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Mobile data terminal
 
 
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A mobile data terminal (MDT) is a computerized device used in emergency vehicles, taxicab
Taxicab

A taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of public transport for a single passenger, or small group of passengers, typically for a non-shared ride....
s, courier
Courier

A courier is a person or company employed to deliver messages, Parcel and mail. Couriers are distinguished from ordinary mail services by features such as speed, security, tracking, signature, specialization and individualization of services, and committed delivery times, which are optional for most everyday mail services....
 vehicles, service
Service (motor vehicle)

A motor vehicle service is a series of maintenance procedures carried out at a set time interval or after the vehicle has travelled a certain distance....
 trucks, commercial trucking fleets, military logistics, fishing fleets, warehouse inventory control, and emergency vehicles to communicate with a central dispatch
Dispatch

A dispatch or dispatches can refer to:* Dispatch , a procedure in logistics* Dispatch , an American jam band* Dispatches , a documentary show on Channel 4 in the UK...
 office.

Mobile data terminals feature a screen
Screen

Screen may refer to:...
 on which to view information and a keyboard or keypad
Keyboard technology

There are many types of Computer keyboard, usually differentiated by the switch technology employed in their operation. Since there are so many switches needed and because they have to be highly reliable, this usually defines the keyboard....
 for entering information, and may be connected to various peripheral
Peripheral

A peripheral is a device attached to a host computer behind the chipset whose primary functionality is dependent upon the host, and can therefore be considered as expanding the hosts capabilities, while not forming part of the system's core computer architecture....
 devices.






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A mobile data terminal (MDT) is a computerized device used in emergency vehicles, taxicab
Taxicab

A taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of public transport for a single passenger, or small group of passengers, typically for a non-shared ride....
s, courier
Courier

A courier is a person or company employed to deliver messages, Parcel and mail. Couriers are distinguished from ordinary mail services by features such as speed, security, tracking, signature, specialization and individualization of services, and committed delivery times, which are optional for most everyday mail services....
 vehicles, service
Service (motor vehicle)

A motor vehicle service is a series of maintenance procedures carried out at a set time interval or after the vehicle has travelled a certain distance....
 trucks, commercial trucking fleets, military logistics, fishing fleets, warehouse inventory control, and emergency vehicles to communicate with a central dispatch
Dispatch

A dispatch or dispatches can refer to:* Dispatch , a procedure in logistics* Dispatch , an American jam band* Dispatches , a documentary show on Channel 4 in the UK...
 office.

Mobile data terminals feature a screen
Screen

Screen may refer to:...
 on which to view information and a keyboard or keypad
Keyboard technology

There are many types of Computer keyboard, usually differentiated by the switch technology employed in their operation. Since there are so many switches needed and because they have to be highly reliable, this usually defines the keyboard....
 for entering information, and may be connected to various peripheral
Peripheral

A peripheral is a device attached to a host computer behind the chipset whose primary functionality is dependent upon the host, and can therefore be considered as expanding the hosts capabilities, while not forming part of the system's core computer architecture....
 devices. Standard peripherals include two-way radio
Two-way radio

A two-way radio is a radio that can both transmit and receive , unlike a broadcasting receiver which only receives content.Two-way radios are available in mobile radio, stationary base station and hand-held portable configurations....
s and taximeter
Taximeter

A taximeter is a mechanical or electronic device installed in taxicabs and auto rickshaws that calculates passenger fares based on a combination of distance travelled and waiting time....
s, both of which predate computer assisted dispatching. MDTs may be simple display and keypad units, intended to be connected to a separate black-box or AVL (see below) computer. While MDTs were originally dumb terminals] most have been replaced with fully functional PC hardware, known as MDCs (Mobile Digital Computers). While the MDC term is more correct, MDT is still widely used. Other common terms include MVC (Motor Vehicle Computer) and names of manufacturers such as iMobile.

