Those of us living the big city life often forget that there are ample places in the great outdoors where cellular signal is nonexistent. The solution? Walkie-talkies. They provide a direct line of communication to others in a group, regardless of whether cell service is available or not. The Alianza DxB is a new docking device that actually turns a smartphone into a fully-functional multi-band walkie-talkie, so there's no need to carry multiple devices on an outdoor excursion.
DxB works on VHF, UHF, and 800Mhz, plus it can also use the cellular signal in a device to expand the range to anywhere in the world using the Radio-Over-IP repeater feature.
Part of the docking solution is the rugged case designed to protect the device. Because the target audience is people who will be carrying the device around outside, having a case that can take a beating is necessary in order for this product to have any kind of legs. The antenna and knobs on the top of the case are actually removable, so the Alianza DxB can be used just as a battery back-up case when the two-way radio features aren't needed.
The DxB also has an internal battery which serves two purposes – keeping the walkie-talkie alive, and charging the connected smartphone. There's no word on battery life for the device.
While the DxB docks a phone, there's no special software required to use the basic two-way radio portion. Conceivably, even if the owner's smartphone was dead, the case would still be able to perform the walkie-talkie functions.
Of course, having cellular signal is when the device is at its best, with the Radio-Over-IP repeater. For emergency services and the like, having an unlimited range is needed, and the ability to tap into the smartphone's connection is what really makes this product interesting.
Bricom Solutions, the company responsible for the creation of the device, is seeking funding on Kickstarter with the ultimate goal of making the product affordable for everyone from large businesses to the average consumer. The minimum pledge to take home a DxB is US$400, which is quite reasonable when compared to the cost of most multi-band radios.
The Kickstarter pitch below provides more information on the Alianza DxB.
Sources: Alianza, Kickstarter
Matthew Harden"
great idea,
Cell phones are designed to communicate with towers that have high gain receivers and much higher power transmitters. The phone to phone range would be quite short.
This is so yo can get on vhf/uhf/800mhz repeater type systems.
This would be perfect so. say, a local volunteer firefighter could utilize his or her local fire repeater (of course with department permission).
This would be perfect for somebody like me, who is a licensed Amateur Radio Operator. It would allow me to be able to access local VHF and UHF Amateur Radio Repeaters.
Nextel? Well I am writing this after Nextel has been shut down permanently. This isn't even close to what Nextel was. Nextel utilized cellular towers . This utilizes frequencies like those used in police car radios and portables.
I wish people would do their homework before sprouting off about what a lousy idea a product is or will be.
There were Nextel phones I saw that had built in Family Service Radio(s) built in (FRS). FRS works in the 463Mhz portion of the radio spectrum. FRS has absolutely nothing to do with Nextel.
It's amazing how many people out there, try to talk like they are in the know, when in all actuality they aren't.
BTW: I am a Federal Communications Comission licensed Amateur Radio Operator, and also hold a License thru the National Telecommunications And Information Agency.