TigerTrak^TM TM-1 and TM-1+

The TigerTrak TM-1 and TM-1+ are highly sophisticated, fully configurable, tracking and telemetry modules. These units have been designed to meet the most stringent requirements of both the commercial and amateur user. The TM-1 employs the latest in high density "surface mount" technology, assuring high reliability and compact size. Tigertronics insures the performance of its products by utilizing its own "in house" capability for everything from Computer Aided Design through Injection Molding and full Robotic Assembly. Our mission with the TigerTrak was to produce an exceptional product at an affordable price. We think you'll agree that we met that goal!

The standard TM-1 Tracker features a single "Tracking" mode that can be configured for APRS^® compatibility. The TM-1+ "MultiMode" Tracker supports the basic tracking mode of the TM-1, plus several additional modes for specialized tracking and telemetry applications. The TM-1+ also features solid state power switching on the GPS receiver supply. The TigerTrak employs the latest in "Flash" microcontroller technology, allowing additional features and functions to be added without adding additional hardware. Flash technology also allows the TM-1 to be upgraded to a TM-1+ in the event your tracking requirements change! Both models come completely assembled and tested, and include an easy to use Windows Configuration Program.

The TM-1 and TM-1+ are easily interfaced to most base, mobile and hand-held radios. Since power consumption is extremely low, the units can usually be powered directly from the "accessory voltage" available on many mic connectors. The TigerTrak receives serial data (GPS, Weather Station, Telemetry, etc.) via a 9-Pin "D" connector on the rear panel. The same port is used for connection to a PC serial port during configuration. The radio connects through a six-wire RJ-11 connector. Exactly how you connect the radio depends on the specific application. For APRS^® and some other tracking applications, the TM-1 is inserted directly in parallel with the microphone. This allows you to use the radio for voice communications and tracking simultaneously. It also allows the mic PTT to trigger the tracker at the end of each voice transmission (mic encoding). Special circuitry in the TigerTrak allows it to "capture" the microphone input and control PTT operation without the need to "break" ANY of the mic lines! Other more primitive units require mic lines to be broken and relays or diodes to be installed to accomplish this. An optional "Mic Adapter Kit" is also available to simplify attachment to the mic connector.

STANDARD FEATURES

• APRS^® Compatible tracking.
• User selectable "Mic Encoding".
• Easy to use Windows software eliminates "programming".
• Ten complete operating "Profiles" stored in memory.
• Capable of sending three complete NMEA strings. (TM-1+)
• Extremely compact size of just 2.7" x 3.5" x 1.1"
• Supports both HF (300 baud) and VHF (1200 baud) transmission.
• User selectable input baud rates of 1200, 2400, 4800 or 9600 bd.
• Automatic Transmit Timer with adjustable interval of 1 second to 68 minutes.
• Programmable digipeat paths with up to four vias.
• Power output for GPS receiver (power is switched on the TM-1+).
• Collision avoidance logic inhibits transmitting if the channel is busy.
• Microphone input muting prevents ambient noise from corrupting packets.

MODES OF OPERATION

Note: The TigerTrak TM-1 supports only the Tracking mode. The TM-1+ supports the Tracking mode and the other modes listed below.  Commercial users requiring special modes are encouraged to consult the factory for a quote.

• Tracking - This mode can easily be configured for APRS^® operation. In this mode, packets are transmitted when the Push-To-Talk button is released ("mic encoding") or when the automatic transmit timer activates (auto mode). This mode supports up to ten different "profiles". Each profile can have its own SSID, Digi Path, Symbol, Prefix, Separator, Transmit Timer Interval, Transmit Delay and Tail Delay.



• Telemetry - This mode was designed for remote data collection and can be used with almost any device that transmits serial data. This function is well suited for "Weather Station" applications. In this mode the TM-1+ collects up to 105 bytes of data and then transmits it as a UI packet. Transmission of the data can be triggered by reception of a user-selectable termination character (i.e. CR) or by buffer overflow. An automatic transmit timer can be set so that the latest data is transmitted at a user-defined interval.



• NMEA - This mode was designed primarily for GPS tracking applications, where an entire NMEA sentence needs to be sent. However, this mode can also be used in any application where the data is preceded by a known header (up to six bytes), and terminated with a known character (like a Carriage Return). In this mode the TM-1+ can transmit full NMEA strings received on its serial port. Up to three headers can be entered for sequential transmission. A transmit timer can be set so that data is transmitted at a user-defined interval, rather than from an external trigger. Like the Tracking mode, this mode also supports up to ten different "profiles". In this mode, each profile has its own SSID, Digi Path, Transmit Timer Interval, Transmit Delay and Tail Delay.
  
  
• Alarm - This mode was designed for remote alarm monitoring. In this mode the TM-1+ continuously monitors multiple alarm inputs. If the state of any of the lines matches a user-specified alarm condition (configurable), then an alarm message is immediately transmitted. The alarm message is retransmitted a specified number of times at intervals determined by a transmit timer. Each alarm input line can have its own unique alarm message.



• Beacon - In this mode the TM-1+ transmits a user-defined beacon message of up to 70 characters, at an interval determined by the transmit timer.

MORE INFORMATION

• Take a look Inside the TM-1.

• See a Rear View of the TM-1.

• See pricing information or place an order.

• View the TigerTrak Frequently Asked Questions page.

• Get additional specifications on the General Specs page.

• Download the complete Installation Manual from our GPS Products Support Page.