Vectronic Aerospace VERTEX Plus Collar User manual

VERTEX Plus Collar
Version: 1.3
Last Change: 19.03.2019
User Manual

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VERTEX Plus Collar
© 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH
User Manual
04.11.2015
Marcel Butz
Marcel Butz
Ulrike Herrmann
04.11.2015
16.02.2016
22.02.2016
Ulrike Herrmann
Ulrike Herrmann 22.02.2016

Document Change Record

4Contents
Table of Contents
...............................................................................................................8
1 Product overview
...............................................................................................................9
2 Fast guide to deploy the collar
...............................................................................................................10
3 The VERTEX Plus Collar
...................................................................................................................... 113.1 GPS Receiver
...................................................................................................................... 123.2 VHF Beacon
...................................................................................................................... 133.3 Communication options
...................................................................................................... 13Iridium Communication3.3.1
...................................................................................................... 14Globalstar Communication3.3.2
...................................................................................................... 15GSM Communication3.3.3
...................................................................................................................... 173.4 Internal Sensors
...................................................................................................... 17Mortality & Hibernation Sensor3.4.1
...................................................................................................... 18Temperature Sensor3.4.2
...................................................................................................... 18Activity Sensor (Acceleration)3.4.3
...................................................................................................... 19Proximity and Separation Sensor3.4.4
...................................................................................................................... 223.5 UHF Radio Communication
...................................................................................................................... 223.6 Virtual Fence
...................................................................................................... 26Virtual Fence in GPS Plus X3.6.1
........................................................................................................... 28
Virtual Fence in Google Earth3.6.1.1
...................................................................................................................... 303.7 Drop Off
...................................................................................................................... 313.8 External Sensors
...................................................................................................... 31UHF ID Tags3.8.1

5Contents
...................................................................................................... 32Expandable Fawn Collars3.8.2
...................................................................................................... 32Vaginal Implant Transmitter (VIT)3.8.3
...................................................................................................... 33Mortality Implant Transmitter (MIT)3.8.4
...............................................................................................................34
4 Data formats
...............................................................................................................37
5 System Set-up
...................................................................................................................... 375.1 User-Software Installation
...................................................................................................................... 375.2 Collar Registration
...................................................................................................................... 395.3 USB to VERTEX Plus Interface Cable
...................................................................................................................... 405.4 Test the Collar
...............................................................................................................40
6 Collar Main Tree
...................................................................................................................... 416.1 Information
...................................................................................................... 42Telemetry6.1.1
...................................................................................................... 46GPS Monitor6.1.2
...................................................................................................... 47Info File6.1.3
...................................................................................................................... 486.2 Configuration
...................................................................................................... 49User Configuration6.2.1
...................................................................................................... 54Time6.2.2
...................................................................................................... 55Virtual Fence Polygons6.2.3
...................................................................................................... 58Start Bootloader6.2.4
...................................................................................................................... 616.3 Schedules
...................................................................................................... 65GPS & Beacon Files Upload6.3.1
...................................................................................................... 65GPS Schedule6.3.2
...................................................................................................... 68Beacon Schedule6.3.3

6Contents
...................................................................................................... 69Communication Schedule6.3.4
...................................................................................................... 69External Sensor Receiver Schedule6.3.5
...................................................................................................... 69Proximity GPS Schedule6.3.6
...................................................................................................... 70Virtual Fence Schedule6.3.7
...................................................................................................................... 706.4 Collected Data
...............................................................................................................71
7 Remote Collar (Communication)
...................................................................................................................... 727.1 Remote User Configuration
...................................................................................................................... 757.2 Remote GPS Schedule
...................................................................................................................... 757.3 Remote Beacon Schedule
...................................................................................................................... 767.4 Remote Proximity Schedule
...................................................................................................................... 767.5 Remote Communication Schedule
...................................................................................................................... 767.6 Remote Virtual Fences
...............................................................................................................77
8 Calculate Collar Lifetime
...............................................................................................................79
9 Battery options
...............................................................................................................80
10 Changing of battery pack
...................................................................................................................... 8010.1 Oval Collar
...................................................................................................................... 8110.2 Round Collar, standard battery pack
...................................................................................................................... 8210.3 Round Collar, curved battery pack
...............................................................................................................85
11 Collar Deployment
...............................................................................................................86
12 Specification
...................................................................................................................... 8612.1 Environmental specification for the collar
...................................................................................................................... 8712.2 Declarations of Conformity
...................................................................................................................... 9012.3 Certificates

