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Communications system for parking garage

Gone are the days when shoppers had to cruise Sandton City's parking garages in search of open parking bays. Now display boards at 16 positions around this popular shopping mecca indicate to drivers exactly how many bays are available. In addition, various enhancements to this project - involving escorting drivers to specific parking bays using illuminated signs - are also poised for implementation.

Telecommunications specialist, Q-KON, was awarded a contract by Corproot Systems to provide the communication link between a base station in the Sandton City parking garage and the 16 remote display board sites on access roads leading the garage.

Q-KON's expertise was called in to complement Corproot's unique software package, capable of picking up information from each entry point and indicating on the display boards how many bays are available.

To provide this link, Q-KON installed a repeater at the top of the centre's Tower office block. Communications equipment - some with unique features - comprised a custom built base, repeater and remote.

The base included the unique MiniNode MN96-M data radio, capable of processing 9600 bps at 12,5 kHz frequency, developed by Q-KON. Integrated with the Motorola GM350 radio the MiniNode radio modem is a complete data radio for rugged mobile and fixed installation applications. The MiniNode MN96-M offers a new level of radio data transmission capabilities not previously available. The MiniNode design incorporates the latest advantages and functions of radio data solutions. It was specifically designed to provide a seamless and direct integrated solution for different applications.

The repeater includes two GM 950 radios, a duplexer and 220 V a.c. to 12 V d.c. power converter, while the remote comprises a custom-built enclosure to house the MN96-M data radio, a Q-KON developed RS232 to RS485 converter and 220 V a.c. to 12 V d.c. power converter. Circuit breakers regulate the power from the power source to the rest of the equipment in the display board.

Battery back-up ensures the data radios are reliable to provide continuous transmission of data to the remote display boards.

Q-KON's Dawie de Wet says on average, parking garages use only about 65% of available space.

"Generally, when a garage is around 65% full, it is considered to be at capacity, because it takes too long for drivers to seek out open bays. Considering that construction costs break down to about R50 000 per parking bay, this under-utilisation could amount to enormous profits if utilised fully. The new system at Sandton City is already saving drivers a great deal of time."

For details contact Q-KON on tel: (012) 665 0052, e-mail: [email protected]

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