GPS/Argos Marine Systems (TGM)
These systems collect GPS-based positions and transfer positions and dive data through the Argos satellite system. They were designed for primarily for pinnipeds and sea turtles, and the TGM-4310-3 has also been used on various crocodilians.
Models
GPS/Argos with Salt-water-switch
| Model |
Dimensions L x W x H (in, cm) |
Unit Weight (g) |
Operational Life (days) |
| TGM-4310-3 |
4.0 x 1.7 x 1.5
10.0 x 4.4 x 3.8 |
190 |
160 |
| TGM-4410-3 |
4.6 x 2.6 x 1.5
11.7 x 6.5 x 3.7 |
290 |
300 |
| TGM-4510-3 |
5.9 x 2.9 x 1.8
15.0 x 7.4 x 4.6 |
470 |
600 |
GPS/Argos with Salt-water-switch and Pressure Sensor
| Model |
Dimensions L x W x H (in, cm) |
Unit Weight (g) |
Operational Life (days) |
| TGM-4325-3 |
4.0 x 1.7 x 1.5
10.0 x 4.4 x 3.8 |
200 |
160 |
| TGM-4425-3 |
4.6 x 2.6 x 1.5
11.7 x 6.5 x 3.7 |
300 |
300 |
| TGM-4525-3 |
5.9 x 2.9 x 1.8
15.0 x 7.4 x 4.6 |
480 |
600 |
Operational life is based on 1 GPS fix per hour with an average of 90-second navigation time; 31-byte Argos transmissions with 45 second repetition rate and 12-hours/day duty cycle; use of scheduled GPS fixes to predict Argos satellite passes at ~25N latitude; 75% of time spent under water; and average temperature of 25°C. If the VHF transmitter option is activated that would lessen operational life, with the amount dependent on VHF schedule and pulse rate.
Key Features
- The Argos system provides global coverage with particularly good performance in polar regions. On-board satellite overpass predictions allow efficient data transfer, with units able to be programmed to transmit only to specific satellites and only when the satellites are predicted to be in view.
- These units are typically programmed to collect GPS positions when adequate surfacing time allows, and Quick Fix Pseudoranging (QFP) positions in as little as 3 seconds when reduced surface time prevents a standard GPS position from being obtained.
- Salt-water-switch (SWS) synchronizes GPS attempts and Argos transmissions with surfacings to maximize data collection and transmission, and suppresses Argos 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).
- Suppression of Argos transmissions while underwater extends operational life.
- Units can also be programmed to shut down Argos transmissions after a defined "haul-out" period to save energy. Normal data collection and Argos transmissions are resumed when the SWS is again submerged.
- Argos transmissions can be duty-cycled (e.g. daily and seasonal cycles), and the number of Argos transmissions in a defined interval can also be limited (e.g. not more than 100 within 6 hours), to extend operational life.
- Models with a pressure transducer are available; which allows collection and transmission of additional data including depth of dives, profiling of a single dive, and percentage of time in user-defined depth layers.
- A real-time clock/calendar controls all timing functions.
- Temperature sensing is available.
- Up to ~24 positions per day can be recovered through Argos by using the innovative paging data protocol, which transmits compressed GPS data.
- In addition to transmitting data via Argos, these systems also store all data on board the unit in non-volatile memory.
- These units can also include a VHF transmitter, which if activated shares the Argos whip antenna.
- These models can be programmed using Telonics Product Programmer (TPP). 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. Data collection regimes and schedules can be altered. Sensor data can be added or deleted from Argos transmissions.
- Argos ID codes, transmission frequencies, transmission power levels, and transmission schedules can all be modified.
- Data retrieved through Argos are processed using the Telonics Data Converter (TDC). TDC provides complete data decoding of Argos DS files, including location and sensor data, and provides for plotting of locations in Google Earth.
- These models are internally solidly cast to withstand high pressures experienced during deep ocean dives. 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.
- Standard output power is 500mW; a lower power option (400mW) is also available. Units are powered by primary battery. They are turned on or off using a magnetic switch. When off, TGM-4xxx units consume less than 12 µA.
- Units can be refurbished to their original condition at the factory.
Electronic Specifications
µGPSI-23 GPS/Argos/VHF Specifications - Show
General Specifications
| Timing Accuracy |
Timing is synchronized to GPS time when available. If GPS time is not available, 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 (as allowed by specific software)
Salt-water-switch and Pressure are hardware and software options 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, Argos, and VHF schedules; sensor activation and schedules; power output; Argos can also be scheduled to transmit only during satellite overpasses based on the GPS location and the orbital parameters installed prior to deployment. |
GPS Receiver Specifications
| Performance |
-163 dBm tracking sensitivity
-147 dBm acquisition sensitivity |
| Datum |
WGS-84 |
| Time to First Fix (TTFF) |
35 sec typical (with clear view of sky)
Quick Fix Pseudoranging (QFP) 3-5 sec typical (with clear view of sky) |
Argos 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: 500mW (+27dBm), 400mW (+26dBm) option, into 50 Ω
(User selectable using TPP programming software)
High Power version (H): 800 mW (+29 dBm) ±1dB nominal into 50 Ω
(available in some configurations) |
| Spurs and Harmonics |
<-40dBc minimum, -60dBc typical (Coherent Spurious)
<-50dBc minimum, -60dBc typical (Non-coherent spurious) |
VHF Transmitter Specifications
| Available Frequency Options |
Option 702 134-139 MH
Option 705 140-154 MH
Option 707 146-160 MH
Option 715 156-172 MH
Option 720 160-177 MH
Option 740 174-192 MH
Option 750 191-210 MH
Option 760 210-237 MH
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 |
Related Links to Information on Other Websites
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.
GPS/Argos Systems
GPS/Argos Systems with Pressure/Depth of Dive Measurement Capability
Legacy: 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 Specifications
| 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)
Quick Fix Pseudoranging (QFP) 7sec typical (with clear view of sky)
|
uGPSI-20 Argos Certified Transmitter Specifications
| RF Output Impedance |
50 Ω |
| 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)
High Power version (H):
800 mW (+29 dBm) ±1dB nominal into 50 Ω
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
| Available Frequency Options |
Option 705 140-154 MHz
Option 707 146-160 MHz
Option 715 156-172 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 < 0.0009W 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/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 psi. 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. The GPS antenna assembly is inside the cast housing. |
| 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. |
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.
