OEM Data Delivery, Shelton, Conn., has introduced the Mini-Pod, a compact system that creates a remote equipment network to capture and monitor critical information from equipment in multiple locations. Targeted for use in construction, mining and aggregate, equipment rental, and landfill applications, the Mini-Pod captures information such as location, machine hours, idling vs. work logs, mileage and PTO time. It also tracks dispensed fluids, including fuel, engine oil, transmission fluid, and hydraulic fluid, for every unit in the fleet.
The wireless, paperless, hands-free device covers up to 50 individual machines and offers 256K bytes of program memory, 15K bytes filter RAM, and 12K bytes of external EEPROM. Well suited for installation on a supervisor's pickup truck, the Mini-Pod displays real-time tracking and job estimating and costing. Mini-Pod also generates service alerts to maintain equipment performance.
Equipped with a cellular antenna and a radio antenna, the Mini-Pod’s short-range radio communicates with the satellite, providing aggregated data through a cellular connection. GPS coordinates are stamped onto the record as hour data is collected. Information is collected passively, within a range of 300 feet line-of-sight, and transmitted via secure radio link. Captured information can be accessed via email or web reports, and data can be integrated into any major back office management system.