Xeos Apollo-X7 User manual

Apollo-X User Manual
SUBMERSIBLE IRIDIUM / GPS / LED FLASHER
Version 0.9
June 2023

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 2
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Specifics
This manual version is written with respect to Apollo-X firmware build 11203. If you wish to
acquire the latest firmware for your device, contact [e-mail]
The Apollo-X is the next generation and successor to the Apollo. For the manual of the original
Apollo, please see here.
Version History
Regular checks for the latest manual are suggested. Be sure to check Xeos Technologies’
manuals page to compare versions and download the latest version.
Version No.
Date
Description
0.9
June 2023
Preliminary document

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 3
Table of Contents
Overview......................................................................................................................................... 5
Preliminary Setup............................................................................................................................ 5
Outside Diagram......................................................................................................................... 5
Setting up an Iridium Account.................................................................................................... 6
Understanding Position Information .............................................................................................. 7
Iridium Doppler position ............................................................................................................ 7
Global Positioning System.......................................................................................................... 8
Apollo-X Models.............................................................................................................................. 9
Apollo-X Operation ....................................................................................................................... 10
Using the Magnets ................................................................................................................... 10
Operational Tips....................................................................................................................... 10
Installation................................................................................................................................ 10
Messages from the Apollo ............................................................................................................ 11
Version ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Unlock....................................................................................................................................... 11
Position Message ..................................................................................................................... 12
Compressed Binary Position (Type GC) ............................................................................... 12
ASCII Position (Type AG)...................................................................................................... 13
Default Message (Type DM)..................................................................................................... 13
Surfaced (Type SF).................................................................................................................... 14
Watch Circle Parameters (Type WC)........................................................................................ 15
Communicating with the Apollo-X................................................................................................ 16
Sending Commands Using XeosOnline .................................................................................... 16
Setting up to Send ............................................................................................................... 16
Sending Commands via Email .................................................................................................. 17
Command Format................................................................................................................ 17
The Unlock Code.................................................................................................................. 18
Sending the Command ........................................................................................................ 18
Xeos Beacon Bluetooth App..................................................................................................... 18
The Apollo-X’s Scheduler .............................................................................................................. 19
Apollo-X Tasks .......................................................................................................................... 20

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 4
Apollo-X Timer Modes.............................................................................................................. 22
Default Timer Settings.............................................................................................................. 24
Timer Command....................................................................................................................... 25
Changing the Timers................................................................................................................. 25
Strobe LED..................................................................................................................................... 26
Strobe Number and Interval .................................................................................................... 26
Strobe Disabling ....................................................................................................................... 26
Other Strobe Features......................................................................................................... 27
Watch Circle.................................................................................................................................. 28
Setting the Watch Circle........................................................................................................... 28
Additional Watch Circle Information ....................................................................................... 28
The Apollo-X’s Sensors.................................................................................................................. 29
Water Sensing .......................................................................................................................... 29
Light Sensing............................................................................................................................. 29
Tilt Sensing ............................................................................................................................... 30
Bluetooth ...................................................................................................................................... 31
Commands Summary.................................................................................................................... 32
Maintenance................................................................................................................................. 33
Opening the Housing................................................................................................................ 33
Battery Options ........................................................................................................................ 33
Battery Replacement................................................................................................................ 34
O-Rings ..................................................................................................................................... 34
Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................ 36
Appendix A: Apollo-X Remote Head ............................................................................................. 37
Appendix B: Technical Specifications............................................................................................ 38
Appendix C: Supplemental Messages........................................................................................... 40
System Information Message................................................................................................... 40
Switch Response....................................................................................................................... 40
Warranty, Support and Limited Liability....................................................................................... 41

