How to Ensure Uninterrupted Communication During a Disaster? Novatel's Next-Generation Disaster and Emergency Communication Trailer
Communication during a disaster remains uninterrupted thanks to mobile base stations, redundant power infrastructure, and remotely monitored IoT systems. Developed entirely with domestic engineering resources by Novatel Communications, the Next Generation Disaster and Emergency Communication Trailer can be deployed on-site in minutes by a single operator, creates coverage with its 5-meter extending antenna platform, and operates with a three-layered energy architecture powered by solar, battery, and generator systems.
The biggest technical weakness observed in the field after the February 6th earthquakes was the inability of teams from different regions to coordinate due to the outage of GSM operators and fixed communication infrastructures. In this article, we explain how the trailer works; its mechanical design, three-layered energy architecture, IoT-based management capabilities, and the problem it solved in the field.
Why is communication so critical during a disaster?
Türkiye's geopolitical location and its position in an earthquake zone make communication continuity the most critical parameter in disaster management processes. The biggest disadvantage of fixed radio networks is their inability to support teams that are relocated during a disaster or deployed to areas without any infrastructure. This is because many organizations cannot bring their communication infrastructure with them when they arrive in an earthquake zone from different cities.
The question that needs to be answered at this point is clear: how can coverage be provided to field teams when the existing fixed infrastructure collapses? The answer is a mobile base station that can move the coverage area along with the team.
What is the purpose of the Novatel Disaster Emergency Communication Trailer?
The Novatel Next Generation Disaster and Emergency Communications Trailer is designed to meet two fundamental operational needs in a single platform. First, to close dead zones in your existing radio network; second, to create an independent communications hub within minutes at a location with no existing infrastructure.
Once deployed to the disaster area, the device can be activated with a single person's setup and begins operating as a mobile base station. This allows the communication infrastructure needed for coordination in the field to move along with the team.
“As wireless communications experts, the main problem we saw was the lack of mobility in radio networks and the inability of fixed networks to support mobile teams.”
— Serdar Topal, Electronics and Communications Engineer / Project Manager
How to assemble a trailer by one person? Mechanical design and transportation.
The trailer's mechanical design is based on the "One Person - Quick Setup" doctrine. Setup operations that typically require at least two people on-site can be performed by a single operator with this system.
Transport capacity and traffic certification
The chassis has a load capacity of 1350 kg and is manufactured with O1/O2 certification in accordance with the Highway Traffic Regulations. You can attach it to a vehicle with a tow hook by yourself and travel, and activate it when you arrive at the location where you will install it.
Antenna platform and stabilization
Upon arrival at the site, the handbrake is applied, the stabilizing legs are lowered, and the antenna platform is manually deployed to a height of 5 meters, creating a coverage area. This ensures a stable working environment even in sites with varying ground conditions.
"It usually takes at least two people to set up a trailer on the site; but this trailer can be easily set up by one person."
— Mehmet Arslan, Technical Director, Novatel Communications
Three-tier energy architecture: solar, battery, generator.
One of the system's strongest features is its hybrid energy infrastructure, which minimizes external dependence. To prevent communication disruptions, three different energy sources operate in a hierarchical structure.
1. Solar generation (first layer)
The trailer has a total of 3 solar panels. Each panel has a power of 585 watts, and the system has an installed power of approximately 1700 watts.
2. Gel battery storage (second layer)
The generated energy is stored in four 200-amp gel battery banks. The system operates on 24 volts DC, directly powering the radio systems. Additionally, thanks to the AC outlets on the trailer, you can also power your AC-powered devices, computers, and network equipment in the field.
3. Automatic generator and external power supply (third layer)
When the battery voltage drops below a certain level, the control module on the trailer automatically activates the generator. The generator automatically deactivates when the batteries reach sufficient capacity. In the event of a generator malfunction, the system can be powered externally via the 220-volt power supply on the trailer, ensuring communication remains operational under all conditions.
“The automatic generator kicks in when the voltage of our batteries drops; and when the capacity reaches a certain level, the generator automatically switches off.”
— Salih Kızılay, RF Systems Engineer, Novatel Communications
How does IoT-based remote management and security work?
The Novatel Disaster Emergency Communication Trailer is not just a power and tower source, but also a field asset that can be remotely monitored and managed. The integration of IoT devices enhances the system's remote monitoring and control capabilities.
