Author: sxham.com

Codan Limited is an Adelaide-based technology company focused on metal detection, communications equipment and defence technology. The following are key milestones in its history:

1. Founding and early development (1959–1980s)
   1959: Codan was founded by Alfred (Alf) H. Young and John Willison in South Australia, initially focusing on high frequency (HF) radio communications equipment to serve remote areas (such as the Australian Outback, mining and maritime).

1960s: Became a key supplier to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), providing reliable long-distance communications solutions.

1970s–80s: Business expanded to international markets, especially promoting radio products in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

2. Diversification and acquisitions (1990s–2000s)
   1991: Codan acquired Minelab Electronics (established in 1985) and entered the metal detection field. This decision became a core growth point for the company in the future.

Minelab’s detectors are widely used in gold prospecting (e.g. Africa, Australia), archaeology and military mine clearance.

2000s:

Innovative GPX series metal detectors (e.g. GPX 4500) are launched, becoming the standard equipment in the global gold prospecting industry.

The communications business continues to provide solutions for defense and emergency services, including tactical radios and satellite communications.

3. IPO and globalization (2000s–2010s)

2003: Codan is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) with the code CDA.

2010s:

The metal detection business explodes: Due to the rise in global gold prices, Minelab’s detectors are in high demand, especially in Africa (e.g. Ghana, Mali).

Defense and security expansion: Enhanced communications technology through acquisitions (e.g. Zetron in 2016) to serve the public safety and military sectors.

2019: Acquisition of Domo Tactical Communications (DTC) to expand into mine-resistant vehicles (MRAP) and tactical communication systems.

4. Recent Developments (2020s to Present)

2020: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some supply chains were affected, but the metal detection business remained strong due to the rise in gold prices.

2021: Launch of new detectors such as Minelab Manticore to consolidate industry leadership.

2022–2023:

Communications business benefits from increased global defense spending (such as demand driven by the war in Ukraine).

The company’s annual revenue exceeded A$500 million, with Minelab contributing more than 60%.

Key Milestones
Year Event
1959 Codan was established, focusing on HF radios
1991 Acquired Minelab and entered metal detection
2003 ASX listed (CDA)
2016 Acquired Zetron (Communications Technology)
2019 Acquired DTC (Defense Communications)
2020s Metal detection business dominates the global market
Current Status and Future Directions
Core Business:

Minelab: Global metal detection market leader (accounting for the majority of the company’s revenue).

Communications systems: defense, emergency response, mining communications.

Defense technologies: tactical radios, vehicle protection systems.

Challenges: supply chain stability, mineral exploration market volatility.

Opportunities: African gold exploration demand, defense communications upgrades.

Codan’s success stems from its transformation from a local radio company to a global technology group, especially in the field of metal detection, where its technological innovations (such as pulse induction technology) have made it an industry benchmark.

——A 90-year epic that defines global critical communications

I. Origin: The Communication Gene Tempered by War (1930s–1945)

1. From car radio to battlefield lifeline
   In 1930, “Motorola” (Motor car + ola sound) was born as a brand of car radios, addressing the issue of static interference from car engines and becoming a standard equipment for Ford and Chrysler.
   In 1936, the “Patrolman” AM radio was launched, marking the company’s first foray into the field of police communication and laying the foundation for professional wireless technology.
2. “Battlefield heroes” in World War II
   In 1940, the SCR300 knapsack radio (weighing 16 kilograms) was developed for the US Army, with a communication range of 16 kilometers, becoming a crucial communication backbone for the Normandy landings.
   In 1942, the world’s first “handheld” walkie-talkie, SCR536 (4kg), was launched, nicknamed “Super Mobile Phone” by soldiers. Over 130,000 units were produced in total.
   Military-grade quality imprint: Stable communication in harsh environments has shaped the brand DNA of “zero-failure reliability”.

