Electro-medical Engineering Pty. Ltd.
69 Sutherland Road, Armadale, Victoria 3143 (1980)
133 Alexander Street, Crow’s Nest, NSW. (1982)

Brand: Electro-Med

Electro-medical Engineering Pty. Ltd. is an Australian medical device manufacturer that was founded in the 1970s. The company initially specialized in the design and manufacture of the cardiophone, a device that allowed patients to record their electrocardiograms (EKGs) at home and send them to their doctors for analysis.[1]

In the 1980s, Electro-medical Engineering expanded its product line to include acoustic couplers and modems. These products were used to connect computers to telephone lines, which was a key technology for early internet access.[2]

Here is a summary of EML's products, in chronological order:

• 1972: Acoustic couplers
• 1973: Australian cardiophone system
• 1980: Microtex 666 (300,75/1200)
• 1980: Sendata coupler Series 700
• 1980: Telephone Line Data Isolator
• 1986: GPA SuperModem: 1200/75 baud smart modem, external

Electro-medical Engineering Pty. Ltd. was formed in 1972 by two medical technologists, Mr. Don Breen and Mr. Peter Whitelaw, with the need to link regional centres in Australia with specialist units engaged in the treatment of serious heart ailments.

In 1972, the company developed the cardiophone system, which they demonstrated to some of the nation's leading cardiologists with a unique demonstration of the system's effectiveness. The demonstration was carried out by a telephone link between Perth and Melbourne during a symposium on trends in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Melbourne in November 1972.

After the successful evaluation of the cardiophone system, worldwide inquiries followed. The system was soon in use by Australia's leading hospitals, and it has generated interest from firms and organizations servicing the medical profession in Britain, the U.S.A., Japan, the U.S.S.R., Canada, Switzerland, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. Cardiophones are already in use in New Zealand, and an agency has been established. [1]

In the 1980s, Electro-medical Engineering expanded its product line to include acoustic couplers and modems, and in 1986 the GPA SuperModem, a 1200/75 baud smart modem.

The company was in liquidation by September 1988. [3] 

[1] Overseas Trading Oct 19, 1973, Page 513.
[2] Electronics Today International Oct 1980, Page 96.
[3] Commonwealth Govt.  Gazette Sep 27, 1988, Page 3045.