TSUR-400 Argos Receiver

The information below 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 Product descriptions may be time sensitive or even outdated.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.
TSUR-400 Argos Receiver

The fourth generation TSUR-400 receives, displays, and stores messages from Argos Transmitters sending the 20 bit or the new 28-bit message format. The TSUR-400 is frequency-agile and accommodates the recently allocated frequency channels, automatically tracking and displaying the actual frequency or the Argos channel designation of each transmission. Users can display detailed diagnostic information regarding each received message.

New messages alert the user with a selectable tone and/or the actual received audio. The TSUR-400 stores received messages; users can review these messages by simply pressing a button. A data interface connector provides access for programming user-adjustable parameters, printing messages, or use of headphones. Users can configure all adjustable parameters via on-screen menu options. The compact waterproof case allows use in inclement weather.

The TSUR-400 has a "bit splitter" feature that allows the user to display received data in a readable format. The user specifies the structure of the Argos message, i.e. the number of bits in each field, and the TSUR-400 displays each data field as a separate line of the display. For example, if the Argos message contained 4 bits of battery, 8 bits of temperature, and 20 bits of activity data (32 bits total), the first line of the display would show the battery data, the second would show the temperature data, and the third would show the activity data.

The low power consumption of the TSUR-400 provides several days of continuous use on a single charge. Battery pack options include nickel metal hydride (standard), nickel-cadmium, and alkaline cells. The battery pack is easy to snap on or off. Single and multiple station battery chargers and battery analyzer/conditioners are available.

The TSUR-400 Uplink Receiver comes with a TSC-5A USB cable to connect to a PC. The TSC-5A USB cable is typically used with Telonics Data Converter (TDC) to view, save, and convert messages on your PC. TDC is available for download on the website and will save messages to a text file free of charge. You will have to purchase an authorization code if you want TDC to convert uplink messages. TDC contains a proprietary driver for the TSC-5A requiring no further driver installation as long as the TSC-5A is used with TDC. If, however, you wish to use the TSC-5A with programs other than TDC (e.g. HyperTerminal or other terminal emulation programs) to capture data from the TSUR-400, you may install the TSC-5A Virtual COM Port Driver, which will enable TSC-5A use with those programs. See TSC-5A Virtual COM Port Driver for more detail.

Key Features

  • Small portable size (5.5 in x 2.3 in x 1.8 in)
  • Weighs 16 ounces
  • Waterproof electronics
  • Decodes 20 bit (old) and 28 bit (new) ID codes
  • Measures transmitter frequency to determine Argos frequency channel
  • Data bit splitter
  • Battery status display
  • Beep, or display message alert
  • ID code filter
  • Quick message review
  • Integral belt clip
  • Data interface/programming port
  • Measures transmitter RF output power

Specifications

Electrical

Frequency, minimum401.618 MHz
Frequency, maximum401.680 MHz
Argos channelsS1 to S14, L1 to L3, and Brazil C1 to C9
Channel spacingAuto-Select (2 KHz for ARGOS)
Receiver sensitivity, typical0.7 uV rms @ 12 dB Sinad
Supply voltage, minimum6 Vdc
Supply voltage, maximum15 Vdc
External voltage, minimum9 Vdc
External voltage, maximum48 Vdc
Modulation typePSK
Quiescent current, typical23 mA @ 9.6 Vdc (display light off)
Quiescent current, maximum25 mA @ 9.6 Vdc (display light off)
Power sourceNiMH pack, NiCad pack (optional), or AA alkaline holder-pack (optional)
Power measurement, minimum0.01 W
Power measurement, maximum1.0 W

Operational

Minimum operating temperature-20° C
Maximum operating temperature70° C

Mechanical

Case constructionInjection Molded Lexan
Size5.5 x 2.3 x 1.8 in
13.9 x 5.8 x 4.6 cm
Weight16 oz
450 g
Keypad4 button
Display4 row by 12 column backlit temperature
compensated Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
External SMA connectionsAntenna/RF power Connector, 50 ohm impedance
External connection USB,
serial printer, programming, headphones,
and N.O. FET
Mini-DIN Female

Manual

TSUR-400 Operation and Programming Manual

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

Telonics warrants its 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. 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.