Extensive Integration

A key advantage of the DR500C is its easy integration with existing and future transit equipment. The South Eastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania recognized this strength when they selected our automated announcement system to be a part of their on-vehicle technology.

Problem: SEPTA desired an automated voice announcement system which could interface extensively with their large-scale Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology:

• The voice announcement system needed to be controllable by the designated AVL control head.
  
  
• Integration with the GPS-based AVL system was also necessary to avoid redundant vehicle-positioning equipment.
  
  
• Collection and storage of data such as engine speed, brake depression, etc. was required for reporting purposes and trend analysis.

• Complete driver control of our system via the equipped AVL control head is achieved via our exclusive "DRSIP" protocol. The driver need log onto only one control head to enable voice announcements, destination sign, and AVL functionality.
  
  
• Special communication parameters have been established within the DR500C which enable it to be automatically triggered by the AVL system's GPS information. Only one GPS receiver and data processing "brain" is necessary for both systems to operate.
  
  
• Data from both the Detroit Diesel engine and I/O controls module on-board the vehicle is collected directly by the DR500C and stored on non-volatile PCMCIA flash memory cards. Collected data points includes engine speed, RPM, engine temperature, transmission fault, brake application, door open, and many more. The historical data is then easily analyzed and reported for trend analysis and fault determinations.