Vectronic Aerospace VERTEX Lite Collar User Manual

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VERTEX Lite Collar

User Manual

Version: 1.2

Last Change: 19.03.2019

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Summary of Contents for Vectronic Aerospace VERTEX Lite Collar

Page 1 VERTEX Lite Collar User Manual Version: 1.2 Last Change: 19.03.2019...
Page 2 VERTEX Lite Collar User Manual © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems - without the written permission of the publisher.
Page 3 Document Change Record...
Page 4: Table Of Contents
Contents Table of Contents .......................7 Product overview .......................8 Fast guide to deploy the collar .......................9 The Vertex Lite collar system 3.1 The Collar ........................9 3.2 GPS Receiver ........................10 3.3 VHF Beacon ........................11 3.4 Mortality Sensor ........................12 3.5 Activity Sensor (Acceleration)
Page 5 Contents 5.1 USB Bluetooth Stick ........................26 5.2 USB Remote Stick ........................27 5.2.1 Remote Stick Collar Contact ...................... 28 5.2.2 Testing several collars ...................... 29 5.3 Collar Main Tree ........................29 5.3.1 Information ...................... 30 5.3.1.1 Telemetry ......................31 5.3.1.2 GPS Monitor ......................
Page 6 11.1 Oval Collar ........................69 11.2 Round Collar, standard battery pack ........................70 11.3 Round Collar, curved battery pack ........................71 The Vertex Lite collar with integrated UHF .......................73 ID-Tag .......................74 Specification 13.1 Environmental specification for the collar ........................74 13.2 Declarations of Conformity...
Page 7: Product Overview
Product overview Product overview The VERTEX Lite Collar generates GPS, mortality and activity data. It sends regular GPS and mortality updates via GSM / Globalstar / Iridium communication. Most important features: Unlimited GPS localizations per day 3-axis accelerometer to measure activity...
Page 8: Fast Guide To Deploy The Collar
7.3 Listen for the VHF beacon signal (Check settings for frequency and pattern types beforehand) 7.4 Wait for incoming messages (Check for expected time frames first, plan your testing to include several data transmission windows) 7.5 Process incoming data and check signal quality etc. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 9: The Vertex Lite Collar System
The steps of this list will be explained more detailed in the following chapters. The Vertex Lite collar system The VERTEX Lite Collar uses a two housing design, one electronic and one battery unit. The VHF beacon antenna is integrated into the belt. There are different collar designs, housings and battery sizes to fit it to each species.
Page 10: Gps Receiver
The Vertex Lite collar system Figure 1: VERTEX Lite Collar GPS Receiver The collar contains a standard GPS receiver with an accuracy within 8 - 15 meters as mean. The actual accuracy depends on many factors such as terrain, satellite reception and time to conduct a fix (GPS position).
Page 11: Vhf Beacon
The Vertex Lite collar system - UTC (universal time coordinated) date and time - GPS coordinates (Latitude, Longitude and Height) - Dilution of Precision (DOP) and navigation status as quality information as well as number of satellites used for positioning.
Page 12: Mortality Sensor
24h which has been used successfully in a variety of studies. Activity Sensor (Acceleration) The VERTEX Lite Collar is equipped with a Basic Activity sensor. The data are stored in the on board flash memory. The sensor records average data every 300 seconds.
Page 13: Drop Off
The Vertex Lite collar system Figure 3: Directions of the three activity axes Drop Off Drop Offs allow retrieving the collar without having to recapture the animal. There are two optional Drop Offs available: - Timer-controlled Drop Off: The collar is released after a pre-defined period of time (relative mode, e.g.
Page 14: Communication Options
The Vertex Lite collar system Figure 5: Drop Off release sites, magnet removed Communication options The VERTEX Lite Collar is available as Iridium, Globalstar or GSM version. Follow the link to your chosen configuration for information about the respective communication system.
Page 15: Iridium Communication
The Vertex Lite collar system Each position data is sent by the collar (1-2 Fix per message with minimum pause of 30min between each message). Data is send out several times to increase transmission probability but data reception is not confirmed by the satellites. The satellite sends its data to a base station on ground which forwards it via web to our system.
Page 16: Gsm Communication
The Vertex Lite collar system How it works: The system uses 3 message blocks whereas the first block can contain 1-4 GPS fixes, the second block additional 8 at most and the third and last block additional 6. In total, 18 fixes (in one big message) can be transmitted in one transmission window.
Page 17 The Vertex Lite collar system Figure 8: GSM Communication For collar usage within Europe we provide GSM collars with VECTRONIC SIM chips so you do not have to take care about provider administration. VECTRONIC SIM chips are soldered in the electronic housing and highly reliable in all kinds of environmental conditions (heat, cold, humidity, vibrations, shock).
Page 18: Software
The Vertex Lite collar system Figure 9: GSM Ground Station NOTE: If no communication can be established between the GSM network and the collar or the GSM ground station, the GSM provider will retry to send the data. Data in the provider's memory are subject to a validity period.
Page 19: List Of Files And Extensions Used
