User guide
SHOUT ts User’s Manual Version 1.0.1
5
| Introduction
The SHOUT ts is a handheld, global, two-way satellite messaging and personal
tracking device. It utilizes Iridium’s short burst data (SBD) service to provide
location information determined by a GPS receiver, two-way inbound and
outbound status, text messaging, and emergency/alert notifications. The SHOUT
ts significantly improves service reliability over existing tracking products by
allowing two-way communications and confirmation of the nature of the distress
to the first responder community. This reduces false alerts, helps identify the
nature of the emergency so that the correct assets can be deployed thereby
reducing search and rescue costs, and provides communications feedback
capability to the user to assist in rescue efforts. The SHOUT ts is 100% backward
compatible with the SHOUT and SHOUT nano. In this document, the terms SHOUT
ts and ts are used interchangeably.
The ts is designed with ultra-low power consumption electronics drawing less than
35A during sleep. With an internal 1.95 A-Hr rechargeable Li-Ion battery and
depending on the environmental conditions, it can send a position report every
ten minutes for more than ten days (more than 1,500 reports). User is
recommended to read Appendix C to learn about the impact of blocked antennas
on the number of reports. The ts is equipped with a high resolution color
touchscreen and on-screen keyboards allowing transmission of free-text, canned
messages and a combination of free-text and canned messages. The menu
options are displayed as icons for quick access. The device can periodically wake
up from sleep to send its position report to a command center. A 911 button is
used for immediate emergency/alert notifications. Data are packaged in either
standard or 256-bit AES encrypted format.
The ts is capable of sending position reports in PECOS Message Structure (PMS).
The PMS complies with the Blue Force Tracking Data Format Specification. The ts
is shipped without PMS features activated and can only be enabled by NAL
Research at the request of an authorized user. Functions related to PMS can be
found in Appendix A.
The ts offers a variety of services including:
Normal Tracking — The ts can be programmed to automatically
wake up and send a position report at a set interval ranging from once
every minute to once a day.