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ATS L20 - User Manual

ATS L20
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1 Feb 21, 2024
L20 Solar-Cell Tracker
User’s Manual
IMPORTANT: Your L20’s SIM card has been activated for a 5-year period of service.
After this period, ATS will contact the customer to determine if the data period should be
renewed.
Trackers ARE NOT refurbishable. Do not return trackers for refurbishment service
or disposal.

Table of Contents

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Summary

Introduction to L20 Solar-Cell Tracker

L20 Tracker Theory of Operation

Data Offload and Recovery

Data offload via LTE-M, tracker recovery from drained battery and low-light conditions.

Data Retention and Transmission

Data stored in flash memory, transmitted when cell service is available.

Schedule Management

Schedules can be changed post-deployment via a web interface.

Using the L20 Tracker Web Interface

Logging into the Web Dashboard

Accessing the online dashboard using credentials provided via email.

Selecting and Viewing Trackers

Using a dropdown menu to select and view tracker settings and data.

Configuring Tracker Schedules

Adjusting GPS fix frequency and LTE session intervals, including Adaptive Fix mode.

Downloading Tracker Data

Options for downloading data by date range or fetching all data.

Viewing Recent LTE Transmissions

Reviewing recent LTE sessions and associated statistics like date/time and battery voltage.

Interacting with the L20 Tracker

Entering Sleep Mode

Using a magnet on the tracker to activate an ultra-low-power sleep mode.

Waking Up the Tracker

Removing the magnet to wake the tracker and initiate LTE connection.

L20 Tracker Functionality Details

GPS Receiver Specifications

Details on GPS sensitivity, time to first fix (TTFF), and accuracy.

LTE-M Transmission Operation

Communication via LTE-M networks for data transmission and configuration updates.

Solar Charging and Battery Management

How the solar circuit charges the battery and manages power in varying light and temperature conditions.

VHF Beacon Operation

Information on the onboard VHF beacon used for locating animals.

Water Sensing Capability

Functionality of the optional conductivity sensor for detecting submersion in water.

Attaching the L20 Tracker to Animals

Glue-on Attachment Methods

Guidelines for using adhesives and proper placement for glue-on configurations.

Backpack Attachment Configuration

Using through-holes for wire loops to attach the tracker to an animal's limbs.

Ear Tag Attachment Procedure

Steps for using a standard tag applicator and provided stud for ear tag attachment.

Collar Attachment Adjustments

Procedure for adjusting and attaching the collar to an animal for optimal fit.

Warranty and Service Information

Document Revision History

Summary

Introduction to L20 Solar-Cell Tracker

L20 Tracker Theory of Operation

Data Offload and Recovery

Data offload via LTE-M, tracker recovery from drained battery and low-light conditions.

Data Retention and Transmission

Data stored in flash memory, transmitted when cell service is available.

Schedule Management

Schedules can be changed post-deployment via a web interface.

Using the L20 Tracker Web Interface

Logging into the Web Dashboard

Accessing the online dashboard using credentials provided via email.

Selecting and Viewing Trackers

Using a dropdown menu to select and view tracker settings and data.

Configuring Tracker Schedules

Adjusting GPS fix frequency and LTE session intervals, including Adaptive Fix mode.

Downloading Tracker Data

Options for downloading data by date range or fetching all data.

Viewing Recent LTE Transmissions

Reviewing recent LTE sessions and associated statistics like date/time and battery voltage.

Interacting with the L20 Tracker

Entering Sleep Mode

Using a magnet on the tracker to activate an ultra-low-power sleep mode.

Waking Up the Tracker

Removing the magnet to wake the tracker and initiate LTE connection.

L20 Tracker Functionality Details

GPS Receiver Specifications

Details on GPS sensitivity, time to first fix (TTFF), and accuracy.

LTE-M Transmission Operation

Communication via LTE-M networks for data transmission and configuration updates.

Solar Charging and Battery Management

How the solar circuit charges the battery and manages power in varying light and temperature conditions.

VHF Beacon Operation

Information on the onboard VHF beacon used for locating animals.

Water Sensing Capability

Functionality of the optional conductivity sensor for detecting submersion in water.

Attaching the L20 Tracker to Animals

Glue-on Attachment Methods

Guidelines for using adhesives and proper placement for glue-on configurations.

Backpack Attachment Configuration

Using through-holes for wire loops to attach the tracker to an animal's limbs.

Ear Tag Attachment Procedure

Steps for using a standard tag applicator and provided stud for ear tag attachment.

