1. Application Story
In-vehicle printer records refuse collection loads
With the introduction of the UK government’s new Landfill Tax, an increasing number of
waste management companies need a precise and reliable method of weighing and
recording refuse collection loads. This is important to ensure accurate correlation between
the amount of tax charged and the amount of waste deposited in landfill sites.
One solution to this problem is Maywood On Board’s electronic weighing unit, ‘Loadwatcher’.
For refuse collection purposes, this unit is fitted into the driver’s cab in the refuse collection
vehicle (RCV) and produces a reading after each collection, displaying load weight, date and
time information. This data can then be downloaded and recorded. To do this, Maywood On
Board selected the Ap800 mini-printer from Able Systems.
A hard copy of this information can be used as a record of collection and proof of
underloading. Once the RCV enters the landfill site, the record of the total weight of waste
to be unloaded can be used to calculate the exact amount of tax payable.
To enable the system to work, Maywood needed a printer which could be easily interfaced to
the ‘Loadwatcher’ unit, and was compact enough to allow the system to fit neatly inside the
vehicle cab. Another issue faced in the printer selection was that of changing ink ribbons on
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2. Application Story
impact models, a messy procedure which could cause costly delays to collection rounds.
Able System’s Ap800 mini-printer addressed all of these problems. Measuring just 102mm
(width) by 158mm (depth) by 82mm (height) this printer fits neatly into the ‘Loadwatcher’
unit, and slots discreetly into the vehicle cab. The option of a mounting bracket means that
the printer can be fitted to the dashboard and clipped in and out, enabling it to be quickly
and easily removed for maintenance and security purposes.
Its fast print speed of four lines per second across 24 columns means that the Ap800 causes
no hindrance to refuse collection rounds, and is reliability of one million lines MCBF (Mean
Cycle Before Failure) reduces downtimes and maintenance costs.
Because it incorporates a thermal print mechanism, whereby characters are marked onto the
paper by heat rather than ink, the troublesome task of changing the ink ribbon is eliminated,
as none is required. This makes the Ap800 a more convenient and less time consuming
device for vehicle operators. Another important feature in further reducing time wastage is
that the paper roll is easily accessed by opening the top cover of the printer. A ‘paper low’
indicator ensures that drivers are less likely to be caught unprepared, as it will give advance
warning to have a replacement paper roll available. Simple push button operation on both
the weighing system and the printer ensures that ‘Loadwatcher’ causes minimum
interruption to the refuse collection process.
Able System’s robust Ap800 printer has provided Maywood On Board with a compact
solution to recording vehicle load data in an easily accessible form. This data can then be
used as a record and proof of refuse collection and allows waste management companies to
ensure they are not overcharged for the Landfill Tax.
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