MicrobusNews

New addition to range of powerful micro ANPR cameras

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Microbus continues to develop its range of ANPR and Surveillance cameras with the latest introduction to its Rapier family.

At less than 10cm wide, the micro Rapier 25 Mono houses a remote controlled, 10x zoom capable ANPR camera with integral IR illumination providing a range of up to 25 metres. The camera is designed for external use in both fixed and vehicle applications. The Rapier 25 Dual version has added overview camera capability.

Using electronic zoom control allows installers to easily set an ANPR recognition distance at the press of a button without the need for tools. In addition, electronic setup means only one camera model is needed for all sites to reduce inventory costs.

Banks of high efficiency LEDs with custom lens arrays provide IR illumination. Rapier has unique IR control circuitry that permits frame-by-frame variations of illumination intensity for improved recognition performance with number plates that are difficult to read. Rapier cameras are part of the Microbus range of in-car equipment and are designed to be a natural upgrade to the M-PC and LINX ranges of in-car computing and video capture. Rapier inherits all the qualities and approvals required for the professional market.

Sweden mobile data market sees growth

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One of Microbus's longest standing Value Added Partners (VAP) has seen huge developments within its market and, thanks to groundbreaking work within its own software engineering, has emerged as one of Europe's premier mobile data providers.

PerformIT, an independent vehicle installation and software house, joined Microbus in 2005, and has carried out a range of comprehensive installations in the emergency service sector across the whole of Sweden. By 2007, Saab, with whom the company was already working in partnership, invested in the company to help it expand into further export markets, and together they merged as Saab Performit AB.

Saab Performit AB originally chose the Microbus M-PC2 computer as the platform for their fixed in-vehicle mobile data system, the Paratus Mobile System. The M-PC2 combined with their suite of applications specifically developed for emergency service users including navigation, callout handling, status notifications and patient registration has been a great success within ambulance and fire markets.

Rune Jarpsten, one of the company's founders and Sales Manager says. "Our success highlights what Value Added Partners can achieve with Microbus's flexible and proven mobile data solution. The M-PC2 has demonstrated excellent reliability within the mobile data market and we wanted to build on that quality with our own proprietary software to provide a complete solution for our public safety officers."

"What separates the M-PC2 from other products in the market is the extensive functionality and connectivity that emergency services organisations need. For instance, the M-PC2's multi-bearer flexibility allows users to send and receive data over any radio network from 3G/GPRS to TETRA. Another useful feature supported by the system is dual screen technology. This is ideally suited to fire and ambulance installations where a second monitor can be installed in the back of the vehicle and used by another person for simultaneous access to different parts of the system."

In the case of ambulance workers, the Paratus Mobile Data system provides navigation instructions for the driver through its digital mapping system. As soon as the ambulance reaches its callout destination, the M-PC2 sends a status report back to the command & control centre. This includes an update of the GPS coordinates, so the system can, if necessary, be revised to help any other emergency vehicles on their way to go straight to the precise location, thereby saving vital time.

Given the sensitive nature of the data being transferred, all transmissions between the in-vehicle computers and base stations are seamlessly encrypted for security without the users having to stop and think about the transmission method.

Rune and his team have worked tirelessly over the years developing the solution for various vehicle types and have even gained special approval for the M-PC2's use in helicopters. The Paratus Mobile System in conjunction with the M-PC2 in-vehicle computer has also gained government approval for use over Sweden's Rakel TETRA network.

Saab Performit AB has its headquarters in Karlstad, with development centres in Stockholm and Link�ping and sales offices in Stenungsund and Alings�s, Sweden.

LINX orders hit �1m

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

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Richard Blake, Microbus's Sales & Marketing Director is delighted to announce that initial orders for its vehicle-first demountable PC, LINX, has hit �1 million. "Since LINX was launched a few months ago we've been overwhelmed by inquiries from all over the world. We are now in full production with LINX and we are already putting plans in place for increased production capability.

The unique features of the only true vehicle-first demountable PC has certainly caught the market's imagination and our first order of 200 units is going into Lancashire Police Service, a force who have always been at the forefront of mobile data technology."

