Quantum GPS User Manual
Quantum GPS User Manual
Quantum GPS User ManualQuantum GPS User Manual
March 2014
Manual Revision 1.32
Supported Products:
Quantum 4000 Enhanced
Quantum 4000 Feather-Lite
Quantum Base Station
Supported Software:
Collar SW v2.09
Beta Motion
Collar Auto v1.4
Supported Options:
Remote Download
Smart GPS
Activity Sensor
Solar Power
Drop Off
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..............................................................................................................................2
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................5
1.1 H
1.2 I
1.3 E
2. FEATURES.........................................................................................................................................10
2.1 I
2.2 S
2.3 A
OW TO USE THIS MANUAL
DENTIFYING THE PARTS YOU RECEIVED
1.1a Cables ..................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1b Waterproofing components..................................................................................................... 6
1.1c Brackets .................................................................................................................................. 7
QUIPMENT
NTRODUCTION
TANDARD FEATURES
2.2a User programmability ........................................................................................................... 11
2.2b GPS timeout.......................................................................................................................... 11
2.2c GPS additional time .............................................................................................................. 11
2.2d Temperature Sensor .............................................................................................................. 11
2.2e Non-volatile Memory ........................................................................................................... 12
2.2f On/Off Switch....................................................................................................................... 12
VAILABLE OPTIONS
2.3a Drop off mechanism ............................................................................................................. 13
2.3b Collar expandability.............................................................................................................. 13
2.3c User replaceable batteries ..................................................................................................... 13
2.3d Wireless remote control data transfer ................................................................................... 13
2.3e Always on Mode................................................................................................................... 14
2.3f Activity Sensor ..................................................................................................................... 14
2.3g Smart GPS Sensor................................................................................................................. 14
2.3h Mortality Indicator................................................................................................................ 14
2.3i VHF Transmitter................................................................................................................... 14
2.3j Solar Power........................................................................................................................... 15
2.3k Collar Auto ........................................................................................................................... 15
.................................................................................................................................. 7
........................................................................................................................... 10
.......................................................................................................... 5
...................................................................................... 6
................................................................................................................ 10
.................................................................................................................. 13
3. COLLAR SW......................................................................................................................................16
3.1 I
NTRODUCTION
3.2 I
NSTALLATION
3.2a Windows XP......................................................................................................................... 17
3.2b Windows Vista ..................................................................................................................... 17
3.2c Windows 7............................................................................................................................ 18
3.2d Windows 8............................................................................................................................ 19
3.3 K
3.4 U
3.5 P
EY TERMS
SER INTERFACE AND FUNCTIONS
3.4a Home Screen......................................................................................................................... 21
3.4b Menu Bar .............................................................................................................................. 22
3.4c Status Bar.............................................................................................................................. 23
3.4d Calendar Page ....................................................................................................................... 25
3.4e Data Page.............................................................................................................................. 26
3.4f Settings Page......................................................................................................................... 27
ROGRAMMING YOUR
3.5a Configure your GPS ............................................................................................................. 28
........................................................................................................................... 16
........................................................................................................................... 17
................................................................................................................................ 20
.............................................................................................. 21
GPS ........................................................................................................ 28
3.5b Create program in Template Mode ....................................................................................... 29
3.5c Create program in repeat mode............................................................................................. 31
3.5d Create programming in Always on Mode............................................................................. 32
3.5e Create programming with a standard solar GPS ................................................................... 33
3.5f Create programming with a rechargeable solar GPS ............................................................ 33
3.5g Upload the program .............................................................................................................. 35
3.5h Set Time................................................................................................................................ 35
3.5i Programming your Drop Off ................................................................................................ 36
3.5j Trigger a Drop Off Wirelessly.............................................................................................. 37
4. DOWNLOADING DATA ..................................................................................................................38
4.1 D
4.2 D
4.3 D
4.4 T
5. USING YOUR DATA ........................................................................................................................42
5.1 V
5.2 C
5.3 O
5.4 M
6. MOTION .............................................................................................................................................47
6.1 I
6.2 I
6.3 K
6.4 U
6.5 A
6.6 S
OWNLOADING DATA BY
OWNLOADING DATA BY WIRELESS (BASE STATION/ LAPTOP
OWNLOADING ACTIVITY DATA
ROUBLESHOOTING A WIRELESS CONNECTION
IEW YOUR DATA USING THE SOFTWARE
ONVERT YOUR DATA INTO DIFFERENT FORMATS
5.2a Data formats ......................................................................................................................... 43
5.2b Export your data into Excel .................................................................................................. 44
UTPUT
...................................................................................................................................... 44
AP YOUR DATA ON GOOGLE MAPS
NTRODUCTION
NSTALLATION
EY TERMS
SER INTERFACE
CTIVITY SENSOR
6.5a Keys to successfully using your activity sensor.................................................................... 50
6.5b Programming your activity sensor ........................................................................................ 51
6.5c Understanding your data ....................................................................................................... 53
MART
GPS ............................................................................................................................... 54
6.6a How the Smart GPS works ................................................................................................... 55
6.6b Keys to successfully using your smart GPS sensor .............................................................. 55
6.6c Programming your smart GPS sensor................................................................................... 56
6.6d How the Smart GPS Skip Function works............................................................................ 56
6.6e Programming your Smart GPS Skip Function ...................................................................... 56
........................................................................................................................... 47
........................................................................................................................... 47
................................................................................................................................ 48
........................................................................................................................ 49
USB
CABLE
....................................................................................... 38
) ................................................... 39
................................................................................................. 39
........................................................................... 40
................................................................................... 42
...................................................................... 43
........................................................................................... 46
...................................................................................................................... 50
7. COLLAR AUTO ................................................................................................................................58
7.1 I
NTRODUCTION
7.1a Necessary components.......................................................................................................... 58
7.1b Summary of functions........................................................................................................... 59
7.2 I
NSTALLATION
7.2a Minimum Requirements: ...................................................................................................... 59
7.2b Installation ............................................................................................................................ 59
7.3 U
7.4 C
7.5 U
7.6 R
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SER INTERFACE
7.3a Interface explained................................................................................................................ 60
REATING YOUR DOWNLOAD SCHEDULE
7.4a Steps to create your schedule ................................................................................................ 61
7.4b Configure settings.csv........................................................................................................... 61
7.4c To enter in your programming:............................................................................................. 63
SING A
ETRIEVING YOUR DATA
7.6a With a USB flash drive ......................................................................................................... 66
........................................................................................................................... 58
........................................................................................................................... 59
USB
DEVICE TO UPDATE PROGRAMMING
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........................................................................................................................ 60
.................................................................................... 61
..................................................................... 65
............................................................................................................ 66
7.6b On the computer running the software.................................................................................. 66
7.7 T
8. MAINTENANCE ...............................................................................................................................69
8.1 R
8.2 R
8.3 W
8.4 T
8.5 S
8.6 T
8.7 C
9. APPENDIXES ....................................................................................................................................77
A
A
A
A
A
WARRANTY ...............................................................................................................................................84
D
ROUBLESHOOTING
7.7a Error in CSV file................................................................................................................... 67
7.7b Run-time error ‘9’................................................................................................................. 67
7.7c log.txt and log_service.txt..................................................................................................... 67
ECHARGING YOUR
ECHARGING YOUR BASE STATION
ATERPROOFING YOUR
ESTING YOUR
8.4a Different kinds of testing ...................................................................................................... 72
TORING YOUR
URNING OFF YOUR
LEARING THE MEMORY
PPENDIX A: COLLAR AUTO TROUBLESHOOTING
PPENDIX B: COLLAR AUTO SETTINGS
PPENDIX C: COLLAR AUTO AUDIO MESSAGES
PPENDIX D: COLLAR SW ERRORS AND WARNING
PPENDIX E: DATA EXPLAINED
O NOT VOID YOUR WARRANTY
................................................................................................................... 66
GPS............................................................................................................ 69
........................................................................................... 70
GPS ..................................................................................................... 71
GPS ................................................................................................................... 72
GPS................................................................................................................... 74
GPS............................................................................................................ 74
............................................................................................................ 76
............................................................................... 77
................................................................................................ 78
.................................................................................. 78
............................................................................. 79
........................................................................................................... 80
.......................................................................................................... 84
GLOSSARY .................................................................................................................................................85
INDEX ..........................................................................................................................................................88
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1.
1. Introduction
1.1.
Introduction
IntroductionIntroduction
All products
1.1 How to use this manual
This user manual provides vital information for successfully operating your GPS. Not all
sections in this manual will apply to your GPS device. Directly underneath the title for
each chapter is a line that will indicate which products or options apply to the chapter.
Please refer to your packing list to determine which options and models are applicable to
your GPS.
It is very important that you thoroughly read every section that applies to you product.
Failure to do so may result in you receiving no data. Telemetry Solutions is not
responsible for any damage your products sustain as a result of not reading this manual,
particularly the instruction on waterproofing your GPS.
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1.2 Identifying the parts you received
The components you received vary depending on your model and selected options. Your
shipment may not include all of these components and due to the highly customized
nature of GPS telemetry there may be components you received that are not on this list.
1.1a Cables
Mini USB
This cable connects your PC to a Quantum base station or your PC to a drop off
mechanism. You will only receive it if you purchased one of these two products. All
drop off mechanisms purchased after January 1, 2012 will use the Micro USB cable.
Micro USB
This is the most common cable we will ship. It connects your GPS to your PC.
BNC/SMA cable
This only ships if you purchased a UHF Yagi antenna.
BNC/BNC cable
This only ships if you purchased a VHF Yagi antenna.
1.1b Waterproofing components
USB port plugs
These blue port plugs are a vital component in the
waterproofing process. They protect the USB port
from the other waterproofing components, and make
it easy to access the USB port to retrieve your data.
This is used with all GPS products.
RTV
RTV is a gasket sealer we provide to create a waterproof seal between
the USB port plug and USB port. It is used with almost all GPS
products. If you were to run out of this sealer you may easily find a
replacement at most hardware stores. However, if you choose to
replace this material on your own please consult
support@telemetrysolutions.com to verify that you are using a suitable
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replacement.
Plastic Coating
Primarily used with bird GPS and other tiny GPS applications, the plastic coating creates
a water-tight seal while maintaining a very light weight. This will ship in containers that
vary in size and shape depending on the quantity of GPS purchased.
Five-minute Epoxy
This is used primarily with small to medium collars. Its function is to protect the RTV
from wear and tear after the GPS has been deployed.
1.1c Brackets
The brackets will vary in size and shape depending on the
GPS device you purchased. They are only included with
collars.
1.3 Equipment
Collars
GPS collars come in all sizes and shapes. They may (but not
always) include the following visible features.
Remote download antenna
VHF antenna
GPS antenna
Weak Link
Closure brackets
Drop off mechanism
Battery Pack
USB port (not shown in photo)
Medium GPS collar
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Note: This collar is not a representation of all of the collars Telemetry
Solutions sells. Your collar may have some visual differences that are
dependent on what options were purchased and what customizations were
made.
Pods
GPS pods are self-contained GPS data loggers that are designed to bolt onto existing
VHF collars. This allows you to keep using the VHF collars you trust while adding GPS
positioning to your study. We provide you with the brackets and necessary equipment to
bolt them onto your collars.
GPS pod with Remote Data Download option
Backpacks
GPS backpacks can be fitted on anything from birds to caimans. They are designed
specifically to meet your needs. Attachment methods can include glue, zip ties, tubing, or
any other method you have experience with.
GPS backpack with Remote Data Download option
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Quantum Remote Download Base Station
This is an essential component to our remote download system. It communicates with
your GPS collars to receive the data. The Quantum Base Station requires you to have the
remote download option on your GPS devices for it to be of any use.
Quantum Base Station
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2.
2.
2.2.
Features
Features
Features Features
All products
2.1 Introduction
Everything Telemetry Solutions produces is custom-made. Therefore there are only a few
standard features and many optional features. Check with your packing list to see
which features apply to your product.
2.2 Standard features
• User programmable GPS data
logger with dedicated battery
• GPS Additional Time (not available
in Always on Mode)
• Temperature sensor
• Non-volatile memory
• On/off switch
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2.2a User programmability
You may choose to program your units in one of three different ways. Those choices are
template mode, repeat mode, or always on mode. Always on Mode is not available in all
units: see available options for more information.
Template Mode
Your GPS unit will attempt to acquire locations based upon a series of unique templates
that you create and schedule into the calendar. The user has the option to create up to 26
different templates.
Repeat Mode
Your GPS unit will attempt to acquire locations based upon a user determined fixed
interval of up to 48 hours.
2.2b GPS timeout
The GPS timeout is the user programmed period of time that the GPS will remain on.
Once this time period has been reached the GPS will turn off even if it has yet to acquire
a location. You can program the GPS timeout to 60, 90 or 120 seconds. The timeout you
set has a direct correlation to the success rate of your GPS location attempts.
2.2c GPS additional time
While the GPS receiver can turn off shortly after it acquires a satellite, programming it to
stay on longer will allow it to find more satellites and acquire a more precise fix. The
setting which allows this is called GPS Additional Time, and can be programmed by the
user to any number up to the GPS Timeout. The GPS Timeout is still the limit that the
GPS will remain on and will not be extended by GPS Additional Time.
Note
: The maximum GPS additional time that is allowed is 120 seconds. However, after
much testing, it has been determined that any setting over 45 seconds is not needed and
will further use decrease your battery life.
2.2d Temperature Sensor
Your unit is equipped with a temperature sensor. Each time a GPS location is attempted
a temperature reading will be output from the temperature sensor into the memory.
Note: Whenever using GPS units with rechargeable batteries, please do not do anything
that may help to raise the natural temperature of the units when in the environment.
Placing the units in a hot car, on metal, in plastic bags, etc, may cause the units to
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overheat. Once a rechargeable battery gets to be above 60 degrees Celsius, major
problems may arise and your units may no longer be functional.
