Getting Started; Setting Up Your Recorder - Gecko Compact Product User Manual

Getting Started

All Gecko models have a 2-pin power port, 6-pin alarm/communications port, and a coaxial
GPS aerial connection. From mid 2019 Gecko Blast & SMA models also have a 4-pin port for
an external sensor channel. Gecko Compact & Rugged have a 19-pin sensor connection.

Setting up your recorder

The two-pin connector is the power input to the Gecko. The default Gecko operating voltage
range is 11.5 and 24 Volts DC (useful for 12V DC battery over-discharge protection), but it
can be factory switched to extend the range to 7V to 30V DC at no cost. If the power is
removed then restored, the Gecko will restart using the saved settings.
The Gecko only takes a few seconds to initialise the operating system after power is applied.
If an SD card is installed, the recorder will start storing continuous data to the SD card
within seconds.
The small gold coaxial socket is the connection for the GPS aerial. The GPS is crucial in
maintaining accurate absolute time to synchronise recordings from various instruments and
monitoring locations, but it also provides global position information. Simply screw the GPS
cable plug onto the threaded GPS socket until finger-tight.
The Gecko Compact and Rugged is supplied with a sensor plug which you can attach to your
sensor cable. You can find the wiring diagram at the end of this manual. Align the keyed
plug with the socket and push it on, locking it in place with the bayonet-style collar.
At this point you now have a fully functioning recorder, but you will need to modify some
settings to suit your application. Setting a unique station code is an essential starting point.
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