Oct/Nov 2006

CarBox is the snappy name for an all-in-one telematics "black box" developed by Belgian company Punch Telematix. It incorporates GPS receiver for positioning and a GSM/GPRS modem for wireless connectivity, plus various interfaces for reading data from the vehicle systems. The company says it is suitable for all sizes of vehicle, not just cars.

Integral to the latest version is a compact GSM/GPRS module, the GM862, from Italian manufacture Telit. It measures just only 44 by 44 by 6.7 mm and weighs just 23 grams. Its GPRS module is a quad-band unit supporting frequencies from 824 MHz to 1900 MHz. It is said to meet the new RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) requirements.