Aeroflex (Willtek) has introduced the new 2201 ProLock,
a small communication test rig for GSM and WCDMA terminals. ProLock is designed for retailers and repair shops to check returned phones and fix minor problems.
The tool, together with a communication device and an antenna, shielding camera and special software to simplify operation, constitutes a complete test solution as provided by handset manufacturers in order to accept warranty claims. Several leading phone retailers have already approved ProLock for phone warranty services. Product Manager Matthias Schuster, responsible for the introduction of ProLock: The 2201 ProLock is the successor to the successful 4100 and 4200 series of tools from Aeroflex (Willtek), which are used in numerous repair shops. The handy tester belongs to the new generation required by today's wireless terminals, most of which support WCDMA. In recent years, repair centers have merged locally. As a result, customers are waiting longer to have their mobile phones checked and repaired. In addition, mobile phones that need less repair and those that are not in trouble have become more expensive to maintain due to the need for logistics.
With ProLock, retailers and repair shops can check user complaints locally, repair if possible, and claim warranty costs from the manufacturer. Customers will immediately know if their phones are indeed damaged. Large service centers are now using WCDMA capable test equipment. Small repair shops, however, are limited by GSM technology because no suitable test setup has been available so far. With the introduction of ProLock, these repair shops will be able to handle warranty service for UMTS phones as well.