2.2e Non-volatile Memory
The memory in your GPS unit is non-volatile. This means that it does not require
electrical current to retain the data in the memory. If your unit has data and the battery is
completely devoid of voltage, your data are safe. The unit will not be capable of remote
download while the battery is drained, but retrieving the unit and connecting it to a PC
via the USB cable will allow you to extract your data.
2.2f On/Off Switch
The VHF transmitter is controlled by a magnetically operated on/off switch. Remove the
transmitter magnet from the unit to activate the transmitter. To turn off the transmitter
tune the frequency into your VHF receiver and replace the magnet on the VHF portion of
the device. Be sure to listen to the receiver so that you can confirm that the transmitter is
off.
The GPS data logger is controlled by a magnetically operated on/off switch. Remove the
magnet to turn the GPS data logger on. Please note that removing the magnet from the
GPS will reset its time and it will begin attempting to acquire the time from a satellite
every 20 minutes until it succeeds. Connect the unit to a PC and click ‘Set time’ in Collar
SW to avoid this problem. If in the field when a magnet is removed, please have unit in
an open space where it may obtain satellite connection and set its time.
Color Coding and Magnet Placement
Most GPS devices built after June of 2010 include a color coordinated labeling system to
identify the correct location to replace the magnet when preparing the GPS for storage.
Note: As of May 2012, all backpack GPS units will receive a small white stripe
indicating the placement of the GPS antenna. This white stripe must be visible and
facing the sky when mounted on the animal or during testing to ensure receiving good
GPS data results.
Color Device
Blue GPS &VHF
Green GPS only
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White VHF only
2.3 Available options
• Drop off mechanism
• Collar expandability
• Wireless, remote control data transfer
• Activity sensor
• Smart GPS sensor
• Mortality indicator
• VHF transmitter
2.3a Drop off mechanism
The key element to the drop off mechanism’s reliable operation is a very small actuator.
The actuator is securely held in the waterproof drop off housing. It is very important to
note that the drop off mechanism temperature range of operation is -40º C. to +50º C.
The drop off mechanism will not operate outside of this temperature range.
2.3b Collar expandability
For all orders that incorporate an expandable collar, the designs are customized and
should be considered experimental unless the end user has previous experience with the
design.
2.3c User replaceable batteries
The feature is customized based on your needs. Remember the connection between your
GPS and your user replaceable battery must be thoroughly covered in RTV prior to
deployment to protect against water damage.
Warning: The user replaceable batteries have exposed connections. While handling keep
the connections away from any metal object.
2.3d Wireless remote control data transfer
With this option you may connect to your unit wirelessly using the Telemetry Solutions
base station. This system is on demand. The remote data transfer system uses the same
battery as the GPS module. There is no limit to the number of times that you may
connect by wireless, as long as the battery still has capacity. The base station uses a very
minimal amount of the GPS unit’s battery when connected.
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2.3e Always on Mode
Depending upon your programming, your GPS unit will attempt to acquire locations
every 5, 10 or 20 seconds. These attempts may be programmed to begin at some time and
date in the future. This feature is not available in conjunction with the activity senor
option.
2.3f Activity Sensor
The activity sensor operates independently of the GPS and will record data based on your
desired specifications. It is user programmable to meet your needs. To learn more,
please see section 6.3. This feature is available by itself or in conjunction with the Smart
GPS feature. It is not available in conjunction with the always on programming mode
option.
2.3g Smart GPS Sensor
The smart GPS feature influences the operation of the GPS based upon the study animals’
activity level. The purpose of the smart GPS feature is twofold. First, it may
dramatically increase the number of successful GPS location attempts output from the
unit. Second, it may dramatically increase the battery life of the unit. This is especially
important for very small GPS collars and backpacks. This feature is available as a stand
alone option or in conjunction with the standard activity sensor. It is not compatible with
the always on programming mode option.
2.3h Mortality Indicator
Your VHF transmitter is equipped with a motion detector. This will detect movement.
After a specific period of time (pre-determined by the user during the ordering process)
has elapsed without any motion detected, the VHF pulse rate will double, indicating
mortality. The mortality event is not stamped in the memory. Only available by request
for GPS units that include a VHF transmitter.
2.3i VHF Transmitter
Your unit contains a VHF transmitter that will be on from the moment you remove the
magnet from the transmitter from the white dot on the GPS unit. Consult your packing
list for the battery life of this transmitter. The VHF transmitter will help you locate the
unit and, via its motion detector, whether the animal is alive or dead.
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2.3j Solar Power
Solar powered GPS comes in two forms: with a rechargeable battery and without.
• Solar with rechargeable battery: With this configuration, ultra-light weight
solar GPS devices are possible. It uses a solar panel to charge a battery that in turn
allows you to get GPS positions during the night while relying on solar power.
There are two primary programming settings: day mode and night mode. With
this configuration, you can set your GPS to acquire fixes at a different interval
depending on the time of day.
• Solar without a rechargeable battery: With this option, it is not possible to
control the time or multitude of your GPS fix attempts. Every time when there is
enough solar power to do so, the GPS will attempt a fix. Because of the rapid
charging, it is cable of getting more than three times the amount of fixes as the
rechargeable battery option. Over the course of one day, in good sun, you may be
able to log over 250 positions.
2.3k Collar Auto
Collar Auto is an additional program that is not part of the standard GPS with remote
download package. This program is designed to automatically download the GPS data
from your Quantum GPS devices without the user being present. It will follow the
download schedule you create and retrieve the GPS data when a collar is within range.
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3.
3. Collar SW
3.3.
Collar SW
Collar SWCollar SW
All products
3.1 Introduction
Collar SW is the user’s interface with a Telemetry Solutions’ GPS. This software allows
you to program your GPS positioning schedule and retrieve your data.
With the user software you may easily set up your collars, backpacks or pods, create a
GPS program, edit the unit, upload program files, download data and determine estimated
battery life.
Note: If you are running a Chinese or Japanese version of Windows, you may need to
swap the operating system to English to allow the Collar SW software work correctly.
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3.2 Installation
3.2a Windows XP
1. On a web browser navigate to http://www.telemetrysolutions.com/software-and-
manuals.php
2. Enter in your order number in the box and press Enter.
3. Download the user software.
4. Run setup.
5. Plug the USB cable into the computer and your Quantum GPS.
6. A dialogue balloon will appear in the bottom right corner of your computer. Click
on new hardware found and the new hardware wizard will appear.
If the balloon doesn’t appear, you can
access the hardware wizard by following
this path: start/control panel/add
hardware.
7. Click No, not this time, then next.
8. A new dialog box will appear reading,
"What would you like the wizard to do?"
Click install from a list or specific location
then next.
9. The third dialog box will read, Please
choose your search and installation options. Choose don’t, search, I will choose
the driver to install.
10. Direct the installation to the following path: C:\Program files\Collar sw\Serial
drivers.
11. Click next
12. A box with flying folders will appear indicating driver installation. A dialog box
opens that reads, has not passed Windows Logo. Click continue anyway.
3.2b Windows Vista
1. Open the Control Panel
2. In the search field at the top right corner of
the window type UAC
3. Click on the link reading Turn User
Account Control (UAC) on or off
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4. Uncheck the box next to Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your
computer
5. Click OK and restart your computer.
6. On a web browser navigate to http://www.telemetrysolutions.com/software-and-
manuals.php
7. Enter in your order number in the box and press Enter
8. Click on the Collar SW user software and press Run setup.
9. Plug the USB cable into the computer and your Quantum GPS.
10. A dialogue balloon will appear in the bottom right corner of your computer. Click
on new hardware found and the new hardware wizard will appear.
If the balloon doesn’t appear, you can access the hardware wizard by
following this path: start/control panel/add hardware.
11. Click No, not this time, then next.
12. A new dialog box will appear reading, "What would you like the wizard to
do?" Click install from a list or specific location then next.
13. The third dialog box will read, Please choose your search and installation options.
Choose don’t, search, I will choose the driver to install.
14. Direct the installation to the following path: C:\Program files\Collar sw\Serial
drivers
15. Click next
16. A box with flying folders will appear indicating driver installation. A dialog box
opens that reads, has not passed Windows Logo. Click continue anyway.
3.2c Windows 7
1. Open the Start menu
2. In the search field type UAC
3. Click on the link reading Change User Account
Control Settings
4. Adjust the slider to the lowest possible setting
5. On a web browser navigate to
http://www.telemetrysolutions.com/software-andmanuals.php
6. Enter in your order number in the box and press Enter
7. Click on the Collar SW 2.09 link to download the installation file.
8. Once downloaded, run setup V209 and follow the onscreen directions.
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9. Once complete, plug the USB cable into the computer and your Quantum GPS
unit. In a moment the Collar SW software should recognize the GPS unit is
attached.
Note: If the software does not immediately recognize the GPS unit, this is a very easy fix.
1. Click on the Start button on the lower left of the desktop. In the Search
Programs and Files box, type in Device Manager.
2. Once the Device Manager appears, click on it to open it.
3. Under Universal Serial Bus Controllers or Ports and Hubs, you may see
something that says it is an Unknown Device. Right click on this and select
Update Driver Software.
4. Click Browse my computer for driver software.
5. Direct the installation to the following path: C:\Program files (x86)\Collar
SW209\Serial drivers
6. Click next
7. A dialog box sometimes opens that reads, has not passed Windows Logo. Click
continue anyway.
3.2d Windows 8
The Collar SW software can install on Windows 8. However, there are quite a few extra
steps to get it up and running correctly.
1. On your desktop, move your mouse cursor to the upper right part on the screen
then select settings ->change pc settings->choose General –> Under “Advanced
Startup” –> Restart now.
2. Now the system will restart and might take a couple minutes to show up to the
boot menu.
3. After some time, you will be prompted with a menu with following options:
Continue, Troubleshoot & Turn off. Click Troubleshoot
4. Then the following menu options appear: Refresh your PC, Reset your PC, &
Advanced Options. Choose Advanced Options.
5. Then the following menu options appear: System Restore, System Image
Recovery, Automatic Repair, Command Prompt & Windows Startup settings.
Choose Windows Startup Settings, then Click Restart.
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6. Now the computer will restart and the boot menu appears. Choose “Disable
Driver signature Enforcement” from the menu. Now windows will start and you
can do the installation.
7. On a web browser navigate to http://www.telemetrysolutions.com/software-and-
manuals.php
8. Enter in your order number in the box and press Enter
9. Click on the Collar SW 2.09 link to download the installation file.
10. Once downloaded, run setup V209 and follow the onscreen directions.
11. Once complete, plug the USB cable into the computer and your Quantum GPS
unit. In a moment the Collar SW software should recognize the GPS unit is
attached.
Note: If the software does not immediately recognize the GPS unit, this is a very easy fix.
1. Click on the Start button on the lower left of the desktop. In the Search
Programs and Files box, type in Device Manager.
2. Once the Device Manager appears, click on it to open it.
3. Under Universal Serial Bus Controllers or Ports and Hubs, you may see
something that says it is an Unknown Device. Right click on this and select
Update Driver Software.
4. Click Browse my computer for driver software.
5. Direct the installation to the following path: C:\Program files (x86)\Collar
SW209\Serial drivers
6. Click next
7. A dialog box sometimes opens that reads, has not passed Windows Logo. Click
continue anyway.
3.3 Key terms
TSD files
These files are the saved data from your GPS. You can preview them or export them into
different formats using Collar SW. You may also open these files in notepad to preview
the data without having to run Collar SW
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TSC files
These files are the saved programming and configuration of your GPS. It is highly
recommended to save your programming before you deploy your GPS. You may only
view these files using Collar SW.
GPS timeout
The timeout is the time limit that you set for the GPS to remain on while it attempts to
acquire a location. Longer timeout settings will reduce the GPS battery life but increase
the percentage of successful fixes. Telemetry Solutions tests have shown that in open sky
there is no reason to ever program the GPS past 90 seconds. Forested habitat or extreme
terrain may warrant a 120 second setting. We advise you to test the unit in your habitat
prior to deployment to confirm this. If you have any questions please contact
support@telemetrysolutions.com.
NOTE: If the GPS has acquired a location prior to the preset GPS timeout, the unit will
shut down within five seconds. If you have set the GPS additional time to more than fice
seconds, the unit will continue to run either until the additional time has been met or the
GPS timeout has been reached.
3.4 User interface and functions
Collar SW offers many features, and not all necessarily apply to your product.
Understanding the user interface is a vital component to correctly programming your
GPS. This section will guide you through the interface and explain the uses of some basic
functions.
3.4a Home Screen
The home screen is the default page that opens when you run Collar SW. If you connect a
device to your PC while Collar SW the software will automatically direct you away from
this page.
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1
2
3
4
1. Connect to Collar or Remote Station: This icon will take you to the connect to
collar window. The connect to collar window is your interface with the
Quantum Base Station.
2. Open file: Click on this icon to open an existing TSC file for editing or
previewing.
3. Create new file for Collar: This icon is used to create a new TSC file without
having a GPS connected.
4. Browse data: This icon takes you to the data screen where you can export or
preview data that you have already downloaded.
3.4b Menu Bar
The menu bar gives you quick access to vital features of the user software
Menu bar
File Menu
New Collar: This option will only be usable if you do not have any
Telemetry Solutions’ products connected to your PC. It allows you
to create a new TSC file for later use
Open: Use this to open a TSC file that you have previously created
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Open With All Parameters: This will open a TSC file with all parameters including
serial number, collar address, and other settings. If you use this option and save the
information to a different GPS then some vital settings may be changed. It is not
recommended to use this feature
Import Calendar: This will import a programming schedule from a TSC file and apply it
to the collar that is currently connected to the PC.
Close: Will return you to the home screen.
Edit Collar: This will open the edit collar window where you may modify temperature
settings, GMT offset, and GPS additional time.
Exit: closes the program.
View Menu
Calendar (X): This will open the calendar page and display
only the requested information
Data From Collar: Will take you to the data page.
Settings: Directs you to the settings page
Graph In Calendar: This does nothing.
Collar Menu
The collar menu has two functions Upload and Download. The Upload
function will upload your programming into your GPS device, and the
Download function will download your programming from your GPS
device.
