Radio modem for use on conventional PMR radio systems
	Wide range of transmission speeds
	Error free radio transmission using robust and reliable ETS 300.230 protocol
	Diversity reception and message re-construction to further increase transmission reliability when used on Thorcom MDS700 mobile data systems
	Integrated Trimble(tm) ACE-III GPS receiver for vehicle tracking
	Thorcom's standard Radio Modem Interface Protocol (RMIP)
	Lower power consumption
	FLASH re-programmable for easy field upgrades
	Backward compatible with previous RLC220, RLC222, RLC222plus and RLC290 modems

Introduction

The RLC292 is the latest modem in Thorcom's series of successful radio-modem products for use on analogue/conventional Private Mobile Radio (PMR) systems.

The RLC292 brings a new level of integration, functionality and performance combining the functions of high performance, multi-speed/modulation, radio modem and vehicle locator/tracking unit in to a single product.

The RLC292 has increased processing power, wider range of data transmission speeds, increased interfacing capabilities and reduced power consumption when compared with other Thorcom modems in the RLC200 family.

Data can be transmitted error-free between locations at 1200/2400bps using Fast Frequency Shift Keying (FFSK) or 4800/6000/8000/9600bps using Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) on standard PMR radio channels.

The RLC292's additional features include a POCSAG radio paging encoder and interface allowing radio paging messages to be transmitted on PMR radio channels to standard paging receivers in the vicinity of the vehicle - allowing vehicle crews to be alerted or contacted when working away from the vehicle. The RLC292 also has an additional serial interface allowing connection of an alternative radio bearer, such as a TETRA radio, to allow dual radio operation.

The operating firmware in the RLC292 is stored in FLASH memory which
can be field-upgraded without having to open the unit.



Applications

The RLC292 is a high performance radio modem with integral GPS option that is suitable for a wide range of applications, particularly where automatic vehicle location (AVL) is required:

	Mobile data & AVL for Emergency Services (Police, Fire and Ambulance)
	Public utilities
	Real-time passenger information systems
	Vehicle Tracking
	Taxi & Courier mobile data and AVL
	High value goods/VIP tracking and guarding

Product variants

The standard RLC292 radio-modem is supplied for in-vehicle mobile operation in its own enclosure for use with a mobile radio transceiver.

Thorcom also supplies a variant of the RLC292 modem ("RLC292 hilltop modem") in an 19" 1U high rack mount form, with alternative firmware, to act as the hilltop element of Thorcom's MDS700 mobile data systems.

Interfacing the RLC292

The RLC292 implements Thorcom's Radio Modem Interface Protocol (RMIP) - a binary block-mode serial communications protocol designed for efficient transmission of mobile data messages.

RMIP provides "hand-off" of messages from the mobile data terminal or host computer to the radio network and positive indication of delivery progress and final outcome. All messages are given unique message identification numbers and are time-stamped for traceability through the radio system. Duplicate deliveries of messages are automatically detected and catered for.