  Privacy
| Legal |
Table of Contents Back | Next | Cover Page |
 Technology & Development Center |
AXTracker:
An Inexpensive Satellite Transmitter
for Sensing Changes at Remote Locations
The Palm programming kit (figure 4) allows the user to program and run the AXTracker using a Palm PDA. The price of the kit includes the PDA device and associated cable. The cable can be purchased separately.
Figure 4—The Palm programming package offers a simple method for
configuring and running AXTracker programs. The package includes the
Palm personal digital assistant and a cable that connects it to the
AXTracker.
—Photo by Scott Quillin, Axonn LLC
The USB cable (figure 5) allows the user to configure and run AX-Tracker programs from a PC. A PC is little more cumbersome in the field, but it may be a cheaper option for users who don't have a Palm PDA.
Figure 5—A USB (universal serial bus) cable allows the user to configure
and run the AXTracker program from a desktop or laptop PC.
The field commissioning cable (figure 6) allows the user to trigger or run the AXTracker without a PC or PDA. This option may be redundant because most Forest Service employees have access to a laptop PC or PDA.
Figure 6—After an AXTracker has been programmed, a field commissioning
cable allows an operator to trigger or run the AXTracker in the field.
—Photo by Scott Quillin, Axonn LLC
Temperature probes (figure 7) report a range of –67 to 212 °F (–55 to 100 °C). Temperature transmissions can be configured to read temperatures at a specific time and interval (from 15 minutes to 45 days) or to trigger an alarm at a user-defined temperature. The cable is 6 feet long and comes with one or two (dual) temperature sensors. A new temperature probe design is being developed, so the specifications may change.
Figure 7—Single- or dual- (shown) sensors record
low, high,
and average
temperatures.
—Photo by Scott Quillin, Axonn LLC
This magnetic switch (figure 8) allows surveillance of doors or windows, or other things that are either open or closed. The user can program the switch to indicate an alarm when the switch is in the open or closed position.
Figure 8—A magnetic switch or another type of on/off switch attached
to
a bare wire cable (figure 9) can trigger a signal or alarm indicating whether
the switch is open or closed.—Photo by Scott
Quillin, Axonn LLC
This 6-foot-long cable (figure 9) allows the user to connect up to four smart sensors that function as on and off switches or other alarm sensors to the bare ends of the cable that attaches to the AXTracker unit. The cable includes a 10-pin connector that attaches to the AXTracker interface port.
Figure 9—Four smart sensors can be
attached
to
the 6-foot bare wire
cable.
—Photo by Scott Quillin, Axonn LLC
| Equipment | Part Number | Cost (dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| Transmitter | 2100–0159–08 | 349 |
| Palm programming kit (includes PDA) |
1800–0102–01 | 495 |
| USB serial programming cable | 1800–0102–02 | 149 |
| Field commissioning cable | 1800–0102–03 | 69 |
| Temperature probe (single sensor) | 1800–0102–14 | 75 |
| Temperature probe (dual sensors) | 1800–0102–15 | 125 |
| Magnetic switch door alarm (6-foot cable) |
1800–0102–06 | 69 |
| Bare wire alarm (6-foot) cable | 1800–0102–07 | 35 |
| Battery pack (replacement) | 1800–0102–08 | 59 |
 |
E-mail: