Transponder: what is it, the principle of operation, examples of use

The scope of transponders is very extensive. They are used to organize the work of satellite television, a system of toll roads, they are also used in civil and military aviation, etc. But what is a transponder? The answer to this question will require clarification.

Transponder - what is it?

Transponder is an abbreviated name from the English language, which was formed from the words transmitter and responder ("transmitter", "responder"). This is a transceiver that receives a signal and sends its own in response to it.

It can receive a signal on one frequency, amplify it and transmit it to another. Also, he is able to transmit a predetermined message in response to the received signal and generate a response signal only if the correct electronic request is made.

Given these capabilities and the frequency of the transponders that can be used to transmit / receive the signal, the scope of such devices is very large. Therefore, we will consider in more detail how and where they are used.

Satellite transponders

In satellite communications, the use of transponders goes without saying. It is thanks to these devices that communication is possible at all. In fact, the transponder is part of the satellite, intended for receiving and transmitting the signal. This signal can be amplified or transmitted at a different frequency.

Sometimes satellite transponders are installed on a satellite by dozens, and all of them are equipped with transceiving antennas. Once upon a time, one transponder broadcast only one channel, but today there are compression technologies, because of which the number of transmission channels has grown. It has reached the point that only one orbital position allows us to receive several thousand television channels.

Transponders for travel on toll roads

One of the actual applications of transponders is toll roads. The drivers mostly like this idea, as they get the opportunity to drive along a perfectly straight track, rather than go around the different pits and slow down before a broken road. But sometimes you have to postpone your trip because of the difficulty of payment.

It is worth noting that earlier the system of payment was complicated. But with the introduction of transponders in it everything has become much easier. Now the payment procedure is in electronic mode, and the driver does not stay on the road at all. But what is this - a transponder on the toll road, and how to use it?

In this industry, a transponder is a kind of device for contactless payment of travel. It can withdraw money from the driver's account as soon as the driver calls on the toll road. In this case, the driver himself does not need to stop at all.

The device is a small box that is powered by batteries. It is necessary to change these batteries approximately every seven years - so little is the energy consumed by this transceiver. In this case, it does not require any maintenance at all.

Principle of operation

The work is as follows: before leaving for the road a special point is set, at the crossing of which a fee will be charged. A driver without a transponder here has to get out and pay in cash for travel (or by bank transfer, for example a card). But the driver with the transponder just drives past, although its speed should not exceed 30 kilometers per hour. Also, it must necessarily pass through the strip on which the point with the transponder is installed.

If the light is green, the driver drives at low speed, the transponder sends a signal to the devices installed at the checkpoint. So there is a payment. The system that is installed at the checkpoint receives the transponder data, compares it with its database and determines which machine it has just driven. Based on these data, the calculation and payment of travel is made. Money is written off from the transponder account, which from time to time needs to be replenished. On the phone (in the case of installing the application), you receive a notification of the write-off of funds from the account.

After carrying out this operation, the barrier is opened and the car passes. To service toll roads there are special points where transponders are sold. Therefore, if you do not know where to buy a transponder, then just go to the toll road, and at the point of sale you can buy it from the operator. The right to purchase and use such a device is available to all: individuals and legal entities. The cost of the transponder may be different, but on average its price is within one thousand rubles. By the way, if you buy it at a sales point, then the buyers immediately receive 500 rubles. They can be spent on a toll road.

Types of car transponders

Today there are different types of transponders. And this is logical, given the fact that the practice of using these devices came from abroad. In European countries, any vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tons should have a transponder. And it does not matter whether it belongs to a legal entity or an individual. They should be equipped even those cars that came from other countries.

Currently, these types of transponders are used:

1. EasyGo.
2. AutoPASS.

The cost of EasyGo and AutoPASS transponders is approximately equal, and they both work in the same way, so it does not matter which one you choose.

Features of using transponders

To keep the device working properly and not "tupilo" during the passage of the post, it must be installed on the windshield of the car. At the same time, it must be attached to a clean dry glass so that during the movement the transponder does not fall off. In general, the installation is extremely simple:

1. Choose a sunny day when the temperature outside the window is +15 degrees. Otherwise, there is a chance that the glue will not catch the appliance for planting.
2. Rinse and treat with alcohol the place where the transponder will be "planted". Alcohol is needed for degreasing.
3. Take the device out of the box. On one side will be an adhesive strip. Remove it without touching the adhesive side with your fingers.
4. Hold the transponder to the defatted place and hold it for 10 seconds.

Depending on whether a device is glued to a truck or a car, it needs to be fastened either at the top of the glass (on a passenger car) or down (on a freight car). It goes without saying that the janitors should not close the transponder in the operating or idle state. This can interfere with signal transmission, and then the reader can not determine your transponder. In this case, the barrier will not open and you can not drive.

Where can I buy a transponder?

Now you know what it is - transponder. But where is it better to buy it? Do not try to buy it online. These devices are sold only at specialized points of sale. These points are located at the places of charging for the fare on the road.

The process of purchasing a device involves the conclusion of a contract that provides for the specifics of the provision of services using a transponder. Individuals to obtain this device need to write an application on a special form and attach to it documents: a passport (necessarily the original) or another document proving the identity and place of registration. It is also necessary to indicate contact details, submit a document on tax registration, an extract from the register of entrepreneurs or legal entities. Of course, for individuals it's easier.

Advantages for the driver

The simplest and most obvious advantage is facilitating the travel through payment points. The driver will no longer have to queue and wait for cars to pass ahead of him before he can drive. Sometimes the queue can consist of hundreds of cars. The travel point will take only 3 seconds, with a complete stop is not required (you will have to drive at a speed of 30 km / h). Also, the use of a transponder involves a discount. Usually, drivers with transponders pay 5% less than those who pay for cash in cash.

Also in the payment points there are 2 queues: the usual one for cars with transponders. As you already knew, the queue with transponders moves much faster. In addition, all operations for payment and withdrawal of money are controlled, and for them you can receive an extract at any time. In the personal account is available the functionality of transferring money from one transponder to another. It's comfortable.

Frequently asked Questions

Can I install the device not on the windshield? You can install the transponder even in the trunk. It is possible, he even from the trunk will work, but there is no guarantee. Installation on the windshield is recommended not just so: it is desirable that the device was in line of sight.

Is there radiation from the device? There is no radiation, since the device is inactive out of payment points. It works for 30 seconds (when the payment point passes), and the radiation from it during this time is 10 times weaker than from the mobile phone in the standby mode.

What is the service life of the transponder? On average, transponders on one battery "live" for 7 years. After it is discharged, you can turn to the selling point - there they can simply replace it with a new one.