GPS/Iridium Avian Systems

These units collect GPS positions and transfer the data to the user through the Iridium satellite system.

Telonics GPS/Iridium units can be used to remotely obtain location and other data from animals anywhere in the world. Telonics Quick Fix Pseudoranging (QFP) can be incorporated into these units. They can include mortality, activity, and temperature sensors; and geofencing technology. Users can define GPS, Iridium, VHF, and sensor schedules to best meet their project requirements. Iridium is a two-way system, which allows confirmation of messages received and remote modification of programmed parameters.

Models

Examples of operational lives listed above are calculated using Telonics Product Programmer (TPP) using the following parameters: average environmental temperature 10°C, average time to GPS fix 75 seconds, VHF pulse period of 1000 ms, Iridium transmission every other day (except Iridium weekly for examples with one position per day).

* The TGAV-4277-5 has geofencing and auxiliary scheduling capabilities.

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. If a link is not achieved or data is not acknowledged, that data can be transmitted later when a link is established.
• 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 data provider. Data rates depend on the amount of data transferred, but are frequently as low as about ~$7.50/unit/month with an Iridium transmission every other day. There is a one-time activation fee of $30 or $40 per transmitter.

Other Key Features - Avian Iridium

• In addition to the GPS and Iridium portions of these units, they typically include a VHF transmitter. The VHF transmitters can be used to locate or monitor the animals from the ground or aircraft, and aid in recovery of a unit at the end of a study.
• 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 through metOcean telematics under various possible programming scenarios prior to deployment. TPP is also used to send commands to the Iridium unit once it is deployed.
• GPS/QFP collection schedules, Iridium transmission schedules, VHF schedules, and sensor options (e.g. mortality, activity, and temperature) 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). Some Iridium units (e.g. the TGAV-4277) allow the primary and up to three auxiliary schedules to be programmed, with easy switching between schedules controllable via TPP. TGW-4X77 models also allow users to reprogram the units remotely through Iridium and use of an authorized copy of TPP-GPS software.
• QFP is Telonics quick fix positioning technology that obtains the data necessary to calculate a GPS position in as little as 2 seconds. This allows positions to be quickly determined with less energy expenditure than a standard GPS position. 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 up to ~70-80 GPS positions, or ~10 QFP positions.
• Data retrieved through the Iridium system, or downloaded from a unit 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.
• All positions determined and sensor data collected is stored-on-board the unit, thus if the unit is able to be recovered, stored data can supplement what was transmitted through Iridium.
• 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.
• Optionally delivers data to EarthRanger, allowing you to map historical and real-time locations online and create a unified view of data from Telonics transmitters and other sources.

Optional Geofencing - Show

Telonics TGW-4*77 and TGAV-4*77-5 series GPS/Iridium systems can support geofenced areas. Multiple geofence types are available to define areas of special interest, which may overlap:

• Rectangle - upper left and lower right coordinates are specified.
• Circle - center point and radius are specified.
• Polygon - Up to 50 points may be specified. Polygons may be concave or convex.

The following parameters can be separately defined when the unit is inside and outside the defined geofenced area:

• Acquisition schedule for GPS, QFP-GPS, and any included sensors (e.g. underwater, activity, and temperature)
• VHF Beacon schedule
• Iridium transmission interval, transmission retry delay, and message expiration

A geofence can be described as a virtual boundary around a physical geographical space, defined by a set of coordinates surrounding an area. Geofences may be established and maintained by a range of GPS-enabled devices including smartphones and devices designed for commercial applications like trucking and farming. Geofencing has also proven to be a useful tool for animal tracking studies.

Geofencing allows one or more geographical areas to be defined and provides customized data acquisition and transmission behavior based on whether the study subject is in "inside" or "outside" the geofence(s). A study subject is considered "inside" when inside any defined geofence, and is considered "outside" when outside all defined geofences.

The speed of detecting that an animal has crossed a geofenced boundary depends on how much time has elapsed between crossing the boundary and acquisition of the next GPS position. Therefore, the rate at which fix attempts are scheduled directly influences the time it will take the unit to detect boundary transitions. QFP-GPS data do not provide a resolved position until post processing has occurred, so QFP-GPS data cannot contribute to the detection of boundary transitions.

Optional Auxiliary Schedule Sets

With Telonics TGW-4*77-5 and TGAV-4*77 series GPS/Iridium systems, up to 3 Auxiliary schedule sets can be defined. Auxiliary schedules are useful for increasing or decreasing the intensity of data collection and/or data transmission. Auxiliary schedules are also useful for adjusting the VHF beacon duty cycle to save energy when there are no plans to be out in the field monitoring units with a VHF receiver. Auxiliary schedules can provide the following options to the primary schedule:

• Alternate schedules for collection of GPS, QFP-GPS, underwater, activity, and/or temperature data
• Alternate VHF Beacon transmission periods
• Alternate Iridium transmission interval, transmission retry delay, and message expiration

GPS/Iridium systems can be directed to execute an Auxiliary schedule (or return to the primary schedule) by sending commands over the Iridium data link.

Commands to GPS/Iridium systems are sent via email using Telonics Product Programmer (TPP). Internet connectivity and an email provider are required.

After receiving a schedule change command, GPS/Iridium systems will switch to the specified schedule immediately and will continue to execute that schedule until otherwise commanded. Sent commands are received by the fielded unit at the time of a scheduled Iridium transmission, or units can be programmed to check for messages more frequently by defining a "command check interval" which is shorter than the Iridium transmission interval.

Electronic Specifications - GPS/Iridium

GPS/Iridium/VHF Specifications - Show

Notice to United States Users

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesirable operation.

The user is cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Telonics could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This device contains FCC ID: Q639603N

To satisfy FCC RF Exposure requirements for mobile and base station transmission devices, a separation distance of 20cm or more should be maintained between the antenna of this device and persons during operation. To ensure compliance, operation at closer than this distance is not recommended.

Notice to Canadian Users

Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using the antenna integrated into the device.

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

This device contains IC ID: 4629A-9603N

Manual

• Gen 4 GPS User's Manual

Related Products

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.

• TGAV-427x-4

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