PRODUCTS
Page 23
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Global warnings • Hughes Network Systems has developed a satellite communication unit which costs £4,900 plus useage charges. The 3100 Mobile Earth Station (MES) is described as "a very sophisticated paging system which operators can use to contact their drivers all over the world."
It comprises a small keyboard and display screen, a satcoms receiver, an antenna and a printer.
Functions include recording tyre pressures, reefer temperatures and
door opening times, and informing the transport office where the vehicle is.
It works in temperatures from —35°C to 55°C and has a programmable sleep mode when the system saves its battery by switching itself off after the truck's ignition is turned off. During these sleep periods the mobile will temporarily ramp up to full power to collect any messages, from the ground station and hold them pending the driver's return to the vehicle.
Contact (0908) 221122.
Fuel at a swipe
• A swipe-card activated vehicle refuelling system has been launched by Mannesmann Kienzle.
Users of Autofuel 2330 card readers can programme them to accept any card they choose and can add their own security measures, such as limiting the volume of fuel drawn at any one time or in a given period. It can deliver messages to drivers when they draw fuel and confirm that they have been received.
The reader can control up to four fuel pumps, monitoring all transactions and fuel stocks. All transactions are recorded and the print-out can include fuel consumption reports by vehicle. Once programmed to accept an operator's favoured fleet card, on-the-road refuelling records can be linked with those recorded at the home depot in a single fleet management system.
Contact (0483) 771182.