Pushing all the right buttons

Instead of metres and metres of cable to connect each bell push to the bus's battery, the Wireless Bell Push uses no battery or wires, but uses a microchip radio transmitter. When a passenger presses the bell push, this small action is converted into enough energy to transmit a signal to the receiver module, that in-turn signals the stop sign and sounds the bell. The signal generated by the transmitter is unique to each individual bell push, ensuring that there is no cross over interference between the other bell pushes on the bus or for that matter other buses on the road. For the Wireless Bell Push, the receiver module is connected to the bus's electrical system. The bell pushes are then fitted into place. Each bell push is programmed to the receiver module to create, for example, four logical circuits - downstairs, upstairs, wheelchair and priority sitting. Threading up to 100 metres of cable to individual bell pushes on a bus, including all the machining to fit the bell pushes can be a lengthy operation. The wireless bell push removes a lot of this fitting time and the cost of all the cable helping to create a more efficient production line. Such a simple fitting also benefits bus operators who no longer have the bus off the road for elongated periods whilst tracing cable which has shorted due to worn insulation. Again speeding up the down time to ensure the bus is back on the road quickly.

(Source www.ringautomotive.co.uk, 01.09.2011)