|
Newsletters
|
|
|
|
|
|
WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Trimble Unveils Small, Battery-Powered Automobile Location Device
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 -- Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB)
introduced today the world's most practical and affordable location device for
consumer-oriented automotive applications -- the TrimTrac(TM) locator. With
its low cost, small size and battery-powered operation, the TrimTrac locator
is a complete end-user device that allows location-based service providers and
system integrators to provide personal vehicle monitoring services to a
broader range of subscribers.
The TrimTrac locator will be showcased at International CES, the world's
largest consumer technology show.
Priced at two to five times lower than other comparable devices on the
market today, the TrimTrac locator enables cost-effective automatic position
reporting for personal vehicle monitoring, security and theft recovery. The
device can also support select roadside assistance and concierge services with
application server and call center capabilities provided by third-party
service providers.
Trimble also announced a marketing and distribution agreement with Topp
Data Solutions, headquartered in Miami, Fla., to offer the TrimTrac locator as
part of its location-based services product line.
"Topp is very excited to work with Trimble to take this innovative
location device to our mass market distribution partners," said Jaime R. Topp,
Topp Group president and COO. "Adding TrimTrac to our SkyPatrol Asset Location
Service offering will expand our presence in the commercial and consumer
markets with its aggressive pricing. We see this relationship as the first
step in bringing affordable peace of mind and asset tracking services to the
mass market in the U.S. and abroad."
"The TrimTrac locator represents a tight integration of GPS and GSM
technology to drive down size, power consumption and cost while providing
application appropriate functionality," said, William Dussell, director of
integrated products of Trimble's Component Technologies Division. "We chose
GSM since it has the most extensive global coverage of any wireless air
interface and we believe the TrimTrac locator is an ideal solution for the
vehicle security and monitoring markets."
Compact and Affordable
The TrimTrac locator is a compact end-user device about the size of a
white board eraser, which operates on 4 AA alkaline batteries. It is packaged
in a durable, water-resistant housing that weighs only 3.6 ounces without
batteries. Inside, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and tri-band
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) modem are integrated onto a
single board and controlled by a common microprocessor. This high level of
integration enables the device's small footprint, low cost and enhanced
functionality. The TrimTrac locator periodically transmits position reports
while the device is in motion, typically at 15-minute intervals, and then
reports its last position once the vehicle has stopped. This promotes power
efficiency and also reduces recurring communications costs. In addition, the
device can be signaled to change the reporting frequency according to the
application or end-user requirements.
The TrimTrac locator can be placed almost anywhere inside a vehicle
passenger compartment-in a glove box or under the seat. The battery-powered
device requires no external antennas or connections, unless the optional
vehicle adapter module is used to connect to vehicle power. This flexibility
greatly reduces or eliminates the need for expensive installations. The
enhanced GPS sensitivity of the TrimTrac locator permits placement of the
device in areas where conventional GPS may not work. It can be easily
concealed inside a vehicle to prevent tampering or unauthorized removal, but
still can be removed quickly.
Broad Coverage with GPS and GSM Technology
The TrimTrac locator uses GPS and GSM, the leading wireless communications
technology with the largest geographical coverage and greatest number of
subscribers. The locator device offers not only world-class, automotive-grade
GPS performance, but features an enhanced GPS sensitivity mode that allows it
to operate in some indoor environments and other places where traditional GPS
receivers may not work. TrimTrac supports three major GSM frequency bands:
900, 1800 MHz (DCS) worldwide and 1900 MHz (PCS) in the U.S. where GSM
coverage is comparable to other leading digital wireless standards. To
optimize the TrimTrac locator's battery life and provide secure low-cost data
transmission, periodic position and status reports are sent as SMS (short
messaging service) text messages over the GSM network.
The TrimTrac locator incorporates GSM Protocol Stack software from TTPCom
Ltd. Headquartered in Cambridge, England, TTPCom is one of the world's
leading independent suppliers of digital wireless technology. The company's
Protocol Stack software has approvals with over 70 major network operators
across Europe, Asia, America and Australia.
Extended Performance with Power Options
Trimble's TrimTrac locator can operate for up to 90 days on 4 AA alkaline
batteries during normal use with up to ten reports per day. A removable
battery pack provides easy, low-cost maintenance and operation with the device
automatically reporting battery levels. For applications that require position
reports more frequently than what the batteries can support, the TrimTrac
locator can be connected to external power by using the optional Vehicle
Adapter Module. This plug-in module replaces the standard battery pack
and operates off vehicle power for permanent installations. It includes a
stand-by, rechargeable battery for continued position reporting if vehicle
power is disconnected. In the event of vehicle theft, where disconnecting the
vehicle's main battery often silences car alarms, the TrimTrac locator
provides an extra measure of protection by quickly sending a status message
and continuing to report position.
In addition, the Vehicle Adapter Module will allow the TrimTrac locator to
monitor up to two external binary switch inputs to expand the number of
applications that service providers can offer. For instance, TrimTrac
can monitor other on-board systems and devices, such as car alarms and
driver-operated switches, to report status and modify its operation.
Additional security measures can be added, such as automatic notification and
frequent position reporting in the event that a car alarm is armed or
triggered, vehicle power is disconnected, or the driver activates a switch.
Availability
The TrimTrac locator is expected to be GCF (Global Certification Forum)
and PTCRB (PCS Type Certification Review Board) approved and available in the
first quarter of 2004.
About Topp
Located in Miami, Florida, Topp Data Solutions is a business unit under
The Topp Group umbrella, an ISO 9002-certified company with over 43 years of
consumer electronics experience. The key elements of Topp Groups business are
Topp Consumer Products, which provides turnkey distribution solutions
including forward / reverse logistics, repair and remanufacturing to consumer
electronics manufacturers; Topp Service Solutions, which works with cellular
manufacturers and cellular operators to provide authorized repair service and
support for the entire logistics chain; and Topp Data Solutions, an authorized
business partner and distributor for many key industry manufacturers and
developers in the areas of telematics and telemetry wireless data products,
wireless applications and location services. The driving factors in Topp's
business philosophies are, preserving the manufacturer's brand, providing
excellent service and above all the flexibility to meet the many unique
demands created by the different needs of each manufacturer and market.
For more information about Topp visit: http://www.toppcompanies.com.
About Trimble
Trimble is a leading innovator of Global Positioning System (GPS)
technology. In addition to providing advanced GPS components, Trimble augments
GPS with other positioning technologies as well as wireless communications and
software to create complete customer solutions. Trimble's worldwide presence
and unique capabilities position the Company for growth in emerging
applications including surveying, automobile navigation, machine guidance,
asset tracking, wireless platforms, and telecommunications infrastructure.
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has more than
2,000 employees in more than 20 countries worldwide.
For an interactive look at company news and products, visit Trimble's Web
site at http://www.trimble.com .
Certain statements made in this press release are forward looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are made pursuant to
the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to
certain risks and uncertainties, including adequate component availability and
gaining type approvals for the TrimTrac locator. Among other things, customer
acceptance, economic trends and competitive issues may have an adverse effect.
These and other risks are detailed from time to time in reports filed with the
SEC, including Trimble's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its annual report
on Form 10-K.
|
|
|
