GPS/Iridium Systems for Manatee and Dugong

TMT-474-5 GPS/Iridium System for use on manatee and dugong

Models

Model	Dimensions L x D (in, cm)	Weight (g)	Operational Life (years) GPS Hourly	Operational Life (years) GPS every 15min
TMT-474-5	20.75 x 4.25 52.7 x 10.8	1300	3.7	1.8

Estimates of operational life are calculated using TPP. Assumptions are daily Iridium transmissions, 75 seconds average time to GPS fix, inclusion of location information and dive data, 10% of locations as QFP, VHF 24/hours day, and 25°C.

With the TMT-474-5, the VHF and GPS/Iridium operate off the same power supply until the main power supply begins to die, at which time the VHF switches to a secondary battery pack which provides VHF power for ~4 months to facilitate recovery of the tag.

Key Features - Iridium System

The Iridium satellite network consists of 66 cross-linked satellites in low earth orbit (LEO), and provides continuous (24/7) coverage world-wide.
Iridium is a two-way system. The Iridium module on the animal checks for an adequate link prior to data transmission, and data acknowledged as successfully received does not need to be repeated. Data not acknowledged can be sent later when the animal is on the surface for extended periods or hauled out.
The two-way link allows commands to be sent to the Iridium unit while it is deployed. This allows changing between pre-programmed auxiliary schedules and changing other programmed parameters.
Data is normally retrieved through a third-party, metOcean telematics, which offers the user direct control over their air time services and the least expensive data retrieval option. Data rates depend on the amount of data transferred, and would be ~$17 and $38 per month for the data intensities noted above (GPS hourly and every 15 minutes). There is a one-time activation fee of $30 or $40 per transmitter.

Key Features - Tag Specific

These units are designed to be tethered to the caudal peduncle of sirenians. The tether is not included and must be provided by the user. The electronics, GPS and Iridium antennas, and the power supply are contained in an sealed housing with a flotation collar. The external whip antenna is used for VHF transmissions. The housing design allows the user to replace the battery packs. Battery packs are included in the purchase price but replacement packs must be purchased separately.
These units are typically programmed to collect GPS positions when adequate surfacing time allows, and Quick Fix Pseudoranging (QFP) positions in as little as 2 seconds when reduced surface time prevents a standard GPS position from being obtained. Telonics Iridium units can be configured to collect only GPS, only QFP, or a mix of the two location types.
A single Iridium message can contain ~70-80 GPS positions (or ~10 QFP positions).
Salt-water-switch (SWS) synchronizes GPS attempts and Iridium transmissions with surfacings to maximize data collection and transmission, and suppresses Iridium transmissions and GPS attempts while under water. The SWS allows collection of dive data including length of dives, dive count, and percentage of time spent under water. The SWS settings can be selected to allow detection of either seawater, or most freshwater and seawater (submergence may not be able to be detected in water with very low conductivity).
Temperature sensing is available.
Users can program or reprogram Telonics GPS/Iridium units through use of Telonics Product Programmer (TPP). TPP can be used to obtain estimates of battery life and data acquisition costs under various possible programming scenarios prior to deployment. Deployed units can have their schedules or other programming parameters changed remotely using TPP.
GPS/QFP collection schedules, Iridium transmission schedules, and sensor options can all be user-defined. Scheduling can be programmed to change over time (e.g. seasonal changes where monitoring might be more or less intensive at certain times of the year). The primary and three "Auxiliary" schedules are available.
All positions determined and sensor data collected is stored-on-board the unit, thus if the tag is able to be recovered, stored data can supplement what was transmitted.
A real-time clock and calendar controls all timing functions and is re-synchronized with GPS time to assure high accuracy timing. All timing is programmed using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
When turned off using a magnetic switch, these units consume less than 10 µA; this allows storage for extended periods with minimal impact on operational life.
Units can be refurbished to their original condition at Telonics.
Telonics GPS Iridium units are FCC and IC certified and available for use throughout the United States and Canada with no additional licensing required for the data transfer component.
Data retrieved through the Iridium system, or downloaded from a tag in hand, are processed using Telonics Data Converter (TDC). TDC is used to convert raw data from Telonics transmitters into data reports and to display locations on Google Earth and Google Maps. You can review, save, and edit TDC reports in Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet programs.

Electronic Specifications - GPS/Iridium

GPS/Iridium/VHF Specifications - Show

General Specifications

Timing Accuracy	Timing is synchronized to GPS time when available. If the GPS time is not available, then internal timing accuracy is: 6 min/year at 25° C 30 min/year -20 to +40° C 47 min/year -40 to +70° C
Available Sensors	Mortality, Activity, Temperature, Low Voltage (as allowed by specific software) Salt-water-switch is a hardware and software option on some configurations.
Memory Capacity	Capable of storing ~500K fixes in nonvolatile flash memory in association with other sensor data.
Programming	Programmable using Telonics TPP software and TSC-9A cable. Programming options are hardware and software dependent, but include GPS, Iridium, and VHF schedules; sensor activation and schedules; and power output.