The Vertex Lite collar system - Mortality information: Date and time of a mortality event based on the activity of the animal. The GPS Plus X software stores the received mortality message in the data base. - Activity: records averaged data every 300 seconds on 3-axis (X, Y, Z). So, you can analyze relative activity based on right- left, up- down and forward- backward movement.
Page 20: System Set-Up
.GDX GPS Data eXchange Is an XML format defined by VECTRONIC Aerospace, which will make it easier to exchange acquired data over system boundaries. It is an internal format of GPS Plus X and can also be used as import format.
Page 21: Installation Of The User-Software Gps Plus
, you need to register the collars. The keys for each collar will be provided with X software the User-CD which came with the collars in the first place. For registering the collar, please go to the Configuration tree in GPS Plus X and select Collars © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 22: Registration Of Communication Devices
USB Device. Registration of Communication Devices To be able to configure the collars and to process data and messages with the GPS Plus X software, please connect either the USB Remote Stick or the USB Bluetooth © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 23 After you have registered the USB Device, it will appear in Configuration Local Settings Device Registration. USB Remote Stick: Clicking on the Remote Stick symbol in the Devices tree, the USB Remote Stick Properties frame will open. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 24 NOTE: The Driver of the Remote Stick should be automatically found. If the installation does not work automatically you can find the driver (as executable) on the User-CD, folder Resources/VECTRONIC Tools and Drivers/USB Driver installer/ USB To Collar Interface Driver Setup.exe) © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 25 If you click on the USB Bluetooth Stick itself the property frame will open. Here you can rename your device or upload the latest firmware version. Figure 13: USB Bluetooth Stick Properties © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 26: Direct Collar Communication
After you set-up your system you are able to communicate with the collar. USB Bluetooth Stick If you update your GPS Plus X software, the following frame will appear. Click install to be able to use the USB Bluetooth Stick. Figure 15: USB Bluetooth Stick Driver installation © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 27: Usb Remote Stick
You can find the USB Bluetooth Stick under Devices USB Bluetooth Stick. If you remove the magnet of your VERTEX Lite collar it will appear as a subnode of the Bluetooth Stick. Now you can change Collar Configurations and Schedules and access Information and Collar Data.
Page 28: Remote Stick Collar Contact
Direct Collar Communication The “Radio Monitor” feature is discussed in chapter The VERTEX Lite Collar as UHF ID Tag. In the node “Device Search” you can search for collars. Per default you search for any devices in range (“Any Device”). You can also search for specific device types. To do that, select a .
Page 29: Testing Several Collars
Remote Stick VERTEX Lite Devices USB Bluetooth Stick VERTEX Lite The Collar Main Tree gives you an overview on what can be down- and uploaded to and from your collar and informs you about current settings. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 30: Information
5.3.1 Information Devices Remote Stick VERTEX Lite Information Devices USB Bluetooth Stick VERTEX Lite Information Shows the actual hardware and programming settings of the collar and its functionality. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 31: Telemetry
The Telemetry window gives an overview about all hardware and software settings of the collar. It shows the actual programming with no option to change it here. That is done (as far as the options can be altered) in the node Configuration © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 32 Direct Collar Communication Figure 22: Collar Telemetry System: shows Production Number, Production Date, Printed Circuit Collar © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 33 (basic) shows the Period of the mortality sensor: the Default Period Mortality which was set by VECTRONIC Aerospace and the User Period which is user definable Activity Activity Data Page Counter: counter to save activity data value...
Page 34: Gps Monitor
Beacon: shows the frequency of the VHF beacon: the Default Frequency Beacon Frequency which was set by VECTRONIC Aerospace and the User defined Frequency. Furthermore, the values of the Beacon Min Frequency and the Beacon Max Frequency are shown which define in what range you are able to alter the VHF frequency shows the VHF Beacon output Power.
Page 35: Info File
.TXT file or printed directly. It contains technical information of the collar as well as the schedules. For the GPS as well as for the VHF beacon you can see the Default Schedule and the User Defined Schedule. For the GPS as well as for the VHF beacon, © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 36 .XML format which is machine readable. An example of an Info File of the VERTEX Lite is given in in the following table. Recommendation: Create and save a new Info-Sheet whenever you have the collar at hand and did any changes, especially before deployments. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 38: Configuration
