Published: Ref:  October 2007  AM297

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Introduction
Alpha Micro Components were approached by Microsoft to help provide satellite tracking for 6 of their employees’ bold attempt to swim across the English channel. The device had to be able to report accurately and reliably their exact position during the 21 mile swim, which would take about 14 hours. 

The swimmers from Reading trained for several months in preparation for the adventurous challenge, during which they were going to swim in rotation for an hour each until they would reach the coast of France. Strict rules were going to be applied for the challenge – they would not be allowed to wear wet suits or make physical contact with the guide boat whilst swimming.

The project required the ability to use the latest GPS tracking technology in a cold sea environment and rapidly changing weather conditions. The device would also have to be able to operate off shore in international waters.

Solution
Alpha Micro decided to provide its AMC2300 GPS/GPRS tracking device, to transmit GPS positional data over the available mobile phone networks to show the swimmers’ location to an accuracy of within three metres. Alpha Micro also provided its own software for the project including a dedicated tracing website.

 
Following a successful installation of the device on the boat, the members of the team were able to provide their exact position and live online commentary. Those interested were able to watch the swimmers’ progress in real-time using Alpha Micro’s website which incorporated the latest mapping technology courtesy of Microsoft’s Virtual Earth mapping portal.

James Butler, Account Technology Strategist, Microsoft UK commented: “Our swim was watched across the globe, from Reading to Hong Kong in real time with comments from Microsoftee’s being sent by SMS to keep us going.”

The team was successfully tracked until its arrival in France close to Cap Gris Nez. So far, the swim helped to raise over £6,000 for the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust.  You can view their progress by visiting the on-line website  that was create to record the whole event: www.amslivetrac.com

Comment
Stuart Colville, Senior Software Architect, Alpha Micro Systems, commented: “The project was a bit of a departure for Alpha Micro, because we normally provide solutions for vehicle and personal tracking systems used by companies, to monitor the location and progress of their fleet vehicles and personnel in real time. We had to modify our hardware and build a bespoke website tailored for the Channel swim. We had to work fast as we had only two weeks to assemble and test all the equipment and build the website. It’s a good way to showcase the technology - and it was all for a good cause too.”

James Butler, Account Technology Strategist, Microsoft UK said: "The Microsoft crowd are often the ‘hardest to impress’ as they get to see the latest technology all the time, so it is always an achievement to get a ‘wow’ from our colleagues and Alpha Micro did just that. I have no doubt sharing the event live boosted our fundraising significantly.  I have heard of ‘one phone call solutions’ but never seen it in action, Alpha Micro pulled it off effortlessly for us, surpassing our expectations. From everyone… Great Effort!"

Alpha Micro Systems was set up as a subsidiary of Alpha Micro Components in 2006 to provide back office services and mapping solutions to compliment the hardware designed by Alpha Micro Components offering customers complete GPS and GPRS tracking solutions. The software team is based in Dundee with the hardware team in Basingstoke.

To donate please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/channelswim2007

Last Updated: 04/01/2008 19:37:36