in vehicle mobile solution

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piddles

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#9276 4-Sep-2006 15:03

Looking at options for in vehicle system to enable quotes, invoices etc to be done on the job.

Panasonic Tough book a bit pricey but look ideal (looking at this application for electricians)

Good size rather than trying to enter product codes on a small key board.

Printer options? 12 volt available?

Bluetooth or cable to printer.

Online connections to home server? Have tried Hamachi but find it is good when connected but if it trips up you can't get back in.

Go-Global looks stable and can isolate specific progams rather than run whole desktop. I am trying to trial this but still not connected through a no-ip server on the work computer

Looking forward to any ideas that others may have or experience of others who have set this sort of thing up before.

VOIP application as well other than skye? will use Vodofone data cards in the PC

SilentOne

290 posts

Ultimate Geek

#45351 4-Sep-2006 16:03

re Vodafone datacard... VOIP may not be an option with the current upload speeds if your after a consistent call quality, maybe better next year'ish, with their 2nd update... When Telecom's RevA roll out is complete, that'd be a better option.... based solely on theoretical upload limits that is.

Anyone else had a play with in-car offices?

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#45352 4-Sep-2006 16:04

I have used VOIP lots over a Vodafone mobile connect in 3G (WCDMA) coverage not GPRS

Upload speeds are 128k in 3G coverage and this is plenty when it was 64k it worked fine

Please remember if you have VOIP issues no carrier with look into it as long as the datacard is working

Not sure where silentone is getting there info I am starting to wonder if they have used one

piddles

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#45354 4-Sep-2006 16:17

isuppose i should not have mentioned the VOIP issue as this would be an add on as my main issue is the "man in the van" office.Mind you GPS would be cool but this is getting off subject agaib!

3g

341 posts

Ultimate Geek

#45356 4-Sep-2006 16:36

For portable printing, have a look at the Canon iP90:
http://www.canon.com.au/products/printers/colour_bj_printers/ip90.html

I bought this, plus the Bluetooth Kit + Cradle and Battery kit (around NZ$800 all up) and found it to be ideal.
The battery lasts around 140 pages and the unit (printer + battery) can be dropped into the charging cradle when you get back to the office.

Nigel H.

bbman

646 posts

Ultimate Geek

#45389 4-Sep-2006 21:11

Hi, don't know if this is of any assistance but i have setup several in car truck & bus offices, users in cities and rural metro mix as well

For the best spread of high speed and lower speed decent connectivity available, Telecoms current 1xrtt and EVDO rev0 networks are the best way to go. I am slightly biased by my preference but i have some testing experience and the technology differences between TNZ and VNZ make one a better choice than the other for overall connectivity.

A EVDO/1xRTT router with high gain antennas will give you good broadband speeds in good and low coverage (EVDO area) and the best fringe coverage outside of that. Uses ethernet so thats helpful or you can connect a wifi access point to it. WIfi units coming soon.

Note PCMCIA data cards on both VNZ and TNZ have limited reception which will effect your connection. Antennas are available but they are fragile.

VoIP via a skype set up or other works nicely over EVDO and 1xrtt as well, but also WCDMA 3g if in good coverage, limited out of cities etc due to short range of network. ytype and freq.

I noted VoIP is better on 1xrtt once stationary, GPRS is painful and not worth it. Note the poorer the coverage the more likely you will get chop. on 1xRTT.

Also Motion computing have some nice machines available for use in a vehcile, great for use in sun glare etc.

hope this helps.

www.ultimatebroadband.co.nz
Delivering better broadband services

UFB fibre, Rural fibre on EA networks, RBI wireless, Ruralnet & Ultra wireless, wireless networks

piddles

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#45404 5-Sep-2006 06:33

Some great advise here.

Re A EVDO/1xRTT router with high gain antennas.

where does one get this sort of equipment and expertise to recommend and install appropriately.

I have only been in a couple of Telecom shops and certainly didn't get any realistic answers.

I see Itoyz.co.nz are agents for motion computing with some interesting "must have" units so will contact them as well.

Any more comments are welcome.

I found an interesting program for infield jobs that was interesting. New Zealand based as well.

http://www.tradequotient.com/

bbman

646 posts

Ultimate Geek

#45411 5-Sep-2006 08:00

Advanced Portable technologies currently have a couple of router options, RT wireless will have some thing soon.

There are pretty much no Telecom dealers with any knowledge on this stuff, i should know i am affialiated with one as a contractor and it's obvious when you go to trainings. It's outside of the normal handset and data card sales arena, same thing with Voda dealers. It's a specialist thing really.

Antennas wise, i would suggest either RFi or Pacific antennas available in the market. A decent car audio or auto electrician should be able to install the antennas, the

see link to info on the APT Axesstel router and the maxon ethermax one waiting for PTC

http://www.pccard.co.nz/product/catalog_product_detail.asp?ProductNo=29010

http://www.rtwireless.co.nz/Documents/Ethermax%20Brochure%20NZ%201d.pdf

Note the Axesstel has the option of 2 x antennas, this gives you enhanced down load speeds by providing a dedicated Recieve antenna.

Hope

www.ultimatebroadband.co.nz
Delivering better broadband services

UFB fibre, Rural fibre on EA networks, RBI wireless, Ruralnet & Ultra wireless, wireless networks