Comtel Systems AGM Sentinel User manual

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PRODUCT MANUAL
AGM Sentinel
The AGM Sentinel is an unmanned AGM with satellite reporting capabili-
ties. It detects, records, and reports both magnetic and 22 Hz passages
simultaneousl .
The following information will help ou use the AGM Sentinel effectivel
in most pipeline environments and with man different pig or tool config-
urations. For further guidance, or for unique tracking situations, contact
us. Our contact information is found on our website:
www.bestpigtracker.com
The AGM Explorer software needed to download AGM data is available
free of charge. Contact us for a download link.
Pre-Deplo ment:
Install batteries or replace if low.
• Open the case and install fresh 4 C Cell batteries. Alkaline
batteries are recommended for most situations. Very cold or very
hot weather degrades the performance of alkaline batteries. For
extreme temperatures or for long duration deployments use
Lithium C Cell batteries (3.6V cells).
• Check with the battery manufacturer for temperature range to
ensure battery will be suitable.
Arm box outside (s nc to GPS) if previousl stored for a time.
• To avoid a long wait for the unit to arm when deployed power up
the box outside and allow it to arm. This allows it to get GPS infor-
mation that is out of date if the unit has been stored for a long time.
Otherwise it could take up to 15 minutes to arm in the field.
• To do this follow the instructions under the Deplo ment heading
and leave the AGM Sentinel powered on until it arms. Then power
down and clear (see below).
Clear AGM data before run.
Caution: This will erase all data stored on the unit. Make sure previ-
ous data has been downloaded or is no longer needed.
• Connect the powered off unit to your computer with a USB cable
and use the AGM Explorer software to clear the data. Refer to the
AGM Explorer instructions for help on how to do this.

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AGM Sentinel Pro uct Manual
Pre-Deplo ment (cont’d):
Adjust our Serial Number and Friendl Name as needed.
• While the unit is connected to the AGM Explorer software you can adjust
your company’s serial number and add or change a friendly name for the unit.
This will help you identify the data once it is downloaded.
Inspect seal and close case tightl .
• Check that the gasket and sealing edge is not damaged. Squeeze the box
slightly before latching both sides of the latch to help keep a good seal.
Set up remote passage notifications on the Sentinel Tracking website.
• Make sure a Project and Contacts are set up for passage notifications. See
the Sentinel Website or contact us for assistance and training.
Deplo ment:
Position the AGM Sentinel directl above and parallel to the pipeline.
• Refer to the arrows on the label to make sure that the unit is parallel to the
pipeline or 22 Hz detection will be limited.
Turn on and wait for the unit to arm.
• Press and hold the Power button until the Power and Status lights are on
solid (1 to 2 seconds).
• If unit will not power on check that batteries are seated well and contacting.
AGM Sentinel will obtain position and time from GPS.
• This could take up to 15 minutes if the unit has not been armed for a long
period of time.
Once armed, check status light to determine if placement is good.
• If not in a noisy location Status light will blink once every 3 seconds
indicating Armed and Not Logging. 3 blinks every 3 seconds indicates low
battery voltage.
• If the Status light is blinking rapidly this means the unit is logging.
Note: The AGM Sentinel is very sensitive and will sometimes log noise
sources vibration and moving magnetic fields (i.e. vehicles ATVs or the unit
itself being moved). This will not prevent it from logging an actual passage.
• If the unit is constantly logging (blinking rapidly) look for potential noise
sources. If none are found you should consider relocating the unit a few feet
and re-arming to see if the noise improves.
Note: Making sure that the unit is not constantly logging noise is key to
successful remote passage notification and makes it easier to download and
pick passages later.

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AGM Sentinel Pro uct Manual
Deplo ment (cont’d):
Test satellite communication, if desired.
• Pass a magnet or transmitter over the box and look for messages.
Unit will continue to log and transmit multiple passages over satellite.
• If the Status light is blinking rapidly this means the unit is logging.
• The Status light will blink 2 times every 3 seconds to indicate it has seen what
it determined to be at least one valid pig passage. 4 blinks every 3 seconds
indicates the unit has seen a valid passage and has a low battery.
Retrieval:
Turn off AGM Sentinel before picking up.
• Hold down the Power button until the Status light goes out (1 to 2 seconds).
Download:
Download data from the AGM Sentinel using the AGM Explorer software.
• Connect the powered off unit to your computer with a USB cable and use
the AGM Explorer software to download and view the data. Refer to the AGM
Explorer instructions for help on how to do this.
• The AGM Explorer software will allow you to select and export passages from
multiple files from multiple AGMs in many formats.
Note: The data is stored in the unit even if batteries are low or removed until
cleared using the AGM Explorer software.
• For this reason it is best to clear the data after you have downloaded and
saved it. This will prevent the download from continually growing making it
easier to find passages and quicker to download.
Troubleshooting:
The AGM Sentinel will not turn on.
• Check that the batteries are seated well inside and touching each other and
the battery holder contacts. With use the battery holders loosen up and this
problem generally disappears.
The unit is constantl logging after it is armed.
• Are there any nearby noise sources? Try moving the unit away from survey
flags (or remove the flag) chain link fences turn off your vehicle etc.
• Does another unit work in this location? If so there might be a problem with
the unit.
• Download the data off the unit. Does it show one long log? If so there could
be a problem with the unit. Contact us for help.

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AGM Sentinel Pro uct Manual
Troubleshooting (cont’d):
The AGM Sentinel will not arm.
• Has it been stored for a long time or without batteries? Wait up to 15 minutes
for GPS signal to be acquired.
• Is only the Power light on not the Status light? There could be a problem with
the unit. Please contact us for help.
I can’t connect to the AGM Sentinel using AGM Explorer.
• Are you using a charge only USB cable? Make sure your cable has both
charge and sync (or data) lines. Some charger cables are missing data lines.