On-The-Go Radio
by Alan Dixon N3HOE / WPUC72O/ KST8678
Your Vehicle’s Communications — a.k.a. Telematics
The telematics revolution is coming. How will you fit in? You
may think that you have to invest at least $20,000 in a new mid-range (no
“economy” cars) or higher car or truck in order to get in on the telematics
bandwagon. Well, don’t be caught on the sidelines — you don’t need to trade
in your present vehicle, and you don’t have to spend a fortune, either. As
we explained last month, telematics is to land motor vehicles what avionics
is to aircraft. Telematics refers, collectively, to all of a vehicle’s
communications, navigation, and artificial intelligence systems.
Communications systems include wireless telephones, wireless data terminals and displays, push-to-talk radio communications systems, and the like. That’s right, telematics even includes our familiar 11-meter CB radio as well as FRS,GMRS, and ham radio. Navigation typically includes Global Positioning System (GPS) units or in the alternative, flux gate compasses. Artificial intelligence systems are those that give drivers or vehicles specific instructions. An adjunct device in a GPS unit that gives drivers specific turn-by-turn instructions is one example. A radar detector equipped with Safety Warning System( (SWS) technology gives drivers either text or synthesized voice advice regarding road hazards ahead, as well as other conditions. Some devices in themselves cross the line among these three groups. Radar detectors can be considered communications, navigation, and artificial intelligence devices.
The low-profile LRD-767 mounted in a commo
vehicle,
among other telematic devices.