Caterpillar Marine Power Systems announces
the availability of gplink, a satellite/cellular-based tracking, monitoring,
and notification system for Cat-powered yachts and vessels.
The gplink system is designed to protect vessels by
monitoring engine operating parameters and engine diagnostic codes as well as
on-board critical systems such as bilge levels, fire alarms, low batteries and
power interruption. It can provide immediate notification via e-mail, SMS,
and/or phone of any critical alarm or event.
“We are excited about the addition of gplink to all of our
Cat-powered boats. If a service visit is required, gplink will communicate the
diagnostic information to the nearest Cat service center who will arrange
everything that is needed to get you back out on the water as quickly as
possible,” says Bruce Angel, senior vice president of product development and
engineering, construction management, and customer service for Hatteras and
CABO Yachts, in a Caterpillar press release. “Hatteras and CABO have a long
history of introducing new technologies, standards, and processes in the
recreational marine industry. The addition of gplink to all of our Cat-powered
vessels is just another example of how both brands are continually working to
provide the very best products for our customers."
Through the utilization of dual band cellular technology
with GSM communications, as well as the Iridium satellite system, gplink can
provide vessel coverage on a global basis, Caterpillar says. The system’s
Geo-Fence feature lets the vessel operator set up a precise boundary within
which the boat should be operating or docked. Any unauthorized movement outside
that boundary will prompt an immediate notification from gplink to the vessel
operator.
Trained Caterpillar Technical experts in the gplink call
center support gplink’s monitoring of a
vessel’s critical engine parameters. They can remotely access any fault codes
or operating conditions, review a vessel’s alarm status, troubleshoot any
engine conditions and potentially eliminate a service technician’s preliminary
visit to a vessel, Caterpillar says.
Beyond showing real-time data, gplink also archives all
account data, which can be referenced at any time, the company says. The vessel
owner will receive reports and monthly updates on maintenance that is coming
due, alarms received during the month, a complete engine diagnostic report, and
important updates from the vessel manufacturer.