7Contents

Product overview 8
© 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH
1 Product overview
The VERTEX Plus Collar is a modular system that is customized to your project needs.
Your Collar is built with a combination of following options.
Remote Communication Options
- Iridium bi-directional Satellite Communication
- Globalstar Uplink Satellite Communication
- GSM bi-directional Communication
- UHF Radio Communication
- VHF Beacon transmitter (signal transmitter only)
Internal Sensor Options
- Mortality & Hibernation Sensor
- Temperature Sensor
- Basic Activity Sensor (3-axis acceleration, averaged data each 300sec.)
- Advanced Activity Sensor (High Resolution 3-axis acceleration, raw data up to 32Hz)
The VERTEX Plus Collar with UHF communication is able to communicate with UHF ID
Tags / various external sensors:
External Sensors (Proximity and Separation Application)
- Customizable UHF ID Tags for species interaction
- Expandable fawn collars for offspring survival studies
- StationaryUHF ID Tags for e.g. road crossings, waterholes
- Vaginal Implant Transmitter (VIT) for pregnancy observation
- Mortality Implant Transmitter (MIT) for instant mortality detection

Product overview 9
© 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH
Drop Offs
To simplify collar recovery a radio and timer controlled Drop Off mechanism is available.
All data are stored on the non-volatile memory on-board the collar and can be
downloaded via cable after retrieving of the collar.
2 Fast guide to deploy the collar
The collar is delivered thoroughly tested and fully programmed according to your
instructions. Please spend some time and make yourself familiar with the collar and all
its features. We recommend you to follow the next steps to check and test all functions of
your collar.
(A magnet needs to be attached to the electronic housing to keep collar in stand-by
mode, otherwise the collar will perform GPS fixes and transmissions.)
1. Setup your GPS Plus X software system (for further information please refer to
the GPS Plus X software manual)
2. Register your collar
3. Attach the VERTEX Plus Collar to your PC (USB to VERTEX Plus Interface
Cable)
4. Check the configuration and schedules of the collar
5. Check Drop Off configuration and lifetime (please refer to GPS Plus Drop Off
Manager or Info Files provided with the collar)
6. Make a lifetime calculation (optional)
7. Test the collar performance of sensors and data interfaces/transfer, also
remotely. For this you need to remove the magnet from the electronic housing
(not the Drop Off magnet!) and place the collar outdoors with a clear view to the
sky. Check signal quality and process incoming data. Try sending reconfiguration
commands remotely. Once you finish testing your collar deactivate it by
reattaching the magnet to the electronic housing. Do not trigger the Drop Off! It
can only be used once!
When deploying the collar:
8. Make sure the O-ring and the communication connector end cap are in place to
protect the communication connector from dirt and humidity.

Fast guide to deploy the collar 10
© 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH
9. Adjust the belt to the correct circumference and cut the extra belt to minimize the
risk to injure or handicap the animal.
10.Make sure the magnet is removed from the electronic housing and from the
Drop Off, otherwise it stays deactivated and will not perform any GPS fixes or
transfer data, and the Drop Off will not release the collar.
The steps of this list will be explained more detailed in the following chapters.
3 The VERTEX Plus Collar
If you want to achieve a deeper knowledge of all functions and features of your collar, we
recommend you to read the whole chapter carefully. If you do not want to spend this time
you may skip this chapter and go straight forward to the system setup. The system setup
gives concrete instructions how to check configurations and to test your collar before
deployment.
Figure 1: VERTEX Plus Collars: left: round collar for carnivores, right: oval collar for ungulate
The basic VERTEX Plus Collar consists of the following components:
- the electronic housing containing the GPS module, the VHF beacon, the optional
sensors (activity/mortality/temperature), the communication modem (GSM/Iridium/
Globalstar), an UHF module and the UHF ID Tag (optional)

