Field Hardware Components

The weakest part of any AVL system is the field hardware that resides in the customer’s vehicles. Extreme temperatures, vibration, dirt, moisture, and the threat of tampering are a few examples of what the vehicle hardware must contend with. This, coupled with the poor cellular coverage of most regions, is the reason behind Hamilton Systems dedication to high quality equipment and installations.

All active (or real-time) AVL systems require a connection between the tracking server and the equipment being monitored. When this connection is lost either because a vehicle left cellular range or due to a malfunction, the tracking operation will cease to operate (often without any indication to the dispatcher) until the connection is re-established. For this reason, Hamilton Systems makes every attempt to ensure the vehicle has the best range possible and that the modem will function reliably.

GPS Enabled Modem

Hamilton Systems uses only ruggedized GPS modems that are able to withstand the harsh conditions found in most vehicles. Device specifications are reviewed by highly qualified engineers to ensure optimal performance and high durability.

Modems are custom programmed by Hamilton Systems to ensure minimal data transfer. This allows for a rapid tracking rate, while minimizing monthly fees.  Additionally, because the amount of traffic generated by the modems is so small, thousands of modems can report to the same server without a significant impact on bandwidth or processor utilization.

Antenna Selection

A little known fact in active GPS tracking is that antenna selection and installation is what makes or breaks the performance of an AVL system. Excellent antenna performance is paramount to ensuring a vehicle's ability to report its position back to the server. Many AVL providers make extensive use of windshield antennas due to ease of installation and relative low invasiveness to the vehicle. While there are certain conditions when these are appropriate, in most cases Hamilton Systems favors the whip style antenna for its superior performance.

Installation

In cases where installation is performed by Hamilton Systems, all work is carefully planned by an experienced engineer using only components that meet the high standards of Hamilton Systems. Modems are strategically placed to prevent easy access as well as to blend in with existing electronics. Antennas are mounted using designated roof-top ports and wiring is run through manufacturer prescribed routes. Consequently, modems perform optimally and the possibility of tampering is significantly reduced.

Following installation, there will be no visible alterations to the vehicle aside from the additional roof-top antennas (usually oblivious to the untrained eye).