Stuart Fillingham, Head of ICT at Lancashire Constabulary says: "We are looking forward to using the full functionality of LINX which we are sure will provide a major contribution to our officers on the frontline."

LINX is the world's first demountable PC designed for the 'vehicle first'. The unique built-in car power-management system and programmable keys on the docking station allow you to operate the 'blues and twos' and other peripheral devices even when LINX is out of the car.

The built in TETRA Radio Card also uniquely provides full communications over the TETRA network even when LINX is removed from the car.

LINX goes worldwide

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

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The new Microbus LINX vehicle-first demountable PC which was launched as a concept at the BAPCO Exhibition in April has truly gone worldwide. Richard Blake, Sales & Marketing Director at Microbus, said: "We have now taken orders from all over the world including Middle East, North America and Europe. LINX, with its unique in-built TETRA radio modem has attracted worldwide demand wherever TETRA networks are established. This is the only product available in the market today specifically designed for use with the 'vehicle-first' in mind with a fully functioning TETRA communications package for inside and outside the vehicle."

As a multi-bearer solution LINX offers the user the maximum choice of communication options while out in the field. It provides integrated connectivity through 3G/EDGE/GPRS, and, allied to WiFi and Bluetooth, provides seamless links back to base.

Richard adds, "We have been surprised at the varied applications LINX has been commissioned for: Trains, Service Fleet Managers, Refuse Collection operations and biometrics/fingerprint collection. We have also been asked to quote for airport security all over the world. Production is now in full swing at the Microbus manufacturing centre in High Wycombe. Microbus demonstrates a clear commitment to the very best high technology manufacturing the UK can offer: "We manufacture here from component level which gives us a distinct advantage when competing with imports from the Far East. Our customers want to know we aren't going to change the design or version without everything remaining completely compatible. That's been the Microbus way for over 10 years."

New strategic alliance for emergency vehicle solutions

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Carnation Designs has joined forces with Microbus, the UK's leading supplier of in-vehicle PC technology, to offer the public safety market a one-stop source for in-vehicle auxiliary electronics control. Combining the knowledge and experience of two market-leading companies, this strategic alliance will provide the comprehensive solutions emergency vehicle operator's demand.

Mobile data management is now an essential element in the effective provision of emergency services, requiring bespoke solutions to ensure maximum operational mobility. Microbus has over 25 years of experience in mobile data technology, and has been at the forefront of in-vehicle PC technology for almost a decade. As market-leading providers of reliable, user-friendly and application-focused in-vehicle computing to the emergency services, Microbus is an obvious mobile data partner for Carnation Designs.

Combining Microbus' rugged vehicle-based PC technology with the flexibility of Carnation Designs' genisys electronic management system creates a complete package to meet the advanced electronics requirements of the latest emergency service vehicles. This strategic partnership offers the first comprehensive solution for in-vehicle data and electronics management, creating a powerful, integrated setup for total control of auxiliary systems. This new venture will build on the strengths of both companies, bringing unrivalled functionality to the marketplace.

Richard Blake, Sales and Marketing Director at Microbus, explained the design philosophy behind the fully integrated system: "Our in-vehicle computers are at the cutting edge of mobile data technology, offering powerful data management capabilities to the public safety sector. Combining this functionality with the sophisticated electronic management capabilities of Carnation Designs' genisys system provides unprecedented fingertip control to emergency vehicle operators."

"The wide range of auxiliary electronics required for these vehicles, combined with the need for user-friendly, reliable operation, is a significant challenge to vehicle design, and this project is intended to specifically address these issues. Harnessing both companies' extensive experience in the emergency vehicle marketplace, our fully integrated systems are designed to simplify the installation, operation and maintenance of auxiliary vehicle equipment, focused around the specific and unique needs of this market. Combining our expertise allows us to offer the highest levels of user-friendly control, with event-driven capabilities based on the same proven, flexible technology many emergency service fleets are already using. Our new software architecture allows the Microbus in-vehicle PC to directly interface with the genisys system, using the computer's touch screen for control of all auxiliary electronics. In addition, a separate genisys control module is wired directly into the system, allowing each device to be used jointly or independently as required, and providing fail-safe control of all auxiliary systems."

