SkyWave Introduces
New Dual-Mode IsatM2M Satellite/GPRS Terminal With On-board Computer For
Enhanced Fleet Tracking Applications
(17 July 2008) SkyWave Mobile
Communications, a global provider of two-way Inmarsat satellite products and
services, today has introduced the SureLinx 8100c Satellite/GPRS
terminal.
With an on-board computer (OBC), Controlled Area
Network (CAN), RS485 and RS232 interfaces, this new product offers
transportation and logistics managers a flexible and low-cost option for
communicating with vehicles in both urban and remote locations.
The
SureLinx 8100c combines SkyWave's IsatM2M satellite technology with world-wide
cellular capabilities and intelligent message routing in a single integrated
package. Designed to minimise networking costs as well as increase
communication reliability and coverage, SureLinx 8100c allows customers to take
advantage of low cost, high-data rate GPRS networks in cellular regions and
seamlessly switch to reliable satellite communication in other
areas.
The SureLinx 8100c is the only dual-mode service terminal with an
on-board computer that uses Inmarsat's global satellite service. Using the
industry standard C-programming language, customers can effortlessly create
tailored applications without the expense and complexities of adding an
external computer. Since SkyWave is the only service provider to offer IsatM2M
on Inmarsat's PAC-C satellite service at 142°W (which provides superb
coverage in Western USA) the SureLinx 8100c is the only terminal that can offer
the ability to track and monitor vehicles globally in near-real time without
any interruption in service.
Standard CAN interfaces allow the addition
of engine monitoring capabilities to vehicle tracking applications. CAN is a
highly prevalent data protocol for communicating between devices in the
automotive, controls and industrial sector. It supports other communication
protocols like SAE J1939* and CiA CANopen**. With CAN on SureLinx 8100c, fleet
managers can add vehicle-diagnostic capabilities including fuel monitoring,
speeding, idling, engine and transmission maintenance requirements and cargo
security alerts. All these are designed to reduce costs associated with fuel
usage, vehicle maintenance and driver abuse.
"Due to the high operating
costs and the competitive nature of the business, fleet managers are looking
for messaging terminals that are flexible, powerful, inexpensive to operate and
easy to use," says Dan Poirier, Vice President of Sales and Service at SkyWave.
"The SureLinx 8100c provides these competitive advantages in a low-cost,
dual-mode package without the complexities of dealing with multiple vendors and
costs of integrating and installing multiple hardware boxes."
*SAE J1939
is a CAN-based messaging standard defined by the Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE). It describes how nodes (modules) within a vehicle communicate
with one another. It is used primarily in highway, construction, fire/rescue,
agriculture and forestry vehicles.
** CiA CANopen is a CAN-based
messaging standard defined by CAN in Automation (CiA). It describes how nodes
(modules) within a system communicate with one another. It is used in off-road
vehicles, maritime electronics, public transportation and medical
equipment.
About SkyWave Mobile Communications
SkyWave Mobile
Communications is a global provider of two-way D+/IsatM2M satellite terminals,
integrated Satellite/GPRS telematics terminals and network services based on
the global Inmarsat service. SkyWave's products enable land mobile, marine, oil
& gas, government, defence and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(SCADA) applications. With over 130,000 terminal units shipped globally,
Solution Providers trust SkyWave to deliver highly reliable and cost-effective
network services.
(source: SkyWave Mobile Communications)
