V 1.0
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12/03/2020
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CLS-ENV-MU-20-0106
3
1.
Highlights
The CLS Goniometer is a very highly sensitive direction finder that provides the direction as well as an
indication of the signal power of an Argos transmitter for field recovery. It is fully compatible with :
A2 : Argos-2 low data rate transmitters
A3/ZE : Argos-3 and Argos-3-ZE low data rate transmitters
VLD-A4 : Argos-4 very low data rate transmitters
It can be used with two types of antenna:
•
the Goniometer antenna
•
a BNC (Bayonet Neill
–
Concelman) antenna
Mounted with the Goniometer antenna, the RXG-234 can be used as a direction finder as well as direct
receiver. Depending on the Goniometer antenna altitude, the Argos platform transmission power and
the environmental conditions, the Argos signal can be received by the RXG-234 from a few meters up
to more than 100 km.
With a BNC antenna, the RXG-234 can only be used as a direct receiver. In this configuration, the Argos
signal can be received by the RXG-234 from a few meters up to a few dozen km, depending on the
transmission power.
In direct reception mode, GPS positions of the platform can be displayed directly on the Goniometer if
the two conditions below are satisfied:
•
the Argos platform is equipped with a GPS receiver,
•
the message is not encrypted, and the latitude and longitude are coded simply
In this case, received Argos demodulated messages and Argos platform transmitter terminal (PTT)
reception angle are displayed on the screen and available on the serial port.
An embedded GPS provides local positioning information. The CLS Goniometer is an autonomous
device with up to 50 hours of operation.
GONIOMETER ANTENNA RECOMMENDATIONS
•
Install the Argos Goniometer antenna as high as possible
•
Don’t hold the antenna with
your hands, only with a support
•
Keep the antenna vertical during bearings searches
•
Place the antenna pointer in your movement direction
•
Wait for at least 3 collected signals before using a direction
•
Be careful of incorrect measurements in noisy environments: multi path effects
•
Do
n’t go directly in the bearings direction
PRECAUTION OF USE
•
Store the Gonio in a dry place with temperature from -20°C and +50°C
•
When charging the battery through USB, ensure that room temperature is from 0°C to 45°C
•
Do not open or dismount the Gonio: doing so will cancel the warranty
•
Use a microfiber cloth to clean the screen: ensure the Gonio is off. Do not use alcohol or
detergent
•
In case of salt water spray, clean with a microfiber cloth
•
The battery should be fully charged before using the Gonio
•
Do not bend the Goniometer antenna cable < 5cm radius, as it will add perturbation to the
measurements