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 5
Overview
The Apollo-X Submersible Iridium GPS-LED Flasher Mooring Location Beacon continuously
monitors for unplanned or accidental release of subsurface instrument moorings.
The Apollo-X makes use of the bi-directional, global, real time Iridium Satellite Short Burst Data
(SBD) network in combination with GPS position location and an ultra-bright LED flasher. The
Apollo-X’s tubular design allows it to be easily retrofitted into existing subsurface flotation
configurations, such as syntactic foam.
Inside the Apollo-X is a 9603 Iridium Satellite Short Burst Data core radio transceiver, a
specialized low power Xeos digital controller with GPS, ultra-bright LED, and battery package.
The Apollo-X is intended for subsurface deployments up to 11,000 meters below sea level. Xeos
Technologies Inc. (Xeos) manufactures other specific products for surface applications as well as
sub-surface applications at varying depths.
See www.xeostech.com for details or call [phone].
Preliminary Setup
Outside Diagram
The Apollo-X has several items of note to help identify a specific device. Shown below are key
sections of the Apollo-X.
1
The LED of the Apollo-X is located here. The titanium sections above and below the glass
must be shorted to trigger the water sense
2
The magnet switch for turning the Apollo-X on and off is located directly below the glass
3
The meeting point of the electronics head and battery chamber is torqued and should not
be opened. A sealing O-ring is installed here.
4
The 15-digit IMEI of the Apollo-X’s Iridium modem as well as factory serial number is
labelled on the battery tube. On the Apollo-X1, this is on the head.
5
A QR code is available to scan to download the manual. On the X1, this is on the head.
6
The bottom end cap contains a sealing O-ring and allows for battery installation

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 6
Setting up an Iridium Account
Apollo-X makes use of the Iridium Satellite Systems’ Short Burst Data (SBD) service for the 9603
transceiver. This service is a global (including the Polar Regions), two-way, real-time and email-
based data delivery service with a maximum outbound (from beacon) message size of 340 bytes
and a maximum inbound (to beacon) message size of 270 bytes.
Apollo-X end users must set up an approved data delivery account with their preferred service
provider. This can only be done once Xeos has provided the user with an International Mobile
Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, on the label of each device. Each modem has a unique IMEI
that must be registered with the Iridium service provider. Xeos Technologies is one such
provider, able to provide Iridium SBD data service and accounts. Please contact
[email protected] for more information. Each IMEI is capable of being associated with
up to five (5) unique email or IP addresses.
Apollo-X makes use of a simple and robust binary protocol as the default outgoing message
format. Any email application can be used to send and receive messages with the Apollo-X,
however, the messages from the Apollo-X in this format are not human-readable.
XeosOnline is a web-based monitoring system which allows users to view and manage
information from their Xeos beacons on a mapping system, as well as view the messages in a
human-readable format. Sending messages and changing configuration of your devices can also
be completed through this service. XeosOnline also allows for the creation of multiple kinds of
message forwarders which can forward specific (or all) messages to a group of email addresses
in a human-readable form.
See www.xeostech.com for more information.

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 7
Understanding Position Information
There are two types of position information which will be sent via the Iridium Gateway.
Iridium Doppler position
The Iridium Gateway calculates the Iridium transceivers’ position on earth when it receives a
transmission, using Doppler technology. As a result, it is often very inaccurate. This location is
only visible to users getting emails directly from the Apollo-X, as opposed to emails forwarded
by XeosOnline. An example of a “raw” Iridium message via email is below and will always have
the IMEI of the device in the subject line, regardless of its name on XeosOnline.
[email protected]
All messages from Iridium devices come from this address.
MOMSN: 5866
Mobile Originating Message Serial Number; each individual
message has its own incrementing serial number. A mobile
originating message is one that comes from the Iridium
device.
MTMSN: 0
Mobile Terminating Message Serial Number; like the
MOMSN, messages to Iridium devices (like commands) also
have an incrementing serial number. Since the message in
the example is from an Iridium device, the MT number is
zero.

