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Page last updated on Wednesday August 24, 2011

TGW-4400
GEN 4 GPS Subsystems

The information below is provided for individuals who are still deploying these older systems. Some of the system information or limitations, information on frequency allocation or usage, and/or comments made on "state of the art" may be time sensitive or even outdated. Please contact Telonics if you have any questions about the information provided on this page.

TGW-4400 GPS Transmitter
TGW-4400 GPS transmitter shown on 1/16" butyl over 1/8" butyl collar with a CAST-4 option.

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Configuration Dimensions (in, cm) Canister Weight (g) Estimated Weight with Collar (g) 1 YR Operational Life 2 YR Operational Life
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The TGW-4400 is a fourth generation store on board GPS subsystem which includes a GPS receiver, uGPSi controller/data logger and a VHF transmitter beacon. The unit was designed to be mounted on a collar for attachment to medium to large size terrestrial mammals. The system acquires GPS positions on a user determined schedule and stores the GPS positions in the nonvolatile onboard memory for download after the unit is recovered. Store on board systems are less expensive because there is not a wireless data transfer capability for the GPS data. Store on board systems should be deployed in applications where real time GPS positional data are not required to meet the goals of the study design. In addition to GPS positional data the unit is capable of collecting temperature and activity data on schedules independent of the GPS data collection schedule. These data are also stored in memory. All schedules for data collection and the operation of the beacon are user programmable either at the time of order or through a user friendly programming interface called Telonics Product Programmer, TPP (purchased separately). Data are downloaded using a data downloading utility called Telonics Data Converter, TDC (purchased separately). To use either of these utilities a TSC-3 cable and adapter is used to connect the user's PC to the unit. The VHF beacon operates on an independent battery and can be used to track the animal during the operational life of the subsystem. The VHF transmitter reports on the performance of the GPS portion of the unit during the period of deployment and a mortality sensor can be used to determine if the animal is alive or dead. The VHF transmitters also used to locate the unit for recovery.

Key Features

Operational Life Information

Specifications: Electronic and Packaging

General System Specifications

Timing Accuracy: Timing is synchronized to GPS time when available. If the GPS time is not then internal timing accuracy is:
6 min/year at 25° C
30 min/yr -20 to +40° C
47 min/yr -40 to +70° C
Available Sensors: Mortality, Activity, Temperature, Low Voltage
Memory Capacity: Capable of storing 100K fixes in nonvolatile flash memory in association with other sensor data.

GPS Receiver Specifications

Standby Current: 0µA
Performance: 12 channels
-156 dBm tracking sensitivity
-142 dBm acquisition sensitivity
Datum: WGS-84
Time to First Fix (TTFF): 40sec typical (with clear view of sky)

µGPSI-020 VHF Transmitter Specifications

Available Frequency Options: Option 705 140-154 MHz
Option 707 146-160 MHz
Option 715 156-172 MHz
Option 720 160-177 MHz
Option 740 174-192 MHz
Option 750 191-210 MHz
Option 760 210-237 MHz

The MK10 frequency can be programmed in 100Hz steps within a given frequency range.
Frequency Stability: Better than ±3ppm at room temperature;
±5 ppm total tolerance over full temperature range
Operating Temperature: -40° to + 70°C (end user must ensure that the power supply/battery can provide the required peak current and voltage)
Pulse Width: Programmable (10 to 250 msec)
Pulse Period: Programmable (560 to 5000 msec)
3 separate pulse period values selectable:
Period 1 (indicates last GPS fix successful)
Period 2 (indicates last GPS fix unsuccessful)
Mortality period (if no motion for selected time)
Available Sensors: Mortality Sensor (parameters are user programmable)
Transmitter Timing: Programmable seasons and duty cycles.
Power Output: Programmable Low/Medium/High power. Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) varies, depending on packaging, antenna configuration, and immediate environmental conditions.
* California Users: This transmitter meets the California requirement of EIRP <0.009W for all configurations.
Emission Designator: 2k00P0N
Harmonic Suppression: Better than 30dB (>40 dB typical)
Spurious Emissions: <-35 dBc at 10kHz offset from carrier
Frequency: Aging: <2ppm/yr
Shock: <1ppm 3000g x 0.3ms x ½ sine x 3 dir
VSWR: RF output stable to 10:1 VSWR, all phases
Radiated harmonic levels are degraded with poor load VSWR.
Spurious emission specification maintained for >10:1 VSWR
Programming: Transmitter parameters programmable via antenna "1-pin" interface and Telonics TPP PC software.

Packing/Housing Specifications: Electronics are sealed in hermetic metal canisters containing the electronics, batteries, and all interconnects. Glass to metal feed-thru technology is used to exit antennas and power. This packing is hermetic and can be tested utilizing a helium leak bomb test for hermeticity to assure < 1 part in 106 atmospheric CC per second.

GPS Antenna Specifications: In collar mounted wildlife configurations The GPS antenna is designed to be mounted on the dorsal surface of the neck. The GPS antenna is installed in a high impact nonconductive plastic housing. The form of the housing presents sloping sides so that it will be impervious to chewing and gnawing as is possible. A highly armored antenna cable connects the GPS antenna to the instrument package.

Collar Specifications: Collar designs are species specific.

Service Commitment

Since 1970, Telonics has built a reputation based on product quality, product support, service, and customer satisfaction. Telonics strives to produce the highest quality products, and to support those products accordingly.

Because of extreme conditions and the unpredictable nature associated with most telemetry applications, problems occasionally arise. Most problems can be resolved quickly. In all cases, we hope to be able to work in partnership with users to resolve problems to the user's satisfaction and to uphold our demonstrated commitment to excellence. If problems should arise, all products must be returned to our factory for failure analysis.

Warranty: GEN 4 GPS Systems Show