AXTracker STX2 I AXTracker MMT I SMARTONE I Product FAQs

In what environment will the unit survive?

The unit is specified to operate –30˚ to +60˚ C. The unit will survive operating from –40˚ to +85˚ C operating, though there may be some loss of RF transmission power above +60˚ C where the radio transmitter is specified. Extreme cold or heat will impact battery life as well. The unit is tested to vibration, shock, humidity, salt/fog, pressure washing, dust/sand and UV exposure per SAEJ1455 and MIL810E/F standards. It has been tested in conformance for use in the US (FCC), Europe (CE) and Canada (IC) and is also EMC/EMI tested. Full reports are available by request under NDA. 

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How do I retrieve my data?

Data from the AXTracker line of products is received through Globalstar Data Sales and Services. Any authorized VAR must establish agreements and messaging contracts directly through Globalstar. There are a number of established Service Providers (VARS) throughout the world that can provide this service. Contact information for established VAR can be obtained here or by contacting Axonn directly.

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Can this unit interfere with any of the electronics on a rig (e.g., TV, CB, mobile phone)?

It is extremely unlikely. This unit is very tightly controlled on output spectrum, conforming to FCC part 25 and ETSI TBR41 emissions standards for operation in band of use. Transmit frequencies are controlled in the 1.615 GHz spectrum — very far from the spectrum used by TVs, CBs and mobile phones. The unit is also certified under FCC part 15 as a non-intentional radiator and able to accept radiation as prescribed by ruling. Even if the device was operating on an exact frequency of another device (which is illegal as the band is licensed to Globalstar), the extremely low duty cycle and low output power would require the other unit to be within 30 feet to even observe the radio energy. Also, it is interesting to note that this device is designed to coexist with Globalstar satellite telephones operating in the exact same band. The signal strength and structure provides for the signal to actually ride under the active voice channel. The voice users don’t even know it is there as the signal power is buried in the noise floor of the satellite phone’s channel.

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How do I secure the device to my mobile assets?

The device may either be screwed to a mobile asset using the provided mounting feet or affixed using adhesives. Axonn has a die-cut adhesive tape kit that permanently bonds the box to the asset. The battery is field replaceable without removing the box from the container.

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What RF channel should be used?

The device is multi-frequency-capable, but Globalstar specifies the channel of use. Currently, channel A is the only available channel for use in North America. Channel C is used in the Middle East and Europe and Channel D in Russia.

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How does the motion sensor work?

The device contains an integral motion sensor capable of stimulating the unit into alternate reporting based on detected motion and stop. Users may configure the sensor to engage fast updates while in motion or simply send start/stop messages.

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Geo-fencing setup is handled via a serial interface. Users may write their own geo-fencing tool using the product specification, which defines the serial protocols. Axonn is writing a graphical geo-fencing tool as a separate support application but this has not yet been released. Specification is available under NDA with Axonn.

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How long will the battery last?

Axonn products have the longest battery life of any similar device on the market today, using high-density lithium primary batteries. The batteries are not rechargeable. Axonn doesn’t recommend rechargeable systems due to the harsh environmental requirements for AVL applications. The internal battery will last 7 years for twice-daily location reports. Faster update rates will reduce the battery life of the product. Axonn doesn’t recommend battery operation for applications that require more than 4-6 reports per day due to service life of the battery. At 4 reports a day, service life is reduced to about 4 years. At 6 reports a day, 2.5 years.

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What is the effect on battery life for selecting low vs. high power, and the number of transmits and GPS fixes per day?

Low or high settings have minimal impact on battery life. The GPS function consumes the highest percentage of battery power. The setup tool includes a battery life estimation function where each of the above questions may be traded off. The OPTIONS/BATT tab includes a field for user input of GPS failure estimate based on application obstruction-to-sky estimates. Retransmit settings can be entered into the OPTIONS/XMITTER tab. The term used here is ATTEMPTS, which equals the total number of transmits per unique information type. Modifications to the device settings in the configuration tool are reflected in the battery life estimator. This provides immediate feedback for evaluating the battery impact for different settings of the device.

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How does the GPS fix retry work?

If the unit fails to acquire GPS location, it assumes the sky is obscured from view. The unit returns to low-power sleep state for 15 minutes then retries. If it fails on the second attempt, it aborts the location function altogether. Failed GPS fixes are counted in a 2-bit field for next successful transmission clipping at count of 3.

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What if the unit never gets a GPS fix?

AXTracker products will not transmit messages that contain location information without valid location data. Only those message types that have no location information will be transmitted (such as SETUP or RAW or Alarm without fix type messages).

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Does the unit transmit immediately when it wakes up from its initial delay-to-start or does it wait the first interval amount and then transmit?

The unit sends a type 3-0 (SETUP) message on activation (either RUN or alarm wakeup). The SETUP message is transmitted per the configured number of redundant times. Next, the unit enters into the delay-to-start interval. On completion of the delay-to-start interval, the unit executes the first interval delay. After the first delay is complete, the unit will perform the first supervisory report function. The next supervisory report function occurs after the second interval delay, etc.

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What are all the interval settings for?

The device may be programmed to wake on a fixed (single) interval. This configures the device to repeatedly sleep during the interval time, waking to perform location fix and transmit. The unit will step through additional intervals sequentially and repeat the entire list if more than one interval is provided. For example, the device may be configured with interval 1 = 1 hour, and interval 2 = 23 hours. The units will sleep one hour, locate & transmit, then sleep 23 hours to the next locate & transmit. The two intervals will repeat forever, providing twice daily reports separated by an hour. Up to 12 intervals may be programmed.

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What does the time in the XML message mean?

Message time is tagged by the ground-earth-receiver at time of reception of the message. The first message received is sent to the user with subsequent redundant messages removed if all is provisioned correctly. The UNIXTIME field in the XML message is the time-tag of message receipt by the Ground Earth Appliqué.

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How can I learn more about the product capabilities?

Call Axonn at 985-893-1048. Our knowledgeable product representatives will assist you in understanding the many advantages of the product for a wide variety of applications. Axonn will be pleased to send you a Users Guide with over 75 pages of detailed descriptions of product capabilities.

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