires the characterisation of every single link span to map out the network's dispersion issues and optimise bandwidth usage. The SSA standard (TIA FOTP-243) allows tests to be performed by a single technician instead of two, effectively reducing the manpower required and therefore simplifying the process.
In addition, each mesh network node is connected to multiple links spreading in multiple directions. Therefore, using a traditional end-to-end measurement tool not only demands an extra technician, but it also involves the second technician commuting from one site to the other, wasting valuable test time for both technicians. The SSA approach avoids such resource dead time, as a single technician can perform the same tests that two technicians used to do-in a fraction of the time formerly required. The result is reduced OPEX, reduced time-to-revenue and higher resource efficiency, by approximately a factor of three.
"Over the years, EXFO has pioneered and standardised several PMD test methods, from PSA to GINTY to the brand-new distributed PMD analysis approach. This latest technology breakthrough once again testifies to the strong emphasis we have always placed on innovation," said Étienne Gagnon, EXFO's Vice-President of Product Management and Marketing. "In order to help service providers meet their metro network upgrade challenges, we have designed a single-ended CD and PMD test solution that truly reduces OPEX, both in the short and long term. What's more, this method does not compromise on measurement accuracy, as evidenced by the TIA's acknowledgment and issuance of a fiber-optic test procedure (FOTP) number."
December 2009 - EXFO’s New Bidirectional RFC 2544 Capability Allows for Unrivalled Carrier-Ethernet Service Testing
EXFO's release of a new software suite that provides bidirectional RFC 2544 enhanced functionalities on the AXS-200/850 Ethernet Test Set, a handheld performance assessment tool that radically simplifies the installation, activation and maintenance of Ethernet networks and services.
November 2009 - Radio Comms Connect Exhibition
See our presentation on Understanding APCO Project 25 and Digital Testing Strategies at 2.00pm in Theatre 1 on Thursday 19th.
Vicom Australia will be at the Radio Comms Connect Exhibition on the 18th and 19th November at Booth Number 21.
Click on the Logo for more information.
October 2009 - Agile Sources Reach 50 GHz
Millimeter-wave test signals are essential for evaluating a wide range of systems and their components, including aerospace, defence, and satellite communications systems. Those test signals should feature low phase noise, minimal harmonics and spurious content and, ideally, fast switching speed to cut the time needed for production testing of components. To fill those requirements, Giga-tronics (www.gigatronics.com) has introduced a new line of six frequency-agile synthesized signal generators with frequency ranges extending as high as 50 GHz. The six new 2500B series of microwave signal generators offer frequency coverage of 100 kHz to 2.5 GHz, 100 kHz to 8 GHz, 100 kHz to 20 GHz, 100 kHz to 26.5 GHz, 100 kHz to 40 GHz, and 100 kHz to 50 GHz.
September 2009 - Special Offer from LeCroy
Refurbished Oscilliscopes, Probes and Accessories discounted by up to 35%.
Units are offered with standard warranty and 4 - 5 weeks delivery SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY first come first served.
September 2009 - Refurbished CNT-90 Frequency Counters Available
The best in Frequency for less! HURRY limited numbers are available, call us now for a quote +61 3 9563 7844
Features include: 300MHz Frequency range, GPIB, Graphic Display Plus More.
Also available is one Ex Demo CNT-90 at 25% off list price.
August 2009 - Vicom Australia's 3920 cappuccino Tour
See the future of Radio Test with Vicom's Cappuccino Tour, showing in your city soon.
The Aeroflex 3920 Radio tester won't make coffee but you can enjoy a cappuccino while it tests your radio for you.
Contact us for more details This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
July 2009 - Vicom's new partnership with Livingston
Vicom is pleased to announce a new and exciting partnership with one of the worlds premier and largest Test Equipmetn Rental Organisations in the world, Livingston.
Vicom Australia and Livingston have formed a partnership to support and service the Oceania Region in supplying many various rental/lease solutions.
For further information on Livingston refer to their website www.livingston.net.au
July 2009 - Bird PC SignalHawk
The PC SignalHawk brings a modular approach to spectrum analysis. It has the same Spectrum Analyzer functionality as their hand held and rack mount units but, as a stand-alone module, it is an ideal solution for field techs who already carry a laptop with them as standard equipment. Included with the PC SignalHawk is a Windows software application that moves the display and post-processing to your PC. It also allows the user to perform the same tests and measurements as a full blown spectrum analyzer for thousands less.
July 2009 - 3920 Radio Testing Training Course Now Available
Vicom now offers a combined P25 overview and 3920 product familiarisation course. For further information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
June 2009 - Giga-tronics introduces new Solid - State Broadband Microwave Power Amplifiers
Giga-tronics has introduced the GT-1040A and GT-1050A Solid – State Broadband Microwave Power Amplifiers which cover 2 GHz to 40 GHz and 2 GHz to 50 GHz respectively, with high output power, low noise figure and low harmonics.
These microwave power amplifiers with excellent pulse fidelity are ideal for many Aerospace and Defence applications, including EW, ECM, ECCM, radar and satellite system signal simulation and testing. The GT-1050A is an ideal ATE system building block for boosting test signals to overcome cable and connector loss whenever long cable runs are needed in assembly bays, environmental test chambers or field locations.