Related Manuals for Xeos Apollo-X7
Summary of Contents for Xeos Apollo-X7
- Page 1 Apollo-X User Manual SUBMERSIBLE IRIDIUM / GPS / LED FLASHER Version 0.9 June 2023...
- Page 2 Version History Version No. Date Description June 2023 Preliminary document Regular checks for the latest manual are suggested. Be sure to check Xeos Technologies’ manuals page to compare versions and download the latest version. Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Sending Commands via Email ....................17 Command Format ........................ 17 The Unlock Code ........................18 Sending the Command ......................18 Xeos Beacon Bluetooth App ..................... 18 The Apollo-X’s Scheduler ......................19 Apollo-X Tasks .......................... 20 Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9... - Page 4 Apollo-X Timer Modes ......................22 Default Timer Settings ......................24 Timer Command ........................25 Changing the Timers ......................... 25 Strobe LED ............................. 26 Strobe Number and Interval ....................26 Strobe Disabling ........................26 Other Strobe Features ......................27 Watch Circle ..........................28 Setting the Watch Circle ......................
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Page 5: Overview
Xeos digital controller with GPS, ultra-bright LED, and battery package. The Apollo-X is intended for subsurface deployments up to 11,000 meters below sea level. Xeos Technologies Inc. (Xeos) manufactures other specific products for surface applications as well as sub-surface applications at varying depths. -
Page 6: Setting Up An Iridium Account
Xeos beacons on a mapping system, as well as view the messages in a human-readable format. Sending messages and changing configuration of your devices can also be completed through this service. -
Page 7: Understanding Position Information
Understanding Position Information There are two types of position information which will be sent via the Iridium Gateway. Iridium Doppler position The Iridium Gateway calculates the Iridium transceivers’ position on earth when it receives a transmission, using Doppler technology. As a result, it is often very inaccurate. This location is only visible to users getting emails directly from the Apollo-X, as opposed to emails forwarded by XeosOnline. -
Page 8: Global Positioning System
Time of Session (UTC) The time the message arrived at the Iridium Gateway Session Status Each message will have a code determined by how well the message was received; codes 00, 01 and 02 are acceptable and will always have their code name (ex. Transfer OK) next to this number. -
Page 9: Apollo-X Models
The long tube variant of the Apollo-X is the standard model, equipping the largest power supply by capacity and physical size. While the Apollo-X7 operates in the same manner as the standard long-tube Apollo, this model uses seven size D 1.5V alkaline batteries with a nominal voltage of 10.5V. -
Page 10: Apollo-X Operation
Apollo-X Operation Using the Magnets The Apollo-X beacon is turned via the swiping of an external magnet under the glass, and operation can be identified by viewing the LED through the top of the device. To turn the Apollo-X ON, swipe the magnet against the bottom of the glass where labelling indicates until the Apollo-X displays a dim LED, then a bright LED. -
Page 11: Messages From The Apollo
The Version message has a summary of the firmware and hardware revision of the device. It also displays reset information and the IMEI of the device. Powerup: true, Ascii: Apollo-X7 v1.0-11094. dev:4 Hw:7.1.1 SN=1000 IMEI:300434068303400 Reset Count: 152 Latest Reset Reason: 1... -
Page 12: Position Message
Position Message Typical position messages are sent in compressed binary format (Type GC) to save on data usage and are parsed in XeosOnline. If XeosOnline is not used, ASCII GPS (Type AG) can be used to read position messages as plain text. Compressed Binary Position (Type GC) The default format for positions is compressed to save on Iridium data usage. -
Page 13: Ascii Position (Type Ag)
ASCII Position (Type AG) In ASCII position format, only the most recent fix is sent at each interval, therefore it is most efficient to have GPS and Iridium intervals equal. AG, 9.67, 7.78, 0, 1686915004, 44.7466032, -63.3840900, 40.0, 38, 4, 332.9, 21.38, 3, 3.0 ASCII Position Specifies the message type... -
Page 14: Surfaced (Type Sf)
following this value translates this value into sensor and/or GPS status information. DM Status Bitmap Definition No GPS position Stored to transmit (not scheduled to run at this time) No GPS Signal GPS Disabled (Not configured to run) GPS Error Handler occurred in fix attempt WS: 0 = Surfaced 1 = Submerged LS: 1 = Light 0 = Dark TS: 0 = Upright 1 = Inverted... -
Page 15: Watch Circle Parameters (Type Wc)