In addition to meeting the needs of users, cost-effective installation and maintenance is a key facet of auxiliary electronics design for emergency service vehicles. Seamless integration of genisys and Microbus systems into vehicles is aided by a purpose-built backboard, incorporating the wiring for both systems. Combined with vehicle-specific auxiliary wiring looms, these products simplify and speed up installation, reducing costs and improving reliability. Use of standard wiring configurations is also more efficient for maintenance, accelerating fault finding and allowing rapid exchange of components.

Craig Hall, Sales Director at Carnation Designs, concluded: "We have extended our collaboration with Microbus to include joint provision of services for our integrated systems, creating a single point of contact for purchasing, and providing technical support through a dedicated hotline. This strategic alliance ensures that Carnation Designs and Microbus are able to offer comprehensive solutions for mobilising the public safety market."

Microbus sign Value Added Partner for Denmark

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following recent expansion into international markets, Microbus is pleased to announce the appointment of Radiocom Denmark A/S as their Value Added Partner for Denmark. Founded in 1999, Radiocomm is part of Scandinavia's VHF Group AS. Until 2007 the company was mainly focused on product distribution but, under new management with Mikael Hansen as MD, it developed a new strategy and became a major distributor of Sepura TETRA products within the National Danish public safety network, SINE.

Mikael says, "Very early in the process for our new strategy it was clear that we needed more than just the TETRA terminals for our offerings. With my strong knowledge of integrated solution sales it was important to provide the right solution for this growing market." We are proud to be the VAP for Microbus in Denmark as the ruggedness and reliability of their products make them faraway the best choice for Public Safety customers."

One of Radiocom's reference customers is The Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) which has been�� supplied with a complete solution for their next generation of accident�� command vehicles. Their system is based on the Microbus M-PC2 and LINX Tablet PC with multibearer functionality including TETRA.� Using the SimaCar application from Simatech, it provides their officers with satellite navigation and full�� information of the energy and utilities infrastructure at the location of an incident. The M-PC2 is connected to a Sepura SRG3500 radio which also provides virtual control through the touchscreen.

The solution includes dual screen technology and also provides WLAN, UMTS and GPS. Radiocom employs 10 people and has service and installation locations in Greve, south of Copenhagen and in �rhus. Visit their website to find out more at www.radiocom.dk

Microbus launches new camera range

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The new Advanced Video range from Microbus offers unique technological developments and functional designs in cameras and peripherals for Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and mobile evidential video surveillance. From years of experience come 5th generations of fixed and mobile camera technology. These ranges of ANPR and evidential surveillance cameras provide some of the highest quality images, most efficient infrared illumination and flexible of control interfaces available today. These combine to improve our customer's video capture and recognition capabilities, 24 hours a day.

Richard Blake, Sales & Marketing Director at Microbus says: "Our cameras are deployed in some of the most challenging environments for mobile and fixed applications. They are a great addition to the Microbus product line and are designed to be a natural upgrade to the M-PC and LINX ranges of vehicle-based computing and video capture."

Sabre 10's advanced features make it the ideal choice for Video Surveillance, Evidence Capture and ANPR requirements from within the vehicle. Its compact design can be easily installed out of sight behind the rear view mirror to permit compliance to the UK's VOSA and ACPO directives.

The Rapier range incorporates high grade camera technology, innovative infrared LED design and multi-processor control circuitry providing formidable ANPR camera solutions for professional use. Two varifocal cameras combine to give independently controlled ANPR and Overview capabilities.�

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Not limited by fixed focal lengths, the optical zoom capabilities can be preset or moved dynamically. The IR illumination is provided by banks of high efficiency LEDs with custom lens arrays.� Rapier has unique IR control circuitry that permits frame-by-frame variations of illumination intensity for improved recognition performance with difficult to read number plates.

