printer friendly version

Cash in transit - mobile solutions

Vision Catcher has been involved in mobile solutions for more than six years with its FleetVu Mobile Monitoring Digital recorder system. With a wide range of clients and experience Vision Catcher has seen many new offerings to the mobile market ranging from the cheapest DVR stuck onto a shock mount plate through to the sophisticated high end solutions capable of usage on trains, buses, trucks and other vehicles.

The company designed and manufactured its first mobile solution in 1999, learning very quickly the need for correct automotive engineering skills to ensure that the system was properly installed, earthed and powered to guarantee long term successful operation. In 2004 it was offered the opportunity of distributing an alternative mobile system that gave economies of scale and provided a number of additional features that Vision Catcher had always wanted to include within the FleetVu range. It is proud to offer and introduce to the African market the FleetVu Stinger range of Transport DVRs. The FleetVu range can be used in trains, taxis, buses, cash in transit, aeroplanes, ships and trucks.

Cash in transit (CIT) has been a focus of Vision Catcher's over the past few years. CIT vehicles come in a range of sizes and configurations depending upon the exact usage; be it for banks, corporate offices, shopping malls and other collections, requiring a range of specific solutions. Understanding how each of these CIT vehicles might be targeted by heist teams eager to get their hands on the contents, with no respect for the lives of the security guards, is an integral part to providing a workable solution. Vision Catcher's FleetVu system will provide the options for as many cameras as may be needed to provide internal and external coverage. In addition, this video footage can be stored for extended periods or viewed in realtime remotely via 3G or GPRS. As the CIT vehicle moves from one area to another on its routines the movements can be monitored and followed within a central control room, even as the vehicle moves from a 3G area into a GPRS without dropping the signal.

The FleetVu system will allow for correct placement of ruggedised, small and discreet cameras both inside and outside of the vehicle with IP67 ratings (totally dust proof and immersion proof in water) with sensitivity down to 0,05 lux. The power for each camera at less than 100 mA comes directly from the FleetVu Stinger DVR. The power is controlled from an automotive power supply (built in) running from 12 V to 24 V DV with management allowing for over voltage ('Spike'), reverse polarity and over current protection; this power unit is built for enhanced reliability in a ruggedised anti-vibration shock case. The FleetVu Stinger weighs around 5 kg with one hard drive and is 200 mm (D) x 350 mm (W) x 130 mm (H). The system has been certified for all EU automotive E mark certifications that account for EME compliance, RF non-interference, Rail E mark, Vibration and relevant temperature classes - this includes the DVR, cameras and TFT monitors.

CIT vehicles normally run with fleet management systems that allow for reporting on location (latitude and longitude), speed, direction, and a number of other checks relaying back to the control room via SMS and/or other packeted information onto a mapping display. With FleetVu's ability to link through 3G, GPRS, Wireless LAN, or by backing up through a pocket DVR and/or through a CD Writer, historical information is easily downloaded or transferred for relevant use. Two TFT screen feeds can be provided within the vehicle allowing the guards to monitor whichever cameras they choose; these TFT monitors are ruggedised in the same way as the DVR and cameras and come in 5,6", 10" or 15" screens. Add to this the ability to link into a portable on board keyboard and screen allows relevant supervisors to access and preview recordings prior to backup or direct writing to an onboard CD writer, as well as the programming tools for full DVR setup.

The FleetVu system has an optional accident management module (AMM) for storage of standard vehicle triggers such as speed, braking and other tachographic information which is read by a PC through independent removable media. This AMM package allows for full accident reconstruction with pre and post events for up to three months and the ability to build a full accident analysis and profile for investigators.

Using the FleetVu Stinger System will provide CIT operators the ability to record and review information for prolonged periods of time. Added to this the well researched consistency and stability of the system will give peace of mind for its longer-term use. The interoperability for 3G/GPRS remote site communication and Wireless LAN options gives a number of ways of procuring the relevant information. This is a viable and cost effective solution for the cash in transit industry.

With more than 1000 units sold in the past six months, the FleetVu Stinger system is a compatible and proven system for a wide range of mobile applications including train systems (NB - Gautrain and SARCC), truck and fleet monitoring, ships, aircraft among others. Presently the FleetVu Stinger is being used in a wide range of British and European applications including British Aerospace, Stagecoach, First Group (buses and trains), Southern Rail, Connexxion - trains and buses (Holland), British Police, Metropolitan Police, Iveco, Irisbus, Wrightbus (NI) and is Volvo approved worldwide.

Share this article:

Further reading: