Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/105105
SECURITY SECURITY PRODUCT SHOWCASE RAVELCO The Ravelco makes it impossible to start and drive the e vehicle away when the small Ravelco plug is removed. d. The company's proprietary installation techniques emmploy a small removable 16-pin male plug that makes the electronic connections that enable your engine to o turn on. When the plug is removed from the Ravelco, not even the ignition key can start the vehicle. Ravelco co works on all vehicles: gasoline, diesel and hybrid engine; has more than 100,000 different combinations, so there are no master plugs; has unsurpassed reliability with no equipment failures; comes with a lifetime warranty for the original owner. MSRP for most light trucks is $469.95 with F-Series Super Duty and heavy equipment retailing for $499.95. To learn more: propickupmag.com/info. SPAL USA The SPAL ACJ 1000 is an electronic safety device featuring a personal identification transmitter, so only the owner can use the vehicle. For business use, the vehicle may be used by more than one person as the control unit can accept up to four different personal identification transmitters. Operation of the ACJ-1 system is based on continuous communication, during vehicle use, between the Personal Card and the ACJ-1 unit fitted inside the vehicles, so the driver must carry the card at all times. The vehicle can only move if the ACJ-1 unit correctly receives the encrypted random code transmitted by one of the stored Personal Cards. In the event of the vehicle being stolen, the dialogue between the Personal Card and the control unit is interrupted, causing the alarm signal to trip and the engine to stop. Pricing depends upon number of user cards needed. To learn more: propickupmag.com/info. TRIMAX For securing open or box trailers Trimax offers a variety of products, including a trailer coupler lock, a wheel lock, and an integrated alarm chain lock. Their TMC10 Trailer Coupler Lock features a hardened, 1/4-chrome-plated steel shackle for maximum security; it fits most existing coupler designs. Weatherproof cap seals out grime and protective rubber bumper prevents noisy rattling. MSRP is under $10. The Ultra-Max 100 Wheel Lock with Disc covers lugs nuts, preventing tire removal and theft. It easily adjusts to fit many different size tires and wheels. Comes with three keys and is available keyed alike and retails for $259.99. Trimax's 1036 Integrated Alarm Chain Lock features automatic alarm reset, push button activation and weather resistant housing, a 36-inch, 10mm hardened chain links. The unit comes with three keys and batteries. MSRP is $83.99. To learn more: propickupmag.com/info. US FLEET TRACKING Leaders in GPS tracking technology, US Fleet Tracking offers units for companies with one or 100 trucks. Their Asset Tracker AT is hard-wired into the vehicle with no antenna to give it away, has one PTO (power take off). It is weather resistant and offers live GPS tracking at a inexpensive rate. MSRP is $349.95, plus monthly service fee of 29.95 per unit. The company's Vehicle Tracker VT-X5 is the fastest in the industry with live GPS tracking which features 5- and 10-second updates and is hard-wired to the vehicle, plus it has four PTO input/outputs. You can lock/unlock the doors, enable or disable the starter, and remote start the engine. MSRP is $429, plus monthly of 29.95. They also have the NT, which has a Garmin interface that allows instant communication with your whole fleet at once. MSRP for the NT is $429 w/o the Garmin interface, plus $29.95 per month. With the Garmin interface the NT is $529, plus $39.95 per month. MSRP does not include installation cost. To learn more: propickupmag.com/info. 70 PROPICKUP Buyer's Guide 2012 Some alarm systems are portable, allowing you to secure equipment during the week and your motorized toys on the weekend. (Photo: P.DuPre) Unfortunately, these systems are often difficult to install on construction equipment and are completely useless on trailers without an electrical source. They are also dependent on cell phone reception. Poor cell reception, poor security. Installation on hidden, hard-wired systems can also be also costly if you don't have the specialized skills needed to to do the job on modern, computer-interfaced automotive machinery. A better choice for smaller companies is the use of portable GPS tracking systems, such as those offered DeWalt (dewaltmobilelock.com) and US Fleet Tracking (usfleettracking.com). Trackers like these are simple to install, run on self-contained batteries (up to three months) or other power source, attach via magnets or screw mounting and can easily be moved between vehicles, equipment and trailers. The providers offer a variety of options. You can use them to protect your box trailer during the week and your ATVs on the weekend. Whether you opt for portable or a hardwired GPS alarm/tracking system, the features are pretty much the same. Both systems will email or text your when an asset is moved and both will usually let you set up an electronic fenced perimeter and will notify you when that perimeter is violated. The big difference in systems really comes down to service fees, which can vary widely, and whether or not the unit contacts you directly or through the service provider. Finally, the advent of cell phone apps is opening up the ways in which GPS tracking systems can be accessed. Blackberry App World has a number of available applications, some of which are free, while some require a modest payment (up to about $15). Although there are currently no GPS asset tracking apps available for iPhone, but they are being developed and will soon be available. Speak with your equipment supplier about your needs and they will probably develop one for you.