Our GPS/Argos marine units are a new generation of GPS products that offer many new features
and performance upgrades. This new Gen 4 technology is built on our highly integrated uGPSi-20
electronics platform, which combines store on board, Argos, and VHF beacon functionalities into
a single assembly to achieve a durable and highly shock resistant electronics subsystem.
Key Features
- Utilizes a new hydrodynamic housing design.
- Contain a GPS receiver to obtain high accuracy GPS positions when adequate surfacing
time occurs. When surfacing characteristics prevent a standard GPS position from being
obtained, the Quick Fix Pseudoranging (QFP) alternative provides GPS positions using a post
processing technique on surface times as short as 5 seconds.
- Data such as last dive time, dive count, maximum and average dive time, and percentage of
time spent under water and temperature can be transmitted.
- Can also be configured with a pressure transducer. Depth of a dive, profile of a single
dive and percentage of time in user defined depth layers are can be acquired and transmitted.
- On board satellite overpass predictions allow a highly efficient data transfer as units
can be programmed to transmit only to specific satellites and only during times when the
satellites are in view.
- Up to 24 positions per day can be recovered through Argos by using the innovative paging
date protocol.
- In addition to transmitting the data via Argos, these systems also store all data on board
the unit in non-volatile memory.
- To increase data throughput the TGM-4xxx series supports a highly compressed data
transmission called page data.
- Real-time clock calendar (RTC) controls all timing functions and is recalibrated
with GPS time to assure high accuracy event timing.
- Lower current consumption provides an increase in operational life or an increase in
performance during that same operational time frame.
- A micro-power saltwater sensor (SWS) saves additional power and further extends the
operational life of the unit.
[ More information about saltwater switch:
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]
The SWS is critical to successful performance of an Argos marine unit. Because radio frequencies
are severely attenuated in salt water, any uplink transmissions while underwater are essentially
wasted. The SWS functions to suppress transmissions while the unit is submerged thereby saving
power. The SWS synchronizes uplink transmissions to resume at the precise time when a marine
animal actually breaks the sea surface following a dive. By transmitting immediately upon
resurfacing, the unit has the best chance of successfully getting uplink transmissions to
available orbiting NOAA satellites. Further, the SWS can be used to determine a haul-out
condition and shut down Argos transmissions during extended shore time to save additional energy.
- Shutdown with a small magnet allows users to turn each of these configurations "on"
or "off". When turned "off", TGM-4xxx series based units consume less than 12 µA. Given
these low current levels, users can store their units for extended periods with minimal impact
on operational life.
- Units can be refurbished to their original condition at the factory.
- All products can be programmed by Telonics Product Programmer (TPP) which uses a
GUI interface. TPP makes it possible for users to program their own systems and simulate
performance of the system prior to deployment.
- On-board sensors can be activated or deactivated in the field. Data collection
regimes and schedules can be altered as required. Sensor data can be enhanced or deleted
from Argos uplink transmissions.
- Transmission schedules can be modified.
- Argos ID codes can be changed.
- Argos uplink transmission power levels can be modified to extend operational life or
increase the probability of signal reception at the satellite.
- Argos uplink frequencies can be changed to frequencies in low noise channels to
increase the chances of a successful uplink.
- Data Decoding - Data are processed using the Telonics Data Converter (TDC), which
provides complete data decoding of Argos DS files and supports complete memory downloading.
TDC provides a comma separated value (csv) output file with time stamps for all data
collected. TDC can also be run in the "batch mode" for hands off operation.
- TDC allows you to plot GPS fixes and Argos locations
with Google Earth.
Models
GPS/Argos Systems
| Model |
Dimensions (in, cm) |
Unit Weight (g) |
Onboard Memory for Data Logging |
Low Power (mW) |
Low Power Operational Life (hours) |
Low Power Temp (°C) |
High Power (mW) |
High Power Operational Life (hours) |
High Power Temp (°C) |
| TGM-4310 |
3.9 x 1.81 x 1.38
9.9 x 4.6 x 3.5 |
153 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
283 |
-30 to +60 |
500 (Typ) |
262 |
-30 to +60 |
| TGM-4410 |
4.65 x 2.56 x 1.42
11.8 x 6.5 x 3.6 |
262 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
527 |
-30 to +60 |
500 (Typ) |
479 |
-30 to +60 |
| TGM-4510 |
5.91 x 2.87 x 1.77
15.0 x 7.3 x 4.5 |
449 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
1096 |
-30 to +60 |
500 (Typ) |
986 |
-30 to +60 |
Operational life is based on collecting 1 GPS fix per hour, 4 byte Argos transmission 12 hours
per day with satellite prediction, 75% of time spent under water, 45 seconds Argos repetition
rate, standard power output and average temperature of 25° C.
