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Wireless Networking Handbook
(Publisher: Macmillan Computer Publishing)
Author(s): Jim Geier
ISBN: 156205631x
Publication Date: 09/01/96

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JEA equipped 38 field service troubleshooters with AST Research Inc.’s GRID 1680 notebook computers, an Ericsson C719 wireless radio modem in conjunction with RAM Mobile Data’s service, and TelePartner International Inc.’s Mobi3270 wireless software.

The distribution system restoration process began with the dispatcher taking data from a customer call and generating a repair ticket. Prior to the RAM deployment, the dispatcher alone had access to the information center, and, as a result, had to disseminate the information to the field technicians over the voice radio network. The dispatcher’s attempts to contact field technicians were time consuming and wasted the skill of both parties. Storms would only exacerbate the problems.

The RAM Mobile Data system has radically improved the ability of JEA to respond to severe weather conditions. The dispatcher and the field technicians now have access to the same distribution system restoration information. Field technicians can access information simultaneously and the dispatcher is able to spend more time answering customer inquiries and redirecting power around trouble spots.

Field service troubleshooters can access key online repair information, such as customer names, phone numbers, meter numbers, transformer locations, and a detailed outline of the problem. Further, dispatchers can determine the status of repairs and the availability and location of troubleshooters in the field, enabling the dispatcher to respond to evolving weather-network problems.

JEA has not abandoned their voice radio facilities. The implementation of the RAM Mobile Data service reduced the volume demands on the voice radio, enabling it to be held in reserve for more complex repair tasks.

When JEA first implemented the mobile data capability, 66 percent of the repair and maintenance jobs no longer required voice communications between the field technicians and the dispatcher. That figure has since risen to 90 percent as system efficiencies increase.

Athena Rideshare Project Conducts Successful Demonstration of Wireless Navigation Technologies4


4Reprinted by permission from ETE, Inc.

ETE, Inc. participated in a successful demonstration of TRW’s dynamic rideshare project, Athena, which is a wireless, high-technology transportation system that will add personalized transportation options to traditional public transit and carpooling. Athena features a database, advanced wireless communications, and automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems to coordinate rides between providers and riders of many modes of ground transportation, including personal vehicles, buses, vanpools, and taxis. The Athena project is the next step in making vehicles smarter so we can move people safely and conveniently at the lowest possible cost to everyone. The alternatives to driving alone will combine the comfort and convenience of a taxi with the economic and environmental benefits of a carpool.

The goal of the demonstration was to verify the performance of the AVL and communications technology in an actual operating environment. The demonstration was conducted from the offices of L.D. King of Ontario, California, the prime contractor for the $2.2 million Athena project. The demonstration consisted of a rideshare van equipped with an ETE MobileTrak AVL System Remote device and an Apple MessagePad. The van was sent out to roam Ontario’s streets while a volunteer went to a randomly selected location within the city to call for a ride. The team watched the van cruise the streets on a computer-generated color display of all the city streets and freeways.

The volunteer called from a street corner, and the location and driving directions were sent to the pick-up van. Within one minute, the van symbol on the map changed directions and proceeded to the caller’s location. The AVL system was accurate enough for the team to tell when the van made a wrong turn. That accuracy enabled the team to send directions to the van to turn around and prevent it from getting lost.

With the ETE low-cost hardware components successfully tested, the next step is to decide upon the software that will automatically coordinate ride requests and dispatch up to 100 vehicles to provide ridesharing. The TRW team will present its software design in early 1996, and expects to have a demonstration system operational within one year.

Aegis Transportation Systems of Beaverton, Oregon is supporting operations analysis and TRW is serving as the system designer and integrator. The contract is funded through the FHWA and CalTrans New Technology Division and administrated by the City of Ontario.

The Athena team called upon ETE to provide its MobileTrak AVL equipment and wireless software services for this demonstration. ETE’s MobileTrak AVL system integrates GPS and wireless data communications. ETE also integrated, under contract, a custom user interface to an Apple Newton Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) for the Athena demonstration. RAM Mobile Data, a business partner with RAM Broadcasting and Bell South, provided the communications services through its nationwide public radio network.


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