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 8
Time of Session (UTC)
The time the message arrived at the Iridium Gateway
Session Status
Each message will have a code determined by how well the
message was received; codes 00, 01 and 02 are acceptable
and will always have their code name (ex. Transfer OK) next
to this number.
Message Size (bytes)
The size of the actual message sent by the Iridium device,
which is in the attachment in the email.
*Unit Location
The Doppler position of the device as estimated by Iridium’s
network. It is NOT the GPS position measured by the device.
*CEPradius = 2
The numerical value of how accurate the above position is;
with a value of 2, This means that using the Lat/Long that the
body has supplied, Iridium is 80% confident (always 80%)
that the device sending the message is within a circle, 2
kilometers in radius, with the Lat/Long given as the centre of
that circle. The higher the CEPradius value, the larger the
circle and therefore the less accurate that position.
*These items can be enabled/disabled by your Iridium provider if desired.
Global Positioning System
Location information generated by the device itself is embedded in the SBD attachment sent via
the Iridium Gateway and can only be seen through the XeosOnline system or situations where
the position information is sent in a plain-text format (XeosOnline message forwarder or using
the $gpstype command). This position information is accurate to within several meters of the
true position.

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 9
Apollo-X Models
Apollo-X7
The long tube variant of the Apollo-X is the standard model, equipping the largest power
supply by capacity and physical size.
While the Apollo-X7 operates in the same manner as the standard long-tube Apollo, this
model uses seven size D 1.5V alkaline batteries with a nominal voltage of 10.5V.
The Apollo-X7 has a depth rating of 11,000 meters.
Apollo-X3
The short tube variant of the Apollo, the Apollo-3 offers a shorter, lighter package for
easier mooring and has all of the capabilities of the standard version.
While the Apollo-X3 operates in the same manner as the Apollo-X7, this model
requires three Saft LSH20 size D 3.6V lithium batteries with a nominal voltage of
10.8V. It also has a different voltage threshold to account for its different battery
pack for low battery mode.
Like its larger counterpart, the Apollo-X3 has a depth rating of 11,000 meters.
Apollo-X1
The X1 is a miniature, low voltage version of the Apollo-X beacon. The X1 incorporates
all operational functionality of the Apollo-X7, but is certified to a depth of 6000m.
The smaller profile of the X1 requires one Saft LSH20 Size D 3.6V lithium battery.
Apollo-XRH
The Apollo-XRH is a remote head variant of the Apollo-X line, designed for easier
mooring and weight distribution. Apollo-XRHs operate in the same manner as the
standard Apollo-X, and can be ordered with long alkaline, or short lithium battery
tube.
Since the Apollo-XRH can also be powered externally using its included cable, it
can also be powered within the range of 6 to 28VDC.
See the Apollo-X Remote Head section for more details.

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 10
Apollo-X Operation
Using the Magnets
The Apollo-X beacon is turned ON and OFF via the swiping of an external magnet under the
glass, and operation can be identified by viewing the LED through the top of the device.
To turn the Apollo-X ON, swipe the magnet against the bottom of the glass where labelling
indicates until the Apollo-X displays a dim LED, then a bright LED. A start-up sequence will then
display a repeating sequence from dim to bright, until the self-test period ends. The device is
then in operation.
Note: If a new LED sequence begins after turning the Apollo-X ON, this indicates a self-test
failure. See the section below on failure codes.
To turn the Apollo-X OFF, repeat the above procedure with the magnet; swipe the magnet
against the bottom of the glass where labelling indicates until the Apollo-X displays a bright
LED, followed by a dim LED.
ON/OFF Magnetic Switch
Operational Tips
•It is important to let all LEDs stop before initiating another action.
•Cycling power for any reason, such as using the magnetic switch or removing the bottom
end cap, will initiate start-up mode.
•The beacon requires a good view of the sky for any test. It is necessary that any tests be
done outside of a building, far from potential obstructions.
Installation
When installing the Apollo-X there are several factors that can influence performance.
•The Apollo-X’s head must be pointing toward the sky.
•Iridium and especially GPS performance may suffer if large angles of the horizon are
blocked, such as if the Apollo-X is next to a wall.
•Do not use conductive material at the top of the Apollo-X around the glass lens; this will
cause the water sensor to give improper readings.