Preferences Menu
This menu enables you to make changes to the sounds and appearance of Collar SW.
Help Menu
This menu directs you to our online support. Almost all common
issues will be solved by following these links.
3.4c Status Bar
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Black Bar
The black bar will display the status of the equipment that you have connected to your
PC. This table will explain what each status message means.
Status Meaning
A GPS or a Base Station is connected
Demonstrates a good USB connection
Will flash green when connected
Connected to a collar by USB
Connected to a Base Station by USB
Displays Base Station battery status
Will always look like this if a Base Station is not connected
Notification Window
The notification will display errors and warnings that apply to your GPS positioning
schedule settings. The errors will prevent you from uploading your programming into the
GPS, and the warnings will notify of potential problems but will still allow you to upload
your programming.
Errors
Not set template
Nickname not fill
Drop off is early
Warnings
Calendar too short
Drop off not set
Battery life/ Schedule conflict
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3.4d Calendar Page
1
2
There are two main features of the Calendar Page:
1. Programming Window: This window is where you configure your
programming for both Repeat Mode and Template Mode
2. Calendar Window: This window displays a calendar where you can apply
the start date for repeat mode or apply the templates you have created to
specific dates. If you apply a start date to repeat mode it will not control the
actual start date of the schedule. It is only used for battery life estimations.
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3.4e Data Page
2
1
3
The Data Page allows you to download and export your data. It consists of:
1. Display Window: All of the data you have downloaded will be displayed in
this window. It includes a few basic descriptions to help you correctly identify
each data file.
2. Export Options: This feature enables you to choose several different formats
that you can export your data to. The formats consist of:
• LAT/LON ddd:mm:ss.ss
• LAT/LON ddd.dddddd
• UTM
• KML: For quick viewing on Google Earth
3. Data Download Bar: Here you are able download the data directly from your
GPS.
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3.4f Settings Page
3
1
2
The Settings Page includes advanced programming and configuration settings that may
be essential to your project. There also very useful troubleshooting features built into this
page. However it is very important to note that changing some of these values may result
in a malfunctioning GPS. It is only recommended to use this page in ways that are
outlined in this manual.
1. Collar options: This window displays battery gauges, current voltage,
charging progress if applicable, current time settings, and drop off trigger.
2. Service options: This window should be used with extreme caution. It is used
for troubleshooting only. There are useful functions for the user in this
section, but in general it is a good idea to avoid this section unless the manual
guides you through the correct processes.
3. Configuration window: In this window you may manually enter in certain
programming features. Every option in this window can be entered through
other means. It is only recommended to use any of these settings if the other
methods are not working.
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3.5 Programming your GPS
Not all programming options apply to your product. Each section will indicate which
products are compatible with the feature. The section is meant to be followed in order.
For a complete guide on programming your GPS you will need to follow this outline:
1. Configure your GPS
2. Create your program
3. Upload your programming
4. Set the time
3.5a Configure your GPS
All products
The first step is to configure your GPS. There are two ways to do this. If you already
have your GPS device available you can connect it to your PC and open Collar SW, or
you may open Collar SW without the GPS connected and click on the create new file for
collar button.
Either way the Select collar window will open.
All of the main collar configuration can be programmed through the Select collar
window. To configure your GPS you will need to fill out the necessary fields in this
window:
1
2
4
3
1. Collar Model: This box will automatically highlight the correct model if your
GPS is connected to your PC. If the GPS is not connected you will need to
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manually scroll through this list and select the appropriate model. The correct
model is listed on your packing list.
2. Location: This box lists several default temperatures. Select the temperature
that best applies to your study area. This is for battery life estimations only.
The lower the temperature the shorter your battery life prediction will be.
3. Name Time and Mortality Setting: In this box you will configure three
settings:
• The nickname is a title you give each collar to help easily identity the
data. This field must only include letters, numbers, and hyphens.
• The customer message is where you can enter notes that pertain to a
specific collar. It is a good spot to quickly summarize your program or
prior usage of the collar.
• The third option allows you to select the appropriate time zone. The
GPS will not shift between daylight savings time and standard time. If
your study overlaps these transitions the timestamps in your data may
be off by one hour.
4. Calendar Settings: It is in this box that you can enter basic programming
information.
Once you have configured your GPS than you may proceed to programming it. There are
three programming options for you to choose from: Template Mode, Repeat Mode, and
Always on Mode.
3.5b Create program in Template Mode
All products
This programming mode allows you to create up to 26 different GPS positioning schedule
templates and apply these templates to any days of your choosing. Each template may
consist of up to 255 different GPS positioning attempts with the one restriction that your
templates combined may not contain more than 3,500 scheduled fix attempts. Those
templates can be applied to any day of your choosing which enables you to schedule as
many fixes attempts as you desire. Using the template programming mode you can
configure your GPS to attempt to acquire a position at almost any time and date of your
choosing.
1. After you have completed the initial configuration of your GPS navigate to the
Calendar Page of Collar SW.
2. On the left side of the screen click the tab
entitled Template.
3. By default, the details of Template window will appear.
4. Click the edit parameters box.
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5. In the GPS window click add; the Insert parameters
window will then appear.
6. In the Start time field type a time for the GPS to take
a position. The 24 hour clock is used for this setting.
7. In the GPS timeout drop down menu choose 60, 90
or 120 seconds.
Insert Parameters Window
8. Click OK.
9. Repeat this process for the next time that you want the GPS on.
10. The third time that you click the add button, the software will continue the pattern
that has been established. You may either click OK or override the assumed
pattern. (HINT: Use the insert key to bring up the next time in the established
pattern, and then push Enter to apply it to your Template).
11. Continue until you have all of your GPS positioning times established for this
Template.
12. Go to the calendar and right click on the date you would like to start your
schedule. Click “Calendar From.” This will be the first programmable date on
your calendar. After this, right click on a date in the future and click “Calendar
To.” This will be the date the calendar will stop and no longer take fixes.
Note
: All Dates in this range must be filled in with a template. If there are dates you
wish the unit to not be taking fixes, a template with no set times to acquire GPS
positions must be created and applied to these days. If there are any available days
with no template applied, there will be an error that will not allow you to upload your
schedule.
13. To apply this template to dates within the calendar, highlight the dates on which
you will apply this template.
14. Then in the Template window on the left side of your screen, click on the button
next to Template A.
15. A box will appear for you to either confirm or cancel this action.
16. The estimated end of battery will be displayed on the calendar with the words
End Bat on the day that the GPS battery is estimated to be depleted. Please note
that you may have to look at a following year to find this End Bat message. Once
the End Bat date is reached the collar may continue to operate until the battery is
completely depleted. It is wise to continue your fix schedule after the stated End
Bat date so that you may be able to take advantage of any remaining battery life.
17. Check the Communication window at the bottom of the screen (below the
horizontal black bar, in the center). This will display errors and warnings. If
there is an error (red box with white exclamation point inside) you cannot upload
your program schedule into the unit. If there are warnings (white box with yellow
triangle inside) you can upload your program schedule into the unit but there may
be a mistake that you created in your Template.
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See Appendix D for a description of all errors and warnings
18. Correct the errors if any exist.
19. Be aware of the warnings and make any changes to eliminate them if necessary.
20. You may now choose to either save this calendar or you can create another
Template within this calendar.
21. To create another Template, in the Template window click add Template.
22. In the Template window click B. Repeat the steps to create Template B. You can
create up to 26 Templates.
23. All dates within the calendar from and calendar to dates must be set to some
Template or you cannot upload the file. If you wish for some days to have no
positioning attempts, create a Template with no information in it and apply that
Template to the days when you want no positioning.
24. Save your file.
3.5c Create program in repeat mode
All products
In Repeat Mode you are able to set a default interval between GPS positioning attempts
that the GPS will always follow. The interval can be any time period between 2 minutes
and 48 hours. When using Repeat Mode the GPS will always start the repeat interval the
moment the magnet is removed and the GPS is not connected to a PC.
The software allows you to change the estimated start date of the GPS in repeat mode. It
is very important to note that the start date selected is only for battery life predictions and
will not control the actual start date of the GPS.
1. After you have completed the initial configuration of your GPS navigate to the
Calendar Page of Collar SW
2. On the left side of the screen click the repeat
tab. If that tab is not available, choose edit
unit from the file menu and enable the repeat
mode.
3. Input your desired fix interval. You may use
any combination of 0-48 hours and 0-59
minutes. However you cannot set the interval
to less than 2 minutes.
4. Input your desired GPS timeout.
5. Below this area you will see the estimated lifetime and total GPS points based
upon your interval setting.
6. The calendar will show the expected end of battery life with the words End Bat
on the day that the GPS battery is expected to stop. If, after that date, the battery
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still has the proper voltage the unit will continue to operate according to your
programming.
3.5d Create programming in Always on Mode
Quantum 4000 Enhanced
This programming mode will acquire a lot of data in a very short period of time. You
may program the GPS to acquire locations every 5, 10, or 20 seconds. Once the GPS
begins to acquire locations it will remain on until the battery is depleted.
Note: You will receive your GPS units with Always On Mode turned off. The Product
level (viewable and editable in the Settings page of the Collar SW software) will be
shipped as 00000000 01000100. This product level disables Always On Mode because
when it is enabled, the battery continuously runs and becomes depleted. Whenever you
charge your units, you must enter and save the above product level to make sure the
batteries do not become depleted after you unplug from USB, as you will have to
recharge your units again. Please follow the instructions below to activate Always On
Mode.
1. Connect the GPS unit to your PC with the USB cable.
2. In the user software, navigate to the settings screen.
3. Scroll down to the Drop off Delay 1 text box. This is the place to set the GPS
positioning interval. Choose 5, 10 or 20. This sets the fix interval to 5, 10, or 20
seconds.
4. Scroll to the Drop off Delay 2 text box. Make sure 0 is what is entered into this
box. If this is not zero, it can severely alter your programming.
5. Scroll down to the product level box and set 00010000 01000100.
6. Scroll all the way to the top of the page and click write all. This saves the settings
that you just input.
Setting a specific time and date for always on mode to start
Now you may choose to set up the time that the GPS will begin to log positions. You will
do this by working in the manual command entry text box on the left side of the screen
in the Service options box.
In this box will may enter a code that consists of two parts:
• The first part indicates to the GPS unit that you are setting the Always on mode to
be on sometime in the future. Type *a*s*e*t*d. (Do not press ok yet.)
• The second part of the code indicates the day of the month, the month, the year
and then the time that you want the GPS to turn on, that is DDMMYYHHMM.
For example 2507101250 sets 25th of July 2010 at 12:50 hours. Combine the first part of
the code with the second part (*a*s*e*t*d2507101250) and click ok. The unit is set to
turn-on on July 25th, 2010 at 12:50 hours.
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Additional commands:
• *a*s*e*t*s turns off this feature. If you apply this code the GPS unit will start as
soon as you remove the USB cable and magnet (if equipped with magnet).
• *a*s*e*t will show you the date and time that you set for the GPS to start.
3.5e Create programming with a standard solar GPS
Quantum 4000 Enhanced
Solar without rechargeable battery
A GPS with solar power and no rechargeable battery. The only two things that need to be
programmed are the GPS additional time and the GPS timeout. To program your solar
powered GPS:
1. Navigate to the settings page of Collar SW.
2. Set the GPS additional time to your desired additional time.
3. Set the GPS timeout to your desired GPS timeout.
4. Press the Write All button on the top of the page.
Important notes:
• It is strongly recommend that you set the GPS additional time to 5 seconds and
the GPS timeout to 120 seconds. These settings grant the highest percentage of
successful fixes while allowing a large number of fix attempts.
• If you set the GPS additional time higher, it will result in fewer attempted fixes
but more accurate locations.
• This style of GPS will not acquire any positions during the night.
• Approximately 7,500 to 9,500 lines of data can be downloaded at one time.
3.5f Create programming with a rechargeable solar GPS
Quantum 4000 Enhanced
Solar with rechargeable battery
GPS units with solar-charged batteries function somewhat differently than our standard
solar-powered GPS units. A battery allows the devices to take fixes at night or when the
unit is not in direct sunlight. After the unit charges to 3.2 V, the unit will start taking fixes
until the voltage drops below 3.0 V.
A solar GPS unit is programmed to take fixes at certain fixed intervals. These intervals
can be set for two different times of day, DAY and NIGHT, and two different battery
states, FULL and MEDIUM. For example, the unit can be programmed to take more fixes
during the day and fewer at night, or to take more fixes when the battery is in the FULL
battery state with over 3.8 V.
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The programming of your GPS is done through the Collar SW program. To program the
GPS you will need to open Collar SW and navigate to the settings page. On the settings
page you will find a text box labeled manual command entry. It is in this box where you
will enter in the programming commands.
Programming explained
To program the solar GPS you will need to enter in a command into the manual
command entry box. The command will look something like this:
*r*s*XYYYYZZZZ
X = the time setting to change D for the day setting, N for the night setting, and Z for the
day night interval.
YYYY = For D or N it is the interval in minutes between fixes for the MIDDLE state
and for N it is the start time for night.
ZZZZ = For D or N it is the interval in minutes between fixes for the FULL state and for
N it is the end time for night.
Programming examples
Day settings:
*r*s*D01200015 – With this command the GPS will attempt a fix every 120 minutes
when the battery is partially charged and every 15 minutes when fully charged.
Night settings:
*r*s*N02400060 – This sets the GPS to attempt a fixes every 240 minutes with a
partially charged battery and 60 minutes with a full battery.
Day-Night interval:
*r*s*Z18300800 – This sets the nighttime to begin at 18:30 and end at 08:00.
To disable Night Mode:
*r*s*Z00000000 – This will disable the night mode setting, letting your GPS day mode
schedule run 24 hours a day
Important Notes
• If the GPS loses it’s time it will assume that it is currently daytime until the GPS
acquires another fix and correctly sets the time.
• Do not schedule more than 1 fix per hour in middle mode or more than every 10
minutes in full mode.
