Microbus equips new demonstration vehicles
03 Aug
Microbus vehicle-based computers are playing a major role in a series of vehicle manufacturers’ police demonstrator cars. General Motors' UK Special Vehicles division has recently launched all-new police specification versions of Vauxhall cars. The Insignia and Zafira versions come pre-equipped from the production line with Microbus M-PC2 vehicle-based computers which control Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) software, the roof lightbar with 360 blues, side alley lamps, sirens and full radio equipment through the OptiVue touchscreen neatly installed in the dashboard. Microbus Advanced Video cameras are also specified for ANPR and driver behaviour image capture.
The Vauxhall Astra features the Microbus LINX Tablet PC. This is installed in its docking station in the boot behind the left inner rear quarter load space trim panel which increases access in the rear of the vehicle. LINX can be undocked and used handheld. LINX also drives a separate 7.5 inch touchscreen built into the dashboard that complies with internal protrusion legislation and ensures a standard-fit appearance while protecting future residual values.
Each LINX Tablet PC drives a suite of applications including:
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition
• Satellite Navigation
• Back-up Blue Light Switching
• Police National Computer access
• Speed enforcement
• Digital Video Recording
• TETRA Interface
• Force intelligence systems access
Microbus technology and expertise is being showcased in Airwave's new mobile data car (MDC) demonstrator, launched at the end of June. The vehicle has been developed in association with Volvo, Ford SVP, Microbus and other leading technology suppliers. Both Airwave and Microbus will be taking the vehicle on a series of road shows in the UK throughout the coming months and aims to increase awareness of mobile data functionality to blue light communities. Richard Page, Head of Strategic Marketing at Airwave says: "The vehicle demonstrator shows how applications can be integrated with vehicle systems and how they work in a real operational environment. Forces all know about mobile data but perhaps some don't fully appreciate the extent of the capabilities that exist today."At the heart of the system is a Microbus LINX tablet PC which drives the vehicle's hardware and software applications from its daylight-viewable touchscreen.
These include:
• TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery system
• Airwave TETRA radio with software control
• RSG flip-down matrix LED Sign
• Genisys Carnation Control for lightbar and sirens
• Microbus Sabre 10 camera for enforcement and ANPR
• Airwave mobile data applications
Volvo supplied a Police D5 Estate high speed pursuit vehicle which was configured by Ford SVP. Microbus offered the knowledge and expertise to integrate the range of suppliers in the consortium to help realise this innovative demonstrator car.