Illustration 1 | g00663515 |
The Product Link is a satellite communication device that transmits information regarding the machine back to Caterpillar and Caterpillar Dealers and Customers. The unit contains a Global Positioning System and a satellite transmitter/receiver. The Product Link is compatible with the communication protocol that is used on the CAT data link. All logged events and diagnostic codes that are available to the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) on the CAT data link can be sent to the satellite. The Product Link is not compatible with the communication protocol that is used on the ATA data link for on-highway trucks.
The system is capable of two-way communication between the machine and a remote user (the dealer or customer). At any time, a user can request updated information from a machine. Also, the system parameters for the Product Link module can be changed. The information goes from the machine to a satellite. Then, the information goes to the ground station. The receiving station transmits the data to Caterpillar. The information can then be sent to Caterpillar Dealers and Customers.