FASTRAK MANUAL
Rev. G
11
JUNE 2012
5. Technical Overview
The FASTRAK tracking system uses electro-magnetic fields to determine the position and
orientation of a remote object. The technology is based on generating near field, low frequency
magnetic field vectors from a single assembly of three concentric, stationary antennas called a
transmitter, and detecting the field vectors with a single assembly of three concentric, remote
sensing antennas called a receiver. The sensed signals are input to a mathematical algorithm that
computes the receiver’s position and orientation relative to the transmitter.
The FASTRAK consists of a System Electronics Unit (SEU), one to four receivers, a single
transmitter, a power supply and a power cord. The system is capable of operating at any of four
discrete carrier frequencies. Different carrier frequencies allow operation of up to four
FASTRAKs simultaneously and in close proximity to one another. The FASTRAK interfaces to
the host computer via RS-232 and USB serial communication. Any single receiver may be
operated at the fastest update rate (120 Hz); any two receivers at one half this rate; any three at
one-third this rate; or all four at one fourth the fastest rate. Of course, the unit must be set to
output at a high enough baud rate to receive these updates. Mixed rates are not permitted
meaning that all active receivers operate at the same update rate, i.e. one cannot be operated
faster than another. Active receivers are selected by physical receiver cable connections and
software configuration commands.
Additionally, the FASTRAK may be used with a stylus instead of a standard package receiver.
Tip offsets are automatically calculated for the stylus and no special commands are required for
this mode of operation. Switch functionality is provided with the stylus. The stylus may be used
in any of the Receiver Ports. Operation of these devices is covered in