GPS/Argos Systems with Pressure/Depth of Dive Measurement Capability
| Model |
Dimensions (in, cm) |
Unit Weight (g) |
Onboard Memory for Data Logging |
Low Power (mW) |
Low Power Operational Life (hours) |
Low Power Temp (°C) |
High Power (mW) |
High Power Operational Life (hours) |
High Power Temp (°C) |
| TGM-4325 |
3.9 x 1.81 x 1.38
9.9 x 4.6 x 3.5 |
161 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
196 |
-30 to +60 |
500 (Typ) |
179 |
-30 to +60 |
| TGM-4425 |
4.65 x 2.56 x 1.42
11.8 x 6.5 x 3.6 |
269 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
344 |
-30 to +60 |
500 (Typ) |
310 |
-30 to +60 |
| TGM-4525 |
5.91 x 2.87 x 1.77
15.0 x 7.3 x 4.5 |
457 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
659 |
-30 to +60 |
500 (Typ) |
580 |
-30 to +60 |
Operational life is based on collecting 1 GPS fix per hour, 31 byte Argos transmission 12 hours
per day, 75% of time spent under water, 45 seconds Argos repetition rate, standard power output
and average temperature of 25° C. These calculations will be further refined when the units
become available in July 2009.
Specifications: Electronic and Packaging
GENERAL SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS Show
| Timing Accuracy: |
Timing is synchronized to GPS time when available. If the GPS time is not then internal
timing accuracy is:
6 min/year at 25° C
30 min/yr -20 to +40° C
47 min/yr -40 to +70° C
|
| Available Sensors: |
Mortality, Activity, Temperature, Low Voltage
|
| Memory Capacity: |
Capable of storing 100K fixes in nonvolatile flash memory in association with other
sensor data.
|
| Argos Transmissions: |
System can be operated in a mode where unit transmits only during satellite overpasses
based on the GPS location and the orbital parameters installed prior to deployment.
(GPS-Argos systems only).
|
GPS RECEIVER SPEIFICATIONS
| Standby Current: |
0µA |
| Performance: |
12 channels
-153 dBm tracking sensitivity
-149 dBm acquisition sensitivity
|
| Datum: |
WGS-84 |
| Time to First Fix (TTFF): |
40sec typical (with clear view of sky) |
uGPSI-20 ARGOS CERTIFIED TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATIONS
| Operating Frequency: |
ARGOS Frequencies
401.6300MHz to 401.6800MHz in 1 kHz Steps
Brazilian SCD-1, Channels C1 to C9
401.6180MHz to 401.6220MHz in 500Hz Steps
|
| Frequency Stability: |
+/- 0.5 ppm maximum from -30° to +70° C
+/- 2.0 ppm maximum from -40° to -30° C
|
| Initial Frequency Error: |
+/- 0.5 ppm maximum at +23°C, +/- 2° C |
| Aging: |
+/- 2.0 ppm maximum after 1 year |
| RF Power Out: |
Standard Power Version:
400mW (+26dBm) or 500mW (+27dBm) nominal into 50 Ω
(User selectable using TPP programming software)
Note 1: At +70°C, transmit current will increase by approximately 10% from the
+25° C measurement. Conversely, at -40° C it will decrease by approximately 10%
from the +25° C measurement.
Note 2: Transmit current and RF power out are sensitive to VSWR. Both can be degraded
significantly if the antenna or antenna coax are of poor quality or not correctly tuned
and matched to the ARGOS/Brazilian frequency band 50 ohm RF output impedance.
|
| Spurs and Harmonics: |
<-40dBc minimum, -60dBc typical (Coherent Spurious)
<-50dBc minimum, -60dBc typical (Non-coherent spurious)
|
TGM-4xxx VHF TRANSMITTER COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS
uGPSI-20 ARGOS CERTIFIED TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATIONS
| Available Frequency Options: |
Option 705 140-154 MHz
Option 707 144-158 MHz
Option 715 154-171 MHz
Option 720 160-177 MHz
Option 740 174-192 MHz
Option 750 191-210 MHz
Option 760 210-237 MHz
Note: The 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 (560 to 5000 msec)
3 separate pulse period values selectable:
Period 1 (indicates last GPS fix successful)
Period 2 (indicates last GPS fix unsuccessful)
Inactive period (if no motion for selected time)
|
| Available Sensors: |
Mortality Sensor (parameters are user programmable) |
| Transmitter Timing: |
Programmable seasons and duty cycles. |
| Power Output: |
Programmable Low/Medium/High 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<0.009W
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/yr
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
|
| Programming: |
Transmitter parameters programmable via antenna "1-pin" interface and Telonics TPP
software.
|
PACKAGING/HOUSING SPECIFICATIONS
Designed for application on most pinnipeds and most marine turtles. Units are enclosed in a
polymeric casting to withstand pressures of 1000 ps. The external casting shell is of a contoured
design to minimize hydrodynamic drag. Saltwater switches are installed in the housing to allow
the unit to detect diving behaviors. The Argos antenna assembly employs a strain-relief to avoid
breakage.
Configuration Tolerance to High Pressures
The models described above are internally solidly cast with a polymer capable of withstanding the
extremely high pressures experienced during deep ocean dives. Some researchers have tested units
in hyperbaric chambers to failure. In general, the battery system determines how much pressure
the unit can withstand. Most fully cast configurations can withstand pressures exceeding 1500 psi
if the exposure is short term.
Related Links to Information on Other Websites
Argos System Manual
Getting started with Argos
Argos Publications
Argos Animal Tracking pages
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
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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.
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.
