Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/109778
POLICE EQUIPMENT NEWS FLEET MANAGEMENT SENIOR MANAGEMENT ADVERTISER INDEX PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT RAM Safe-T-Charge��� Battery Protection System This shutdown timer prevents dead batteries...an upfit must. By Brad Brewer www.rammount.com As law enforcement embraces more and more mobile assures offcers will always be able to start their vehicle. This fextechnology, we often forget the demands this places ibility is important due to the diversity of equipment installed in on a vehicle���s electrical system. In addition to the police vehicles across North America. The RAM Safe-T-Charge��� traditional laptops and land mobile radios, becoming more fts any agencys��� needs no matter what they have in their vehicles. commonplace are license-plate recognition systems, mobile The RAM Safe-T-Charge��� offers an audible tone starting fve video systems, infrared cameras, and e-ticketing systems. minutes before the timer shuts off power to the devices, and conAftermarket equipment parasitic amp draw is a real and sigtinuing every minute until the power is shut down. This ensures the nifcant feet management and feet maintenance issue. Many deuser is aware that battery power to connected peripherals will shut partments have installed second batteries to help with this issue, down. The on board over-ride switch enables the user to bypass the but in some vehicles this is either not an option, or in the case timed shut-off feature in the case of an emergency or other event that of the Ford CVPI, not recommended. Battery venting issues and requires immediate access to device power. hard, heavy objects in the trunk are reasons not to inThe RAM Safe-T-Charge��� is a shutdown stall a trunk-mounted battery in the CVPI. timer, which is sometimes referred to as a RAM Mounts USA, a Seattle Wash.delay timer. It protects the vehicle���s batbased company, has been around tery from over discharge and equipment since the early 1990s making from low voltage and high voltage damhigh-quality police vehicle prodage. If an offcer had no choice and had ucts. Long known for producing to get a jump start, they would probmounts for pretty much everyably not think to remove the laptop thing electronic, RAM Mounts has and shut off other onboard equipbeen the choice for high-quality conment before the boost. The potential soles and laptop docking stations by damage from a voltage spike during law enforcement for years. the jump is a signifcant concern. It is only natural that a company Specifc to the RAM Safe-T-Charge��� is the easily accesspecializing in mounts for electronic sible manual override switch that can be quickly initiated RAM Safe-T-Charge��� is a devices would introduce a solution by an offcer without the need to move a protective cover or high-quality, multi-functional touch any wires. Engaging the override switch circumvents to the parasitic amp draw from those delay timer built in the USA. devices. RAM recently introduced a the timer logic to ensure power is supplied to all connected new run-down protection device that devices, such as the land mobile radio or laptop computer. is inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to operate. Quick to install and made of high-quality materials by an all-AmerThe affordable and feature-rich RAM Safe-T-Charge��� is deican company, the RAM Safe-T-Charge��� is one of the lowest-cost signed to protect the electrical system and battery on any on-road battery saving devices on the market today. Even with the low price, or off-road vehicle or boat. With multiple confgurations available it is one of highest in features and functionality. The RAM Safe-Tthrough onboard dip switches, the RAM Safe-T-Charge��� can be Charge��� comes with a lifetime warranty on the mechanical housing, confgured to shut down connected devices either by a trigger and a two-year warranty on the internal electronics and connectors. coming from the ignition of the vehicle or by sensing a drop in the DC voltage below a level capable of starting the engine. Sergeant Brad Brewer is a 22-year member of the Vancouver Police Department. This battery saving solution is important given the increasing govHe sits on the Ford Police Advisory Board and regularly gives presentations ernment pressure on law enforcement to reduce vehicle idle times. at law enforcement conferences on mobile computing, wireless technology The cost of one dead battery, vehicle jump start or tow bill, and offcer and police vehicle ergonomics. He can be reached at sgt1411@gmail.com. out-of-service time far exceeds the costs of the RAM Safe-T-Charge���. Post your comments on this story by visiting The best part is each agency can easily select a predetermined LaO www.lawandordermag.com duration of time before the connected devices shut down. This 76 LAW and ORDER I February 2013