Record numbers of vehicles show the Microbus Solution at NAPFM

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Microbus enjoyed another successful show at this year's National Association of Police Fleet Managers (NAPFM) Exhibition, held last week. Over 30 vehicles demonstrated the Microbus in Vehicle PC solution. Richard Blake, Sales and Marketing Director for Microbus stated, "Having so many vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and integrators use the Microbus PC as the foundation for their system is a resounding vote of confidence in our products."

Delegates and visitors to the Microbus stand were able to see installations of our computers in various police vehicles. Sussex Constabulary's road-proven Ford Focus and BMW Authorities' 330d both equipped with a Clean Dash installation of the Microbus M-PC2 in-vehicle PC, demonstrated the real benefits of mobile data when based on reliable, partnership-developed hardware. Airwave's Volvo Police demonstrator showed the Microbus LINX vehicle-based PC's interaction with peripheral equipment, displaying camera monitoring, TETRA radio, matrix LED sign and light bar control through the high brightness colour touch screen.

Microbus' involvement at the show also extended to the provision of an M-PC2 vehicle computer included as part of the One Box Concept which was launched at the show by ACPO ITS.The One Box Concept - Single Vehicle Architecture is seen by the UK Police Service as the future for its vehicles and the equipment to be installed in them. The M-PC2 was chosen by ACPO to illustrate the concept of integrated vehicle technology architecture for emergency service equipment fitted to vehicles. The computer and touch screen work with equipment installed by the vehicle manufacturers such as vehicle and emergency service functions and reuse of vehicle switch gear to create a safe, ergonomically efficient and friendly in vehicle environment.Jim Hammond, Chief Superintendent of the ACPO ITS Working Group, said: "We had many visitors to the stand over the two days and got very favourable feedback on the One Box Concept demonstrated by Microbus and other suppliers and their integration into the overall Concept in particular. The Fleet Managers were particularly impressed with the reduced wiring and ANPR camera in the roof bar as well as the potential for a modular approach. As one long-serving motorway inspector was heard to comment, 'At last someone is looking out for the users.'"

Microbus launches new website

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Microbus has been busy redesigning its website which will feature an updated look-and-feel, improved navigation and greater focus on Microbus' rugged mobile data products and expertise. The new site will be launched and available to view on 4th September 2009.

Visitors to the website can find product overviews, specifications, documents and downloads, and an exciting new interactive section that explains the operational infrastructure for specific applications.

Users are invited to visit the site at www.microbus.com

Microbus technology helps to catch bad drivers

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Microbus in-vehicle computers are part of a new roadside monitoring initiative by Greater Manchester Police to reduce road traffic accidents.

Premier Hazard has equipped Smart Cars with industry-leading Microbus in-vehicle computers for Greater Manchester Police as part of their Casualty Reduction Partnership. The cars are deployed at the roadside to monitor traffic and to catch those drivers that are distracted behind the wheel. Drivers who are caught using their mobiles are sent a letter and, in many cases, also receive a �60 fine and three points on their licence. Those caught not wearing a seatbelt or driving without due care and attention will also receive a fine.

Although similar Smart Car solutions are already available, Premier Hazard found that users were concerned about adding more technology to the vehicle, such as telescopic camera masts and Digital Video Recording (DVR) systems that would potentially exceed the vehicle's axle weight limit.

Their solution to this problem relied on Microbus technology in two ways. Firstly, they cleverly designed and built a rugged 360 degree, pan and tilt zoom camera system into a mini Opti-max light bar. Initial designs have included non-Microbus cameras but the next phase of development will use the Microbus Sabre zoom camera which provides increased colour resolution and excellent low-light performance down to 1.0lux.

Secondly, they chose the Microbus M-PC2 computer with its own integrated DVR solution. The operator can control the camera via a joy stick or the M-PC2's touch screen, and record primary evidential footage with timestamps straight onto the computer's hard drive. This can later be transferred onto external USB drives.

The advantage of this system is that it provides a huge saving on weight and space compared to a separate DVR system.

