TrimTrac ProE Locator, Technical Manual

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TrimTrac ProE Locator Technical Manual v2.0e 69
Battery Temperature Ranges
The TrimTrac ProE is specified to operate from –10 to +55 degrees C. This does
not necessarily mean that the TrimTrac ProE stops working outside this range. In
the case of the TrimTrac ProE, for instance, it means that its operation is type
approved over this range. The device may continue to operate in terms of
computing position fixes and transmitting or receiving messages outside the
specified temperature range, however, such operation is not guaranteed by
Trimble nor type approved.
In practice, the limiting factors in any battery-powered device in terms of
temperature ranges are the batteries themselves. The capacity of alkaline batteries
is, for instance, severely compromised and the batteries will leak when subjected
to high temperatures. The TrimTrac ProE will survive when subjected to
temperatures as high as +105 degrees C; however, alkaline batteries would likely
be damaged, leak and become unusable after being subjected to this elevated
temperature. Conversely, low temperatures will increase the internal resistance of
alkaline batteries and a voltage drop commensurate with the low temperatures
will be observed.
The NiMH battery in the Vehicle Adapter or Control Module has a wider
operating range than alkaline or LiION batteries, but it too will suffer from
temperature extremes. In particular, the charge capacity and cycles of a NiMH
battery will be decreased substantially when subjected to high temperatures. At
least they will not explode or catch fire when their rated temperature
specifications are exceeded like some LiION batteries.
Low temperatures do less permanent damage to batteries than high temperatures.
Generally, a battery subjected to low temperature will stop working, but may
recover once unit temperature is brought back to normal.
All battery life estimates assume that the batteries are at normal temperature (20
degrees C), that they have never been subjected to temperature extremes either
high or low, and, in the case of the Vehicle Adapter or Control Module NiMH
battery, are fully charged and have never been completely and fully discharged.
Vehicle Adapter or Control Module Battery Charging
The internal standby battery in the Vehicle Adapter or Control Module should
never be allowed to fully discharge. Even if the Vehicle Adapter or Control
Module is left uninstalled and unused, it should be connected to a 12 VDC power
supply no less frequently than once every 90 days to recharge the internal standby
battery. A good battery will reach full charge in approximately 3 hours.
GPS Reception Problems
Even though the TrimTrac ProE uses enhanced GPS sensitivity technology, it is
still advisable to position the device or the optional external GPS antenna with as
clear of a view of the sky as possible. Make sure that the TrimTrac ProE or
external GPS antenna is reasonably positioned to receive GPS signals.