Watch Circle Parameters (Type WC) At start-up, any Watch Circle parameters are transmitted, regardless if the system will be used. This is also the message that is displayed if any Watch Circle commands are used, to keep XeosOnline up to date on circle status. Ascii: WatchCircle: ENABLED,... -
Page 16: Communicating With The Apollo-X
Communicating with the Apollo-X There are 3 ways to communicate with the Apollo-X: 1. Over-the-air with XeosOnline 2. Over-the-air with Email SBD messages 3. Locally with Bluetooth Sending Commands Using XeosOnline Before using XeosOnline make sure that your account has been set up and your device added to your organization. -
Page 17: Sending Commands Via Email
Sending Commands via Email E-mail commands can also be used to communicate with the Apollo-X when it is above water. These commands are sent as email attachments. Commands can configure the Apollo-X remotely in the same way as commands sent by XeosOnline. To receive commands from the Iridium network, the device in use must have a clear view of the sky. -
Page 18: The Unlock Code
Commands can be sent from any email address, but responses will be returned only to email addresses on the unit’s forwarding list. Xeos Beacon Bluetooth App Select Xeos products can be configured locally using the Xeos Beacon Android App. This method of communication requires no disassembly. -
Page 19: The Apollo-X's Scheduler
The Apollo-X’s Scheduler The frequency at which each task in the Apollo-X is executed depends on the Apollo-X’s current mode. Each mode corresponds to conditions interpreted by the Apollo-X’s logic. The following diagram shows when each mode is invoked at the default settings. Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9... -
Page 20: Apollo-X Tasks
Apollo-X Tasks The Apollo-X’s behavior is based on multiple timed tasks. Understanding how these tasks interact is necessary to properly use the Apollo-X in the field. There are six major timed tasks: The Apollo-X will search for the GPS constellation and get a location fix based on this interval. Any successful GPS fixes will be queued for the next Iridium (SBD) transmission. - Page 21 After three consecutive inverted readings, the strobe LED will be disabled, in the same way water or light sense readings act on the strobe. The strobe LED will flash at the rate set for the timer mode that the Apollo-X is currently operating in, provided readings from other sensors do not prevent the operation, or a blocking task.
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Page 22: Apollo-X Timer Modes
The Apollo-X will enter Low Battery mode if the device’s voltage drops below the set threshold. This is triggered by two consecutive Iridium sessions with a minimum loaded battery voltage less than the threshold. This threshold depends on the product type, but can also be adjusted: Apollo-X7 7.5 VDC Apollo-X3... - Page 23 Watch Circle Alarm Mode (Timer 5) A new timer mode not used in the original Apollo, the Apollo-X will utilize this timer if a watch circle is set, and the Apollo-X collects a position that places it outside of that circle. The Apollo-X will transmit at the rate given for this mode until it re-enters the circle, the circle is edited to place the device inside again, or the circle is deleted.
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Page 24: Default Timer Settings
Default Timer Settings Timer <T0> Min-Max 30s-7d 30s-7d 5s-1d 5s-1d 5s-1h 1s – 1m Legend GPS acquisition interval SBD (Iridium) transmission interval Water sensor check interval Light sensor check interval Tilt sensor check interval (if Tilt is enabled) Strobe Flash Interval T0 –... -
Page 25: Timer Command
Timer Command The $timer command will return the timer intervals all configurable settings in the form of a table. • If a value in the table is changed, the response will only be of the row that was modified. • If more than one value in a row is changed, the row will be transmitted the same number of times to indicate each individual change. -
Page 26: Strobe Led
Strobe LED Strobe Number and Interval There are two parameters available for configuring the Apollo-X’s flasher; the interval and the pulse count. At default settings, the Apollo-X’s LED will flash twice every fifteen seconds, each LED pulse lasts for 50 milliseconds. Note: The strobe command will impact LED operation for all timer modes simultaneously, except low battery mode. -
Page 27: Other Strobe Features
Other Strobe Features By default, the Apollo-X’s strobe discontinues flashing once the device is submerged. This can be changed to flash continuously regardless of submergence by issuing the command: $StrFlshUw 1 The opposite setting is restored by sending: $StrFlshUw 0 Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9... -
Page 28: Watch Circle
Watch Circle The watch circle functionality allows users to monitor the position of their mooring by receiving alarm messages when it exits the circle. This feature aids in the recovery of moorings that could break free from their planned position. Setting the Watch Circle The watch circle parameters can be set (or edited if already set) by using the $setcircle command:... -