Field security with thermal and 360° cameras.
The trailer is equipped with an IoT-enabled thermal camera and a 360-degree camera. This allows for continuous monitoring of the site's surroundings.
Access control and unauthorized intrusion alert.
All doors on the trailer that are open to tampering are monitored by sensors. If any door is opened without authorization, the system automatically sends an alert to the central management platform.
Remote control of lighting and generator.
The lighting systems and generator on the trailer are also connected to the IoT infrastructure. These components can be switched on and off remotely, allowing operators to manage the system without having to go to the field.
Integration of disaster scenarios with SOS buttons.
The SOS buttons, developed by Novatel in collaboration with its partners and specifically added to the trailer, are integrated with the system and included in the disaster and emergency communication scenario. Emergency signals from the field are transmitted to the command center via the trailer.
Triple redundant communication: secure and uninterrupted field operation.
Communication is crucial during a disaster; secure communication is even more crucial; and uninterrupted communication is paramount. The Novatel Next Generation Disaster and Emergency Communication Trailer offers a triple-redundant system that addresses these three needs on a single platform, thanks to its three-layered energy architecture, IoT-based remote management, and mechanical structure that can be set up by a single person.
When the system is deployed in the field, all the communication infrastructure that the teams will need is carried on a single platform. When installed in a fixed location, it provides the ability to integrate dispersed scenarios and manage them from a single source. The primary purpose of the trailer's design is to provide mobility in communication.
Technical specifications: at a glance
- Load capacity: 1350 kg
- Certification: Certified with O1/O2, compliant with Highway Traffic Regulations.
- Antenna platform: Telescopic tower that opens to a height of 5 meters with a manual cocking lever.
- Solar panel: 3 x 585 W (~1700 W installed power)
- Battery pack: 4 x 200 Ah gel batteries
- DC system: 24 V
- Backup power supply: Automatically activated generator + 220V external power supply input.
- IoT components: Thermal camera, 360° camera, door access sensors, remote lighting and generator control, SOS button integration.
- Setup: It can be commissioned with a single employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the trailer assembled by one person alone?
Yes. While radio base station installation is typically done by at least two people in the field, on the Novatel trailer it is performed by a single operator. The operator attaches the trailer to the vehicle with a tow hook, engages the handbrake at the destination, lowers the mounting brackets, and opens the antenna platform by turning the crank.
How does the system continue to operate when there aren't enough solar panels?
The system has a three-layered energy architecture. Solar power is stored in four 200-amp gel batteries. When the battery voltage drops below a certain level, the control module on the trailer automatically activates the generator. In case of a problem with the generator, the 220-volt external power supply is activated.
What does the O1/O2 certificate mean, and can a trailer be transported with any vehicle?
O1/O2 is the classification of trailers under the Highway Traffic Regulations and certifies that the trailer can operate in traffic according to vehicle regulations. The Novatel Disaster Emergency Communication Trailer can be towed by a single operator by being attached to a vehicle with a tow hook.
How can the system be integrated into our existing radio infrastructure?
The trailer can be used to fill dead zones in your existing radio network, or it can function as a standalone communications hub in areas without any infrastructure. Radio systems are powered via a 24V DC system; AC outputs allow your network equipment and other devices to be deployed from the same platform.
Can the trailer be monitored remotely?
Yes. The thermal camera, 360-degree camera, door access sensors, lighting systems, and generator are connected to the IoT infrastructure. The system status can be monitored remotely, components such as lighting and the generator can be turned on and off remotely; unauthorized door openings are automatically transmitted as alarms to the central system.
Result: The new standard for field communication.
Novatel Next Generation Disaster and Emergency Communication TrailerWith its mechanical design that can be installed by a single person, its three-layered energy architecture, and IoT-based remote management capabilities, it is designed to ensure communication continuity in disaster management. This system is more than just an engineering product; it is a strategic disaster management tool that ensures sustained coordination in the field.
"Total Solution" Capability Comes from 25 Years of Field Experience
The collapse of critical infrastructure is not a fate. It's a risk that can be prevented with the right strategy, the right technology, and the right solution partner. Novatel's solution philosophy is based on proactive protection and increasing system resilience, not reactive intervention.
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