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 11
Messages from the Apollo
There are several messages sent from the Apollo-X, depending on setup and conditions. Below
are examples of the most common messages.
Version
The Version message has a summary of the firmware and hardware revision of the device. It
also displays reset information and the IMEI of the device.
Powerup: true, Ascii: Apollo-X7 v1.0-11094. dev:4 Hw:7.1.1 SN=1000
IMEI:300434068303400 Reset Count: 152 Latest Reset Reason: 1
Version
Firmware Version
Product; Major, minor, build of firmware
Hw
Hardware revision, set during assembly
SN
The unit’s serial number
IMEI
The unique number of the device’s Iridium modem
Reset Count
The number of resets since device was built
Latest Reset Reason
Cause of last reset
Unlock
The Apollo-X uses unlock codes as a security measure to prevent unauthorized commands. The
Apollo-X sends this code automatically in the first Iridium session to keep the user, and
XeosOnline, up to date on this code. Remember that messages are only sent to destinations
that are allowed to receive them.
Any commands which do not include a valid unlock code as the first line will be ignored by the
Apollo, but will prompt the unit to reply with a valid unlock code to all provisioned addresses.
See below for more details on the Unlock Code.
Unlock Code: 19235

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 12
Position Message
Typical position messages are sent in compressed binary format (Type GC) to save on data
usage and are parsed in XeosOnline. If XeosOnline is not used, ASCII GPS (Type AG) can be used
to read position messages as plain text.
Compressed Binary Position (Type GC)
The default format for positions is compressed to save on Iridium data usage. This binary
format is parsed into a readable format by XeosOnline, placing its full contents in the Message
and Location Logs.
The binary format is stackable and can hold more than one position per Iridium transmission. In
this situation, all recorded positions will be displayed in the Location Log in table form, while
the latest position will be displayed in the Message Log.
Timestamp: 2023-06-20T12:00:35.001Z, Voltage Unloaded: 3.54, BatteryV:
2.62, Mode: Normal, Device Temperature (°C): -63, Message Type: GC,
Latitude: 44.714099,
Longitude: -63.604563, SNR: 45, Bearing: 0, Speed: .2880, HDOP: 24.4
Compressed Position
Timestamp
Date and time in UTC of the latest position reading
Voltage Unloaded
Voltage measurement taken before powering the Iridium modem
BatteryV
Loaded voltage of the power supply; minimum battery voltage
observed during the previous Iridium task
Mode
The timer in the scheduler used when the message was
transmitted
Device Temperature
Temperature read before transmission (not used)
Message Type
Displays the message format being transmitted
Latitude
Latitude of fix, decimal degrees
Longitude
Longitude of fix, decimal degrees
SNR
SNR (Signal-to-noise ratio) of GPS Fix, higher is better
Bearing
Direction of movement determined by device to the nearest 22.5°
Speed
Speed measurement in kilometers per hour
HDOP
Horizontal Dilution of Precision
Each compressed message is 23 bytes in size, with an additional 10 bytes added for each
additional “stacked” position.

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 13
ASCII Position (Type AG)
In ASCII position format, only the most recent fix is sent at each interval, therefore it is most
efficient to have GPS and Iridium intervals equal.
AG, 9.67, 7.78, 0, 1686915004, 44.7466032, -63.3840900, 40.0, 38, 4,
332.9, 21.38, 3, 3.0
ASCII Position
AG
Specifies the message type
9.67
Voltage measurement taken before powering the Iridium modem
7.78
Loaded voltage of the power supply; minimum battery voltage
observed during the previous Iridium task
0
The timer in the scheduler used when the message was transmitted
1686915004
Unix time of the GPS position
44.7466032
Latitude, decimal degrees
-63.3840900
Longitude, decimal degrees
40.0
Altitude (m)
38
Max SNR recorded
4
Number of Satellites used during the fix
332.9
Bearing to the nearest 22.5°
21.38
Speed measurement in (m/s)
3
Time to fix (seconds)
3.0
Highest HDOP used during the fix
Default Message (Type DM)
The default message is transmitted at times when the device has no other data available to
send other than its internal sensor states, where applicable. This could be because the GPS is
not scheduled to run, or another factor has prevented a fix from being acquired.
Timestamp: 2023-06-21T11:02:05.000Z, Voltage Unloaded: 9.59, BatteryV:
7.94, Mode: Low Battery, isAlarm: true, Device Temperature (°C): 0,
Message Type: DM, Status: 33, No GNSS Position Stored: true, Daylight:
true
Default Message
Timestamp
Date and time in UTC of the latest position reading
Voltage Unloaded
Voltage measurement taken before powering the Iridium modem
BatteryV
Loaded voltage of the power supply; minimum battery voltage
observed during the previous Iridium task
Mode
The timer in the scheduler used when the message was transmitted
isAlarm
Displays if this is a state warranting an Alarm forward, if applicable
Device Temperature
Temperature read before transmission (not used)
Message Type
Displays the message format being transmitted
Status
A hex readout of the status bits that are enabled. The information

