User`s manual

Tracker3 User’s Manual 16
Other modern operating systems should be able to use the tracker as a generic
CDC ACM serial device. Its VID is 0x134A and PID is 0x9000.
For current driver files and operating system specific setup instructions for the
USB port, please see http://wiki.argentdata.com.
12. Position Modes
Before getting started, it’s important to understand that the Tracker3 ordinarily
will not make automatic transmissions (including position, status, weather, and
telemetry packets) unless it knows where it is.
The device knows where it is when it receives a valid fix from a GPS receiver, or
when it’s programmed by the user with a fixed position. It can be configured to
transmit without a valid fix; if no fix has been received since power-up, only
status and telemetry packets will be sent. If the last valid GPS fix is more than 30
seconds old, a ‘NO FIX’ warning is added to each position packet.
If the AUTOSAVE option is enabled, as soon as the last valid fix is 30 seconds old,
that position is saved and the device enters fixed position mode. As soon as
another valid fix is received, it switches back to GPS mode. This is useful for
portable digipeaters and weather stations that will have a GPS receiver
connected only briefly during deployment.
13. Port Modes
The Tracker3 has two serial ports that share the same physical connector. A ‘Y’
adapter is available to separate the ports if needed. Both ports can operate in
multiple modes:
AUTO – In this mode, the device will automatically detect NMEA GPS data, Peet
Bros weather data, or (for port A only) command console input. Note that while
both ports can be configured in AUTO mode, only one should be used for a
given function at any time. For example, port A can accept NMEA data while
port B accepts weather data, but providing NMEA data to both ports
simultaneously will cause unpredictable operation.
GARMIN – This mode forces the selected port to 9600 baud, ignoring any
manual setting, and starts Garmin binary communications.