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© 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH
- the magnet, which is attached to the electronic housing when the collar is in Stand-by-
mode
- the communication connector for the USB to VERTEX Plus Interface Cable
- the battery pack with integrated battery connector and the Drop Off with magnet
(optional)
- belt with integrated VHF/UHF- antenna at the adjustable side of the belt and
electronics at the not-adjustable side of the collar
The collar is designed to function at extreme temperatures (-45°C to +70°C) and to be
completely water proof (withstands total immersion).
3.1 GPS Receiver
The collar contains a standard GPS receiver with an accuracy within 8 - 15 meters as
mean. The actual accuracy depends on many factors such as terrain, satellite reception
and time to conduct a fix (GPS position). Most fixes will be far more accurate.
A GPS schedule defines when GPS positions will be recorded. Programming of the
GPS schedule is veryflexible and easy.
Once activated the receiver listens for satellite data and collects ephemerides data to
conduct a GPS location. The maximum listening period is 180s but it will stop listening
before that if
a) it receives a validated fix of highest quality
b) it gets several decent quality signals
c) it gets no satellite connection at all
Each GPS position is stored with following data:
- UTC (universal time coordinated) date and time
- GPS coordinates (Latitude, Longitude and Height)
- Dilution of Precision (DOP) and navigation status as quality information as well as
number of satellites used for positioning.
GPS data can be exported via the user software GPS Plus X to ASCII, Spreadsheet,
DBase, GPS Exchange, Google Earth and BioTelemetry eXchange format. You can

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easily import the data into Google Earth via kml.file to visualize GPS positions.
3.2 VHF Beacon
Optionally, the collar be can equipped with a powerful VHF beacon, so you can locate
your animal via VHF tracking. The VHF beacon has its own battery which is located in
the main battery pack. Even if the main battery is low the beacon can proceed sending a
signal by using its own backup battery, so you still be able to find your collar even if the
main battery is empty. The VHF beacon frequency can be changed within a small range
using the GPS Plus X software. The VHF beacon schedule defines the beacon active
time. You can program the VHF beacon active time and also its signal pattern. Different
beacon signal pattern can be useful if you want to characterize a certain collar to
distinguish between different animals.
Changes can be made in the GPS Plus X software. You will find an instruction how to
change the beacon schedule in chapter Schedules. To change frequency and patterns
follow the instructions in chapter Configuration.
The VERTEX Plus Collar has three signal modes, the Standard Pattern (default: mode
0), the Mortality Pattern and the Emergency Pattern. The Mortality Pattern is active when
your animal has not moved for a defined time (mortality period) (Mortality & Hibernation
Sensor). The Emergency Pattern gets activated if the main battery of your collar is low.
The default settings are shown below but you are able to change the Pulse Length and
also Loop Length (cycle in which the signal is repeated) of the standard pattern.
Figure 2: Beacon patterns for default mode (mode 0), mortality mode and emergency mode
In GPS Plus X software it is possible to listen to single patterns.

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© 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH
Figure 3: Play Beacon Patterns
3.3 Communication options
The VERTEX Plus Collar is available with Iridium, Globalstar or GSM as remote
communication. Follow the link to your chosen configuration.
Iridium
Globalstar
GSM
3.3.1 Iridium Communication
Iridium offers a two-way communication which means you receive GPS data from the
collar and can send new commands and schedules remotely to the collar. The Iridium
system consists of 66 satellites with global coverage, 24 hours per day.
Figure 4: Iridium Global Coverage
You can download and upload schedules and configurations remotely. Due to the two-
way communication, the collar knows which data have been received by the satellite and
which data need to be resent again. That means you will get all data even though some

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data packages come in later.
For transmitting the data the collar needs clear view to the sky. The number of fixes
defines the message size and thereby transmission time.
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 (12 in total so far) 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 only when it is sending data,
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).
3.3.2 Globalstar Communication
The Globalstar system provides one-way communication only. It enables data download
via satellite with a broad but space and time restricted coverage network that affects its
usability and performance in certain areas (see coverage map).

