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The GPSMIC System is an easy and powerful way to add over-the-air GPS location reporting using the same two-way radios that you use for voice communications. The GPSMIC System consists of one or more GPSMIC devices attached to two-way radios. These devices report their locations over-the-air to a Base Station which is interfaced to a personal computer running Computer Aided Dispatch mapping software.
The GPS-4100P is PRYME's second generation GPSMIC device for use with portable two-way radios. It is a powerful location reporting device that takes the place of the handheld microphone attached to your two-way radio. Each GPS-4100P contains a robust data modem and a Global Positioning System receiver. This allows the GPSMIC to send short location data reports over your existing two-way radio system. The GPSMIC allows you to add location reporting capability to your existing voice radio system without adding any substantial new system backbone.
A GPSMIC base station is a device which allows location reports sent by a GPSMIC to be displayed on a computer using mapping software. Base station devices can be used to view received location reports graphically over a computer, and can issue polling commands to determine the location of other GPSMICs.
There are two kinds of GPSMIC base stations: Base-Enabled GPSMICs or dedicated GPSMIC Base Station Units (BSU).
Any GPSMIC device can be used as a Base Enabled GPSMIC. This includes the GPS-5100, GPS-4100P and GPS-4100M series. However, Base Enabled GPSMICs can only receive data from a single channel. Base-Enabled GPSMICs allow mobile command centers and supervisors in the field to have access to the same administrative functions as communication workers at a dispatch center.
A Base Station Unit is a dedicated, rack-mounted device that can support up to four data channels. Multiple BSUs can be stacked to support additional channels.
What hardware is required for the GPSMIC System to work?
The GPSMIC System works on uncompressed voice radio channels. At a minimum, the following hardware is required:
=For Single Channel Systems=
1 PRYME GPSMIC for every portable or mobile radio you wish to track
1 GPSMIC Base Station Unit (BSU) or Base Enabled GPSMIC
1 Personal Computer running the PRYME GPSMIC Tools software
=For Multiple Channel Systems=
1 PRYME GPSMIC for every portable or mobile radio you wish to track
1 Base Station Unit (BSU) can support up to four channels with optional modem boards
Additional BSUs can be stacked for additional channel support.
1 Personal Computer running the PRYME GPSMIC Tools software
Some radio systems may require additional hardware, depending on the configuration of the system.
Does the GPSMIC System support multiple Base Stations operating on the same channel?
Yes. You can use multiple BSUs or Base-Enabled GPSMICs on the same channel if you wish. This allows the system to support a fixed base station position and multiple mobile or temporary command centers.
How much load will the data bursts from a PRYME GPSMIC add to my radio system?
The increase in radio system traffic you will see is dependent entirely upon the reporting options that are programmed into the GPSMICs on your system. GPSMICs are highly programmable with a wide variety of reporting options that can be configured to fit your individual radio system.
The length of each data transmission sent by the GPSMIC system is approximately two seconds. In general, the impact of adding this type of reporting to a radio system is similar to the impact of adding an Automatic Number Identification (ANI) reporting system.
Are data reports sent by the GPSMIC System audible?
Yes, data bursts sent by the GPSMIC are within the range of human hearing. However, each GPSMIC contains a muting feature which helps to mask the sound of received data messages. The data bursts sent by GPSMIC devices are very similar to those used by Motorola MDC-1200 and other ANI systems.
What settings does PRYME recommend for GPSMICs deployed into the field?
In general, we recommend that System Administrators start with a deployment that has the least possible impact on voice communications on their radio system and then, if desired, gradually increase to more aggressive reporting options until they achieve a balance between system load and timely reporting of unit locations.
A combination of Push-to-Talk based reporting and polling by the Base Station Operator is one of the most effective starting system configurations, and this has a very minimal impact on voice communications, since most data reports are sent in combination with voice transmissions that are already taking place.
No single set of operating parameters is right for every GPSMIC system. System Administrators need to individually determine what is right for the users of their radio system.
How do I reduce the amount of data traffic being sent on my GPSMIC system?
This is a complicated question and there is no single correct answer, since every GPSMIC system is different. If you have acknowledgements turned on, disabling these is probably a good place to start.
When acknowledgements are turned on the receiving unit will send a short response whenever it receives a message, acknowledging that it correctly received the message. If the original sending unit does not receive the acknowledgement, it will resend the original message a set number of times until it is successfully received.
