How Does GPS Vehicle Location Save Me Money?

Accountability: You will be able to track a vehicle 24 hours a day thereby giving you a precise account of an employee's activities. This is the only way to accurately monitor productivity and be informed about all breaks, unauthorized trips, after hour usage, etc. By being able to determine how much time was spent at each location you ensure that your employees are on task when they are on the clock.

Competitive Edge: There was a time that being dispatched by radio, rather than paper directions, was considered a competitive edge in the service market. In today's technologically advanced world, GPS/AVL systems are the latest "edge" because improved customer service is inevitable.

Dispatchers: Because of the high-stress nature of dispatching, the average turn around rate for employees in this position is 2 years. This system reduces the stress and frustration of dispatchers by tracking and monitoring the fleet for them. With less turn around you cut down on training and hiring costs. It provides actual location and directions which makes even the best dispatchers more efficient in their position. Also, you will save valuable time each day in lost drivers and incorrect directions.

Fuel: According to the Department of Transportation, driving a vehicle at 55 mph instead of 65 mph will cut your fuel consumption by 21% You can even set the Street Smarts program to notify you if any of your vehicles are moving faster than the specified limit.

Insurance Costs: AVL (automated vehicle location) gives you the ability to track the location and speed of every vehicle at any time _ this means less after-hours usage, liability management and documentation, and less speeding and parking violations.

Reduced Billing Time: Our program tracks actual time between jobs, at jobs, and enroute to jobs. This information is logged and can be saved for billing purposes.

Features

• Dual Mode: 1200/2400 Baud MSK
• 8 Channel internal GPS with backup power supply
• 6 General purpose I/O lines for vehicle monitoring or remote control
• Programmable inputs for GPS on Demand and Code 3 Alert
• Compact: Only 6" x 5.25" x 1.25"
• Rugged extruded aluminum case
• LTR® and Motorola trunking compatible
• PC programmable
• Non-volatile E2PROM stores 1024 position fixes for later replay

Introduction
The Merlin series AVL from Pyramid Communications is a microprocessor controlled GPS based Automatic Vehicle Location device that connects to an existing conventional or trunking two-way radio. The unit will automatically send its position information to dispatch on a programmed interval. The Merlin AVL has 3 inputs that can be used for general purpose vehicle monitoring (doors open, shotgun removed, etc.) or can be programmed for special functions. The AVL also has 3 general purpose outputs that can be used to alert the driver when out of the vehicle or for remote control of vehicle functions. The Merlin AVL easily interfaces to any conventional or trunking mobile. Position updates are stored in non-volatile E2PROM memory for download and playback at a later time. The Merlin is capable of storing 85 hours of vehicular activity at 5 minute update intervals.

Dual mode operation
The Merlin AVL will automatically send its position information on a pre-programmed interval. One of the general purpose inputs can be programmed as a Code 3 input. When activated, the AVL will update at shorter intervals for more accurate tracking by dispatch. Both update rates are PC programmable. Normal rate can be programmed between 1 minute and 4 hours in one minute increments. Code 3 rate can be programmed between 5 seconds and 20 minutes in 5 seconds increments.

Smart Trunking Access
When the Merlin AVL is connected to a trunking radio and a GPS update is sent, the unit will key the radio for 200mS; it then monitors the radio's transmitter for an on-air condition. If it does not see the radio transmit at all (system is busy), it will retry every 4 seconds until successful or time out (60 seconds). When it detects that the radio is transmitting, it will continue to monitor the on-air line until the transmitter remains keyed for at lease 400mS to ensure that the radio is not handshaking or retrying. After successful acquisition of a voice channel, it will send it's status request ensuring the message is received by the base.

Automatic Vehicle Tracking Storage
Each update is stored in non-volatile E2PROM memory for later recall and play back. The Merlin is able to store 1024 position fixes including date, time, speed, heading and position fix within 50 feet. The data is stored in a circular que with the oldest data being overwritten with each new position fix. The Merlin AVL can store 85 hours of vehicular activity at 5 minute update intervals.

Programmable Inputs
The Merlin AVL has 3 general purpose inputs that can be used to monitor vehicle status such as door open, shotgun removed from holder, etc. Each input has a special function that can be enabled via PC programming. Input 1 can be programmed for Emergency transmission to alert dispatch in the event of a pending emergency. The number of emergency transmissions is programmable. Input 2 can be used for GPS on demand that will send a position fix when ever a switch is closed. Input 3 can be used for Code 3 input to change the update rate between slow and fast.

PC programmable
The Merlin AVL is PC programmable for all operating parameters using the FY-1 programming cable. Signalling speed (1200/2400), PTT delay, # of retires, I/O polarities, normal and Code 3 update rates, Emergency operation and GPS on Demand can all be programmed via the PC software.

System design
The model Merlin works in conjunction with the model 2016 intelligent modem that connects between a PC or mainframe/mini computer to provide a complete dispatch system. The 2016 interfaces with Street Smarts Mapping software or Manning Navcomp's RasTrac for GPS and Automatic Vehicle Location.

The high speed RS-485 data bus provides expanded capabilities such as credit card readers, thermal printers, and vehicle monitoring. The data bus can address up to 256 peripherals and provides seamless upgrade path to future options without hardware change outs.

Specifications

Specifications subject to change without notice

For More Information on the Merlin
Automatic Vehicle Location System
Please Contact Us