• It takes a lot of sun and minimal GPS attempts to have a unit which is able to
charge to the level of Full mode. Because of this, please know that Middle mode
is what the unit will typically be operating in.
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• Always fully charge your units via USB before deployment. A full charge will be
somewhere near 4.1V.
• If the rechargeable battery is 100% drained it will take approximately 5 hours of
full sun to charge enough to begin acquiring fixes again.
• This product does require sun to function properly. There may be gaps in your
data where your GPS did not attempt any fixes. This is likely due to the poor sun
conditions.
• When testing rechargeable units, please do not do anything that may help to raise
the natural temperature of the units when in the environment. Placing the units in
a hot car, on metal, in plastic bags, etc, may cause the units to overheat. Once a
rechargeable battery gets to be above 60° C, major problems may arise and your
units may no longer be functional.
3.5g Upload the program
All products
After you have created your desired programming you will need to upload that
programming into your GPS. You can skip this step if you are using the always on
programming modem are using repeat mode or if you have a solar powered GPS. To do
this:
1. Keep the unit connected to your laptop or pc via the USB cable.
2. From the Collar menu click upload. A blue screen briefly appears on your screen
indicating that the file is being uploaded. This only takes about 1 second.
3. From the unit pull down menu click download. This sends the programming back
from the unit onto your screen so that you can ensure that the program uploaded is
as you intended. What you see on the screen now is the file in your unit.
3.5h Set Time
All products
One of the most important steps in the programming process is setting the time. If you
intend to program the GPS unit now but leave it turned off (by magnet) for some time
then do not set the time now. Removing the magnet erases the clock setting.
Follow these steps to set the time:
1. Navigate to the settings page. In the Collar
options section click set. This sets the time
in your GPS data logger. If your unit has
its magnet in place, the time will not saved.
Therefore it is important to always do this
step after removing the magnet from the
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GPS data logger. After you set the time you will see the message Time set ok.
2. Unplug the USB cable from your unit.
Important note:
Plugging your GPS into a PC or removing the magnet from the GPS
will reset the time. Whenever the unit does not have a time, it will attempt to acquire the
time from a satellite every 20 minutes unless it is plugged into a PC or has a magnet
attached, potentially draining the battery if it is somewhere it cannot acquire a satellite.
Therefore, it is important to either set the time before unplugging it from a PC or use the
magnet to disable it until deployment.
3.5i Programming your Drop Off
Quantum 4000 Enhanced with Drop Off
1. Open the user software
2. Connect the unit to Collar SW:
• If your Drop Off was purchased after January 2012 you may program your
Drop Off using the same USB port as your GPS. Otherwise you must use
the secondary USB port included on your GPS. The secondary USB port
requires a mini USB cable.
3. A window will open titled select collar. If it does not open then go to the file
menu and select edit collar.
4. In this window you will see a box entitled Drop
off.
5. Select this box.
6. Input the desired drop off date and time.
7. Click Ok. Your collar is now set to drop off at
the selected date and time.
8. Go to the Settings page.
9. Click clear drop off. It is located in the service options box on the settings page.
10. Click set time located in the collar options box on the settings page.
11. Click write all.
12. Unplug your GPS.
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3.5j Trigger a Drop Off Wirelessly
Quantum 4000 Enhanced with Drop Off
Remote download option
Remote trigger option
IMPORTANT: Not all Quantum GPS with Drop Offs have this feature enabled. Check
with Telemetry Solutions to verify that your GPS was shipped with this feature.
1. Connect to your collar wirelessly. To do this:
a. Open Collar SW.
b. Connect your Base Station by USB.
c. When the Connect to Collar window loads, enter your collar’s address.
d. Press Connect.
e. Navigate to the Settings page and locate the Manual Command Entry box.
f. Enter *D*E*N and press enter. Then enter *D*A*R*M and press enter.
You may need to wait for the program to respond before proceeding to the
next step.
g. Enter *D*G*O and press enter. Your drop off will now start its activation
sequence. It will take up to 2 hours to trigger.
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4.
4. Downloading Data
4.4.
Downloading Data
Downloading DataDownloading Data
Collar SW
Motion
4.1 Downloading data by USB cable
1. Remove the rubber plug from the USB port on your Quantum GPS unit and plug
your GPS unit into your PC with the USB cable provided.
2. Open the user software and navigate to the data page.
3. Click the download data button.
4. The data is viewable by clicking on the downloaded file that can be found in the
list in the top half of the data page. The data opens in notepad.
See Section 5 Using your data for instructions on accessing your data.
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4.2 Downloading data by wireless (base station/
laptop)
Remote Data Download Option
Laptop, Netbook
1. Connect the UHF antenna to your base station and plug the base station into your
PC. Open the user software on your computer and it will automatically direct you
to the Connect to collar window.
2. In the manual address entry text box enter the unit’s address. You then have two
options for downloading your data:
• Fast download: Using the Fast download button will connect to the
collar, download the data, and disconnect from the collar with the
press of one button. This option will download only the data that has
been acquired since your last download. If you have yet to download
the data using the current PC it will download all of the data.
• Connect: When you use the connect button you gain access to the
entirety of Collar SW. You may download data or change the
programming.
3. Click on the button to select the download method of your choosing. If you chose
the Fast download skip to #8 below.
4. Navigate to the data page.
5. Click the download data button. A new text box will appear, click start.
6. The data will download. When finished click close.
7. In the black horizontal bar toward the bottom of the screen click disconnect. This
is very important. Failure to do so will drain more battery than necessary.
8. The data is viewable by clicking on the downloaded file in the list in the top half
of the data page. The data opens in notepad.
See Section 5 Using your data for instructions on accessing your data.
4.3 Downloading activity data
Activity Sensor Option
Motion Software
You cannot download your activity data in the Collar SW program. The activity data is
only accessible by using the motion user software. It is also not possible to download
activity data remotely. The activity sensor is very powerful and records a lot of data
quickly. Downloading the data remotely will quickly drain your GPS battery and
therefore this feature is not available.
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To retrieve your activity data:
1. Connect your GPS to your PC and open the motion user software.
2. Press the download activity data button.
3. Select the folder location where you would like to save your file and press save. If
there are several thousand pages of motion data it will take some time to
download. Each page of data contains roughly 62 lines of data. The program may
appear to stop working but it is in fact downloading your data into a file. If the
GPS unit’s memory is filled with data it may take up to 30 minutes to download
the activity data.
Note: The software auto generates the same name for every download of activity
data. If you do not want to save over old data it is highly recommended that you
change the name of the old file before saving it.
4. To view your data double click on the saved file and it will open in notepad.
4.4 Troubleshooting a wireless connection
Quantum Base Station
Remote Download Option
While remote downloading has been tested up to 400 meters, its practical range will vary
greatly based on your environment. The remote download option uses a UHF frequency
to transmit the data. This frequency requires a line of sight, which means if you can hear
the animal wearing your collar but cannot see the animal you may be unable to achieve a
remote download.
Equipment
Three-element Yagi (optional)
The three-element Yagi has been tested in dense environments up to 450 meters. It has a
wide focus area which allows it to get around many obstacles. It is available as a welded
antenna for aerial downloads and as a collapsible model for ground downloads.
Environment
Your environment will control almost all of the variables in your remote download. If
you are having difficulties connecting to your collar or pod your only option is to
establish a line of sight. This may mean getting closer or gaining elevation to peer over
any obstacles.
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Tips to help establish a connection
• Try attaching the Yagi to a 3.5 meter pole. Field tests show that the stability of the
Yagi mounted on the pole plus the added elevation help achieve a connection at a
greater distance. The added elevation allows for the Yagi to gain a better line of
sight by being above common obstacles.
• Once you have located your GPS, if possible, try and move around the GPS until
you gain a line of sight.
• The higher the elevation, in comparison to your GPS, the easier it will be to
establish a line of sight in many cases.
• Try a few different attempts in the same spot before moving on. Sometimes you
need to cancel and attempt and start over in order to achieve the connection.
Possible causes for failed connection when conditions are ideal
• The Base Station does need to be charged regularly. After enough use the base
station will appear to have a charge, but would not have enough power to handle
the range needed to make a reasonable wireless connection. A base station under
3.8V will begin to be a lot less likely to make a remote connection. Always fully
charge the Base Station before entering the field.
• If the GPS has no battery remaining then it will not be able to send out a wireless
signal. If you are close to the scheduled end of your deployment this may be the
case.
• Double check that you are using the correct collar address. You may find the
complete list of your GPS units and addresses on the packing list that was shipped
with your order. If you are in need of a replacement list, email
support@telemetrysolutions.com.
• If the animal is lying on the UHF antenna it may be absorbing most of the signal,
preventing you from achieving a connection.
• If the unit or antennas have been damaged by the animal or the environment, it
may be difficult or even impossible to remote connect to the unit.
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5.
5. Using
5.5.
Using Your Data
UsingUsing
Your Data
Your Data Your Data
All products
Once the data is retrieved from the collar by either wireless or USB it is saved as a
Telemetry Solutions Data file (TSD). There are several ways you are able to access this
data. The most important step is to be certain the TSD files are in the correct folder.
Save the files to C:/Program Files/Collar SW/data (save to C:/Users/<Profile
name>/Collar/Data if using Collar SW V209 or newer). After you have copied the data
into this folder you will be able to use the user software to view the data and export it into
different formats.
5.1 View your data using the software
Immediately when you open Collar SW it will display the home screen. To access your
data click on the browse data button and a window will open listing all of your data. You
may then double click on any listed data and it will open the data in notepad.
The most recent data file appears on the top of the list and is bold.
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5.2 Convert your data into different formats
You may convert your data into several different formats by following these quick steps:
1. Open Collar SW, and navigate to the Data Page by clicking on the icon on the
home screen on clicking on the Data tab.
2. Select the format that you would like to export the data to.
3. Press the Export button. The software will then ask where you would like to save
the file. You can save it wherever you choose.
4. After you have saved the file it will automatically open.
5.2a Data formats
The default TSD file contains the GPS positions recorded in latitude and longitude
formatted in degrees, minutes, and seconds (dd:mm:ss.ss). This TSD file can be exported
into easy to use formats, so that you may easily import it into your current GIS/ mapping
system. All lat/long data is in the WGS84 format.
Degrees, minutes, seconds
The export degrees, minutes, seconds file will not include as much information on the
header. It will only include the column titles and the data itself.
Decimal Degrees
When exported into decimal degrees your latitude and longitude will be in this format:
dd.dddddd.
UTM
The exported data for UTM is formatted in the North American Datum of 1983
(NAD83).
KML
KML files are for viewing your data in Google Earth. Our software exports this data with
every point connected with lines. KML files use XML language to organize the data that
will be displayed in Google Earth. You may open this file with any text editor to make
changes to how the data is represented on the map. For instructions on the changes you
can make please visit:
http://code.google.com/apis/kml/documentation/kml_tut.html
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5.2b Export your data into Excel
Now that you have converted your data to your desired format you can open it in Excel.
To do this:
1. Open Excel.
2. Open the file you converted by going to File > Open.
You will need to navigate to where you saved your data file.
Change the file type to all files in order to see your data.
Press Open
3. The text import wizard will open. Make certain Delimited is selected and press
next.
4. On the next window make certain that only the Tab box is checked and press
Finished.
5.3 Output
Each data column has a heading indicating what it is. When viewing in notepad these
headings do not line up properly with the columns of data. By exporting the files and then
importing the file into Excel, the headings line up properly. This is a list and brief
explanation of each column in the output.
See Appendix E for more information on data
GPS data
Date: Date that the GPS location was acquired.
Time: Time that the GPS location acquisition began. This is local time according to the
time zone that you set in the edit unit text box.
TTF: This is the amount of time required to acquire a position. For collars and pod
shipped after March 2, 2009 this column is the time required to acquire a position plus the
GPS additional time.
Latt: Latitude
Long: Longitude
Altitude: Altitude. Please note that this will not be very precise; your maps will have
more precise altitude data
Maxsnr: Maximum satellite signal strength
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HDOP: Horizontal dilution of precision
VDOP: Vertical dilution of precision
Satt: The number of satellites acquired before the GPS module wrote the position to
memory. This includes satellites acquired during the GPS Additional Time.
Fix: “No” means that there was no location acquired. “2D” means that only three
satellites were found and the altitude was estimated before it was used to calculate the
position, while “3D” means that four or more satellites were found, allowing the altitude,
and thus the position, to be more accurately calculated.
V1: The GPS battery voltage at the time the location was recorded. If no GPS position is
recorded this voltage reading can be incorrect.
V2. Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
T1: The temperature at the time the location was recorded.
T2: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
H1: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
H2: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
S1: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
S2: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
S3: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
S4: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
Events: These are messages that are displayed in the data when certain things occur such
as unplugging and plugging in the USB.
USB_UNPLUGGED – This is written anytime the USB is unplugged.
This message also means that the system
MAIN_GET_READY – This message is the system saying that it is
checking it’s settings such as memory, GPS, etc.
MAIN_LOOP_START - All preparation is done and the GPS is now set
to wait until a GPS attempt arrives or there is a remote connection
attempt.
GPS FORCE RESET – This message means the GPS unit has been reset
and setup again. This is normal when the unit turns back on after having
a USB connected to the unit. If you have a solar unit, this message may
appear when the unit has gained enough power to wake up from sleep
mode.
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Activity data
Date: The date that the activity data was measured.
Time: The time that the activity data was measured. Time is accurate to seconds.
cnt_threshold: The number of samples with an amplitude greater than the user
programmed threshold.
max_amplitude: The amplitude of the most powerful movement during the delta time
period.
energy: The total measured energy since the last line of data.
5.4 Map your data on Google maps
You may map your data onto Google maps through the Telemetry Solutions website.
1. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Unit SW\data and remove the underscores from the
file name. You may also rename the file completely if you wish.
2. Open a web browser and navigate to
http://www.telemetrysolutions.com/tsgmap.php
3. Enter your username (your email address) and your password. To obtain a
password email support@telemetrysolutions.com.