While turning acks on helps to ensure that reports are received, it also effectively doubles the amount of data on the system, assuming that acks are turned on for all eight types of messages on the GPSMIC system.
Other options for reducing the amount of data traffic on the GPSMIC System include increasing the amount of time (or the amount of distance) between automatic location reports, setting a minimum throttle time for PTT based reports, and even disabling automatic reporting for one or more lower-priority GPSMIC units.
What's the difference between the Geofence and Relative Distance reporting modes?
In the Geofence mode the GPSMIC will send a location report and alert if the user moves outside of a predetermined perimeter. As long as the user stays within the Geofenced area, no location reports are triggered.
In the Relative Distance mode, a perimeter is also used. However, whenever the user moves outside of the perimeter, a new perimeter is drawn around their new location. As long as the user stays within this new perimeter no reports are sent. Every time the user leaves the previous perimeter, a new perimeter is re-drawn around their current location.
How do I set the center point of the Geofence when using that reporting mode?
The center point of the Geofence is determined by the location of the GPSMIC the first time the two-way radio attached to the unit is turned on after the GPSMIC is programmed. The procedure for setting this point is:
1. Program the GPSMIC normally using the GPSMIC Tools Configurator application.
2. Attach the GPSMIC to the two-way radio it will be used with. Make sure the radio is turned off before connecting the GPSMIC.
3. Take the GPSMIC and two-way radio to the location that you wish to be the center of the Geofence. DO NOT power the radio on until you are at this location.
4. Turn the two-way radio attached to the GPSMIC on. Wait approximately one minute to allow the GPSMIC time to get a fix on its current location.
5. You current position is now the center point in the Geofence. The GPSMIC can now be used normally.
Isn't mixing voice and data on the same channel problematic? Aren't there collisions between data and voice transmissions?
Traditionally, data and voice have been segregated to different channels in order to avoid collisions, which lead to lost data and / or interference to voice communications. However, having separate channels requires an investment in separate infrastructure: radios, repeaters, controllers, licensing, etc.
The GPSMIC system represents a revolutionary way to add limited data capacity to existing voice channels without a major investment in new backbone. The GPSMIC system is able to lower the number of collisions that occur because the microprocessor in the GPSMIC checks to see if the channel is busy before it automatically sends any data reports. Using Push-to-Talk based reporting also mitigates the chances of collisions since radio users are trained to wait for a clear channel before transmitting.
While there is no way to eliminate the possibility of collisions entirely, many two-way radios do have a Busy Channel Transmit Inhibit feature which can be used in conjunction with the collision avoidance features already built into the GPSMIC.
Why does adjusting the volume control on my radio seem to affect my GPSMICs ability to receive polling and programming requests from the Base Station?
The GPSMIC receives polling requests and programming instructions from the base station as audio bursts sent over your voice radio system. The modem within the GPSMIC converts that audio into data requests, which are then processed by the microprocessor. Because this audio is sent to the GPSMIC through the speaker or accessory connector on your two-way radio, adjusting the volume too low or too high can result in the GPSMIC being either unable to hear the bursts or in the bursts being too distorted for the GPSMIC to understand.
In general, the radio profiles included in the PRYME Configurator software are set up so that data and voice should be received at approximately the same volume. By setting your radio's volume to a comfortable, moderate listening level for voice transmissions, you make sure that received data should be at an appropriate level for the GPSMIC to process it.
Why do some GPSMICs sometimes report their locations as all zeros? (Example: Latitude 0000.0000,N; Longitude 0000.0000,E)
Reports where the latitude and longitude of a GPSMIC are shown as zeros could indicate that the unit has recently been powered up and does not have a valid GPS "fix." If the GPSMIC cannot determine its own location when it is powered on, it will report all zeroes for its location coordinates.
This probably means that the GPS does not have a clear view of the sky. At a minimum, a GPS receiver has to be able to receive signals from at least four different Global Positioning satellites in order to be able to accurately determine its own location. If the GPSMIC is indoors or in an automobile without a good view of the windows, the GPSMIC may not be able to receive those signals.
Sometimes a GPSMIC on my system will report its location inaccurately. Why aren't these location reports accurate?
All civilian GPS location devices have a certain degree of inaccuracy. These inaccuracies are inherent to the Global Positioning System and are outside of the GPSMIC system's control. Typically, GPSMICs report their locations accurately, within 10 meters of the actual location. Elevation reports are generally slightly less accurate.
