On-board Vedac
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AN ON-BOARD microprocessor-based vehicle data collection system which can produce the same information as a tachograph plus additional vehicle data has been launched by Cowlard Computer Services.
Called Vedac, the system, which can be fitted to all types of commercial vehicles, is manufactured by Goldcrest Electronics. It consists of an in-cab microprocessor module into which is placed a removable data storage cartridge capable of recording vehicle or driver movements for a minimum of 10 days.
Data accumulated on the cartridge can be "read" by an office console linked to a printer or to a micro-computer for further analysis.
It is available in two systems. Vedac System One is capable of recording time and the duration of driving and non-driving periods, finishing time, vehicle speeds throughout the driving period (displayed as a histogram), plus speed trace analysis over the final 90 seconds of driving time (which gives evidence of acceleration or deceleration in the event of an accident).
Vehicle speed is determined by a sensor which measures the rotation of the speedometer or tachograph drive cable. Sensors can be fitted in line with the cable, or for vehicles equipped with triplex boxes, to the second triplex outlet.
A sensor is also fitted to the driver mode switch on vehicles equipped with tachographs and Cowlard claims this modification has received full Department of Transport approval. Speed-sensor connections can also be sealed to meet legal requirements.
In addition to the normal System One functions, Vedac can monitor five more functions depending on the operator's requirements by installing appropriate sensors. Typical examples quoted by Cowlard are recording the operation of a pto, tail lift or refrigeration unit, opening of vehicle doors (for security use) and operation of the low coolant or low oil level warning light.
System Two has the same facilities as System One, but by using one of the spare five channels available on the data storage cartridge, can provide vehicle fuel data including the quantity of fuel put in a tank, as well as the amount left after driving, fuel used and average consumption. System Two Vedac can also produce data on vehicle engine temperature throughout the driving period.
Fuel levels are recorded by a sensor connected to the fuel gauge which measures the voltages generated by the vehicle's tank sender unit. Using a built-in programme, the office console analyses the voltage data and produces fuel information.
Before data can be retrieved however, each vehicle's tank must go through a calibration procedure by adding known quantities of fuel to the tank in stages and analysing voltage levels.
The fuel monitoring systems, however, will only fit certain types of commercial vehicle tank and cannot be fitted to vehicles with twin tanks.
At the end of a working period the driver removes the cartridge which holds either a driver or vehicle identification code and places it into the office based console.
All information on the cartridge is then transferred to the console within three to four seconds, leaving the cartridge ready for use again.
The "downloaded" data can then be processed and printed out immediately or passed on to a micro-computer for use in a fleet management program.
Each cartridge contains an extensive memory chip plus a crystal-controlled time clock allowing accurate timing of Vedac data.
Cartridges are interchangeable and can be left in a vehicle for up to two weeks depending on the number of monitoring functions required, although larger memory cartridges will be sold.
Several units have already been evaluated by UK haulage fleets including Seaborne Express and Express Dairies.
Price for the Vedac in-cab module plus cartridge is approximately £350 including fitting, while an office processing console costs £1,000.