The 50 channel Ublox GPS receiver combines high sensitivity, fast start-up times and accurate positioning using a standard active antenna. The Satellite Based Augmentation Service (SBAS) further enhances operation and allows position accuracies of better than 2m to be acheived.

A version can be ordered that is upgradable to to the European ‘Galileo’ navigation system providing dual mode (GPS+Galileo) operation.

Thorcom’s intelligent rules-based tracking algorithm provides location updates at configurable rates without the central system having to poll to obtain information. When correctly configured this maximises the usefulness of data transmitted while minimising transmissions and operating costs.

Reporting rules include:

• power on
• first GPS fix
• time since last update
• distance travelled
• started or stopped moving
• maximum rate of turn exceeded
• maximum speed exceeded
• approaching waypoint
• change of GPS navigation status
• change of GPRS radio coverage
• change of telemetry inputs
• alarms and fault conditions
• supply voltage low/failing
• system shut down

Voice capability

VLR200 supports placing and receiving GSM voice calls via an audio interface connector that supports a standard 4-wire interface suitable for a telephone handset, Bluetooth® adaptor or loud-speaker and microphone for “hands free” operation. The unit can be configured with manual or automatic answer of incoming calls and can be configured to dial preset destination numbers on operation of digital inputs.

Data buffering and retransmission

VLR200 incorporates a data buffer that stores position reports if they cannot be transmitted due to poor radio coverage and will re-transmit stored location updates recorded the next time the unit returns to normal radio service in “catch up”mode. Retransmission of missing data is automatic and occurs in background.

This feature is designed to avoid loss of information in areas of poor radio coverage and counter tampering by deliberate disconnection of antennas or deliberately parking the vehcile in known coverage blackspots.

The data buffer can hold up to 2000 reports which is typically enough for two days vehicle usage (depending on configuration).

Alarm and fault monitoring

VLR200 monitors the operation of the GSM network connection and GPS antenna operation for indication of loss of network, faults and possible tampering and reports “fault” and “fault cleared” events over the air or to the data buffer for reporting later.

Security and resilience

A range of techniques are employed to ensure data integrity and security including time-stamping of all messages, message sequence numbers, CRC checking and AES data encryption to prevent eavesdropping.

End-to-end network connectivity checking and the ability to deliver all messages via one or two data centres provide additional resilience for mission critical users such as the emergency services.

VLR200 can integrate with Satellite Navigation systems from Garmin® that have the Fleet Management Interface (FMI) allowing mobile data applications to be implemented on the satellite navigation system’s display.

Applications include job despatch, automated guidance navigation guidance to destinations, status messaging and two-way text messaging. Market places include emergency ambulance despatch, passenger transport ambulance day control, courier despatch, domestic repair engineer management systems, fleet logistics, private limousine and taxi operations, and more...

Please consult Thorcom regarding the availability of mobile data software for your application.

VLR200 is configured using a Command Line Interface (CLI) via the RS232 serial port or remotely over the GPRS network using commands that are similar to popular internet routers and appliances.

Network access allows the unit to be re-configured and diagnostics to be performed remotely.

Firmware can be upgraded over the air (OTAP) allowing updates and new features to be deployed without having to visit the vehicle, saving on engineering costs and avoiding having to take vehicles off the road.