4. Click upload file.
5. Choose the data file to upload.
6. Click the upload button.
7. Go back to upload another data file or close window.
8. Click reload list.
9. From the list of data files click on the green button next to the file that you wish to
map.
10. A Google map will appear. If you are zoomed out data points will be grouped
into a mass of points represented by blue balloons. Zoom in to see the individual
points.
11. Click the satellite button to view the data on a satellite map.
12. Each point is numbered in a list on the right side of the screen. You can find the
distance between two points by clicking on the calculate button then entering the
point numbers into the text box that appears.
13. You can capture the URL for this map by clicking on the URL button. You can
then email this URL to anyone who you wish to have access to the map.
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6.
6. Motion
6.6.
Motion
MotionMotion
Activity Sensor Option
Smart GPS Option
6.1 Introduction
The Motion User SW is used to program your activity sensor and smart GPS and retrieve
the activity. The activity sensor option uses an accelerometer to measure the movement
of the GPS device. This component is very sensitive and will produce movement data
represented numerically. The Motion software includes a graphical interface that will
allow you to see in real time what the data will look like for any particular movement.
6.2 Installation
Download the motion software from http://www.telemetrysolutions.com/software-and-
manuals.php, type in your order number and the list of software, including the Motion
software, will show available for download.
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6.3 Key terms
Accelerometer: The device built into your Quantum 4000 Enhanced GPS unit that
detects movement and its intensity.
Amplitude threshold: This is a filter. It is the user programmable activity level that
must be exceeded in order for the activity to be included in the data output.
Buffer flush: When enabled, lines of activity data are moved out of the buffer and into
the nonvolatile memory either when the GPS receiver turns on to attempt a location or
when a wireless connection is made to the unit. When the buffer flush is not enabled the
activity data moves out of the buffer and into the memory only when the buffer is full.
The buffer fills at 62 lines of data. This feature is designed to make testing the activity
sensor simpler by allowing you to force the activity data to be written into memory and
avoid waiting hours for the buffer to fill up.
Cnt_threshold: This is the third column in the output data. This represents the number
of instances, within a delta time period, that the activity sensor detected movement which
was greater than the amplitude threshold.
Delta time period: The user programmable period of time, in seconds, that represents
one line of data.
Energy: This is the fifth column in the output data. This represents the total intensity of
all movement within a delta time period.
Energy divider: This is a filter. It is the user programmable number (between 30 and
255) that makes the energy output data more manageable. It does not filter the energy, it
just affects the numerical reading that is assigned to energy.
Max_amplitude: The fourth column in the output data. It is the single instance, within a
delta time period, of the strongest acceleration of any movement within that delta time
period. Please note that this output is automatically filtered by dividing the output by 4.
Again, this is only to make the data more manageable.
Sample rate: The interval at which the activity sensor functions, detecting or not
detecting movement.
Smart GPS threshold: This is a user programmable setting. This has to do with
movement levels or intensity of movement. When the user-programmed level is
exceeded x number of times, then smart GPS is disabled and the position attempt is
allowed. This works in conjunction with the smart GPS minimum count.
Smart GPS minimum count: This is a user programmable setting. It is the number of
occurrences that the smart GPS threshold must be exceeded in order for Smart GPS to be
disabled and a GPS location attempt to take place. This works in conjunction with the
smart GPS threshold.
Smart GPS counter: This is not displayed but rather it keeps count of the number of
instances that movement has exceeded the smart GPS threshold.
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Clear counter after every skipped GPS attempt: When enabled, the smart GPS
counter resets to 0 after each attempted or skipped GPS position. If disabled, the smart
GPS counter keeps adding to the count after a skipped GPS attempt until the Smart GPS
minimum count is reached. Once this count is reached, the next scheduled GPS attempt
will occur as expected.
Smart GPS Skip function - The Smart GPS Skip function is an optional feature which
comes standard when you purchase the Smart GPS. This feature allows the user to
program how many times the GPS unit will skip attempting a GPS position due to the
Smart GPS counter not surpassing the pre-set Smart GPS Threshold, before turning on
and forcing itself to take a GPS fix. The number of times a GPS unit is programmed to
skip before being forced to attempt a fix is completely user-programmable between 1 and
99. This is a safety net so that if the animal is not moving as much as expected, you will
still get data.
6.4 User interface
1
2
3
4
5
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1. The Status Window: This area displays messages to the user and raw data from
the accelerometer.
2. Graphical Data Display: This will display the movements of your GPS in real-
time when the GPS is connect by a USB cable.
3. Activity Sensor Controls: This section enables you to program your activity
sensor.
4. Smart GPS Controls: You may input your smart GPS settings in this section.
6.5 Activity sensor
6.5a Keys to successfully using your activity sensor
• Always program your activity sensor before programming your GPS. If you
program your GPS before programming your activity sensor, the GPS unit will
lose its date and time. If you inadvertently do program your GPS first and the
activity sensor second you will have to open collar sw and set the time again. If
you do not do this the GPS may attempt to acquire the time by search for a GPS
signal every 20 minutes until it has acquired the correct time. Please refer to the
Programming your GPS, set time section.
• Initially the activity sensor stores data into a buffer. When this buffer is full it will
automatically move the data into the nonvolatile memory. The buffer is full when
it holds 62 lines of motion data. One line of activity data results from one delta
time period. You will not be able to download the motion data onto your
computer unless the data has already been stored in the GPS unit’s nonvolatile
memory. The data will be moved into the nonvolatile memory when either one of
two things happen. Either the buffer reaches 62 lines of data or the buffer flush is
set and the unit attempts a GPS position. As you try to become familiar with the
activity sensor you may be tempted to download your test data before the buffer is
full. Use a short delta time and a high sample rate to fill the buffer quickly.
• In order to understand how different movements trigger different output data
please use the graphical interface in the motion software. As you move the
Quantum 4000 Enhanced unit in your hands you will see the output both
numerically and graphically. Adjust the user programmable settings to vary the
way in which the activity sensor detects movements.
• You cannot download activity data remotely.
• Activity data will not be stored when the USB is plugged in, the magnets are in
place or no GPS schedule is set.
• The activity sensor can store roughly 1,669,680 lines of data.
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• The end of a Delta Time must not occur at the same time as a GPS fix. During a
GPS fix the activity sensor stops measuring movement and is unable to record the
logged activity data into memory.
• The battery life calculation in repeat mode does not fully support the
accelerometer feature. To get an accurate battery life calculation program the GPS
in template mode.
6.5b Programming your activity sensor
Turn on your activity sensor
1. Open the Motion software.
2. Plug your GPS unit to your PC or laptop with the USB cable supplied.
3. Press Go ONLINE.
4. Check the box next to Activity sensor
ENGINE ON/OFF. A real time graph
displaying the movements of the activity
sensor will open.
5. Using the drop down menus, enter your
desired settings (seen on the right side of
the illustration above). Note: The
current settings are displayed in the description for each field, seen on the left half
of the illustration above.
6. Press set next to every field you changed.
7. Press Go Offline and close the Motion software.
8. If you are ready to deploy, you must now set time in the collar SW software. If
you have already programmed the GPS that is fine but you must set time again.
Note: The activity sensor will not store data if the GPS is not programmed to attempt
fixes.
9. Unplug the USB cable from your GPS unit. It will not record activity data until
the USB cable is unplugged.
Use your activity sensor in repeat mode
1. Program the activity sensor using the Motion software, see Turn on your activity
sensor
2. Program your collar in repeat mode, see Create program in repeat mode.
3. After you unplug the USB cable from the collar there is a 3 minute delay before
the activity sensor begins to work. After the 3 minute delay, except for the times
at which the GPS unit is attempting to acquire GPS satellites and when the unit is
connected wirelessly to the base station, the activity sensor will always be on.
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Use your activity sensor in template mode
1. Program the activity sensor using the motion software, see Turn on your activity
sensor
2. Program your collar in template mode, see Create
program in template mode.
3. When programming each template you will need to enter
the time period for which you would like your activity
sensor to record data. You may set the activity sensor to
record data during multiple periods throughout each template. After you unplug
the USB cable from the collar there is a 3 minute delay before the activity sensor
begins to work. Then after the 3 minute delay the activity sensor will operate
according to your programmed time periods. However, when the GPS unit is
attempting to acquire GPS satellites and when the unit is connected wirelessly to
the base station, the activity sensor will not operate.
Recovering your data
1. Open the Motion software.
2. Connect your GPS to your PC.
3. Press the download activity data button.
4. Select the folder location where you would like to save your file and press save. If
there are several thousand pages of motion data it will take some time to
download. Each page of data contains roughly 62 lines of data. The program may
appear to stop working, but it is in fact downloading your data into a file. If your
memory is filled with data it may take up to 30 minutes to download the activity
data. Note: The software auto generates the same name for every download of
activity data. If you do not want to save over old data it is highly recommended
that you change the name before saving it.
5. To view your data double click on the saved file created by the Motion software
and it will open in notepad.
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3 4 5 6
6.5c Understanding your data
The activity data output looks like this:
1
2
The data output consists of:
1. Most recent program settings. This will display the settings that were in effect at
the time of the data download.
2. Date
3. Time. The time listed is the end of the delta time period.
4. Number of samples with amplitude above the threshold
5. Maximum amplitude. The amplitude of the most powerful movement during a
delta time period.
6. Total energy during the delta time period
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The cnt_threshold, max_amplitude and energy columns
reflect data that can be customized using the Motion
software.
cnt_threshold
This represents the number of instances within a delta time period in which the
movements were greater than the amplitude threshold. The maximum output, for
example, if the delta time is two seconds and the sample rate is 1 time per second then the
maximum cnt_threshold output is 2. Likewise if the delta time period is 10 seconds and
the sample rate is 4 times per second then the maximum cnt_threshold output is 40. If no
amplitude is greater than the threshold the output is 0.
max_amplitude
The fourth column in the output
data. It is the single instance, within
a delta time period, of the strongest
acceleration of any movement.
Please note that this output has been
automatically filtered by dividing by
4. The filter is only to make the data
more manageable.
energy
This is the fifth in the output data. This
represents the total intensity of all
movement within a delta time period. This
column can be customized by changing the
energy divider.
6.6 Smart GPS
Smart GPS is a powerful tool that can prevent the GPS from attempting fixes that would
normally be missed. Many missed fix attempts occur when the animal is resting and/or in
a position that is not ideal for GPS positioning. The Smart GPS measures the movement
of the study animal, and if the animal is not moving more than a user programmed
threshold the GPS will not attempt a fix. This feature can drastically improve battery life
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and number of successful fixes on species that spend much of their time stationary where
the GPS would not get a fix.
6.6a How the Smart GPS works
While the Smart GPS feature is enabled an accelerometer measures movement. Anytime
the accelerometer senses a movement that exceeds the Smart GPS Threshold it adds to
the Smart GPS counter, both of which are set by the user. If during the time period
between scheduled GPS attempts, the Smart GPS Minimum Counter does not exceed the
user programmed Smart GPS Threshold, a GPS fix will not be attempted. When
programmed properly, this will prevent the GPS from attempting fixes in periods of little
or no movement, thus extending the lifespan of the battery. Users may also set how
many GPS positions they would like skipped before the GPS unit is forced to attempt a
fix using the optional, Smart GPS Skip function discussed in Section 6.6d.
6.6b Keys to successfully using your smart GPS sensor
• Always program your smart GPS sensor before programming your GPS. If you
program your GPS before programming your Smart GPS sensor, the GPS unit
will lose its date and time which triggers GPS attempts automatically every 20
minutes. Do not allow this to occur. If you inadvertently do program your GPS
first and the smart GPS sensor second, you will have to open Collar SW and set
the time again. Please refer to the Programming your Quantum 4000 Enhanced
sections, set time.
• In order to understand how different movements relate to the Smart GPS
Threshold please use the graphical interface in the Motion software. As you
move the GPS unit in your hands you will see the movement represented both
numerically and graphically. Adjusting the user programmable settings varies the
movement levels at which the smart GPS sensor triggers GPS position skipping.
• You cannot set the Smart GPS sensor remotely.
• GPS positions will not take place under the following conditions: the USB is
plugged in, the magnets are in place or no GPS schedule is set. However you may
interact with the settings when these conditions exist.
• Test your Smart GPS thoroughly to be certain that the Smart GPS Threshold and
Smart GPS Minimum Count are not set too high. It is possible for the Smart GPS
to skip every fix if not programmed properly. To avoid this scenario, please see
Section 6.6d for information on the optional Smart GPS Skip feature.
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6.6c Programming your smart GPS sensor
Turn on your smart GPS sensor
1. Open the Motion software.
2. Plug your GPS unit to your PC or laptop with the USB cable supplied.
3. Press Go ONLINE.
4. Check the box next to Smart GPS ON/OFF.
A real time graph displaying the movements
of the accelerometer will open.
5. Enter in your desired settings in fields (seen
on the right side of the illustration above).
Note: The current settings are displayed in
the description for each field, seen on the
left half of the illustration above.
6. Press set next to every field you changed.
7. Press Go Offline and close Motion.
8. If you are ready to deploy, you must now set time in the collar SW software. If
you have already done this, you must still go back and set time again.
9. Unplug the USB cable from your GPS unit; the Smart GPS is now ready to filter
out potential missed fixes.
6.6d How the Smart GPS Skip Function works
This is a feature that the user may choose to enable but is not required. This feature
comes into affect when the GPS collar is skipping GPS position attempts due to Smart
GPS being active and the GPS Minimum Count not being met. The Smart GPS Skip
function allows the user to program how many times the GPS unit will skip attempting a
GPS position before turning on and forcing itself to take a GPS fix. The number of times
a GPS unit is programmed to skip before being forced to attempt a fix is completely userprogrammable between 1 and 99. This is a safety net so that if the animal is not moving
as much as expected, you will still get data.
6.6e Programming your Smart GPS Skip Function
First, be sure that all of your Smart GPS settings have already been applied using the
Motion software. Once that is complete, plug your GPS unit in and open Collar SW.
