- What is the RDT?
- What are its major features and benefits?
- What is unique about the RDT?
- Does the device only work outdoors?
- Does the device work inside a moving vehicle?
- Does the RDT require installation?
- What wireless network standards does the RDT support?
- What geographic areas does the device cover?
- Why does the RDT use GSM SMS instead of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)?
- What kind of power does the device require?
- How long do the batteries last?
- What are the RDT power requirements?
- Can the RDT use external power?
- How durable is the RDT?
- How accurately is the device able to report location information?
- How frequently can the device report position?
- How big is the RDT and how much does it weigh?
- Does anything need to be provided with the device?
- Can the device send an alert to a cell phone?
- Could someone just build the device using off-the-shelf components?
A: The RDT is a new, low-cost tracking device for consumer automotive monitoring and recovery applications and
services. It combines enhanced GPS autonomous positioning detection with GSM wireless communications reporting.
Q: What are its major features and benefits?
A: The RDT major features and benefits:
Features Benefits
Integrated GPS and GSM using single CPU Low cost, small footprint, low power consumption
Enhanced GPS sensitivity The RDT can determine position in places where traditional GPS does not work
Tri-band GSM 900/1800 MHz (DCS) and 1900 MHz (PCS) Nearly ubiquitous coverage via the prevailing worldwide
standard for wireless digital communications Short Message Service (SMS) Support Efficient, cost-effective data
transmission Complete end-user device including water resistant package and internal antennas Eliminates
installation and reduces costs Self-powered using four AA batteries that last 90 days with typical usage
Eliminates installation and enables the device to work in places where power is unavailable
Optional Vehicle Adapter Module Leverages external power; standby battery enables the device to continue working
even if external power is disconnected Multi-mode reporting capability Enables the end-user to select the most
optimum reporting method: motion detection, scheduled daily or weekly reports and criteria based queries for on-
demand polling The most versatile solution on the market The rugged and modular design of RDT combined with
its GPS capabilities using GSM standards, and its multi-mode reporting capability enables a variety of applications in
safety/security, as well as fleet management applications. No existing solution can boast such versatility and combine
RDT performance with such low costs of owerneship Low cost Significantly less expensive than comparable
devices
Q: What is unique about the RDT?
A: All of the RDT functions are integrated on one printed circuit board. The functions share a central processor unit
(CPU), enabling the RDT low cost, small size, power conservation, and increased reliability.
Q: Does the device only work outdoors?
A: No. The RDT supports enhanced GPS that enables it to often work in places where traditional GPS may not.
Q: Does the device work inside a moving vehicle?
A: The RDT enhanced GPS sensitivity enables it to work reasonably well inside of a moving vehicle, even when it does
not have a clear view of the sky. The device is usually able to obtain location fixes when it is inside packages, glove
boxes, under seats and in some cases, car tailgates.
Q: Does the RDT require installation?
A: No, the device consists of a self-contained package that includes all antennas and requires no external
connections unless a vehicle adapter module is used.
Q: What wireless network standards does RDT support?
A: The RDT initially supports GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). GSM is the standard for digital cellular
communications in much of the world. In the United States, there are competing standards, including AMPS, CDMA
and TDMA; however, GSM enjoys equal or better coverage compared to the other digital standards. As with the other
digital standards, the RDT GSM coverage is strongest in heavily populated areas and along interstate corridors. None
of the digital standards are as pervasive as analog AMPS cellular signals, but analog is gradually being phased out in
favor of digital standards. Over time, the RDT may be enhanced to support other digital communication standards.
Q: What geographic areas does the device cover?
A: The RDT will work wherever there is a GSM signal. In the United States, this is typically in major metropolitan areas
and along interstate corridors.
Q: Why does RDT use GSM SMS instead of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)?
A: RDT is intended for use in applications that require the periodic sending and receiving of relatively small amounts
of data, with an emphasis on low power consumption by the device. GPRS is better suited for applications that
involve real-time, two-way communication and the transfer of larger amounts of data (as might be required by an
application such as high- end commercial fleet management, for example). GPRS has disadvantages relative to SMS
for the uses for which RDT is intended. In particular, GPRS' coverage area is not as extensive as SMS. It would also
create a greater drain on the device's power, and would increase the cost of the device. SMS is a better fit than GPRS
for the RDT target applications, as it offers better coverage, improved power conservation, and minimizes the device's
cost.
Q: What kind of power does the device require?
A: The RDT uses 4 common AA alkaline batteries. For permanent vehicle installation, the device can be ordered with
an optional Vehicle Adapter Module that enables it to tap into 12 Volt (DC) vehicle power. The Vehicle Adapter Module
includes a standby rechargeable battery so that in the event that vehicle power is lost, the RDT can continue to
report its position for a limited period of time.
Q: How long do the batteries last?
A: The RDT four AA batteries are designed to last up to 90 days under typical operating conditions with good GPS
signal strength and with up to 10 position fixes and reports per day.
Q: What are the RDT power requirements?
A: The RDT is a self-powered device that enables monitoring for situations where it is not possible or convenient to
tap into external power. Because it integrates all of its functions on a single board using a common CPU, it conserves
power more than alternative devices. Furthermore, it conserves power by reporting location only when the device is
in motion or is polled for a current position. The RDT automatically reports its battery power level with each position
report so that an application using the device can remind the user when it is time to replace the batteries.
Q: Can the RDT use external power?
A: Yes, via the optional Vehicle Adapter Module.
Q: How durable is the RDT?
A: The device consists of a sturdy, water-resistant moulded plastic casing with all of the required antennas inside. It
is designed to fully support the needs of consumer automotive monitoring and recovery applications and services.
Q: How accurately is the device able to report location information?
A: The RDT position reports are typically accurate within approximately 20 feet horizontally and 35 feet vertically.
Q: How frequently can the device report position?
A: The default report frequency is approximately every 15 minutes while the device is in motion. The maximum update
frequency is approximately 2 to 3 minutes depending upon how the RDT is configured and environmental conditions
such as GPS and GSM signal strength. However, it can also be programmed to send reports based on user-defined
time ranges whether in motion or not.
Q: How big is the RDT and how much does it weigh?
A: Its dimensions are 143.3 mm x 76.2 mm x 36.7 mm (5.78" x 2.99" x 1.44"). It weighs 205 grams (7.2 ounces)
without batteries, or 300 grams (10.5 ounces) with 4 AA batteries.
Q: Does anything need to be provided with the device?
A: Yes, the RDT requires an SMS capable SIM (Subscriber Identifier Module) card, similar to what is used in all cell
phones, four AA batteries, and a wireless carrier. Each RDT device needs to be commissioned once, using special
software before its first use.
Q: Can the device send an alert to a cell phone?
A: The RDT can send a SMS to any valid telephone number, including other cell phones. Alternately, any application
that uses the RDT as a remote sensor and tracking device could send an alert to a cell phone.
Q: Could someone just build the device using off-the-shelf components?
A: Although it is possible to build a RDT-like device with similar capabilities using standard components, those
functions would not be integrated at the CPU level without significant expense. This would result in higher cost and
power usage, and less reliability. Moreover, the cost of acquiring access to all of the requisite technologies,
particularly the GSM software, and performing al the certification testing, can be prohibitively expensive.