When configuring different settings, a small window will appear whenever marking a parameter you like to change. In this window, you will get the information which values you can put there (Min value and Max value). This window appears in the User © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 39 The default value is 24h with have been successfully used in many studies. NOTE: Please consider which values might reflect animal behavior at best. A short period might lead to false alarms as the animal is only resting. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 40 (hardware dependent), signal strength will slightly decrease at the rim. Beacon Power Recommendation: Stick to the default value of 10dBm as it offers the optimum balance between signal strength and energy consumption. Please contact our customer service if you have questions. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 41 The “pulse Type” is for internal usage only and can’t be changed by the user. NOTE: The default settings have been successfully used in many studies. Changes will effect battery consumption. Figure 27: VERTEX Lite User Configuration © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 42: Setting The Time
NOTE: With each successful GPS fix, the collar time is automatically adjusted to the correct UTC time. UTC correction will be only applied for schedules and time of the day settings. Also, UTC correction cannot be enabled by sending the local mean time to the collar. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 43: Firmware Upload
A Firmware update is only necessary if you experience problems with the current collar firmware or need a feature only available in a newer version than the present one. In this case, get the appropriate file from VECTRONIC Aerospace. Select the update (.bin) file with .
Page 44: Schedules
The schedule creation window shows all option around collar creation and is more or less identical for the GPS as well as the VHF schedule builder. They differ in the rule format which are described in the following chapters. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 45: Gps Schedule
End Date: the length of the period in which the Sequence for GPS Period Length: recording is repeated. The sequence is a time span within the period length between Sequence: © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 46 Search by setting up the Destination on the left side of the frame. If you want to create a new schedule the first time (only the default schedule exists in the collar), a notification window will appear when selecting the GPS schedule frame. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 47 NOTE: The collar will take one GPS fix per week when all schedule rules are in the future. It will take a GPS fix every four hours when all schedules are outdated. Figure 32: VERTEX Lite Iridium GPS schedule © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 48: Vhf Beacon Schedule
Device Search by setting up the Destination on the left side of the frame. To send the VHF beacon schedule to the collar / to the collars, press © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 49: Vhf Beacon & Gps Beacon Schedule Files Upload
VERTEX Lite Collected Data Figure 35: Collected Data configuration node This frame shows the data retrieval options of the collars. The main function of this node is to download the collar data. The output window and © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 50 Data cannot be restored once deleted. Recommendation: Please transfer the data to the GPS Plus X storage before you export it or change any settings for the next collaring session. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 51 The content of the data will be explained in the specific sub-node. NOTE: This is an output and export frame only. Changes (e.g date filter) effect the exported files only, nothing is changed with the original data-set stored within GPS Plus © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 52: Position
-1000 or above 10000meters height as this positions are impossible. The height is the least secure value as it strongly depends on referent points (geoid maps) which can vary in quality and accuracy. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 53 Google Earth as coloured line Fixes visible if checked, all fixes will be visible in Google Earth as coloured icons LMT in record info if checked, the local mean time according to © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 54 Collar ID ID of the collar from which the positions have been downloaded UTC date and time time in Universal Time Coordinated (UTC, equivalent to GMT, without daylight saving time/ summer time) © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 55 (this way, “data gaps” caused by filtering are easily detectable) Collar ID ID of the collar from which the positions have been downloaded © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 56: Activity
Volts Temp [°C] Ambient temperature 5.3.4.2 Activity Devices Remote Stick VERTEX Lite Collected Data Activity Devices USB Bluetooth Stick VERTEX Lite Collected Data Activity Filter: Enables you to set some filters to alter the dataset. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 57 (e.g. comma) that can be defined in the options form. File: *.csv Data: This window shows all activity data stored in the collar. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 58: Mortality
Mortality Filter: Enables you to set some filters to alter the dataset. Figure 44: Mortality Data Filter Export: This section defines the export formats. There are only two formats available for the mortality data export. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 59: Remote Collar (Communication)
Figure 46: Mortality Data Overview Remote Collar (Communication) Devices Remote Collars VERTEX Collars This chapter deals with the remote communication to the collar using Iridium satellite communication or GSM communication. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 60: Remote User Configuration
