Fifty years in two-way radio

This year, 2009, is a major milestone for Standard Communications as it celebrates its jubilee birthday.

Founded in 1959 by engineer EC (Ted) Dunn, the company is set for its next major anniversary.

Much has changed in the electronics industry since those formative years — concepts like microprocessors, liquid crystal displays and satellites that are commonplace today were purely the domain of Hollywood and science fiction writers in 1959.

Throughout the evolutionary process, GME has remained at the forefront of the Australian communication electronics industry, through a substantial ongoing investment in research and development, and the establishment of an engineering, manufacturing and distribution facility in Sydney.

The marine division is globally recognised for its range of digital emergency beacons, EPIRBs (emergency position indicating radio beacons) and PLBs (personnel locating beacons).

The MT400, the first of these devices, was introduced at METS in 2004, receiving a ‘Special Recommendation’ by the DAME award committee.

The device was soon to be followed by additions to the beacon range including water-activated, auto-release, personal and GPS-equipped models, making the company a supplier of COSPAS SARSAT beacons.

The company also develops and manufactures marine communications, including 27 MHz and VHF, also a class D DSC VHF radio which, as with all its radios, is said to be the slimmest availble.

This year, the company is increasing its portfolio of marine products with the launch of a new range of marine antennas, to be sold as two separate parts: the base assembly and the antenna whip.

The base will be suitable for VHF, 27 MHz and broadcast antenna whips. The base can also be configured as either a versatile double swivel or compact single swivel depending on requirements.

The antenna whips come in either a 1.8 or 2.4 m length, with a white fibreglass outer to protect against marine elements.