iControl Incorporated
http://www.iControl-Inc.com
iCHIME Radio Operation.
The iCHIME is controlled via the radio network for initial configuration and checkout. All commands for
controlling the iCHIME radio are identified in the iTAG Command List. Once a User as completed the
initial iCHIME configuration, complete control and operation of the iCHIME can be accomplished
through the radio interface using the same commands available in the iTAG Command List.
The radio in the iCHIME is normally operated in a power saving mode with the receiver periodically
enabled and “listening” for commands or data requests. A key element to the power saving mode is
the principle of “tag-talks-last”. In this mode, battery power is conserved by only responding to
messages that are sent directly to the specific iCHIME MAC address or mutual broadcast address. For a
majority of iCHIME operation, the iCHIME is in a deep power saving mode (~98% of the time). The
iCHIME will only transmit when it receives a properly encrypted message while it’s receiver is active.
The encrypted message directed to the iCHIME may include information about which channel the
iCHIME uses for further transmissions. Once, the communication parameters are exchanged, there will
typically be a period a several seconds of active radio transmission as the iCHIME relays data. The data
transmitted may either be security data destined for government servers, and/or commercial data
destined for the end customer. This data may originate from internal flash storage or it may be received
and relayed from another compatible device.
Other Features.
In addition to the wireless radio, the iCHIME provides other features for system integration.
1.
There is an onboard temperature sensor integrated with iCHIME. The default iCHIME data
packet includes the device temperature, radio signal strength, and battery status.
2.
The ICHIME has non-volatile on board data storage which may collect data for later upload
3.
iCHIME provide date time stamps for all data. The onboard clock for the iCHIME is set to UTC by
readers in the network or from the iTAG GPS by commands.
