Portman Security Systems USA, a manufacturer of global positioning system (GPS) tracking devices, has developed a new line of products for managing mobile assets. The self-contained units are the solar-powered TLU, and wind-powered WP100. The "green" devices are designed to sit unobtrusively atop a trailer. Totally weatherproof, they track location, temperature changes, tire pressure and door access. The Portman TLU is a solar-powered logistics device which incorporates all of the functionality of a GPS tracking unit, eliminating the need to connect to a truck's power supply. It houses its own motion sensors and GPS and GSM antenna, capable of operating up to a month without sunlight. The STLU variant can automatically switch over to the Iridium Satellite Network to continue reporting data in remote locations where there is no GSM coverage. The WP100 tracking device operates via an independent wind-powered turbine generator. Well-suited for vehicles on the move, the self-contained unit installs easily, charges its own batteries while in motion and provides the necessary telemetry to track all mobile assets, according to Portman. The company's tracking devices are designed for trucks, trailers, plant equipment, automobiles and motorcycles, as well as pet and personal tracking.
