6 Feb 21, 2024
LTE-M Transmission Operation
The L20 has an embedded Global IoT SIM card which allows it to communicate with
LTE networks in most parts of the world.
During an LTE transmission, the data stored in flash is sent over cell networks, and
once the data is confirmed as received, it is deleted from the tracker’s internal memory.
On connection to the LTE network, the tracker also reads the current configuration from
the cloud that is populated by the website. Internal timers are updated in the case of a
schedule change since the last connection.
Solar charging Operation
The L20 has an onboard solar charging circuit that is able to charge the battery in both
high and low-light scenarios. There are separate battery thresholds for different events
within the L20, as when battery drops too low, activity is kept at a minimum in order to
charge.
Cloudy conditions and dense cover may impact the number of LTE transmissions or
GPS data points. Very sunny conditions can yield upwards of 48 fixes a day, where
consistently low light conditions may only allow for 1 fix per day. The Adaptive Fix option
on the web dashboard is recommended to keep the tracker operational under changing
light levels.
In the case of very long periods of time with little light, like hibernation, the battery will
be completely cut off from the microprocessor. All sensor data is held in flash, and will
be retained over the power-out period. When the tracker is in sufficient sunlight and the
battery reaches a set level, the circuit will power on again and resume its schedule.
Rechargeable battery management is difficult in cold climates, where lithium-ion
batteries can have issues when under load. Below freezing temperatures, the tracker is
set to not attempt an LTE connection unless it is near a full charge. This is done in order
to improve reliability and keep the battery from being damaged in cold temperatures.
If a faster fix schedule is set than sunlight levels allow, gaps in data may occur.
The tracker will charge up from low battery conditions, but it may take a
considerable amount of time for it to start transmitting again. This is why ATS
recommends using Adaptive Fix mode in most use cases.
VHF Operation
The L20 has an onboard VHF beacon, for locating the animal precisely for recapture or
other purposes. The beacon is initialized by default, but users can change VHF settings
to their needs over the web dashboard.
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