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© 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH
Figure 5: Globalstar Coverage Map 2016
Each GPS position data is sent by the collar (1-2 Fixes per message). Data is sent out
3 times to increase transmission probability but data reception is not confirmed by the
satellites. The satellite sends the data to a base station on ground which forwards it via
web to our system. It is possible that transmissions are blocked (e.g. thick canopy, bad
angle towards sky etc.) and do not reach the satellites and thereby you. Data which are
sent to our server can be downloaded by HTTP service of your GPS Plus X software.
Another way to receive the data is by email. You always can get the full data set by
downloading it after retrieving the collar via the USB to VERTEX Plus Interface cable.
NOTE: In the User Configuration of GPS Plus X software you can set a skip count to
exclude some fixes from the data satellite transmission pool to receive fewer messages
and thereby extend the collar lifetime (e.g. skip count 2 means sending only every third
fix, all data will be stored in the collar). A skip count potentially reduces the collar
messages you receive up to getting no data (e.g. high GPS skip count in a very
unsuitable habitat such as dense forest).
3.3.3 GSM Communication
GSM uses the SMS service of mobile phone providers. The GSM communication is a 2-
way communication, which 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

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© 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH
sent automatically via SMS to the defined phone number. If you wish to send new
commands or schedules remotely, please contact our customer service under
[e-mail].
Figure 6: GSM Communication
For collar usage within Europe we provide GSM collars with VECTRONIC SIM chips
so you do not have to take care about provider administration. VECTRONIC SIM chips
are soldered in the electronic housing and highly reliable in all kinds of environmental
conditions (heat, cold, humidity, vibrations, shock). One message transmitted via GSM/
GPRS contains 8 GPS positions per default. Messages will be send to VECTRONIC
ground-station and from there downloaded via HTTP to GPS Plus X software. All GPS
Data, irrespective of transmitting, will be stored in the non-volatile on-board-memory.
Data not transmitted via GSM can be downloaded via USB Remote Stick after the collar
has been retrieved.
For collar usage in Africa, Asia or North and South America you may choose your own
mobile phone provider and provide Micro SIM cards on your own. A message
transmitted via GSM contains 7 GPS positions per default. It is recommended having
your own GSM Ground station when using your GSM collars with your own SIM cards.

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© 2017 VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH
Figure 7: GSM Ground Station
NOTE: If no communication can be established between the GSM network and the
collar or the GSM ground station, the GSM provider will retry to send the data. Data in
the provider's memory are subject to a validity period. If no contact has been
established within this period (usually 2-3 days, but depending on the provider's
conditions), the data stored by the provider will be deleted without delivery. For this
reason, make sure that your ground station is switched on at all times to allow the data
to reach you within the validity period. If a newly sent GPS schedule is not delivered
within the validity period, resend the schedule to make sure that the collar has received
the new schedule from the GSM network.
3.4 Internal Sensors
Internal Sensors can be added to the collars additionally to record data or information
which might be interesting for your research or study.
Please refer to the following subtopics to get more information regarding single external
sensors:
Mortality & Hibernation Sensor
Temperature Sensor
Activity Sensor (Acceleration)
Proximity and Separation Sensor
3.4.1 Mortality & Hibernation Sensor
If no movement is detected for a user-defined mortality period (default setting: 24 hours),
a mortality event is triggered. The mortality period is user-definable and can be set up to
140 hours. When a mortality event is detected, the collar:
-Switches to the VHF Beacon pattern of the Mortality Mode.
-Iridium/GSM communication: Performs a communication attempt to send out a