Collar Attachment Adjustments

Procedure for adjusting and attaching the collar to an animal for optimal fit.

Warranty and Service Information

Document Revision History

Overview

  1. Important Operational Notes
  2. Technical Specifications (GPS Receiver)
  3. Usage Features
  4. Data Offload and Programming
  5. Solar Charging Operation
  6. Adaptive Fix Mode
  7. LTE-M Transmission Operation
  8. VHF Operation
  9. Water Sensing (Optional)
  10. Interacting with the Tracker (Physical)
  11. LED Blink Pattern Table
  12. Attaching the Tracker
  13. Maintenance Features
  14. Web Interface
  15. Warranty and Service

The L20 Solar-Cell Tracker is a lightweight, solar-rechargeable, LTE-M Cellular enabled GPS tracking device designed for use in longer studies, offering extended life due to its rechargeability. Its primary function is to acquire GPS locations using an onboard modem and then transmit these locations over LTE-M cellular networks to a cloud database. Both data access and device configuration are managed by the user through a web browser interface.

Important Operational Notes:

  • The tracker's SIM card is activated for a 5-year service period. ATS will contact the customer for renewal after this period.
  • Trackers are NOT refurbishable. Do not return them for refurbishment or disposal.
  • The tracker is NOT RUNNING until the attached magnet is removed.
  • Data service is pre-activated for all shipped L20 models.

Technical Specifications (GPS Receiver):

  • Sensitivity, cold start: -142 dBm
  • Sensitivity, hot start: -145 dBm
  • Tracking sensitivity: -151 dBm
  • Acquisition time (TTFF), cold start, open sky, typical: 36 seconds
  • Acquisition time (TTFF), hot start, open sky, typical: 1.3 seconds
  • Positioning accuracy (CEP50), periodic tracking: 5 meters
  • Positioning accuracy (CEP50), continuous tracking: 3 meters

Usage Features:

Data Offload and Programming:

  • Done solely over LTE-M (CAT-M1) networks via several cellular carriers. Users should contact ATS to verify coverage in their area.
  • Configuration and data download are performed through a web browser. Login information is provided by ATS sales upon shipment.
  • All collected data is retained in flash memory. If the battery is low or out of cell service, the unit continues to collect and save data, which will be transmitted when the tracker finds cell networks during a scheduled transmission.
  • Schedules can be changed post-deployment via the web interface.

Solar Charging Operation:

  • The L20 features an onboard solar charging circuit capable of charging the battery in both high and low-light conditions.
  • Separate battery thresholds exist for different events; when the battery drops too low, activity is minimized to allow for charging.
  • Trackers can recover from a drained battery. If low on battery in hibernation/low light, the tracker will stop collecting data and wait to recharge, restarting and transmitting when charged.
  • Cloudy conditions and dense cover can affect the number of LTE transmissions or GPS data points. Very sunny conditions can yield up to 48 fixes per day, while consistently low light might only allow for one fix per day.
  • For very long periods of low light (e.g., hibernation), the battery will be completely cut off from the microprocessor. All sensor data is held in flash and retained during power-out periods. The circuit powers on again and resumes its schedule once sufficient sunlight is available and the battery reaches a set level.
  • In cold climates (below freezing temperatures), the tracker is set not to attempt an LTE connection unless it is near a full charge to improve reliability and prevent battery damage.
  • If a faster fix schedule is set than sunlight levels allow, data gaps may occur. While the tracker will charge from low battery, it may take a considerable amount of time to resume transmitting. ATS recommends using Adaptive Fix mode for most use cases.

Adaptive Fix Mode:

  • This feature allows the GPS fix schedule to be variable, adjusting based on battery voltage trends.
  • The L20 learns battery drain/charge rates over several days and modifies the fix schedule to maintain approximately 90% charge.
  • This mode enables faster GPS fixes than a programmed schedule, but the exact data collection rate will vary with sunlight.
  • When Adaptive Fix mode is enabled, the L20 ignores all user GPS settings. Internal algorithms work to ensure minimal downtime in low-light conditions.

LTE-M Transmission Operation:

  • Equipped with an embedded Global IoT SIM card for communication with LTE networks worldwide.
  • During an LTE transmission, stored data is sent over cell networks. Once confirmed as received, it is deleted from the tracker's internal memory.
  • Upon connecting to the LTE network, the tracker also retrieves its current configuration from the cloud, updating internal timers if a schedule change has occurred since the last connection.