Navigate to the Settings page and find the Manual Command Entry box near the bottom
left corner of the screen. This is where you will enter in a command telling Smart GPS
how many GPS positions you would like it to skip before being forced to attempt a GPS
location. To do this, follow the model and examples below:
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*m*Sxx
xx is the number of skips until the unit is forced to take a GPS position. This may
be set from 01 to 99.
Example: *m*S05 -performs 5 skips before taking a GPS position
*m*S48 - performs 48 skips before taking a GPS position
*m*S00 - disables this feature
This setting can be confirmed by navigating to the Calendar tab and pressing the
Calendar info button in the bottom right. The box shown below will be displayed and as
you can see, the bottom line reflects changes to the Smart GPS Skip function. In this
example, you see S(5) which indicates the GPS unit is set to skip for five GPS attempts at
maximum before being forced to turn on and attempt GPS fix.
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7.
7. Collar Auto
7.7.
Collar Auto
Collar Auto Collar Auto
Automatic Unattended Remote Download Option
7.1 Introduction
Collar Auto is an additional program that is not part of the standard GPS with remote
download package. This program is designed to automatically download the GPS data
from your Quantum GPS devices without the user being present. It will follow the
download schedule you create and retrieve the GPS data when a collar is within range.
7.1a Necessary components
• Quantum Base Station
• Quantum GPS with remote download capabilities
• 422 MHz UHF antenna
• USB cable
• Laptop or netbook capable of running Windows-based software (no monitor
required)
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7.1b Summary of functions
• The software is capable of doing the following:
• Download GPS data when a GPS is within range according to the user-created
download schedule.
• Collar Auto will always open when Windows starts.
• No user interface is necessary, all programming and data retrieval from Collar
Auto can be done automatically by inserting a USB storage device.
7.2 Installation
7.2a Minimum Requirements:
Windows XP, Vista, or Win7
32MB free hard drive space
Speaker, or other audio output
7.2b Installation
• Run setupCollarAutoV1.4.exe. This will do the initial download of Collar Auto.
• You must then place CollarAutoH.exe in place of CollarAuto.exe in the
C:\Program Files\Collar Auto folder. This file will be on the CD with your
shipment.
• You must place the security.tss file found on your CD to the same folder,
C:\Program Files\Collar Auto. This will help Collar Auto to recognize the base
station.
• Open Collar Auto
• Either from the start menu or from:
C:\Program Files\Collar Auto\CollarAutoH.exe
• Connect base station
• If Collar Auto indicates no connection you may need to install the drivers.
To do so go to C:\Program Files\Collar Auto\ and run CDM 2.04.16.exe
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7.3 User interface
The user interface enables you to easily view your settings and check on the status of the
software. It is not necessary to make use of this feature. The software can operate
automatically by connecting a USB storage device to your PC.
7.3a Interface explained
1 2
3
4
Collar Auto user interface
1. Connection parameters: In this window you may enter in a specific address to
manually attempt a download.
2. Status window: This window displays the actions that have taken place.
3. Last connected collar: This window will display the details regarding the most
recent data download.
4. Settings window: This area displays your download schedule and settings.
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7.4 Creating your download schedule
Your automatic remote data download schedule is controlled by a file called settings.csv.
This file is created by the user and contains your detailed schedule. This section will
instruct you on creating this settings file and uploading it to the software.
7.4a Steps to create your schedule
While on the computer that runs the software
1. Open settings.csv. The default location is C:\Program Files\Collar Auto\data.
2. Add the lines of your new programming. This starts directly below line two
shown in the chart below.
3. This starts directly below line two shown in the chart below.
4. Save the file.
While using another computer
1. Open settings.csv.
2. Add the lines of your new programming. This starts directly below line two
shown in the chart below.
3. Save the file to a USB storage device.
4. Connect the USB storage device to the computer running the software.
7.4b Configure settings.csv
The settings.csv file contains all of your programming and can easily be edited using any
document editing program. When you open settings.csv for the first time you will see the
text that is located in the right column below:
Line settings.csv
1
2
Address:;Time Frame;Connection Timeout;Success Postponed Time;Repeat
Period;Low Energy Postponed Time;Format data;Notes
41414141;2:00am-1:00pm;10m;2d;1m;;;Example
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3
4
5
6
7
8
9
#12312312;;5m;1d;1h;4h;medium;Default values,,,,,,,
# LINE REMARK STARTING #;;;;;;;,,,,,,,
# Avaiable values in columns B,C,D,E,F:;;
# Xs - seconds Example: 1s, 15s;; ,,,
# Xm - minutes Example: 1m, 15m;;,,,
# Xh - hours Example: 1h, 15h;;,,,
# Xd - days Example: 1d, 15d;;,,,
10
11
12
13
# Not supported mixing values: example: bad: 1h30s right: 90m;;,,,,
# Not supported decimals: example: bad: 1.50h right: 90m;;,,,,
# Available values in column G:;;,,,,
# short, medium, long;;,,
Notes on this file
• Line 1 contains the description of each setting. Do not delete this line.
• Line 2 is an example line. You may delete this line.
• Lines 3 through 13 are comments. They are a quick reference that may help while
creating your programming.
• If you add a # to the front of any line the software will ignore it and move past it.
This is especially useful to remove a line of programming that you created
without deleting it completely.
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7.4c To enter in your programming:
Add however many lines you choose after line 1. Each line must follow this format:
Address;Time Frame;Connection Timeout;Success Postponed Time;
Repeat Period;Low Energy Postponed Time;Format data;Notes
Please see Appendix B for a quick summary of settings.
Address:
Your Quantum GPS remote download address. Consists of 8 characters, and is printed
onto each collar.
Format: XXXXXXXX
Example: 45AB1345
Default: 12312312
Time Frame:
The window of time that the software will attempt to download from the GPS. Outside of
this time frame the base station will not download data from this particular GPS.
Format: hh:mm-hh:mm
Example: 03:00-15:00
Default: none
Connection Timeout:
Controls the duration of each download attempt. The software is only capable of
attempting to download data from one GPS at a time. During the connection timeout, no
other download attempt will occur even if it scheduled to do so. The GPS is only
available for a remote download once every 30 seconds; if the connection timeout is set
to less than 30 seconds you may never have any successful downloads.
Format: s, m, h, or d
Example: 30s
Default: 5m
Success Postponed Time:
If the last download attempt of a specific unit was successful, this is the period of time
before it will attempt another download from that specific unit again. This setting only
applies when the previous download was 100% successful. A partial data download will
be subject to the Repeat Period not the Success Postponed Time. This value can be
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specified seconds, minutes, hours, or days. When you specify in terms of days it will
count one day every time the time reaches midnight. For instance if your successful
download is at 22:00 and the Success Postponed Time is set to 1 day the software can
attempt to make another download at 00:00 if it is scheduled to do so. If you set the
Success Postponed Time to 24 hours the software will attempt its next download at
22:00 the following day.
Format: s, m, h, or d
Example: 48h
Default: 1d
Repeat Period:
In the event of an unsuccessful download of a specific unit, the software will wait the
time period specified in the Repeat Period setting before it attempts another download of
that particular unit.
Format: s, m, h, or d
Example: 10m
Default: 1h
Low Energy Postponed Time:
This only applies to solar-powered GPS devices. In the event that the solar powered GPS
runs out of power during a download, the software will wait the amount of time specified
here before it will attempt another download on this device.
Format: s, m, h, or d
Example: 40m
Default: 4h
Format Data:
This controls the style of data that will be downloaded. Unless you are using a GPS with
always on mode enabled you must use medium for this value. Otherwise your data may
be scrambled.
Format: short, medium, or long
Example: medium
Default: medium
Notes:
Use this value to enter in any notes that will help you in your programming. The only
restriction is that you cannot use a semicolon or a pound sign in this value.
Example: Collar 150.931: M12
Default: none
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Example of a complete line of programming:
12312312;6:00-18:00;5m;1d;1h;4h;medium;Notes
7.5 Using a USB device to update programming
The Collar Auto software is capable of detecting a settings.csv file on the memory of any
USB device. The compatible devices include USB flash drives, external hard drives,
digital cameras, and some smart phones.
When a compatible device is connected to the computer running Collar Auto it will
automatically scan the USB device and change the settings to match your new
programming. Your old settings.csv file will be backed up as settings.csv.old. The
software will beep once to indicate that your USB device is connected. Once it has
transferred the data the software will continuously beep this pattern: beep pause beep
beep.
See Appendix C for a complete list of audio messages.
The user interface will display a log similar to this in the status window:
8/27/2010 11:12:07 AM FILESYSTEM: detected new removable drive F:\
8/27/2010 11:12:07 AM FILESYSTEM: copying file log.txt
8/27/2010 11:12:08 AM FILESYSTEM: copying file settings.csv
8/27/2010 11:12:08 AM FILESYSTEM: creating file README.TXT
8/27/2010 11:12:08 AM FILESYSTEM: COPYING ALL FILES OK
8/27/2010 11:12:21 AM FILESYSTEM: removable drive ejected.
Sample text from Status Window
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7.6 Retrieving your data
7.6a With a USB flash drive
The instant you connect a USB flash drive or any other USB storage device to the
computer running Collar Auto it will transfer your downloaded data onto this drive. The
software will beep once to indicate that your USB device is connected. Once it has
transferred the data the software will continuously beep this pattern: beep pause beep
beep.
See Appendix C for a complete list of audio messages.
8/27/2010 11:03:10 AM FILESYSTEM: detected new removable drive F:\
8/27/2010 11:03:11 AM FILESYSTEM: copying file 160168_42522709.tsd
8/27/2010 11:03:11 AM FILESYSTEM: copying file 160170_63433309.tsd
8/27/2010 11:03:11 AM FILESYSTEM: copying file 160172_63433409.tsd
8/27/2010 11:03:12 AM FILESYSTEM: copying file log.txt
8/27/2010 11:04:14 AM FILESYSTEM: removable drive ejected.
Sample text from Status Window
7.6b On the computer running the software
If you installed the program to the default location all of the data is saved to C:\Program
Files\Collar Auto\data (C:\Users\<Profile Name>\Collar\Data if using software Collar
SW V209 or newer).
You can then copy those files into your Collar SW program folder to view your data.
7.7 Troubleshooting
For the most up-to-date troubleshooting information please visit
telemetrysolutions.com/faq.php.
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7.7a Error in CSV file
When operating the software in the user interface you may encounter one of these error
messages:
settings.csv ERROR: LOAD SETTINGS: File
settings.csv error. Num of columns error in row X
This error occurs when there are too few
or too many semicolons in a particular
row. The row number is indicated by X.
settings.csv ERROR: LOAD SETTINGS: File
C:\Program Files\Collar\Auto\data\settings.csv not
available
This error occurs when the settings.csv
file is not present in the Collar Auto/data
folder.
settings.csv ERROR: LOAD SETTINGS: Invalid
column ‘Column Name’ in row X
This error occurs when an entry in a
particular row has an invalid value entered
in a specific column. The column is
indicated by ‘Column Name’ and the row
is indicated by X.
7.7b Run-time error ‘9’
When this error occurs you will see this message and the
software will close.
This error is caused by a blank settings.csv file. To fix it
create a new settings.csv file with the proper
programming.
7.7c log.txt and log_service.txt
The log.txt and log_service.txt files store every function that the software executes.
Anytime the software downloads data, detects a change in the settings.csv file, or
transfers data to a USB storage device the software logs that action into both the log.txt
and the log_service.txt.
log.txt
This file is easy to understand and displays all of the text that appears in the Status
window. This file contains every message that has ever appeared in that window. It is an
excellent tool for you to see what the software did while it was deployed. In the event of
an issue with your software the support team at Telemetry Solutions will ask for this file.
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log_service.txt
This file is not easy to interpret. It is generated to help recover from any errors that may
occur. The file is used by Telemetry Solutions during the diagnosis of any issue. In the
event of an issue the support team may ask for this file.
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8.
8. Maintenance
8.8.
Maintenance
MaintenanceMaintenance
All products
8.1 Recharging your GPS
Quantum 4000 Feather-Lite
This section only applies to GPS devices with rechargeable
batteries. To recharge your GPS connect it to your PC with a
USB cable. Open Collar SW and navigate to the Settings
Page. On this page you will see an indicator that will display
the charging status.
It will read Charge in progress while charging and Charge
completed when the unit is fully charged.
You may also use a cell phone charger with a micro USB
cable to charge your GPS.
Collar options box
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Charge time via USB is approximately 2 hours for rechargeable batteries.
Charging Time
4.2
4
3.8
3.6
Voltage
3.4
3.2
3
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105
Time (m inute s)
8.2 Recharging your Base Station
Quantum Base Station
The Quantum Base Station is shipped with a charger. The Base Station will not charge by
USB and will not use any power from a PC when connected by USB. It is very important
to charge you Base Station regularly. If the voltage is too low you will not be able to
download your data wirelessly. The Base Station uses led lights to indicate the charging
status. The picture below demonstrates what each light combination means:
Charging
Fully charged
Power Connection Issue
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8.3 Waterproofing your GPS
All products
Collars, backpacks or pods with housings that do not have a threaded plug
Note: If the plug protrudes from the port enough to cause a large bump when applying
the RTV and epoxy, please cut down the port plug to make it more flush as the exit of the
USB port. Please make this as flush as possible. If this area protrudes too much, it may
be more likely to hit on things in the environment and cause the waterproofing material to
come off. Please see the pictures below for an example.
1. After all programming and testing is complete replace the rubber plug into the
USB port. Extra plugs have been provided. Apply a small amount of RTV around
the opening and over the USB plug. This will keep water out of the USB port and
GPS data logger.
2. Once the RTV is applied, you may coat the RTV with the provided 5 minute
epoxy or plastic coating to prevent the RTV from becoming dislodged. You do
not have to wait for the RTV to dry. The product you receive with your
shipment is dependent on what the GPS unit is made out of. If you received
plastic coating, it is recommended that you allow 24 hours for the plastic to fully
dry.
Collars or pods with the threaded plug
1. After all programming and testing is complete replace the rubber plug into the
USB port. Extra plugs have been provided.
