Fastrax Ltd., a developer of GPS receivers for optimal utilization of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and OÜ Oskando, a designer and producer of GSM-based telematics devices, introduced a new Personal Security Device (PSD). Based on Fastrax GPS technology combined with a GSM modem, the device will be produced and marketed by Oskando starting in Fall 2003. The Oskando PSD is built in two modules; a GSM communications module designed to fit in a breast pocket of an employee, e.g. a security guard; and a stamp-size GPS receiver and patch antenna module designed for shoulder attachment. The device works both as an easy-to-operate communications system with one-touch SMS or voice connection to the control center, and as a safety-enhancing emergency alert system.
The PSD enables a security or emergency service control center to keep track of their personnel on the field, utilizing accurate positioning information provided by the high-performance Fastrax GPS receiver. The data is transmitted to the control center via the GSM modem either continuously, in desired intervals, or at request by pushing the one-touch connectivity button. The button may be configured to send SMS messages or to open a regular GSM voice connection. As an additional safety enhancement, the Oskando PSD module features a panic strap, designed to give an instant emergency alarm to the control center along with the exact location of the person in danger. Pulling off the panic strap both delivers an instant SMS message and opens a voice connection to the control center to allow audio monitoring. The panic strap provides a quick and easy way to give an alert, while full attention may be placed to the situation at hand.
The positioning information for the Oskando PSD device is provided with a Fastrax iTrax02/8 GPS receiver, the lowest power consuming 12-channel GPS receiver on the market. The receiver enables continuous tracking down to very low signal levels, with support for assisted GPS (A-GPS) for demanding urban tracking. Designed for demanding conditions, Fastrax GPS technology offers industry-leading performance and reliability along with fast time to first fix (TTFF). The low power drain enables an extremely long operating time, a crucial factor in a battery-operated device used in security and emergency services. Fastrax’s product family of iTrax02 Series 12-channel GPS receivers offers key benefits in performance, size, power consumption and versatility. The iTrax02 Series modules with iSuite navigation firmware enable the implementation of position-aware features into practically any appliance. The modules are ideally suited for both industrial tracking systems and small battery-operated products like mobile phones, asset tracking devices, handheld computers and sports accessories.
