Vectronic Aerospace VERTEX Lite Collar, User Manual, Page: 16 / 87

The Vertex Lite collar system 16
© 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH
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. The
remaining space within a block will be filled with placeholder data, so the message won't
get smaller if you choose less than 4 (1-3), 12 (5-11), 18 (13-17).
Please note that the collar “listens” for incoming commands whenever it has send out
data only, meaning you have distinct communication windows based on the schedule
used and transmission made (e.g. hourly fixes with 4 fixes a message result in one
message every 4 hours). Data are sent to our GPS Plus X main server and provided to
your GPS Plus X software for HTTP download or email forwarding / reception.
NOTE: It highly depends on species and terrain how many fixes the collar should
transmit in one message. In most cases we recommend to start with 4 fixes per
message (default settings) and to increase the number after deployment when you see
data is incoming regularly. An unsuitable setting (e.g. 18 fixes / message in dense
forest) could result in high rate of failed transmissions or in worst case in loosing contact
to the collar.
NOTE: You can set a skip count to exclude some fixes from the data satellite
transmission pool to receive fewer messages and thereby extend the battery lifetime
(e.g. skip count 2 means sending only every third fix, all data will be stored in the collar
too). A skip count reduces the collar messages you receive (High GPS skip count in a
very unsuitable habitat such as dense forest may result in loosing contact with the collar).
3.7.3 GSM Communication
GSM is using the SMS service of mobile phone providers. The GSM communication is
a two-way communication, means you receive GPS data from the collar and can send
new commands and schedules remotely to the collar. GPS and mortality data will be
sent automatically via SMS to the defined phone number. If you wish sending new
commands or schedules remotely, please contact our customer service. It is only
possible to communicate with the collar within GSM provider coverage.