Canadian firm begins tests of multiplexed wheel and trailer monitors

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. (June 24, 1999) — A Canadian firm is starting tests of a wheel and trailer monitoring system, one of the first applications of PLC4TRUCKS, a multiplexing standard that allows tractor/trailer power line network communications over the existing J-560 connector.

The company, Wheel Monitor Inc., plans to have 10 vehicles on the road between August and October testing two products.

Wheel Monitor’s Early Warning System (EWS) is a detection system that has sensors placed on the axle ends of both the cab and trailer axles and reports any abnormal vibration and abnormal brake and bearing temperatures long before they become a safety issue. The company is also currently in the process of identifying up to five trailers (three trailers and two-dolly combination) with ABS fault light status using PLC4TRUCKS.

Cab Trailer Communications (CTC) enables the driver to monitor cargo temperature, multiple-trailer ABS warnings, brake stroke travel, lift axle control and potential choice of up to 16 auxiliary options.

Both systems communicate through the J-560 plug and display data on a conveniently located Vacuum Florescent Display Screen in the cab. The display screen will alert the driver by an audible sound, as well as displaying the fault and advising the operator of the abnormal vibration, heat or trailer condition and indicating where the fault is being reported from.

The trucks will conduct 500,000 miles of road testing. Products will be in production and available by the end of the year.

“We believe the trailer positioning status will also greatly assist the operator of the vehicle, rather than just having the ABS light on the dash. The operator will know that the vehicle is in a safe and normal operating condition,” stated John Mantini, Wheel Monitor president.