|
FleetTrak™ software is configured to provide the mariner and vehicle fleet
operator with real-time displays of all the assets in their network. Archival of
each asset’s data is an important feature of FleetTrak™.
All positions and messages are recorded for playback.
The data displayed on the maritime electronic charts and terrestrial maps can be
enhanced with multiple window views, pan, zoom in, zoom out and scroll features.
The FleetTrak™ network operates line-of-sight on a single frequency in the
low VHF band (40-50 MHz) using groundwave. The range of communications by groundwave
can be successfully extended through the use of robust protocols, sensitive receivers
and short packetized messages.
MCC’s MBNET-200 protocols and network software has successfully accomplished
this providing error-free communication throughout the network from 50-100 miles.
The combination of a carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) mode along with time division
multiple access (TDMA) achieves a channel utilization rate greater than 90%. Meteor
burst technology may also be used to seamlessly extend the ranges to over 1,000
miles for near real-time data exchange.
FleetTrak™ uses MCC-545B/C Data Packet Radios as VHF transceivers. Each MCC-545B/C
contains a complete VHF radio, antenna, data modem, DGPS/GPS port and a microprocessor
for control and inter- facing functions. The auxiliary RS-232 ports are also provided
for status monitoring and connection to a data terminal or PC for message control
and interfacing to other application modules.
FleetTrak™ is a peer-to-peer packet-switched network. This means each MCC-545B/C
Packet Data Radio becomes part of the communications network. The more assets there
are in the network, the more robust the network becomes. Each asset has the capability
of communicating through the nearest MCC-545B/C or directly to an MCC-545B/C established
as a base station or repeater. This capability provides secure two-way messaging
throughout the network.
FleetTrak™ data, displayed either on a monitor or a laptop on the bridge of
a vessel, or in the cab of a vehicle, provides the operator with accurate GPS/DGPS
positions displayed on vector-based electronic nautical charts or terrestrial maps.
Position, SOG, COG and asset ID can be updated for more than 600 assets per base
station per minute. This data is both transmitted and displayed by the operator
to correlate with visual observations or radar information. This data, combined
with message capability, approaches the desired capability of a “silent VTS”
for vessels.
FleetTrak™ networks of any size may be deployed anywhere in the world. The
networks can operate independently or be linked into common data bases via the PSTN,
Internet or other communication carriers.
|
