LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Stemco has introduced a wireless system that measures mileage and tire pressure on dual wheel-ends.

The Bat RF system consists of four components: The HandBat is a handheld reader; the AirBat which continually measures tire pressures; the TracBat for tracking mileage; and the DataBat – software that organizes all the data and displays it on a personal computer.

The HandBat is an optional reader that displays precise information on an LCD display. It has a reading distance of three to five feet and can store up to 400 reads. Stemco officials say the HandBat RF is the key point of contact for the Bat RF system, however about one reader can service a fleet of several hundred units.

The AirBat RF can be used with or without the HandBat reader. The system provides a quick visual read with lights that indicate if a tire is over- or under-inflated, so a driver doesn’t need to have a HandBat reader with him while on the road. If a tire is under the pre-determined minimum tire pressure, the light blinks once while it blinks twice if it is above the maximum acceptable tire pressure. Both the minimum and maximum acceptable tire pressures are customizable.

The AirBat can be installed in less then 10 minutes, Stemco officials claim, and it has a battery life of four years (batteries are non-replaceable).

The TracBat RF is an accurate mileage counter that can be used for billing, payroll, maintenance or cost-per-mile calculations. The unit is mounted on the wheel end where it records each mile. It is readable by the HandBat reader and also has a digital display on the unit itself.

The DataBat RF makes it easy for fleets or owner/operators to track all the information provided by the Bat RF system. It’s a proprietary software package that can be downloaded onto a personal computer to facilitate tracking and reporting of data.

Stemco says readings can easily be cross-referenced and used to update logs. The information can also be exported to a fleet’s existing maintenance or business software, the company reports.

Although the cost of the system has yet to be finalized, it’s approximately US$600 to equip a trailer (not including the HandBat which costs about US$500 itself), says Stemco president, Richard Andrews.

The company has developed a payback calculator, which shows an average payback time of one year (the system is designed to last for four). The payback is based on projected savings resulting from reduced downtime, increased productivity and less roadside assistance calls.

Currently, the equipment only works with dual wheel ends. For more information, visit www.batrf.com.