Solar solution offers location data to help fleet managers stay on top of trailers
Orbcomm, in a partnership with Monitoring Oz, has brought the GT 1100 and GT 1100-CTS trailer tracking units down under for the Brisbane Truck Show this week.
The slim trailer trackers, powered by solar panels, provide real-time analytics on the status of individual trailers to fleet operators via a series of satellite or cellular messages.
The GT 1100 is designed to offer locational data to managers, either tracking a trailer in motion or aiding the search for a container stored in a yard.
The in-built solar panel, if placed directly in sunlight will recharge the battery at a rate of 50 messages per hour. The battery, which at full charge provides 2600 messages, has a seven-year lifespan and is replaceable.
The 114.3 x 337.8 x 25.4mm device can also withstand significant levels of abuse. In testing, the solar panel withstood, and continued to work after a 150km per hour collision.
The company says the GT 1100 is suitable for trailers, containers, rail carts and anything else you may need to track.
Orbcomm believes customers will be able to manage seasonal operations in a more efficient manner, maximise usage per trailer, and in turn reduce maintenance costs.
“The GT 1100’s communications platform allows you to build your messaging schedule around your business without any message restrictions like with satellite-only options,” Orbcomm says.
“You can transmit twice one day or seven times the next without any extra costs, giving you the flexibility needed for greater trailer visibility and utilisation.”
The Orbcomm GT 1100-CTS combines the GT 1100 with a PS 100 proximity sensor and mounting bracket, adding load status information to the location data provided by the GT 1100.
“The GT1100-CTS solution has been designed and engineered specifically to facilitate chassis management for owners and operates of any fleet size,” Orbcomm explained during a media briefing.
“It gives you an accurate chassis solution and location, and the ability to be able to tell whether it is loaded or unloaded.”
Allowing fleet managers to see where an item is in the supply chain, the device connects to both the prime mover and its solar panel-equipped rechargeable battery to ensure regular messaging.
Both units are monitored by CargoWatch, the company’s web application for transport operators. The portal relays the data from the tracking devices in near-real-time, including trailer status, location, history and geofence entry and exit.
The solutions are on show at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from today until Sunday.