2. Apply a small amount of RTV to fill the hole slightly. This will create a water
tight seal.
3. Screw the threaded plug into the housing.
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8.4 Testing your GPS
All products
Before we ship any GPS they must pass a series of rigorous tests. We test every feature
and thoroughly examine the data through every step of the production process. We
understand how important GPS technology is to your study; even though we test every
GPS it is still highly recommend that you test your GPS units prior to deployment. This
section will provide you with the information needed to thoroughly test your GPS as well
as interpret the data acquired.
It is also important to note that a GPS receiver will remember where it found satellites
when it last looked for them and will look in the same places when it turns on again.
When you first get your collar, it will be looking for the satellites visible from our office
rather than from your deployment area. We highly recommend testing your GPS in the
environment where it will be located to maximize positive results when the GPS is
deployed on an animal.
8.4a Different kinds of testing
We recommend using the following settings while testing your collars. Using these
settings will make it simple and quick to diagnose any issues that may arise. Please refer
to the Programming Your GPS section to learn how to program these settings.
Note: When testing rechargeable units, please do not do anything that may help to raise
the natural temperature of the units when in the environment. Placing the units in a hot
car, on metal, in plastic bags, etc, may cause the units to overheat. Once a rechargeable
battery gets to be above 60° C, major problems may arise and your units may no longer
be functional.
Quick test
A quick test will demonstrate that your GPS will acquire locations when requested and
provide accurate data. The first location attempt will be a cold start. A cold start typically
takes at least 40 seconds to acquire a location. The remaining location attempts will be
warm starts with a significantly lower time to fix.
1. Set the GPS additional time to 45 seconds.
2. Program the GPS to take fixes every 5 minutes in repeat mode with the GPS
timeout set to 120 seconds.
3. Unplug and place the GPS outside in an open environment for 20 minutes. It is
important to space the GPS units at least three meters apart. When the units
attempt to take a fix at the same time while in close proximity to each other, they
may interfere and cause missed fixes. You can also solve this problem by
staggering the time each unit will attempt to take a fix. If the units are not
attempting fixes at the same time they will not interfere with each other.
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4. Retrieve the collars and clear the calendar. See Turning off your GPS for
instructions.
Long test
The long test will demonstrate that your GPS will acquire fixes when desired in calendar
mode.
1. Set the GPS additional time to 45 seconds.
2. In calendar mode program the GPS to take fixes every 4 hours with the GPS
timeout set to 120 seconds. Do this test over a twelve hour period setting the GPS
to take 3 fixes.
3. Place the GPS outside in an open environment for the duration of the test. It is
important to space the GPS units at least three meters apart. When the units
attempt to take a fix at the same time, while in close proximity to each other, they
may interfere and caused missed fixes. You can also solve this problem by
staggering the time each unit will attempt to take a fix. If the units are not
attempting fixes at the same time they will not interfere with each other.
4. Retrieve the collars and clear the calendar. See Turning off your GPS for
instructions.
Remote Connection/Base Station Test
For the customers that have purchased the base station and remote function for their GPS,
it is important to test this connection before deployment for a couple of reasons.
First, this ensures that the GPS units and base station can connect. If they do not connect,
we need to figure out why while the units are still in hand, not once they are deployed!
The second is the fact that the addresses of the GPS units will be stored in the Collar SW
software once a successful connection is made and you will not have to type all of them
in again unless they are deleted. The addresses will appear in the box at the top of the
screen in Collar SW when a base station is connected via USB. To accomplish this, you
must use the computer that you will be using in the field as the addresses will be saved in
the software on that individual computer, not the base station itself.
Interpreting the results
Two GPS units set to the exact same settings placed in the exact same spot will usually
not have identical results. The locations will be similar, but the time to fix and signal
strength will vary based on how many satellites they were able to find.
While reviewing your data remember these three things:
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• When you unplug the GPS from your PC it will attempt to acquire a location. If
you are indoors this almost always results in a missed location.
• The software will always add 5 seconds into the time to fix column. Therefore if
your GPS timeout is set to 90 and your data reads 95 there is no need to worry.
• If your data shows 2006/01/01 (default date when no location is acquired and the
time is not set) for the date for the first few locations, then you may not have set
the time correctly before running your test. If you see that date, rerun the test to
check if it happens again.
8.5 Storing your GPS
All products
When storing your GPS please remember to:
• Verify that the VHF transmitter is not broadcasting
• Verify that the GPS is turned off
• Verify that the magnets are in the correct location
Your GPS will loose at least 2% of its battery life for every year it is in storage. The
actual battery loss will depend on storage temperature. It is important to store the GPS
devices at room temperature in a dry environment. Storing the GPS in a humid
environment without waterproofing the USB port may damage the GPS.
8.6 Turning off your GPS
All products
We advise programming your GPS to not attempt any positions before you turn it off for
storage. This prevents battery drain if the magnet is inadvertently moved out of position
during storage.
With a standard battery
1. Attach magnet to green or blue dot on your GPS.
2. Plug the unit into the PC via USB cable and open Collar SW.
3. Set the unit for a quick test. Refer to Section 8.4a.
4. Once this quick test is complete, plug the unit back in and go to the Data page.
If no, data was taken during the quick test, the magnet is in the correct
location and you may proceed to step 5.
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If the unit did take GPS locations, please reposition magnet around the green
or blue dot and repeat until the unit no longer gains a fix during the quick test.
5. Go to the settings page and scroll down to the bottom of the page and be sure
that the box titled Repeat GPS Minutes has no value listed. If there is a
value listed, change it to zero and click the Write All button at the top of this
screen.
6. In the Service options box on the lower left side of the screen click CLEAR
CALENDAR.
7. Go to the calendar page and click Calendar info in the bottom right of the
screen. If the third line down says “Calendar ERROR or not present!!” then
your calendar has successfully been cleared and no GPS attempts are
scheduled and the magnet will keep the GPS off.
8. Unplug the USB cable.
9. To turn off the transmitter tune the frequency into your VHF receiver and
replace the magnet on the VHF portion of the device. Be sure to listen to the
receiver so that you can confirm that the transmitter beacon has stopped.
Color Coding and Magnet placement
All GPS devices built after June of 2010 include a color coordinated labeling system to
identify the correct location to replace the magnet when preparing the GPS for storage.
Note: As of May 2012, all backpack GPS units will receive a small white stripe
indicating the placement of the GPS antenna. This white stripe must be visible and
facing the sky when mounted on the animal or during testing to ensure receiving good
GPS data results.
Color Device
Blue GPS &VHF
Green GPS only
White VHF only
With a user replaceable battery
1. Remove any RTV from the connection between the battery and the GPS.
2. Unplug the battery. The GPS will no longer be able to attempt fixes and is
safe for storage.
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8.7 Clearing the memory
All products
In most cases there will not be a need to clear the memory on your GPS. However if you
are using a rechargeable battery or are redeploying your GPS, you may want to clear the
memory to simplify your work.
It is very important to note that once the memory is cleared it is not possible to recover
the erased data. Always backup your data before clearing the memory.
To clear the memory, follow these steps:
1. With the GPS connected, open Collar SW.
2. Navigate to the Settings Page.
3. In the Service options box click the memory erase
button.
4. Navigate to the Data Page, if the Download Data
button is not activated the memory was successfully
cleared.
* Note – Clearing the memory will not only clear the GPS
data, but also all activity data if you are recording data using
the activity sensor.
Service options box
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9.
9. Appendixes
9.9.
Appendixes
AppendixesAppendixes
Appendix A: Collar Auto Troubleshooting
Error in CSV file
When operating the software in the user interface you may encounter one of these error
messages:
settings.csv ERROR: LOAD SETTINGS: File
settings.csv error. Num of columns error in row X
settings.csv ERROR: LOAD SETTINGS: File
C:\Program Files\Collar\Auto\data\settings.csv not
available
settings.csv ERROR: LOAD SETTINGS: Invalid
column ‘Column Name’ in row X
This error occurs when there are too few
or too many semicolons in a particular
row. The row number is indicated by X.
This error occurs when the settings.csv
file is not present in the Collar Auto/data
folder.
This error occurs when an entry in a
particular row has an invalid value entered
in a specific column. The column is
indicated by ‘Column Name’ and the row
is indicated by X.
Run-time error ‘9’
When this error occurs you will see this message and the
software will close. This error is caused by a blank
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settings.csv file. To fix it create a new settings.csv file with the proper programming.
Appendix B: Collar Auto Settings
Name Format Default Description
Address XXXXXX 12312312 GPS collar address
Time Frame hh:mm-
hh:mm
Connection Timeout s, m, h, d 5m length of time software will search
Success Postponed Time s, m, h, d 1d time period until another download
Repeat Period s, m, h, d 1h time period until another download
Low Energy Postponed
Time
Format Data short,
Notes anything but
s, m, h, d 4h time period until another download
medium, long
semicolons
window during which downloads
will occur
for a specific GPS
is attempted after a successful
download
is attempted after an unsuccessful
download
is attempted after a partial download
that was caused by low power
medium the format to download the data in
user-created notes
Appendix C: Collar Auto Audio Messages
The Collar Auto software is designed to function with or without a functioning user
interface. For instance, if you have no monitor you can still operate the software. To
facilitate this there are several beep patterns you may hear while operating the software.
Pattern* Meaning
* USB storage device connected
* ** Data transferred to/ from USB storage device
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* **** Error during data transfer
**** Error in settings.csv file
** Low battery in GPS during download
** *** Low battery in GPS, download not possible
* stands for one short beep
space stands for a short pause
Appendix D: Collar SW Errors and Warning
These messages will appear in the notification window of the status bar. When an error
message is present you will be unable to upload your programming into your GPS. The
warning messages are notifications that you should take into account while programming
your GPS, but they will not prevent you from uploading your programming.
Errors
Not set template: Fix this error by ensuring that a template is set to every date
within your calendar to and calendar from dates.
Nickname not fill: To fix this go to the File menu and select edit collar. In the
Nickname field enter your desired nickname. Be certain to only use letters,
numbers and hyphens.
Mortality less then 90 minutes
: This will only occur if using the Quantum
5000. Fix this by changing your mortality minutes to be greater than 90
minutes.
Drop off is early: This error occurs when your drop off date occurs before your
battery is set to expire. Fix this by changing your drop off date to the last day of
your schedule.
Note: When the “Drop off is early” error appears, sometimes the software simply will
not allow you to set a drop off on that particular date. However, there is an easy way
to get around this problem. Simply uncheck the drop off box on the “Select Collar”
screen and proceed to your calendar page where your schedule is located. You may
now upload your schedule, minus the drop off. Go up to the collar tab and select
upload. After that, go to the “Settings” page and find the drop off date and time
boxes. Enter the date and time that you would like and scroll up and click the “Write
All” button. This will save the drop off date and time you requested. Now, navigate
back to the “Calendar” page and click the “Collar” tab and click on “Download” to
view what programming is currently written on your GPS unit. You should see the
schedule and the drop off now appear on your calendar page.
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Warnings
Calendar too short: This means your calendar is set to end before your battery is
depleted.
Drop off not set: A drop off date has not been set. If you have a drop off
mechanism you will need to program the drop off date.
Battery life/ Schedule conflict: This warning means that your schedule exceeds
your GPS unit’s battery life prediction.
Appendix E: Data Explained
Medium download with normal export
Date: Date that the GPS location was acquired.
Time: Time that the GPS location was acquired. This is local time according to the time
zone that you set in the edit unit text box.
TTF: This is the amount of time required to acquire a position. For collars and pod
shipped after March 2, 2009 this column is the time required to acquire a position plus the
GPS additional time.
Latt: Latitude
Long: Longitude
Altitude: Altitude, please note that this will not be very precise, your maps will have
more precise altitude data
Maxsnr: Maximum satellite signal strength
HDOP: Horizontal dilution of precision
VDOP: Vertical dilution of precision
Satt: The number of satellites acquired before the GPS module wrote the position to
memory. This includes satellites acquired during the GPS Additional Time.
Fix: No means that there was no location acquired. 2D means that it was a two
dimensional location, 3D means that it was a three dimensional location.
V1: The GPS battery voltage at the time the location was recorded. If no GPS position is
recorded this voltage reading can be incorrect.
V2. Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
T1: The temperature at the time the location was recorded. If no GPS position is
recorded this temperature reading can be incorrect.
T2: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
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H1: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
H2: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
S1: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
S2: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
S3: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
S4: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
Medium download with export heading/speed
Date: Date that the GPS location was acquired.
Time: Time that the GPS location was acquired. This is local time according to the time
zone that you set in the edit unit text box.
TTF: This is the amount of time required to acquire a position. For collars and pod
shipped after March 2, 2009 this column is the time required to acquire a position plus the
GPS additional time.
Latt: Latitude
Long: Longitude
Altitude: Altitude, please note that this will not be very precise, your maps will have
more precise altitude data
Maxsnr: Maximum satellite signal strength
HDOP: Horizontal dilution of precision
VDOP: Vertical dilution of precision
Satt: The number of satellites acquired before the GPS module wrote the position to
memory. This includes satellites acquired during the GPS Additional Time.
Fix: No means that there was no location acquired. 2D means that it was a two
dimensional location, 3D means that it was a three dimensional location.
V1: The GPS battery voltage at the time the location was recorded. If no GPS position is
recorded this voltage reading can be incorrect.
T1: The temperature at the time the location was recorded. If no GPS position is
recorded this temperature reading can be incorrect.
Speed (km/h): Not applicable for medium download, and not available on all products.
Speed (miles/h): Not applicable for medium download, and not available on all products.
Heading (degrees): Not applicable for medium download, and not available on all
products.
Long download with normal export
Date: Date that the GPS location was acquired.
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Time: Time that the GPS location was acquired. This is local time according to the time
zone that you set in the edit unit text box.
TTF: This is the amount of time required to acquire a position. For collars and pod
shipped after March 2, 2009 this column is the time required to acquire a position plus the
GPS additional time..
