Heavy Duty Dash Cams

Dashcams are becoming more and more popular with the transportation industry. These devices are a solid investment for many reasons.

First, because they provide evidence and information to authorities in the event of a crash. This can be very helpful in reducing your liability and protecting your driving record.

Second, dash cams provide helpful feedback and information for businesses and drivers. The devices we carry at Walco Radio are designed to give you information about the road behind, your cargo loading and unloading. This can be of great value in the event inventory is missing or damaged.

At Walco we carry BlackVue heavy duty dash cameras. The image is HD and designed for the transportation industry. Recreational units do not have the durability needed for commercial purposes.

The unit is a waterproof and infrared rear camera which is connected to the front via 49ft of video cable. It also has built in wifi and GPS via the app. Further, these devices have impact and motion detection.

Have questions? We would love to answer them. We also install dash cams!

 

2 Way Sat Devices

Things are changing here at Walco Radio! We have new partners, and a line up of new products to better serve our customers! You spoke and we listened.

InReach Two-Way Satellite Devices

We are now carrying InReach Explorer and SE products! These devices offer two-way satellite communications. It’s like texting, via satellite! The Explorer also doubles as a GPS unit!  Want the full rundown? You can get that in the product brochure! Plus InReach devices pair with your smartphone!

 

Come check out our new products and services today!

Kamloops Crime Rash: Protecting Assets


There has been a rash of burglaries and break-ins over the last few months in Kamloops. The spree seems to have started in late April, when 12 local businesses were targeted.[1] Most people have suffered some property loss due to theft. However, when it becomes more than a sporadic event, people and businesses are forced to contemplate ways to take action to protect valuables. At Walco, we are eager to tell people about new technologies that may help.

Vehicles and equipment are very attractive for criminals. Such items have inherent value and can be used by the criminals or sold. In this way, equipment is much like the notoriously preferred cellular phone.  Historically, cellular phones have been a favorite of criminals due to their difficultly to trace, inherent value, and the ease in which they are taken. To combat this problem, more and more cellular devices are coming equipped with tracking applications. This trend is branching into other areas. Thus, similar to the ‘find my iPhone’ feature, Spot has come out with a device called the ‘Trace’.

This device is a GPS tracker which is installed on the vehicle or equipment. A membership allows for satellite tracking of the asset. In other words, the asset can be traced even outside of cellular coverage. Interface with the device is easy, allowing for emails or text messages when the asset moves (including Google Map tracking). Updates are customizable for 2.5, 5, 10, 30 or 60 minutes. Settings are configured through the Spot website.

Installation is easy and quickly explained in this tongue and cheek video from Spot.

Specifications include: [2]

  • Size:  2.02 in (5.13 cm) high, by  2.69 in (6.83 cm) wide, by .95 in (2.14 cm) thick;
  • Weight: 3.1 oz. (87.9 g);
  • Operating Parameters: -22 F to 140 F (-30 C to 60 C), 328 ft. to 21,320 ft. (-100 m to 6,500 m);
  • Vibration Rated: per SAE J1455;
  • Waterproof rated: IPX7 (1 m for up to 30 minutes).

We have heard of at least one major piece of equipment returned to the owner via use of the Spot Trace. Other customers have reported insurance deductions due to use of the Spot Trace on equipment. At Walco, we would be happy to discuss whether this device is right for you!

 

 

[1] http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/kamloops-businesses-blitzed-by-burglars/

[2] http://www.bloomberg.com/article/2013-11-14/a2QGwaevwFL0.html

Huawei Smart Hub

 This week, we will take one step further in achieving signal in remote locations. Boosters and the Huawei Smart Hub work together to make the most of what signal is available. The Smart Hub can be set up in the same location as the booster, thereby receiving the strongest signal while allowing for maximum range.

Never heard of a Smart Hub? It is essentially a router for data signal. Simply plug the Smart Hub into a power source, connect to the Telus 4G network, and you have high speed internet for up to 32 devices. The Smart Hub is also telephone line compatible, acting as a portable home phone.

B890huawei_b890

The Smart Hub requires its own Telus plan and SIM card. The SIM card is a onetime purchase concurrent with the Smart Hub. The plan options vary with costs relative to your particular needs. The benefit of these requirements is you can take your number and your data plan with you.

Telus notes the Smart Hub as ideal for those who:[1]

  • Live outside the range of ADSL or cable broadband access and want High Speed Internet;
  • Have a cottage or cabin and want High Speed Internet and home phone service services seasonally;
  • Frequent movers, renters and students who want to keep their home phone number and get online the same day they move in;
  • Want to quickly and easily setup connectivity without installation costs. Simply plug the device into an AC power source to get connected wherever there is TELUS 4G coverage;
  • Need to share data and provide connectivity to multiple users at a single location. You can connect up to 32 users via Wi-Fi with the latest Wi-Fi technology (802.11n).

 A further benefit of the Smart Hub is the support Telus provides for this product. The Telus site offers guidance on installation, resetting and updating your Smart Hub.[2] While this device is very simple to set up, outlined instructions take the guess work out of installation.

At Walco, we know how frustrating it can be struggling for signal. We have many customers who use this product concurrently with a booster to much success. We would be happy to help you establish if this product is right for you, and set you up with the right plan for your needs.

 
 

[1] http://mobility.telus.com/en/BC/huawei_b890/index.shtml

[2] http://mobility.telus.com/en/BC/Huawei-B890-LTE/how-to-004302.shtml

Dash Cameras

Mediasonic

The role video cameras have in our lives has been changing in recent years.  Historically, cameras were primarily for building security from theft and burglary. However, new uses have arisen as our world becomes more alert to the possibilities of technology.  Vehicle cameras represent a natural progression. Dash mounted cameras, or ‘dash cams’ are installed to capture incidents while driving or while the owner is away.[1] Police were among the first to utilize this technology, but private owners are becoming more and more likely to buy in. Already notoriously popular in Russia, [2] dash cams are on the rise in Canada.

Dash cams offer the same protection as cameras on buildings. When considered in this light, it is strange it has taken this long to develop the application. Vehicles are valuable property, and subject to a greater variety of risks. Dash cameras provide two obvious benefits in this regard. First, these devices capture on road accidents and incidents as they occur. This provides key information to insurance providers and other stakeholders in an accident. Second, vehicles are especially subject to break-ins and vandalism. Dash cams capture incidents occurring while the owner or driver is not present.

Dash cams are easy to use and do not require a technical background for use or installation. At Walco Radio, we are proud to carry Mediasonic products. The MLG-7017CVR is battery operated with a USB charger. Installation is a snap, including a suction cup for secure, but adjustable, dash positioning. This device takes up to a 32G SD card to store video and audio. More advanced equipment is also available for order, including the BlackVue 2-channel hi-definition camera. Whether you are a private owner suffering from keying or dents from neighboring cars, or a business owner with a fleet of vehicles navigating the busy streets of British Columbia- a dash cam is the perfect way to protect your vehicle.

 

 


[1] Farrah Merali, “Dashcam records lane change gone wrong on B.C. highway”, find at: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/dashcam-records-lane-change-gone-wrong-on-b-c-highway-1.1329371.

[2] Devon Lavrinc, “Why almost everyone in Russia has a dash cam,” find at: http://www.wired.com/2013/02/russian-dash-cams/.