[44net] CalAmp Viper SC+

All, I've been looking for a way to get fast enough speed over RF to be able to use some more modern protocols, such as SMTP & POP3 for email with attachments. I had high hopes for some guys in the NW US, but . <sigh>. So, I started looking elsewhere and someone else here mentioned the DataRadio -> CalAmp Gemini. That particular radio was recently discontinued. But I found the CalAmp Viper SC+. There are several models. It can achieve up to 256 kbps, depending on band, channel configuration, etc. We would probably use the radio in the 70 cm band. My assumption was that any emission designators that they might use would most likely not be allowed in FCC Part 97. But they use emission designators .F1D. And what does FCC Part 97 say? 97.305(c): For the 70 cm band, it references 97.309(f)(6) and 97.309(f)(8). 97.309(f)(8): "A RTTY or data emission having designators with A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J or R as the first symbol; 1, 2, 7, 9 or X as the second symbol; and D or W as the third symbol is also authorized." How about that!? ...F1D fits that bill. Baud rate is also within FCC limits. So this looks like a real possibility. Price is steep: about $1400 list. But for our purposes, it fills a gap between 1200/9600 packet and WiFi, allowing for field deployment with a simple roll-up J-pole. And provides locations some basic IP connectivity even if they don't have line of sight for WiFi. If you're interested, check it out! BTW, for you non-US guys, they have international certifications. Check out the details via a local distributor. http://www.calamp.com/products/cellular-communication-devices-routers/router s/viper-sc-0 http://www.calamp.com/system/files/resources/hardware-spec-sheets/viperscplu sdatasheet.pdf http://www.calamp.com/references/manuals/Viper_SC_User_Manual.pdf Michael N6MEF