Lat-Lon - GPS Tracking and Monitoring Solutions

Lat-Lon provides wireless GPS tracking and monitoring solutions for the rail industry. Devices are available for both powered and non-powered applications, and many types of sensors are available to monitor your rail cars and locomotives. Real-time data can be viewed using Lat-Lon's web-based fleet management reporting and mapping tools.

Solar powered GPS unit

Lat-Lon's wireless solar-powered GPS units are used on railcars, containers, chassis, and barges. Lat-Lon's patented power system means that once you install the RailTough™ equipment, you never need to touch it again, reducing total cost of ownership. Units can have up to two temperature sensors and two switches for security monitoring or loaded / empty status. An optional three-axis accelerometer sensor can detect impacts so that you can identify places where damage occurs during shipment.

Lat-Lon has developed many specialized units including a unit for chlorine tank cars that monitors for chemical releases and can monitor if the hatch has been opened. Contact Lat-Lon to discuss your specific application.

Locomotive monitoring unit (LMU)

Lat-Lon's locomotive monitoring units (LMUs) are being used on passenger rail to provide commuters with up-to-date arrival information; on Class 1 freight services to monitor fuel consumption and crew productivity; and on shortlines to increase safety and operate one-man crews. The LMU has an isolated 74V power supply specifically designed for locomotives. A 12V to 24V version is also available.

The LMU monitors these parameters such as location, speed, maximum speed, distance, course, engine run status, Hobbs counter, battery voltage, coolant temperature, fuel level, four digital relay inputs and two control relays.

The LMU is an event-based reporting system. It will report when the engine status changes, when the locomotive starts and stops, and whenever a sensor passes a threshold.

Communications

Lat-Lon has units that communicate over both the terrestrial GSM/GPRS cellular system and with the global Orbcomm satellite-based system. Depending on your data requirements, Lat-Lon can tailor the system to suit your needs.

Web-based fleet management tools

Lat-Lon provides a host of web-based fleet management tools to view the data sent from units. Select from standard reports or use the report builder to develop the type of reports you need. Street-level mapping shows detailed locations of units. Aerial views are also available for seeing high detail actual locations.

If you have your own fleet management system, Lat-Lon can transfer the location data into your system using XML web services.