Page 29: The Apollo-X's Sensors
The Apollo-X’s Sensors Water Sensing The Apollo-X’s water sensor is used to detect a change from underwater to surface. The sensor measures capacitance between the antenna and electronics head, based on the dielectric constant of either air or water. The Apollo-X will use the current state of the sensor (submerged or surfaced) to make a final determination of whether or not the Strobe will run. -
Page 30: Tilt Sensing
Tilt Sensing The Apollo-X’s tilt sensor regularly takes reads to check the orientation of the device when enabled. If the Apollo-X is tilted beyond its threshold, the Apollo-X not will strobe until returning to an upright position. The Apollo-X does not stop transmitting while inverted. To activate the Apollo-X’s tilt capability, use the command: $switch T 1 Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9... -
Page 31: Bluetooth
Bluetooth The Apollo-X has integrated Bluetooth hardware to facilitate local communication with the user for configuration, flash memory dumps and firmware upgrades via the Xeos Beacon Android App. The Apollo-X’s Bluetooth will advertise after a successful self-test pass using a Bluetooth name set at the factory. -
Page 32: Commands Summary
Commands Summary Below is a quick summary of commonly used commands that can be sent via Iridium or Bluetooth to acquire additional information, or configure the Apollo-X. Remember to add the $ symbol ahead of any commands. Command Parameters Description timer ---, or component Display the entire configuration of all intervals of all systems, in all modes. -
Page 33: Maintenance
The X1’s insert is removable, but should be present at all times. The head for the Apollo-X7 and Apollo-X3 is torqued to the battery tube at the factory. Users should not attempt to unscrew the head when changing batteries, as the amount of force required could damage the electronics. -
Page 34: Battery Replacement
DO NOT MIX BATTERY TYPES. O-Rings The Apollo-X7 and X3 models have O-rings at two distinct locations: O-ring A is located at the connection between the electronics head and the battery tube. It is not recommended that users separate the electronics head from the battery tube unless as part of long-term maintenance and is torqued at the factory to deter opening. - Page 35 O-Ring Replacement O-rings are critical to the waterproof nature of the Apollo-X. The O-ring should be visually inspected to make sure it is properly seated in the groove at the base of the threads and to ensure there is no visible damage to the O-ring. If the O-rings pass visual inspection and have been deployed for two months or less, they do not need to be replaced.
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Page 36: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting LED extended blinking on start-up Indicative of a self-test failure. The LED failure code will indicate the source of the detected failure. No Iridium messages (assuming no self-test failure) • Determine the nature of the issue (antenna-related, system related or location-related) o Ensure the device's Iridium IMEI is active on the Iridium network with your service provider. -
Page 37: Appendix A: Apollo-X Remote Head
Note: While the pins are labelled with different names below, the Apollo- XRH treats both power sources the same. Xeos’ standard battery pack pinout utilizes Pins 1 and 4 for V- and V+, respectively. -
Page 38: Appendix B: Technical Specifications
Appendix B: Technical Specifications Electrical Supply Range 6 – 20 6 - 20 2.7 - 5 6 - 28 (VDC) Batteries Energizer Saft LSH20 Saft LSH20 User Defined, Industrial LR20 Standard D-Cell (3) D-Cell (1) packs avail. D-Cell (7) Battery Capacity 18.5 User Defined (Amp hours) - Page 39 Electronics Digital Controller Xeos Apollo-X GPS Receiver Xeos Technologies 48 channel GPS (SiRFStarV) Modem Iridium 9603 Antenna Xeos proprietary antenna, designed to withstand high pressure environments Sealing Seal Lubricant Molykote 111 O-ring Size 2-031/N70 O-ring Dimensions 1.75” x 1.875” x 0.070”...
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Page 40: Appendix C: Supplemental Messages
Appendix C: Supplemental Messages Various commands to the Apollo-X have responses with a multitude of information. Below are some of these responses. System Information Message An Information message will send a synopsis of the latest GPS and Iridium statistics from the device. -
Page 41: Warranty, Support And Limited Liability
Xeos Technologies Inc. Limited Warranty and that is returned to Xeos Technologies Inc. with a copy of your receipt. This Limited Warranty is void if failure of the product has resulted from accident, abuse, or misapplication. Any replacement product will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or ninety (90) days, whichever is longer.