Because of the inherent inaccuracy of GPS, users should not place absolute reliance on reports delivered by any GPS system.
Why do my GPSMICs occasionally report their location as being "Invalid?"
If a location report is flagged as invalid, it can mean a few different things. By default, the GPSMIC will consider its last known location as invalid if the last location fix is more then two minutes old. A GPSMIC that is taken indoors or has a clear view of the sky may not be able to determine its current location. So, it will report its last known location and flag this location as "invalid."
This can also happen if the GPS Quality Filter setting for the GPSMIC is set to "High." The microprocessor in the GPSMIC attempts to determine how accurate its location fix is based on the number of GPS satellites it is able to receive and the positions of those satellites. The high quality GPS filter setting can result in some location reports being rejected because the GPSMIC isn"t confident in the accuracy of the report. Changing the quality filter setting to "Standard" will result in fewer rejected reports.
What are the differences between the GPS-4100P and the original GPS-5100 Series GPSMIC?
Built on PRYME"s 4100 Advanced HD platform, the GPS-4100P features a more-rugged housing that is both Mil STD 810 and IP57 rated. The GPS-4100P also has a built-in mini-USB connector, making it simpler to interface the GPSMIC to a computer for programming or Base Enabled operation. Finally, the GPS-4100P has a Auxiliary Switch which can be custom programmed to serve a variety of functions.
I want to disable the Alarm feature of the GPSMIC. How do I do that?
You can turn the Alarm feature of the GPSMIC off by programming the unit either with the PRYME GPSMIC Tools Configurator or Controller applications. Using Configurator for this purpose requires a cable connection to the GPSMIC while programming using Controller an be done over-the-air.
In order to completely disable the panic function, navigate to the Alarm tab of Configurator or Controller. Set the Panic Start Button Press Duration, Panic Stop Button Press Duration, and Panic Report Time values to all be zero (0). Then, write those setting to the GPS. The alarm function will now be disabled.
I plugged my GPS-4100P into my computer but I keep getting a message that says "USB device not recognized"
and the GPSMIC Tools software cannot connect to the GPSMIC. What am I doing wrong?
The GPS-4100P requires a driver be installed on the computer in order for the computer to recognize the GPSMIC. The driver creates a virtual com port on the computer whenever the GPSMIC is plugged in. You can download the driver for the GPS-4100P information page on the PRYME.com website.
What functions can the Auxiliary button on the GPS-4100P be programmed for?
The Aux button of the GPS-4100 can be programmed using the GPSMIC Tools: Configurator software. The button can be used for any one of the following functions:
Push-to-Talk
LED On/Off
Over-the-Air Report On/Off
Additionally, the Aux button can also be disabled if you do not wish to use it.
The GPSMIC System is an easy and powerful way to add over-the-air GPS location reporting using the same two-way radios that you use for voice communications. The GPSMIC System consists of one or more GPSMIC devices attached to two-way radios. These devices report their locations over-the-air to a Base Station which is interfaced to a personal computer running Computer Aided Dispatch mapping software.
The GPS-4100M is a GPSMIC device meant to be used with mobile two-way radios. The GPS-4100M is the companion device to PRYME's second generation GPS-4100P GPSMIC.
Each GPS-4100M contains a robust data modem and a Global Positioning System receiver. This allows the GPSBOX to send short location data reports over your existing two-way radio system. The GPSBOX allows you to add location reporting capability to your existing voice radio system without adding any substantial new system backbone.
A GPSMIC base station is a device which allows location reports sent by a GPSMIC to be displayed on a computer using mapping software. Base station devices can be used to view received location reports graphically over a computer, and can issue polling commands to determine the location of other GPSMICs.
There are two kinds of GPSMIC base stations: Base-Enabled GPSMICs or dedicated GPSMIC Base Station Units (BSU).
Any GPSMIC device can be used as a Base Enabled GPSMIC. This includes the GPS-5100, GPS-4100P and GPS-4100M series. However, Base Enabled GPSMICs can only receive data from a single channel. Base-Enabled GPSMICs allow mobile command centers and supervisors in the field to have access to the same administrative functions as communication workers at a dispatch center.
A Base Station Unit is a dedicated, rack-mounted device that can support up to four data channels. Multiple BSUs can be stacked to support additional channels.