GPS Receiver Specifications

Performance	-167 dBm tracking sensitivity -148 dBm acquisition sensitivity
Datum	WGS-84
Time to First Fix (TTFF)	30 seconds typical (with clear view of sky) Quick Fix Pseudoranging (QFP) 2-5 seconds typical (with clear view of sky)

Iridium Module Specifications

General	FCC ID Q639603N Industry Canada ID 4629A-9603N Frequency Range 1616-1626.5 MHz Applicable FCC Rules CFR Title 47, parts 2, 15, and 25 Power Output 1.0 w (average)
Mechanical/Environmental	Operating Temperature Range -40 to +60 °C

VHF Transmitter Specifications (VHF is not implemented in all configurations)

OPERATION INTERLOCK: All elements of the VHF transmitter component are forced off whenever the Iridium transmitter module is on. This interlock device forcibly prevents simultaneous operation of the two transmitters, thus they are not considered to be co-located under FCC regulations.

Available Frequency Options	Option 700 138-175 MHz Option 720 210-240 MHz Note: Frequency can be programmed in 100Hz steps within a given frequency range.
Frequency Stability	Better than ±3ppm at room temperature ±5 ppm total tolerance over full temperature range
Operating Temperature	-40° to +70° C
Pulse Width	Programmable (10 to 250 msec)
Pulse Period	Programmable (265 to 5000 msec) Multiple pulse periods selectable per specific software and TPP.
Transmitter Timing	Programmable, including daily and seasonal duty cycles.
Power Output	Selectable levels via hardware and software. Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) varies, depending on packaging, antenna configuration, and immediate environmental conditions. *California Users: This transmitter meets the California requirement of EIRP < 0.0009W for all configurations.
Emission Designator	2k00P0N
Harmonic Suppression	Better than 30dB (>40 dB typical)
Spurious Emissions	<-35 dBc at 10 kHz offset from carrier
Frequency	Aging: <2ppm/year Shock: <1ppm 3000g x 0.3ms x ½ sine x 3 dir
VSWR	RF output stable to 10:1 VSWR, all phases Radiated harmonic levels are degraded with poor load VSWR. Spurious emission specification maintained for >10:1 VSWR

Legacy Products

This information on discontinued products is provided for individuals who are still using these older systems. Product descriptions may be time sensitive or even outdated. Please contact Telonics if you have questions.

Telonics supports these products as possible based on availability of parts, software, or other considerations; but no longer sells them new.

Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations

Telonics Inc. ships all systems containing lithium batteries in accordance with the US Department of Transportation rules for hazardous materials set forth in 49CFR and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Shipping dangerous goods can be complicated and confusing, consult a dangerous goods specialist if needed. The general requirements for shipping lithium batteries according to 49CFR are located in Part 173, Subpart 173.185 in the link below.
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=e8334217c2c8d081457a5156872ad037&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title49/49cfrv2_02.tpl#0

Service Commitment

Since 1970, Telonics has built a reputation based on product quality, product support, service, and customer satisfaction. Telonics strives to produce the highest quality products, and to support those products accordingly.

Because of extreme conditions and the unpredictable nature associated with most telemetry applications, problems occasionally arise. Most problems can be resolved quickly. In all cases, we hope to be able to work in partnership with users to resolve problems to the user's satisfaction and to uphold our demonstrated commitment to excellence. If problems should arise, all products must be returned to our factory for failure analysis.

Warranty: GEN 4 GPS Systems - Show

Telonics warrants its GPS products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date acquired. Telonics does not warrant batteries.

Telonics designs and manufactures systems for a variety of applications using several satellite systems (GPS, Argos, Iridium, and Globalstar). At the time of manufacturing, Telonics equipment is tested to verify compatibility with the applicable satellite system(s). Telonics does not warranty equipment against changes in satellite system specifications or satellite operation after the date your equipment was manufactured. Unforeseeable or unplanned system changes would include, but are not limited to, elevated ambient noise levels in the radio frequency bands used for satellite communications, elimination of service in a region of the world, data outages due to technical problems within the satellite system network, or reductions in data transfer capability due to alterations in the constellation as a result of premature space vehicle failures or failure to replace space vehicles in a timely manner.

If a defect occurs, return the equipment to us within the proper time frame at the following address: TELONICS, 932 E. IMPALA AVENUE, MESA AZ USA 85204-6699. The customer shall arrange for and pay all shipping, insurance and related charges incurred in the shipment to and from Telonics under this warranty. Damage to any equipment resulting from misuse, accidents, unauthorized service, extreme conditions, or other causes, is excluded from this warranty. Telonics does not assume responsibility for loss or damage to equipment during shipment. Telonics does not assume responsibility for delays resulting from shipment on commercial or private carriers. We insure all equipment shipped from our facility and suggest that shipments to Telonics also be insured.

Upon the timely return to our facility, if defective, the product will be replaced or repaired at our discretion at no cost to the customer. This remedy is the exclusive remedy. This product is supplied without any further warranties or conditions, expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability, quality or fitness for particular reason or those arising by laws, statutes or trade usage or course of dealing. The entire risk, as to the results and performance of the product, is assumed by the customer. Neither Telonics, nor its suppliers, shall have any liability to the customer or any other person or entity for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damage whatsoever, regardless whether Telonics has been told of the possibility of such damages or that such damages might be foreseeable. Telonics has no responsibility or liability for the claims of any third party. The maximum aggregate to the customer, of Telonics and its suppliers, shall not exceed the amount paid by the customer for the product.