IFR Adds SmartNet and SmartZone Testing to 2975 Digital Radio Test Platform; New and Enhanced Features Improve Test Capabilities.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

International Wireless Communications Expo 2002

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2002

IFR Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:IFRS) has added SmartNet(TM) and SmartZone(TM) testing capability to its 2975 radio test set, the company announced today at the International Wireless Communications Expo.

SmartNet and SmartZone are trunked radio communications systems designed for private mobile radio systems that require safety and security across thousands of users. For the first time, test engineers will have the ability to perform true interoperability testing between SmartNet and Project 25 (P25) radio communications systems. The 2975 radio test set is designed to test all P25 private mobile radio system radios, terminals, repeaters and base stations.

The 2975 is a 2.7 GHz radio test system with a full frequency span spectrum analyzer and tracking generator, high stability time base (0.01 PPM), C4FM (APCO 25) modulation and C4FM modulation error vector meter. The 2975 is designed for P25 parametric and protocol testing, P25 Common Air Interface testing, IMBE vocoder and data encryption testing for radios, base stations and repeaters.

"SmartNet and SmartZone systems are in wide use, with thousands of systems installed," said Rob Barden, senior product manager, IFR. "We have now expanded the 2975's testing capability to include tests required for SmartNet/SmartZone installations. Plus, we offer the only complete solution for SmartNet/SmartZone and P25 interoperability testing. No other radio test set offers this capability today."

With the addition of the optional SmartNet and SmartZone test capability, the 2975 provides a new function, unavailable in the market until now, that will assign a P25 traffic channel directly from a SmartNet II control channel, allowing the user to perform true interoperability testing. With the SmartNet/SmartZone option, the 2975 offers new and innovative ways to test trunked radio systems, including an IFR exclusive "scanner" mode that allows the user to follow a call from the control channel to the voice channel. This unique function allows for fast testing of system operation as well as easy setup for performing RF tests.

Enhanced Features Added to 2975 Radio Test System

In addition to full support for the SmartNet and SmartZone trunked radio systems, IFR has added a number of new and enhanced features to the 2975 including new tone signaling and Tone Remote tests. With Tone Remote Testing, the 2975 performs remote signaling for use over control lines to the transmitter site. This allows for remote testing of isolated transmitter sites, which can be difficult during adverse weather conditions.

The 2975 now also provides enhanced store/recall capabilities and virtually unlimited storage capacity with the onboard 2GB hard-drive. New AM tests and audio filters complete the latest enhancements to the 2975, adding more robust features to the industry's most advanced radio test set.

One of the 2975's unique features is the use of TCL/TK scripting language. An open industry standard, the TCL/TK language has wide third-party support. Users can customize test routines quickly and easily.

Another 2975 advancement is the use of Ethernet as one of its communications ports, allowing remote operation and data collection. Software upgrades can now be installed quickly via IFR's P25 website at www.p25.com, eliminating costly down time.

About SmartNet and SmartZone

SmartNet and SmartZone are trunked radio systems offered by Motorola for private mobile radio applications. SmartNet is a single site system designed for rigorous requirements. It includes enhanced control, efficient system operation for a large number of users, safety and security features and a variety of coverage options. SmartZone is designed for large private radio networks to communicate across counties, states or other jurisdictional borders. SmartZone ties regions together into one enhanced and integrated wide-area coverage network.

Price and Availability

The 2975 radio test set is priced from U.S. $19,950, depending upon options ordered. The 2975 SmartNet/SmartZone software, Option 1, is priced at U.S. $4,000. Delivery is 4 to 6 weeks upon receipt of order. SmartNet/SmartZone(TM) Option 1 will be available in Q3 of 2002 in North America only.

IFR -- Advancing Wireless Test

IFR is a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced wireless test solutions for communications, avionics and general test and measurement applications. For more information about IFR in the United States, contact: IFR, 10200 West York Street, Wichita, Kan., 67215-8999. Contact IFR via e-mail at [e-mail], on the Web at www.ifrsys.com, or by telephone at 800/835-2352 or 316/522-4981.