Roy McClarty, Area Manager at Premier Hazard says: "We are really pleased with the Microbus M-PC2 vehicle computers and future Sabre camera development. The technology has allowed us to develop a compact, yet high performance surveillance solution that can provide huge operational benefits for road accident reduction schemes around the country. So far Premier Hazard has developed a small number of these cars for Greater Manchester Police but there is considerable interest from other police forces and local councils looking for a mobile solution that can be deployed quickly and operated by Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs)."

Premier Hazard is a UK designer and manufacturer of light bars and light systems and has been supplying the emergency services for 28 years.

Microbus appoints new Sales & Marketing Director

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

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Richard Blake was appointed Sales & Marketing Director in March 2008.

His first six months have been spent travelling round the UK, Europe and Middle East gaining firsthand experience of Microbus products working in the field. He says: "In my first six months it has become clear that throughout the world Microbus products enjoy an enviable reputation for delivering both high performance and high reliability in the harsh vehicle environment."

He also says: "My goals for the future are to significantly grow Microbus's worldwide market share through the introduction of new products and establishing our Value Added Partner Programme worldwide." Microbus products are already accepted worldwide as the industry standard in reliable high technology In-vehicle PCs. With the addition of our new product road map we are sure we can support our customers' future needs.

Richard's previous roles include Sales & Marketing Director of a global engineering company based in the USA and Managing Director for a European engineering and software company.

He brings with him a wealth of experience gained within a variety of technology sectors operating on a global basis.

M-PC2 gets fully compliant pass AES5 Issue 10

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

NPIA's Automotive and Equipment Section (AES) has awarded a specially developed variant of the Microbus M-PC2 computer a FULLY COMPLIANT pass at Specification 5, Issue 10. The specification, which covers the TETRA frequency bands from 380 MHz to 414 MHz, ensures that emissions from the vehicle or any installed electrical equipment do not interfere with the police mobile radio and ensure their immunity from the high RF levels generated by the radio transmitter. A FULLY COMPLIANT Pass indicates that the M-PC2 computer and associated touchscreens have demonstrated conformance over all the Airwave TETRA and legacy frequency bands.

This new M-PC2 TETRA derivative is soon to be available commercially and Microbus's engineering team has been working hard to gain this certification for essential electromagnetic compatibility performance. Reg Marsh, Microbus's CEO said: "Gaining compliance against these stringent standards is a great step forward for the product and serves to strengthen Microbus's ongoing support of the Public Safety market." The current M-PC2 computer is certified to AES5 Issue 9 and maintains its position as the UK's leading Vehicle PC of choice for Police users providing critical information on the front line.

Mobile data users realise benefits

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

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Varied markets around the globe are realising the business benefits of mobile data. In particular, police forces across the UK have adopted this technology in recent years, and one force in particular has been at the forefront of this embrace of technology: Lancashire Police.

With an operational fleet of some 500 vehicles covering 256 miles of motorway, large rural areas and major towns, the implementation of mobile data has led to some important operational benefits. In particular is the use of ANPR which cross-checks results from number plate matches with the DVLA computer database, revealing information on car tax evaders. Officers can access the Police National Computer (PNC) as well as national and local databases whilst on the move. This has provided great leaps in efficiency, allowing officers to retrieve information quickly and easily while on patrol rather than spending valuable time returning to the office. This in turn is allowing them more time on patrol and thereby giving them a greater visibility to the public - a key driver to the feeling of public safety.

Trials of the technology which included some 200 Microbus vehicle-first computers began in earnest in 2003 and gained external recognition as a ground-breaking innovation resulting in awards from the Guardian in 2006 and the European Public Sector Award in 2007, beating competition from 28 other countries.

Lancashire Constabulary's vehicle-based computing solution consists of Microbus M-PC2 computers with high-brightness colour touchscreens mounted in the dashboard of the vehicle. The computer's high performance Windows� platform supports a wide range of applications and, via its integral modem, allows the operator to access databases wirelessly over Airwave's TETRA network. Although the force trialled GPRS they found TETRA to offer better speed and performance, in addition to the obvious advantages over GPRS which can suffer from congestion and availability issues.