Latt: Latitude
Long: Longitude
Altitude: Altitude, please note that this will not be very precise; your maps will have
more precise altitude data
Maxsnr: Maximum satellite signal strength
HDOP: Horizontal dilution of precision
VDOP: Vertical dilution of precision, no data will be displayed for this model.
Satt: The number of satellites acquired before the GPS module wrote the position to
memory. This includes satellites acquired during the GPS Additional Time.
Fix: No means that there was no location acquired. 2D means that it was a two
dimensional location, 3D means that it was a three dimensional location.
V1: The GPS battery voltage at the time the location was recorded. If no GPS position is
recorded this voltage reading can be incorrect.
V2. Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
T1: The temperature at the time the location was recorded. If no GPS position is
recorded this temperature reading can be incorrect.
T2: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
H1: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
H2: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
S1: Not applicable to this product, disregard this column.
S2: You may see data in this column. Please disregard in order to get a correct readout
please use Export Heading/Speed.
S3: You may see data in this column. Please disregard in order to get a correct readout
please use Export Heading/Speed.
S4: You may see data in this column. Please disregard in order to get a correct readout
please use Export Heading/Speed.
Long download with export heading/speed
Date: Date that the GPS location was acquired.
Time: Time that the GPS location was acquired. This is local time according to the time
zone that you set in the edit unit text box.
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TTF: This is the amount of time required to acquire a position. For collars and pod
shipped after March 2, 2009 this column is the time required to acquire a position plus the
GPS additional time.
Latt: Latitude
Long: Longitude
Altitude: Altitude, please note that this will not be very precise, your maps will have
more precise altitude data
Maxsnr: Maximum satellite signal strength
HDOP: Horizontal dilution of precision
VDOP: Vertical dilution of precision, no data will be displayed for this model/
Satt: The number of satellites acquired before the GPS module wrote the position to
memory. This includes satellites acquired during the GPS Additional Time.
Fix: No means that there was no location acquired. 2D means that it was a two
dimensional location, 3D means that it was a three dimensional location.
V1: The GPS battery voltage at the time the location was recorded. If no GPS position is
recorded this voltage reading can be incorrect.
T1: The temperature at the time the location was recorded. If no GPS position is
recorded this temperature reading can be incorrect.
Speed (km/h): Velocity measured in kilometers per hour.
Speed (miles/h): Velocity measured in miles per hour.
Heading (degrees): Heading demonstrated in degrees.
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Warranty
Warranty
WarrantyWarranty
Do not void your Warranty
• Do not attempt to gain access to the inside of the unit or the electronics housings
or the drop off mechanism (if equipped)
• Do not make any modifications to this product.
• Do not penetrate the unit material.
This product has been designed to perform the tasks for which you have purchased it.
Any modifications to the product without the written agreement of the manufacturer will
result in a voided warranty. Modifications to the product without the written agreement
of the manufacturer may also result in the product becoming non-serviceable. Using the
product in a manner other than that for which it was sold results in a voided warranty.
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Glossary
Glossary
GlossaryGlossary
2D positions: A two-dimensional GPS position fix that includes only horizontal
coordinates (no GPS elevation) requiring at least three visible GPS satellites.
3D positions: A three-dimensional GPS position fix that includes horizontal coordinates,
plus elevation requiring a minimum of four visible GPS satellites.
Accelerometer: The device built into your Quantum GPS that can detect movement and
its intensity.
Activity data: Information stored in the GPS unit memory and/or transmitted over the
VHF beacon that indicates the level and the type of movement by the study animal.
Almanac data: Information, transmitted by each satellite, on the orbits and state (health)
of every satellite in the GPS constellation. Almanac data allows the GPS receiver to
rapidly acquire satellites shortly after it is turned on.
Amplitude threshold: The amount of movement to exceed in order to be logged into the
data. This threshold is used to filter unwanted movements.
Unit Schedule: A user created timetable that indicates to the GPS unit when to attempt
GPS position fixes
Data transmission range: The distance from which a user can successfully retrieve GPS
position data that is stored in the GPS unit.
Datum: A mathematical model that depicts a part of the surface of the earth. Latitude and
longitude lines on a paper map are referenced to a specific map datum. The map datum
selected on a GPS receiver needs to match the datum listed on the corresponding paper
map in order for position readings to match.
Delta period: The period of time each line of data represents.
Delta time: The duration in seconds that will represent one line of data. If you set the
delta time to 60 then each line of data will represent 60 seconds of motion.
Dilution of precision (DOP): A measure of the GPS receiver/satellite geometry. A low
DOP value indicates better relative geometry and higher corresponding accuracy. The
DOP indicators are GDOP (geometric DOP), PDOP (position DOP), HDOP (horizontal
DOP), VDOP (vertical DOP), and TDOP (time clock offset).
Drop off mechanism: A device built into the GPS unit that will allow the user to
remotely cause the GPS unit to fall off of the study animal on command.
Glosnass: The Global Orbiting Navigational Satellite System; the Russian counterpart to
the United States’ GPS system.
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GPS: A global navigation system based on 24 or more satellites orbiting the earth at an
altitude of 12,000 statute miles and providing very precise, worldwide positioning and
navigation information 24 hours a day, in any weather. Also called the NAVSTAR
system.
GPS acquisition time: The time it takes a GPS receiver to acquire satellite signals and
determine the initial position.
Interleaving: This feature, unique to The Quantum 4000 Enhanced, inserts additional
GPS location attempts into the schedule using the battery power saved when very short
acquisition times accrue to outperform the user set GPS timeout. These unscheduled
GPS location attempts will be inserted between the scheduled location attempts. And
they will only be inserted when enough battery power has been accumulated so that these
inserted attempts won’t affect the battery life. This feature is activated on request prior to
shipping from our factory.
KML: This is the file format used for viewing data in Google Earth.
Latitude: A positions distance north or south of the equator, measured by degrees from 0
to 90. One degree of latitude equals sixty nautical miles. One minute of latitude equals
one nautical mile.
Longitude: The distance east or west of the prime meridian measured in degrees. The
prime meridian runs from the North Pole to South Pole through Greenwich, England.
Maximum number of locations: The most locations that a GPS unit can acquire before
its primary battery is depleted.
Missed positioning opportunities: The instances of no location data acquired by a GPS
unit when a GPS position was attempted.
Non-volatile memory: A memory chip that does not require a power source in order to
retain information.
Output: Information supplied to the user by the GPS unit whether supplied by mobile
phone download, radio download or direct download via a custom USB cable.
Radio download: GPS position data that is stored in the GPS unit memory and
transmitted to the user via a 420 MHz transceiver.
Remote data download: GPS position data that is stored in the GPS unit memory and
transmitted to the user.
Sample Rate: How often the accelerometer records motion data into its RAM. This data
is then added up for each delta period.
Store-On-Board: A GPS unit that acquires GPS positions and stores them but does not
transmit them to the user remotely. A user must recover this unit to extract the data
manually via a wireless or a USB connection between the unit and the user’s PC.
Temperature Range of Operation: The lowest and highest temperatures at which a GPS
unit will still continue to operate properly. The units are not guaranteed to operate
properly outside of this temperature range.
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UTM: Universal Transverse Mercator. A nearly worldwide coordinate projection system
using north and east distance measurements from reference point(s). UTM is the primary
coordinate system used on U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps.
WGS-84: World Geodetic System, 1984. The primary map datum used by GPS.
Secondary datums are computed as differences from the WGS 84 standard.
XML: Extensible Markup Language is what is used in KML files. It is a customizable
language that creates a set of rules for organizing data that is easy to interpret in software/
web applications.
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Index
Index
IndexIndex
2D positions .............................................................84
3D positions .............................................................84
Accelerometer....................................................47, 84
Activity data ............................................................84
activity sensor .....................................................50, 51
Activity Sensor ...................................................14, 49
Activity Sensor Controls.........................................49
Address ....................................................................62
Almanac Data..........................................................84
Always on Mode...........................................14, 30, 31
Amplitude threshold .........................................47, 84
Audio Messages........................................................77
Automatic Unattended Remote Download................57
Available Options .....................................................13
Backpacks ...................................................................8
Base Station ....................................6, 9, 20, 22, 40, 57
Battery life/ Schedule conflict...................................23
Black Bar ..................................................................22
BNC/BNC cable .........................................................6
Brackets ......................................................................7
Browse data .............................................................21
Buffer flush..............................................................47
Cables .........................................................................6
Calendar Page .............................................23, 28, 30
Calendar Settings ....................................................27
Calendar too short ............................................. 23, 79
Calendar Window ...................................................24
CLEAR CALENDAR .............................................73
Clear counter after every skipped GPS attempt...48
Clearing the memory.................................................74
Close.........................................................................21
cnt_threshold.............................................................53
Cnt_threshold..........................................................47
Collar Auto ...............................................................57
Collar expandability..................................................13
Collar Menu ..............................................................22
Collar Model............................................................27
Collar options ..........................................................25
Collars.........................................................................7
Collars or pods ..........................................................70
Configuration window ............................................26
Connect to Collar or Remote Station ....................20
Connection parameters...........................................59
Connection Timeout....................................60, 62, 77
Create new file for Collar .......................................21
CSV ....................................................................66, 76
data........................................................................... 52
Data................................................................... 41, 79
Data Download........................................................25
Data Page...........................................................24, 74
Data transmission range.........................................84
Datum...................................................................... 84
Delta period ............................................................ 84
Delta time .......................................................... 47, 84
Dilution of precision (DOP) ................................... 84
Display..................................................................... 24
download Schedule .................................................. 60
Downloading Data ................................................... 37
Drop off.............................................................. 13, 84
Drop Off................................................................... 34
Drop off is early ................................................23, 79
Drop off not set .................................................23, 79
Edit Collar .............................................................. 21
energy....................................................................... 53
Energy ..................................................................... 47
Energy divider ........................................................ 47
Exit .......................................................................... 21
Export...................................................................... 24
File Menu ................................................................. 21
Five-minute Epoxy..................................................... 7
Format Data............................................................ 63
Glosnass................................................................... 84
Google maps ............................................................ 45
GPS.......................................................................... 85
GPS acquisition time.............................................. 85
GPS additional time ........11, 21, 43, 71, 79, 80, 81, 82
Graphical Data Display.......................................... 49
Help Menu................................................................ 22
Home Screen ............................................................ 20
Import Calendar..................................................... 21
Installation................................................................ 58
Interleaving............................................................. 85
KML................................................................... 42, 85
Laptop ...................................................................... 38
Last connected collar ............................................. 59
Latitude ................................................................... 85
Location................................................................... 27
log.txt ....................................................................... 66
log_service.txt .......................................................... 67
Long download......................................................... 80
Long test................................................................... 71
Longitude ................................................................ 85
Low Energy Postponed Time ................................ 63
Magnet placement .................................................... 74
max_amplitude......................................................... 53
Max_amplitude....................................................... 47
Maximum number of locations ............................. 85
Medium download ................................................... 79
Menu Bar.................................................................. 21
Micro USB ................................................................. 6
Mini USB ................................................................... 6
Missed positioning opportunities .......................... 85
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Mortality Indicator ....................................................14
mortality less then 90 minutes ...............................78
Mortality Setting .....................................................27
Motion .......................................................... 46, 50, 55
Netbook.....................................................................38
New Collar...............................................................21
Nickname not fill .............................................. 23, 78
Non-volatile memory ..............................................85
Non-volatile Memory................................................12
Not set template ..................................................23, 78
Notification Window ................................................22
On/Off Switch...........................................................12
Open.........................................................................21
Open file...................................................................21
Open With All Parameters.....................................21
Output .................................................................43, 85
Plastic Coating ............................................................7
Pods ............................................................................8
Preferences Menu .....................................................22
Programming Window ...........................................24
Quick test ..................................................................71
Radio download.......................................................85
Recharging your GPS ...............................................68
Remote data download ......................................... See
Remote Data Download ............................................38
remote download.........................................................9
repeat mode...............................................................29
Repeat Mode .............................................................11
Repeat Period ..........................................................63
reviewing your data ................................................72
RTV ............................................................................6
Run-time error...........................................................76
Run-time error ‘9’ .....................................................66
Sample rate..............................................................47
Sample Rate.............................................................85
Select Collar.............................................................26
Service options.........................................................25
Set Time..............................................................34, 35
Settings Page................................................ 25, 68, 74
Settings window.......................................................59
settings.csv................................................................60
smart GPS ...........................................................54, 55
Smart GPS ................................................................14
Smart GPS Controls ...............................................49
Smart GPS counter ................................................ 47
Smart GPS minimum count .................................. 47
Smart GPS threshold ............................................. 47
Solar ................................................................... 15, 31
Solar with rechargeable battery...................... 15, 32
Standard Features ..................................................... 10
Status Bar ................................................................. 22
Status window......................................................... 59
Status Window........................................................ 49
Store-On-Board ...................................................... 85
Storing your GPS ..................................................... 72
Success Postponed Time ........................................ 62
Tablet PC.................................................................. 38
Temperature Range of Operation......................... 85
Temperature Sensor.................................................. 11
Template Mode .................................................. 11, 28
Time Frame ............................................................ 62
TSC .................................................................... 19, 21
TSD .......................................................................... 19
Unit Schedule.......................................................... 84
Upload the program.................................................. 33
USB.......................................................................... 37
USB flash drive ........................................................ 65
USB port plugs........................................................... 6
User Interface ............................................... 20, 48, 59
User Programmability .............................................. 11
User replaceable batteries......................................... 13
user replaceable battery ............................................ 74
UTM ........................................................................ 86
VHF Transmitter ...................................................... 14
View Menu............................................................... 21
Warranty................................................................... 83
Waterproofing components ........................................ 6
Waterproofing your GPS.......................................... 70
WGS-84 ................................................................... 86
Windows 7 ............................................................... 18
Windows Vista ......................................................... 17
Windows XP ............................................................17
wireless .................................................................... 38
wireless connection .................................................. 39
Wireless remote control data transfer ........See Remote
Download
XML .................................................................. 42, 86
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