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 14
following this value translates this value into sensor and/or GPS
status information.
DM Status Bitmap
Bit
Definition
0
No GPS position Stored to transmit (not scheduled to run at this
time)
1
No GPS Signal
2
GPS Disabled (Not configured to run)
3
GPS Error Handler occurred in fix attempt
4
WS: 0 = Surfaced 1 = Submerged
5
LS: 1 = Light 0 = Dark
6
TS: 0 = Upright 1 = Inverted
7 - 63
Reserved
Surfaced (Type SF)
A specific message that is transmitted when the device, while in Underwater mode, successfully
triggers a surfacing event and transmits that it has breached. This marks the beginning of
Surfaced mode.
Timestamp: 2023-06-19T20:06:29.000Z, Voltage Unloaded: 9.73, BatteryV:
8.9, Mode: Underwater, isAlarm: true, Device Temperature (°C): 21,
Message Type: SUR, Surfaced: true
Surfaced Message
Timestamp
Date and time in UTC of the latest position reading
Voltage Unloaded
Voltage measurement taken before powering the Iridium modem
BatteryV
Loaded voltage of the power supply; minimum battery voltage
observed during the previous Iridium task
Mode
The timer in the scheduler used when the message was transmitted
isAlarm
Displays if this is a state warranting an Alarm forward, if applicable
Device Temperature
Temperature read before transmission (not used)
Message Type
Displays the message format being transmitted
Surfaced
The content of the message, other than the header information

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 15
Watch Circle Parameters (Type WC)
At start-up, any Watch Circle parameters are transmitted, regardless if the system will be used.
This is also the message that is displayed if any Watch Circle commands are used, to keep
XeosOnline up to date on circle status.
Ascii: WatchCircle: ENABLED, Latitude: 44.000000, Longitude: -
63.000000, Radius(m): 10000
Ascii: WatchCircle: DISABLED
Watch Circle Message
WatchCircle
Shows the enabled or disabled state of the watch circle
Latitude
If enabled, the latitude portion of the position of the center of the
watch circle
Longitude
If enabled, the longitude portion of the position of the center of the
watch circle
Radius(m):
If enabled, the radius of the set watch circle

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 16
Communicating with the Apollo-X
There are 3 ways to communicate with the Apollo-X:
1. Over-the-air with XeosOnline
2. Over-the-air with Email SBD messages
3. Locally with Bluetooth
Sending Commands Using XeosOnline
Before using XeosOnline make sure that your account has been set up and your device added to
your organization. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Setting up to Send
•Navigate to the Send Command window.
•From the Home Tab, choose File > Send Command
•Select the units you wish to target with commands and move
them over to the right-hand target list using the -> button.
•Type your command(s) into the command box and press send.
Remember to include the dollar sign ($) ahead of each command, and enter each command on
a separate line.
Outgoing messages will appear in the Message Log for the commanded device.

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 17
Sending Commands via Email
E-mail commands can also be used to communicate with the Apollo-X when it is above water.
These commands are sent as email attachments. Commands can configure the Apollo-X
remotely in the same way as commands sent by XeosOnline.
To receive commands from the Iridium network, the device in use must have a clear view of the
sky. If the device is unable to communicate with the Iridium network, commands will remain
queued for five days.
Command Format
Creating the file
To create an SBD command, open a new file in a text editor (ex. Notepad) and save it using the
.sbd extension. Make sure the Save as type option is set to All Files to achieve this.
Command Structure
Commands must be structured in the following way:
1. Each command MUST have a dollar sign ($) before each command.
2. The unit’s unlock code in the following format: $unlock XXXXX
where XXXXX is the unit’s five digit unlock code.
3. A list of commands, one command per line.