Beacon schedules. The last 3 nodes (Proximity Schedule, Communication Schedule, Virtual Fences) are for VERTEX Plus collars only and are not applicable for VERTEX Lite Collars. Remote User Configuration Devices Remote Collars VERTEX Collars User Configuration © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 62 3. Check the collar(s), one or more according to left sided list you want to send the new configuration to 4. Press the send Button 5. Optionally: click on “Store Outbox File” for third party applications. 6. Follow up on collar command reception (in Data Collar Reception Status) © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 63: Remote Gps Schedule
There is a size limitation for Iridium / GSM Messages which means you won’t be able to make new ones as complex as the first one. An Iridium / GSM message to the collar © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 64: Calculate Collar Lifetime
The software GPS Plus X will warn you whenever your schedule is invalid in rule usage or size and abort the upload. Calculate Collar Lifetime This command estimates the lifetime of your VERTEX Lite Collar and can be found in the Tools menu of GPS Plus X. (Tools Calculate VERTEX Collar Lifetime) Figure 50: Tools Menu Select your collar (e.g.
Page 65 Calculate Collar Lifetime Figure 51: VERTEX Lite Collar Calculate Lifetime The output contains the collar lifetime for the main battery whereby all functions (GPS,VHF and satellite communication) are working and the VHF Beacon battery lifetime whereby only the VHF Beacon will be powered for collar retrieval. It will outlive the main battery to a degree as the back up battery size which differs for the models (1C to 13D collar).
Page 66: Test The Collar
Cut the overhanging belt part and smooth the cutted edge. To achieve the best possible GPS signal, the GPS antenna should be on top of the animal’s neck. The GPS antenna is inside the electronic case facing upwards. If the © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 67: Battery Options
Drop Off will not release the collar. Battery options The VERTEX Lite Collar enables the usage of different battery sizes. All batteries can be coupled with a Drop Off system. The battery design itself depends on the belt shape (oval, round and oval/round) and the usage of a Drop Off system.
Page 68 716 g 5D AG 800 g 855 g 7D AG Ca. 1050 g curved batteries: without Drop Off with Drop Off 3D_R 635 g 807 g 4D_R 792 g 984 g 5D_R 951 g Not available © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 69: Changing Of Battery Pack
Unscrew the two nuts attaching the battery pack to the adjustable side of the collar with an 8 or 7 mm (depending on collar size) hexagon socket wrench (delivered with the collar). Remove the black base plate. The screws are integrated into the battery pack and cannot be removed. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 70: Round Collar, Standard Battery Pack
Remove the screws attaching the bracket to the battery pack with an 8 or 7 mm (depending on collar size) hexagon socket wrench (delivered with the collar). Start with the screws on the adjustable side and then remove the screws attaching the battery connector. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 71: Round Collar, Curved Battery Pack
(Figure above, centre), then open the screws attaching the battery pack to the collar with a 3 mm hexagon socket key (“Inbus” or “Allen key”, delivered with the new battery pack) starting with the exterior screws (Figure above, right). © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 72 Figure 60: Attachment of curved battery pack to round collar with two metal base plates (left) and two Fastlock washers (right) In older collars, the battery packs are fixed to the belt with six screws and three metal © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 73: The Vertex Lite Collar With Integrated Uhf Id-Tag
Remote Stick Radio Monitor The VERTEX Lite Collar can be equipped with an internal UHF ID Tag to be used in interaction studies. They send out an unique signal which can be observed by VERTEX Plus collars (with UHF communication) recording all encounters and separation events.
Page 74: Specification
The Vertex Lite collar with integrated UHF ID-Tag Figure 62: USB Remote Stick Radio Monitor frame Specification 13.1 Environmental specification for the collar Operational temperature range: -40°C to +70°C Operating humidity range: <= 100% RH (relative humidity) Storage temperature range: -45°C to +80°C Storage humidity range: <= 100% RH (relative humidity)
Page 75: Declarations Of Conformity
(2)this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Usually this is followed by the following FCC caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 76 Safety of information technology equipment Address of the manufacturer or his authorized representative: Company: VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH Name: Mr. Robert Schulte Street: Carl-Scheele-Str. 12 Location: 12489 Berlin Country Germany Telephone: +49 (0) 30 6789 4990 © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...
Page 77: Certificates
” The product carries the CE mark Berlin, 2010-08-23 ..... . Robert Schulte 13.3 Certificates © 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH...

Vectronic Aerospace VERTEX Lite Collar User Manual

1 Product Overview

2 Fast Guide to Deploy the Collar

3 The Vertex Lite Collar System

4 System Set-Up

5 Direct Collar Communication

6 Remote Collar (Communication)

7 Calculate Collar Lifetime

8 Test the Collar

9 Attach the Collar to the Animal

10 Battery Options

11 Changing of Battery Pack

12 The Vertex Lite Collar with Integrated UHF ID-Tag

13 Specification

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