Northmark Communications
Field Deployable Communication Systems
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Cell Phone Docking Stations
 
XLink 
The XLink connects your Bluetooth-enabled hand-held cellular phone to any conventional telephone or PBX system with a simple RJ11 modular cable. Up to 3 cell phones can share this unit, but all connect to the single telephone jack, one call at a time. Call waiting is enabled to allow switching between calls on the same or different phones. Caller ID is passed through. Includes USB port for future firmware upgrades. Order model ITC-BT. $168
 
Note: Not all cellular telephones are Bluetooth enabled. Check yours before ordering this unit.
 
 
Dock-N-Talk
This model requires an interface cable for connection to your cell phone, but also has a Bluetooth module available. Currently compatible with Motorola, Nextel, Ericsson, LG, Samsung, Sanyo, Siemens, Sharp, AudioVox, Hewlett Packard, Blackberry, Treo, Panasonic, and others. Supports only one cell phone at a time.
 
Order model DNTA100 $155, plus cables ($22) or Bluetooth module ($79) shown below:
MV3  Motorola         NP1 Nokia                       BTO2  Bluetooth module
MI3   Nextel             EG2 Ericsson or Sony
NM1  Nokia              BTO2 Sanyo
 Before creating a purchase order, call with your cellphone model to be sure you get the correct cable

 

How They Work 

Cell phone docking stations let you use a regular portable cell phone to provide dial tone to a one of our field deployable telephone systems. They provide conventional dialtone and ringing signals to the telephone system's incoming line jack. This allows multiple users to share a cellular phone line with regular phones at their own desks.
 
Docking stations connect to your handheld cell phone in one of two ways - through a special cable, or with a wireless Bluetooth signal. Bluetooth capability permits the use of many different cellphones, and changing phones is quick and easy. Docking stations that require an interface cable limit you to a specific model of phone unless you purchase an assortment of cables. However, cabled units also charge and power the cell phone, permitting long term operation.
 
Docking stations have both advantages and disadvantages for disaster and emergency telephone service.

 

Advantages

Docking stations allow you to use the same handheld cell phones your agency issues for everyday use, without the additional monthly service charges associated with dedicated cellular base station terminals like our SX5. The purchase cost of a docking station is also significantly lower than a dedicated terminal.
 
Disadvantages
Handheld cell phones only work well in locations with good cellular signal strength. If you will be working inside a metal-skinned trailer, vehicle, or building, you may require an outside antenna. We recommend that you perform signal strength tests with the cell phone you to plan to use before purchasing the docking station. External antennas and adapters are available from your cell phone provider. Not all hand-held cellphones have an external antenna connector. 
 
(Our SX5 cellular telephone terminals with external antennas work better than most hand-held phones in weak signal areas.)
 
No brand of docking station supports fax or computer connections due to limitations in the cell phones themselves.
 
Hand-held cell phones are not designed for continuous duty operation and may fail when you need them most. If you anticipate a heavy call volume or long calls, (likely during an emergency) you should consider using an SX5 cellular base station instead.