R:Com System from Thermo King Supplies Wireless Communication for Distribution Firms

Thermo King Corp introduces the R:Com System, a radio-based local area network that instantly identifies and communicates vehicle arrival and departure times, availability in yard, and type and registration. It also handles refrigeration unit model, operating and temperature data, alarm conditions, and any actions required.

R:Com provides a virtual wire connection between a Thermo King Smart Reefer or datalogger, and an office, eliminating manual download of data from each vehicle's datalogger. It provides wireless downloading of data; in-yard monitoring 24 hours a day, seven days a week; traffic management; and immediate communication of action required to mobile phone or pager.

The system consists of three pieces. First is the base station receiver, mounted to a building and connected to an office PC and R:Com software. Second is the R:Com vehicle-mounted module, connected to the Smart Reefer or datalogger to download operation data. R:Com relay units make up the third component of the system.

The software component, or R:Com network manager, is the workhorse of the system. Operating on its own, the manager periodically broadcasts a query to detect recently arriving mobile units, logs them into the network, downloads data (if applicable) and relays other actions required. If immediate attention is required, the system can send an alert message automatically via a flashing icon on a computer screen, audible signal, e-mail, or to a mobile phone. Through this interface with the R:Com system, users can monitor the status of the radio network and mobile units connected via module currently within range.

R:Com works with Smart Reefers equipped with MP-IV, MP-V, MP-VI, and TG-VI controllers, as well as Thermo King DMS-III, DRS, DAS, and Accutrac dataloggers. For more details, contact Thermo King, 314 W 90th St, Minneapolis MN 55420.