User's Manual

Introduction to the TTMS System
TTMS Reader
Tanker Truck Monitoring System- User’s Guide 5
1.3 TTMS Reader
The TTMS Reader performs the following functions:
• Monitors the seals
• Receives clock and location co-ordinates from GPS
• Transmits seal events to the Control Center, along with GPS coordinates
• Transfers seals status information to the Seal Status Display
• Forwards commands from the Control Center to the seals
The TTMS Reader consists of two interconnected modules installed inside the cabin, and the
corresponding antennas:
• AVL Reader module and corresponding antenna
• GPS and Cellular (i.e. GPRS/GSM) module and corresponding antennas - add on (off the
shelf unit (manufactured by STARCOM)
The AVL unit is described in detail in the following sub-section (information on the STARCOM
unit is supplied in the corresponding User Manual).
1.3.1 AVL Reader
NOTE: This section provides a general description of the AVL Reader, functions and connections.
For a full description of the AVL specifications, refer to 5.1
The AVL Reader uses active wireless technology to provide automatic processing and real-time
monitoring of cargos during transit. The reader powered from the truck power (24V) is installed
inside the truck's cabin
, It has read/write capabilities for communicating with the cargo/tank
sensors simultaneously in order to verify their presence and status. The reader uses two RF
channels (LF, HF) for communication. It is equipped with back-up battery and supports two
RS232 channels in addition to one RS485 channel for communicating with other devices of the
Tanker Truck Monitoring System (TTMS).
As aforesaid the AVL Reader performs three major functions:
• Communicates (two-way) with and monitors the seals over a HF channel
• Transfers (two-way) information between the seals and the GPS/Cellular modem
• Provides seal status to the Seal Status Display
Communication with the seals
The AVL Reader communicates with the seals via a HF antenna that is installed externally on the
cabin roof – on the side of the valves on which seals are installed (usually passenger side). The
AVL Reader is powered via the vehicle’s battery.
Reader Setup
The AVL Reader is configured via a local connection between the Reader and a computer on
which the AVL Reader Config application is installed and launched.