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mortality event message via SMS or e-mail instantly.
-Globalstar communication: Conducts unscheduled GPS fixes each 30 minutes
for sixhours before it returns to the programmed schedule.
The collar will end the mortality mode if the sensor registers repetitive activity for about
20 minutes.
NOTE: The mortality period should be adapted to the behavior of the collared animal to
avoid false alerts (e.g. lions with a very long passive phase should get a longer mortality
period than for example roe deer with a distinct but short activity pattern).
For instant mortality detection please check the external MIT sensor.
Additionally, the mortality sensor can function as hibernation sensor. For this feature, we
define an activity threshold for your animal. If the animal’s activity is below this threshold
for a given time, the collar changes into hibernation mode. That means only one GPS fix
per day is attempted or transmitted. The collar returns to normal mode if the activity level
exceeds the hibernation threshold again. The hibernation mode will save batteryand is
expedient for two reasons:
1. the animal does not change its position
2. there is little chance of GPS and GSM / satellite contact from a cave or den.
NOTE: Please consult VECTRONIC Aerospace regarding the hibernation settings.
Wrong settings may result in loosing contact with the collar.
3.4.2 Temperature Sensor
The temperature sensor is located in the electronic housing. Though the measured
temperature is related to the ambient temperature, several factors effect these
measurements. These are the animal's body temperature, the heating up of the housing
because of sun, cooling effects of wind, etc. Due to the thermionic characteristics of the
housing material, variations in ambient temperature will not have an immediate effect on
the temperature sensor, but will be measured with delay.
For very precise body temperature data please check the external MIT sensor
application.
3.4.3 Activity Sensor (Acceleration)
The VERTEX Plus Collars can be equipped with a Basic Activity Sensor or an
Advanced Activity Sensor. The data are stored in the non-volatile on-board memory.
Basic Activity Sensor records average data every 300 seconds (mode [1]) on 3-axis
(X, Y, Z). So, you can analyze relative activity based on right- left, up- down, and forward-

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backward movement.
Advanced Activity Sensor measures activity on three axes based on the true
acceleration experienced by the collar (Figure below). There are 3 axes (X, Y, Z) which
constitute a three-dimensional space in which acceleration is measured. Data can be
stored as true acceleration raw data generating a massive amount of information. The
sensor records data with 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32 Hz (measurements per second). The default
mode is 8 Hz. The memory capacity depends on sampling rate (e.g. up to 5 years with 8
Hz). The raw data is detailed enough to not only observe general pattern but to
distinguish distinct behaviors and get a clear picture on what the animal is doing with
proper analysis.
Figure 8: Directions of the three activity axes
NOTE: Activity raw data can only be downloaded via USB to VERTEX Plus Interface
cable because of the massive amount of data (Not via satellite, GSM or UHF
communication!)
3.4.4 Proximity and Separation Sensor
The proximity sensor is part of a system that enables you to monitor interactions
between different animals such as predator and prey or encounters between individuals
of different social groups. The proximity sensor in the VERTEX Plus Collar with UHF
communication is able to receive ID codes within a range between 5 and 500 meters,
depending on ID Tag, collar settings and environmental issues.
If an ID code is received, it will be stored in the memory with the signal strength and the
time stamp. If GSM or Iridium transmission is enabled, a list of ID codes encountered
between two transmissions is sent with each GSM or Iridium message. Signal strength
and time stamp are not transmitted via GSM or Iridium. These are only available via
cable or UHF link. The file extension is .PRX.

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NOTE: Signal strength does not provide reliable information about the distance
between two collared animals.
If an ID code has been received by the proximity sensor, an alternative GPS schedule
can be activated. This way the frequency of GPS fixes can be intensified. The proximity
GPS schedule can stayactive for a configurable period of time after the last ID code has
been received. Then the GPS receiver will return to the standard schedule. The proximity
sensor will be switched off during GPS fixes, so small data gaps might occur.
You can decide if ID's will be ignored or if they create an immediate reaction by defining
Blacklist and Whitelist. Optionally, you can define max. 25 ID for Blacklist. In that case all
other IDs will cause Proximity event except the ones on the Blacklist. Additionally, and
optionally, you can define max. 25 ID for Whitelist. In that case only those collars will
cause a Proximityevent.
If you do not enter any IDs to the lists the sensor will behave normally and react to all
incoming signals. For definitions please refer to User Configurations- External sensors
Proximity Receiver.
Figure 9: Proximity sensor. UHF ID-tags (blue collars) send an ID code which is received by the