Technology

In the earlier days of computer-aided dispatching
Computer-assisted dispatch

Computer-assisted dispatch is a method of dispatching taxicabs, couriers, field service technicians, or emergency services assisted by computer....
 (CAD), many MDT's were custom devices, used with specialized point to point radios, particularly in applications such as police dispatching. While applications like taxi and package delivery often still use custom designed terminals, many CAD systems are switching to common (or ruggedized
Rugged computer

A rugged computer is a computer specifically designed to reliably operate in harsh usage environments and conditions, such as strong vibrations, extreme temperatures and wet or dusty conditions....
) laptops and Wide-Area Wireless IP communications, utilizing the Internet or private IP networks connected to and over it.

For many industrial applications, such as commercial trucking, GIS, agriculture, mobile asset management, and other industries, custom electronic hardware is still preferred. Custom terminals use I/O interfaces that connect directly to industry-specific equipment. They are usually environmentally hardened packages with power supply protection and robust memory file systems that greatly improve reliability and task efficiency. MDT solutions that are based on ruggedized consumer products or consumer available software will typically not have the life cycle duration expected in industrial applications, over 5 years.

Typical MDT features

    • 9 VDC to 36 VDC input power.
    • Electrical transient protection, such as described in ISO 7637, Electrical disturbance on road vehicles.
    • Serial port to connect to a satellite or terrestrial radio transceiver.
    • Digital I/O to monitor external events.
    • Removable medial or I/O port of retrieving data or upgrading software.
    • Wide operating temperature -10 C to 70 C or better.
    • Drop tested to MIL-STD 810E, which specifies multiple drops from 48" to plywood over concrete.
    • Sealed against dust and liquid.
    • Connections to industry specific equipment, such as J1708 data bus for commercial truck applications.
    • Display technology specific to viewing conditions for the intended industry (LCD, TFT LCD
      TFT LCD

      File:Flat monitor.svgA thin film transistor liquid crystal display is a variant of liquid crystal display which uses thin film transistor technology to improve image quality ....
      , Vacuum fluorescent display
      Vacuum fluorescent display

      A vacuum fluorescent display is a display device used commonly on consumer-electronics equipment such as video cassette recorders, car radios, and microwave ovens....
      , CSTN).
    • Integrated un-interruptible power supply, which will ride through electrical brown-outs typical in vehicle installations.
    • Internal 802.11b transceiver (depending on target application), possibly with external antenna connection.


A related device classification, specific to the transportation industry, is called automatic vehicle location
Automatic vehicle location

Automatic vehicle location is a means for automatically determining the geographic location of a vehicle and transmitting the information to a requester....
 (AVL). Mobile data terminals are often used in conjunction with a ¨black box¨ that contains GPS receiver, cell phone transceiver, other radio devices, or interfaces to industry-specific equipment. AVL devices may be simple stand-alone modems or may include operating systems with application space for the system integrator.

Use in-vehicle

MDTs are most commonly associated with in-vehicle use. This requires the MDT to be anchored to the vehicle for driver safety, device security, and user ergonomics
Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with designing according to human needs, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance....
.

Mounts are designed for attaching MDTs to mobile workspaces into most notably automobiles, forklifts, boats, and planes. Specialized manufacturers such as Gamber Johnson and LEDCo build mounts for the specific MDT brands and models and for specific vehicles. Specialized regional metal shops and mount design integrators design MDT mounting hardware for low volume specialized applications such as forklifts and commercial boats.

MDTs generally require specific installation protocols to be followed for proper ergonomics, power and communications functionality. MDT installation companies such as USAT Corp. and TouchStar Pacific specialize in designing the mount design, assembling the proper parts, and installing them in a safe and consistent manner away from airbags, vehicle HVAC controls, and driver controls. Frequently installations will include a WAN
Wide area network

Wide Area Network is a computer network that covers a broad area . Contrast with personal area networks , local area networks , campus area networks , or metropolitan area networks which are usually limited to a room, building, campus or specific metropolitan area respectively....
 modem, power conditioning equipment, and a WAN, WLAN, and GPS antenna mounted external to the vehicle.

See also

  • Portable Data Terminal
    Portable data terminal

    A portable data terminal, or PDT, is an electronics that is used to enter or retrieve data via wireless transmission . They can also serve as barcode readers, and they are used in large stores, warehouses, hospitals, or in the field, to access a database from a remote location....