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It's for you-hoo!
AGGRESIVE marketing by British Telecom and RacalVadac will soon make haulage operators aware of the development of in-cab radio telephones. These are the only two companies marketing the equipment and already their distributor networks are mushrooming.
CM has tested the equipment and can report that it is as efficient as the makers claim. The speed of call connection and the clarity of reception is well in advance of the normal domestic service and equipment.
Between now and the autumn, the service will extend from Dover to Swansea and Mansfield to Poole. East Anglia and the West Country will not be included. By mid 1986, there will be countrywide coverage from Peterhead to Falmouth.
Whether or not the equipment is cost-effective depends on how often it is used, what system of communication it replaces and the type of operation on which the vehicle is engaged. In its most simple form, it keeps the traffic office in contact with the driver at all times.
Leasing works out at £100 per quarter with an initial payment of 000 in advance °vet a five-year lease. For a vehicle operating 100,000 miles a year, the cost is less than half of one pence per mile according to National Vodophone, one of Racal's agents.
Add the call cost, 25 pence per minute, then five pence for every 12 seconds thereafter.
The companies advise that the equipment should be used when the vehicle is stationary to ensure that the driver does not cause a traffic hazard.
We took this point up with the Department of Transport, who referred us to Construction and Use Regulation 19. It reads "No person, while driving a motor vehicle on the road, shall be in such a position that he cannot have proper control of that vehicle." None of the official sources we contacted would comment on this point. British Telecom, Mobile Phone Division, 95 Ebury Bridge Road, London SW1W 8RL.
Powerful handlany
THE NEW Wolflite 4DC handlamp, with its distinctive green moulding, is powered by four dry D/R20 cells.
It is certified to European Standards EN50 019 and EN50 020, accepted as national standards throughout Europe. Certification is for use with zinc carbon primary cells only.
With a total weight of just over one kg (2.21b) the lamp offers the same strength and reliability as existing rechargeable models and is aimed at markets where lower use levels do not warrant the cost of rechargeable batteries and recharging units.
Safe use is permitted in zones one and two hazardous areas, Temperature Classification T4 for the full range of gases and vapours 11A and 11B as listed in BS 5501 Pt 1 1977 EN50 014 "Electrical Apparatus for Potentially Explosive Atmospheres" General Requirements.
Wolf Safety Lamp, Saxon Road Works, Sheffield S8 OYA.
Heavy-duty tyre changer
HOFMANN has introduced an automatic heavy-duty tyre changer for handling large wheels up to 1,067mm (42in) rim diameter and with tyres as big as 2,083mm (82in) diameter. It will take any wheel from light commercials up to earthmover size.
The wheel is simply rolled onto the sliding table where it is clamped securely by four pneumatic jaws.
Removal and mounting the tyre is then carried out in the vertical. Monty 42 costs £4,300 excluding vat.
Hofmann Balancing Techniques, 48 Sutton Park Avenue, Sutton's Industrial Park, Reading RG6 1AZ.
Under pressure to heat up
IF YOU have a cold water pressure washer but need a hot water pressure washer perhaps this is the answer.
The Sirio Hot Box compact mobile converter gives up to 3000 psi at 15 litres a minute from a normal 240 V power source.
The manufacturer offers a free advice service, a complete range of chemicals and claims to provide "the right solution for any job."
Deepclean Chemicals and Equipment, Unit 4, Langhedge Industrial Centre, Langhedge Lane, London N18. THE PORTABLE Tackalarm is designed to protect premises and vehicles against theft. Produced by Bredon Technical Services of Worcestershire it comprises a 12V 55W halogen lamp and a motor driven siren which provides 90 dB(A) at three metres (1khz normal frequency), both powered from a completely rechargeable selfcontained battery pack.
The outside siren — weather proofed and running off the original unit's power supply — makes the alarm audible over a much wider area. It is secure against attack, as the interior alarm is automatically triggered if the exterior fitting is damaged. The heavy-duty steel casing is capable of withstanding substantial blows. The unit can be deactivated only by the keyholder.
The alarm and light are triggered by an ultrasonic sensor which does not react to small movements but will pick up more substantial disturbances within the space being monitored. It is not activated by movement outside this space, and so can be used in workshops with windows, or in unattended lorry cabs and trailers.
There is a few seconds delay to enable the keyholder to switch the system on or off when entering or leaving.
The battery pack is a 12V sealed lead acid battery with four to five years life, or 250 complete discharge cycles. A full recharge takes 24 hours, but a minimum of eight hours is recommended after any significant use or every 14 days when sensing only.
The unit measures 325 x 115 x 240mm (13 x 4.5 x 9.4in), weighs 9kg (20Ib) with battery, and costs £169.50 plus vat. Bredon Technical Services, Brookham Office, Birlingham, Pershore, Worcestershire.