Lancashire Constabulary's Head of ICT Stuart Fillingham said: "Providing officers with access to timely, relevant information on appropriate, reliable devices is a key requirement within almost all areas of modern policing. We estimate that mobile data already contributes to efficiency savings that are starting to allow every officer to spend at least an extra hour on the beat per shift."

Abiom signs as new Value Added Partner for Benelux

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Microbus is pleased to announce the appointment of Aboim as its Value Added Partner (VAP) for Benelux. Abiom is a well-established distributor, which is based in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and has considerable experience within the public safety sector, with a strong focus on radio technology solutions.

Richard Blake, Microbus Sales & Marketing Director said: "We're pleased to be working with a company that shares our vision for customer satisfaction. Abiom has a lot of experience in the public safety market from complete solution sales to vehicle installations."

As part of Abiom's commitment to customer service excellence it has recently recruited and developed of a team of highly trained local staff for their new subsidiary company situated near Brussels, to support the Belgian public safety market.

Bas de Grood, Abiom's Managing Director said; "Abiom is delighted to be able to offer the Microbus systems as part of our portfolio which demonstrates our continued commitment to provide the public safety sector in Benelux with a turnkey mobile policing solution which will help to shape the future of intelligence-led policing."

Abiom has already made strides within the public safety market and has recently helped Microbus gain approval for the LINX Tablet PC for police use on the ASTRID network. ASTRID is the nationwide TETRA operator for all of the public safety and emergency services in Belgium so the approval of the LINX Tablet PC opens up a huge amount of opportunities for deployment of this versatile portable tablet computer throughout the current users of the network.

LINX Tablet PC offers the benefits of flexible working to all vehicle-based users and provides unique benefits to all of the Public Safety organisations. It is specifically designed to support a wide range of commonly used�� applications such as despatching tools, like those currently being used by the Belgium Federal Police, which use low data rates over the ASTRID network.

New Ford demonstrator uses Microbus vehicle technology

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ford Motor Company, in conjunction with Ford Special Vehicle Preparations (SVP), has developed a brand new demonstrator featuring the latest Microbus technology to provide a Police-specification mobile data and traffic enforcement ready vehicle.

Ford's Mondeo Estate car has, at its heart, a Microbus M-PC2 vehicle computer with a high-brightness touchscreen that is installed neatly into the dashboard, allowing officers easy access to a suite of applications. Amongst them are Microbus's Digital Video Recording systems that use two Microbus ANPR cameras: a forward-facing Sabre 10 Zoom camera mounted inside the cabin, and a rear-facing Rapier 25 Varifocal IR illuminated camera integrated into the roof-mounted light bar. The computer also drives a Genysis Carnation light bar and siren interface, TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery application, and has access to PNC and other databases.

The car will be available for demonstration throughout 2010 and will be appearing at various trade events including HOSDB, which will be held at Farnborough from 16-18 March.

Andy Bryant, Operations Manager at Ford SVP commented, "Ford's newly-equipped Mondeo demonstrator is an ideal high performance model for the Police and showcases the best-of-breed mobile data technology and ANPR cameras from Microbus. Using the professional installation capabilities of Ford SVP, we have created a safe, ergonomically efficient and friendly in-vehicle environment.The proven functionality of the Microbus computer provides the ideal platform to drive the vehicle systems, and our installation provides an almost factory-fit appearance, that adheres to internal protrusion legislation."

The vehicle installation specialist centre, which provides a one-stop-shop for the blue light emergency services, equips some 3,000 vehicles per year at its facilities in Colchester, Essex. It provides the electrical wiring looms and equipment installation for a variety of Ford vehicles including police traffic cars, mobile police stations, paramedic vehicles, and dog units.

The team at Ford SVP welcome inquiries for further information and to book a demonstration. Please contact Ian Robinson at Microbus in the first instance on 01628 537300 or by email to ian.robinson @microbus.com