Your fleet operates in some of the most demanding environments-busy roadways, unpredictable weather, tight schedules, and high-stakes situations where every second counts. In these conditions, your equipment needs to respond instantly, reliably, and intelligently.
Core® Control Systems are designed for exactly that. They give your team unmatched control over vehicle lighting and warning equipment, turning complex functions into simple, predictable workflows. By reducing complexity, Core helps your fleet operate safely, stay visible, and respond confidently in every environment.
Now, Core is even more powerful. Core+ builds on Core’s trusted capabilities with a suite of intelligent, connected features that automate more tasks, reduce downtime, and give you greater control from day one. From geofence-controlled automation to over-the-air updates, Core+ keeps your fleet mission-ready, efficient, and, most importantly, safe.
Below are answers to the most common questions about Core+. Whether you’re managing a single vehicle or a large fleet, this FAQ explains how Core+ can help your team automate critical tasks, stay up to date, and maintain the highest levels of safety and performance on every mission.
Core+ is a set of Core Enhancement Features that add connected functionality, automation tools, and remote maintenance capabilities. They improve fleet management, enhance safety on the road and at the scene, and allow systems to stay up to date without additional cost.
Each Core+ system comes with:
- A Vehicle Safety Gateway® (VSG®) and antenna of your choice (roof or internal glass mount)
- An account in the Whelen Cloud Platform® (WCP®) with Core+ features (geofence-controlled technology, device lock, and OTA firmware and configuration updates) enabled
- Five years of included Core+ service at no additional cost
No. Everything needed is included with your Core+ system - just install the VSG and antenna.
Core+ is compatible with all models that support VSG connectivity: Core, Core-S®, Core-R®, and Core-R DOT.
Yes. At any time, Core+ vehicles can be upgraded to purchase the full Whelen Cloud Platform for premium features like live maps, analytics, historical playback, and traffic preemption.
Core+ automates tasks like adjusting lighting patterns/siren tones, triggering alerts, and coordinating vehicle behavior. This reduces cognitive load and improves situational awareness so responders can focus on the mission.
Geofence-controlled technology automates vehicle functions based on location, improving safety and efficiency. Common uses include:
- Adjusting flash patterns and sirens at intersections
- Receiving in-cab alerts for hazardous roadways
- Activating cruise lights in work zones, neighborhoods, and school areas
- Triggering Digital Voice Message (DVM) tones for natural disasters or active emergencies
- Reducing siren volume in school zones during school hours
- Controlling warning equipment based on vehicle location
When a vehicle enters or exits a designated geographic area, the system automatically triggers the programmed behavior, such as changing light patterns or sending alerts - instantly, with no manual input.
Yes. Authorized Core+ users can create fully custom geofences with flexible sizes and shapes - up to 256 points per geofence - allowing agencies to tailor automation to their exact operational needs.Please note that geofences smaller than 120 square meters may not behave as expected, and users will receive an alert during setup.
Core+ connected features - including geofence-controlled technology, device lock, and over-the-air updates - require LTE cellular coverage to function. Availability may vary by location.
OTA updates simplify fleet management and keep systems current:
- Configurations: Implement new flash patterns or automation rules across your fleet quickly, without visiting each vehicle. Completion can be tracked centrally.
- Firmware: Keep vehicles updated with the latest features, performance improvements, and safety enhancements.
Updates are released as new features, improvements, or security enhancements become available. Over-the-air updates allow fleets to access these quickly and efficiently.
OTA updates can be scheduled to suit your operational needs. Updates can be deployed to a single vehicle or your entire fleet at once.
Device Lock restricts access to configuration tools so only authorized personnel can make changes, protecting your fleet from tampering or accidental adjustments.
Remote updates, diagnostics, and automated behaviors minimize the need for in-person maintenance, keeping vehicles on the road and mission-ready.
Yes. The Core+ service term is tied to the Vehicle Safety Gateway (VSG) installed in the vehicle. If a vehicle is sold or reassigned, the VSG - and its Core+ features - can be transferred to a new agency. Your Whelen Field Service Engineer (FSE) can assist with the transfer process once the appropriate documentation is completed.
No. Activating Core+ is simple and intuitive. Any agency-approved user can add Core+-enabled vehicles to their account, with no specialized IT support or training required.
Core+ includes essential connected capabilities – geofence-controlled tech, device lock, and OTA updates - at no cost for five years. Whelen Cloud Platformis a subscription service thatadds premium features like live maps, analytics, historical playback, and traffic preemption, giving agencies expanded visibility and control.
Smarter, Safer, Mission-Ready
Core+ buildson the trusted Core® Control System, delivering new levels of automation, connectivity, and safety for fleets of any size. By integrating geofencing, over-the-air updates, and security tools, Core+ ensures your vehicles are always mission-ready, efficient, and predictable in every environment.
With Core+, smarter, safer fleet operations are here today-helping your team focus on what matters most: protecting lives and managing operations with confidence.