II. Civilization transformation: Defining industry standards (1946–1990)

1. Technological revolution in transition from military to civilian use
   After World War II, the world’s first company civilianized military intercom technology, monopolizing the markets for police, firefighting, and traffic dispatch.
   1962: The first handheld radio interphone was launched, ushering in a new era of mobile communication.
2. Endorsement of reliability at the lunar landing level
   1969: Armstrong’s first words on the moon were transmitted back to Earth through Motorola equipment, demonstrating how space communication technology supports critical ground tasks.
3. The universal memory of the era of pagers
   In 1955, the world’s first pager was invented, and it was widely adopted by hospitals and enterprises. The slogan “Motorola Pager, Send Messages Anytime, Anywhere” became a catchphrase of the era.

III. Digital Age: Leading the Transition of Intercom Technology (1991-Present)

1. Disruptive innovation from analog to digital
   Milestone Technological breakthrough Industry impact In 1991, the first full-digital walkie-talkie ASTRO was introduced, with a 50% improvement in voice clarity
   In 2007, the MOTOTRBO™ dual-mode system doubled its spectrum efficiency and supported data applications
   In 2016, the third-generation MOTOTRBO: 29 hours of battery life + indoor positioning, with a fall-to-ground alarm function that saves the lives of miners and firefighters
2. Customized solutions: deeply cultivating in various industries
   Public safety: The TETRA digital trunking system ensured zero errors in the million-level dispatch for the Beijing Olympics and Shanghai World Expo.
   Extreme environments: Customizing low-temperature-resistant batteries for high-altitude forest areas, and developing explosion-proof intercoms for oil platforms.
   Smart Management: Integrate GPS/work order systems to achieve visual control over the entire process of logistics and manufacturing.

IV. The Chinese Story: 30 Years of Localization Innovation (1987-Present)

1. Market expansion and deep empowerment
   In 1987, as one of the first multinational technology enterprises, it entered China and took root in Zhangjiang, Pudong.
   In 2001, seizing the opportunity presented by China’s opening up of the 409MHz frequency band, we launched the first license-free civilian walkie-talkie, the T6200C, igniting the household outdoor market.
2. “Walkie-Talkie+” Ecological Strategy
   Jointly launch industry-customized solutions with partners, such as integrating hotel scheduling with room management systems and linking forestry fire prevention with satellite positioning.
   In 2017, we established a dedicated team to deeply explore customization and meet the diverse market demands in China.

V. Future Mission: Guardian in the Age of Internet of Everything

1. Layout at the technological frontier
   AI integration: automatic alarm wearable device for guns off the holster, and MR firefighting helmet for real-time disaster situation perspective.
   Cloud communication ecosystem: Acquired Kodiak and WAVE OnCloud to achieve cross-platform instant messaging.
2. Uphold core values
   “Reliability above all else” – User research shows that 70% of customers prioritize reliability as the primary factor in their purchase decisions.
   In the era of 5G/6G, we will continue to uphold our commitment of “zero failure at critical moments” to safeguard emergency response, energy dispatch, and urban vital arteries.

Conclusion: Silent guardianship, eternal trust
“We ensure seamless communication in emergency situations.”

From the hail of bullets on the Normandy beachhead to the voice transmitted across the galaxy during the moon landing;
From the impeccable preparations for the Olympic Games to the vital defense line in the vast forest and snowy plains
Motorola walkie-talkies, with 90 years of ultimate reliability, defend the right to connect at every “critical moment”.

Appendix: Milestones in the Evolution of Motorola Walkie-Talkie Products
Year Product Technological significance

1940 SCR300 walkie-talkie: a backbone of communication on the battlefield during World War II
1962 First handheld walkie-talkie Ushered in the popularization of mobile communication
1991 ASTRO digital walkie-talkie The world’s first fully digital model
2007 MOTOTRBO™: The pioneer of dual-mode communication, with sales exceeding one million units
2016 SLR 8000 relay station supports ultra-large-scale cluster networks
2024 Anywhere Connected System Real-time interoperability between walkie-talkies and mobile phones across platforms

Inheriting the military industrial heritage, defining the future of communication – Motorola walkie-talkies, with a never-ending mission of connectivity

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