VHF Operation:

  • The L20 includes an onboard VHF beacon for precise animal location for recapture or other purposes.
  • The beacon is initialized by default, but users can customize VHF settings via the web dashboard.

Water Sensing (Optional):

  • For animals spending significant time in water, the L20 offers an optional conductivity sensor to detect submersion.
  • Water attenuates high-frequency signals, preventing GPS and LTE-M cellular signals from penetrating far.
  • When submerged, the tracker skips GPS and LTE activity, saving battery power.
  • If a scheduled fix is attempted in water, the tracker records the fix time, skips the GPS data point, and frequently checks the conductivity sensor.
  • Once the animal is out of the water, the L20 takes a GPS fix and returns to its normal schedule, significantly saving power, especially for amphibians.

Interacting with the Tracker (Physical):

  • The L20 is sealed with water/splash-proofing material.
  • The only physical user interaction is via an onboard magnetic switch, marked by two dots on the tracker.
  • Forcing Sleep Mode: Attaching the provided magnet over the switch places the L20 in ultra-low-power sleep mode, pausing its data collection schedule. The LED will blink to confirm (check Table 1 for patterns), which may take up to 3 minutes if the L20 is attempting a GPS fix or LTE connection. Weaker magnets may not activate the switch.
  • Exiting Sleep Mode: Removing the magnet takes the L20 out of sleep. The LED will blink to confirm. Upon wakeup, the L20 always attempts to connect to LTE to upload data and update settings (if the battery is sufficiently charged).
  • Place magnet on Tracker: 3 x Blink PURPLE (Meaning: Tracker is now in Sleep Mode)
  • Remove magnet from Tracker: 5 x Blink PURPLE (Meaning: Tracker has left Sleep Mode)
  • -: 1Hz Blinking BLUE (Meaning: Tracker is searching for LTE towers)
  • -: 1Hz Blinking GREEN (Meaning: Tracker is searching for GPS)
  • -: Single YELLOW Blink (Meaning: Battery is too low for LTE/GPS)
  • -: Single RED Blink (Meaning: Hardware error)

Attaching the Tracker:

The attachment method varies by model:

  • Glue-on Attachment: Customer chooses adhesives and location. Do not cover the solar panel, even with clear material. Avoid placing the tracker near (within 6”) metal objects during testing to prevent antenna detuning. For whip antennas, bending (e.g., around a turtle shell, less than 90°) is possible but may slightly reduce cell signal.
  • Backpack Attachment: Features through-holes for feeding wire to create loops for animal limbs. ATS leaves the wire loop attachment to the researcher.
  • Ear Tag Attachment: Uses a standard tag applicator and provided stud to affix the tag to the animal's ear.
  • Collar Attachment: Optimized based on ordered dimensions.
    1. Remove collar adjustment bracket nuts and plate, then the bracket from the main collar.
    2. Wrap the collar around the animal's neck, tucking or cutting any extra length inside the solar panel end.
    3. Align holes on the solar panel end with holes on the other end to achieve desired tension.
    4. Place the collar attachment bracket through both sets of holes and the brass bracket. Tighten nuts with the provided nut driver (do not overtighten to avoid damage).
    5. Ensure case nuts are tightened before releasing the animal.

Maintenance Features:

Web Interface:

  • Logging In: Navigate to the URL provided via email/QR code. Enter username/password (delivered via email upon purchase).
  • Selecting a Tracker: A dropdown menu at the top of the webpage provides access to all available trackers. Selecting one populates current settings.
  • Configuring a Tracker: Default view after logging in.
    • First slider: Adjusts GPS fix frequency.
    • Second slider: Adjusts interval between LTE data sessions (data transmission and new configuration checks).
    • IMPORTANT: Click "Save New Configuration" for schedule changes to take effect.
  • Downloading Data: Click "Tracker data" to access download options. Choose a date range or fetch all data. GPS data points can be retrieved in hhmmss or decimal format.
  • Viewing Recent Transmissions: Shows recent LTE sessions and statistics: Date/time, number of GPS fixes sent, firmware version, and battery voltage.

Warranty and Service:

  • Collar series models are warranted for one year from the shipment date.
  • NOTE: Collars are NOT refurbishable. Do not return them for refurbishment or disposal.
  • For configuration or operation difficulties, contact ATS Sales and Service at 763.444.9267 during normal business hours.
  • User manuals and software are available for download from the ATS website: www.atstrack.com.

ATS L20 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandATS
ModelL20
CategoryGPS
LanguageEnglish