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 18
The Unlock Code
The Apollo-X uses unlock codes as a security measure to prevent unauthorized commands. The
unlock code is generated on power-up after a successful firmware upgrade, or it can be
changed manually via Bluetooth or Iridium. The unlock code is sent out to all provisioned
addresses associated with the Apollo-X’s IMEI in a plain text message exactly 18 bytes in size.
Any commands which do not include a valid unlock code as the first line will be ignored by the
Apollo-X, but will prompt the unit to reply with a valid unlock code to all provisioned addresses.
When using XeosOnline, unlock codes are generated automatically for all outgoing commands
and should not be included. XeosOnline will also automatically update if a new unlock code
should be generated. SBD commands over e-mail must include an unlock code.
Sending the Command
To send your sbd command, create a new email message with the following fields:
To:
[email protected]
Subject:
Your device’s IMEI
Body:
Empty
Attachments:
Your .sbd file
A confirmation will be immediately returned from the Iridium Gateway from the address
[email protected] indicating that your message is now in the message queue. It will
be delivered to the device during its next Iridium check.
Commands can be sent from any email address, but responses will be returned only to email
addresses on the unit’s forwarding list.
Xeos Beacon Bluetooth App
Select Xeos products can be configured locally using the Xeos Beacon Android App. This method
of communication requires no disassembly.
The Bluetooth app allows for communication, configuration, logging and firmware updates. A
detailed document on how to use the application can be found here.
See the Bluetooth section for Bluetooth functionality as it pertains to the Apollo-X.

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 19
The Apollo-X’s Scheduler
The frequency at which each task in the Apollo-X is executed depends on the Apollo-X’s current
mode. Each mode corresponds to conditions interpreted by the Apollo-X’s logic. The following
diagram shows when each mode is invoked at the default settings.

Apollo-X User Manual Version 0.9 20
Apollo-X Tasks
The Apollo-X’s behavior is based on multiple timed tasks. Understanding how these tasks
interact is necessary to properly use the Apollo-X in the field. There are six major timed tasks:
GPS
The Apollo-X will search for the GPS constellation and get a location fix based on this interval.
Any successful GPS fixes will be queued for the next Iridium (SBD) transmission.
The Apollo-X’s internal clock will also be set and adjusted based on the GPS network. The GPS
interval will execute before the SBD interval if they are scheduled for the same time.
SBD (Iridium)
The Apollo-X will attempt to communicate with the Iridium Gateway based on this interval. If
the Apollo-X successfully registers with the Iridium Satellite Constellation, Apollo-X will transmit
any messages queued to be sent to the user. Once this is finished it will receive any queued
messages from the Iridium network, implement them, and respond, provided the proper unlock
code is received with those commands.
Iridium also employs a retry scheme, in the event queued messages are not successfully
transmitted. For each scheduled Iridium task, two retries are possible if necessary:
•Two minutes after the scheduled Iridium task ends, if a message was not sent
•Five minutes after the first retry task ends, if a message still has not been sent.
•If a message still has not been sent after both retries, it is queued for the next regularly
scheduled Iridium task.
•Retries do not occur if the Apollo-X is in Underwater Mode.
WTR
The water sensor will regularly check to determine if the device is above or below the surface
based on this timer. This is used for both entering and exiting Underwater Mode, as well as
determining if it is an appropriate environment to run the strobe LED, under default
configuration. Only one submerged/surfaced reading is required to disable/enable strobe
flashing, respectively.
LIT
The Apollo-X’s light sensor will take regular measurements to determine if it is appropriate to
run the strobe LED. Only one light/dark reading is required to disable/enable strobe flashing,
respectively.
This timer is not active in underwater mode.
TLT
At default settings the Apollo-X’s tilt sensor is disabled. When enabled, the tilt sensor will take
regular readings to determine the orientation of the Apollo-X.