What hardware is required for the GPSMIC System to work?
The GPSMIC System works on uncompressed voice radio channels. At a minimum, the following hardware is required:
=For Single Channel Systems=
1 PRYME GPSMIC for every portable or mobile radio you wish to track
1 GPSMIC Base Station Unit (BSU) or Base Enabled GPSMIC
1 Personal Computer running the PRYME GPSMIC Tools software
=For Multiple Channel Systems=
1 PRYME GPSMIC for every portable or mobile radio you wish to track
1 Base Station Unit (BSU) can support up to four channels with optional modem boards
Additional BSUs can be stacked for additional channel support.
1 Personal Computer running the PRYME GPSMIC Tools software
Some radio systems may require additional hardware, depending on the configuration of the system.
Does the GPSMIC System support multiple Base Stations operating on the same channel?
Yes. You can use multiple BSUs or Base-Enabled GPSMICs on the same channel if you wish. This allows the system to support a fixed base station position and multiple mobile or temporary command centers.
How much load will the data bursts from a PRYME GPSMIC add to my radio system?
The increase in radio system traffic you will see is dependent entirely upon the reporting options that are programmed into the GPSMICs on your system. GPSMICs are highly programmable with a wide variety of reporting options that can be configured to fit your individual radio system.
The length of each data transmission sent by the GPSMIC system is approximately two seconds. In general, the impact of adding this type of reporting to a radio system is similar to the impact of adding an Automatic Number Identification (ANI) reporting system.
Are data reports sent by the GPSMIC System audible?
Yes, data bursts sent by the GPSMIC are within the range of human hearing. However, each GPSMIC contains a muting feature which helps to mask the sound of received data messages. The data bursts sent by GPSMIC devices are very similar to those used by Motorola MDC-1200 and other ANI systems.
What settings does PRYME recommend for GPSMICs deployed into the field?
In general, we recommend that System Administrators start with a deployment that has the least possible impact on voice communications on their radio system and then, if desired, gradually increase to more aggressive reporting options until they achieve a balance between system load and timely reporting of unit locations.
A combination of Push-to-Talk based reporting and polling by the Base Station Operator is one of the most effective starting system configurations, and this has a very minimal impact on voice communications, since most data reports are sent in combination with voice transmissions that are already taking place.
No single set of operating parameters is right for every GPSMIC system. System Administrators need to individually determine what is right for the users of their radio system.
How do I reduce the amount of data traffic being sent on my GPSMIC system?
This is a complicated question and there is no single correct answer, since every GPSMIC system is different. If you have acknowledgements turned on, disabling these is probably a good place to start.
When acknowledgements are turned on the receiving unit will send a short response whenever it receives a message, acknowledging that it correctly received the message. If the original sending unit does not receive the acknowledgement, it will resend the original message a set number of times until it is successfully received.
While turning acks on helps to ensure that reports are received, it also effectively doubles the amount of data on the system, assuming that acks are turned on for all eight types of messages on the GPSMIC system.
Other options for reducing the amount of data traffic on the GPSMIC System include increasing the amount of time (or the amount of distance) between automatic location reports, setting a minimum throttle time for PTT based reports, and even disabling automatic reporting for one or more lower-priority GPSMIC units.
What's the difference between the Geofence and Relative Distance reporting modes?
In the Geofence mode the GPSMIC will send a location report and alert if the user moves outside of a predetermined perimeter. As long as the user stays within the Geofenced area, no location reports are triggered.
In the Relative Distance mode, a perimeter is also used. However, whenever the user moves outside of the perimeter, a new perimeter is drawn around their new location. As long as the user stays within this new perimeter no reports are sent. Every time the user leaves the previous perimeter, a new perimeter is re-drawn around their current location.
How do I set the center point of the Geofence when using that reporting mode?
The center point of the Geofence is determined by the location of the GPSMIC the first time the two-way radio attached to the unit is turned on after the GPSMIC is programmed. The procedure for setting this point is:
1. Program the GPSMIC normally using the GPSMIC Tools Configurator application.
2. Attach the GPSMIC to the two-way radio it will be used with. Make sure the radio is turned off before connecting the GPSMIC.
3. Take the GPSMIC and two-way radio to the location that you wish to be the center of the Geofence. DO NOT power the radio on until you are at this location.
4. Turn the two-way radio attached to the GPSMIC on. Wait approximately one minute to allow the GPSMIC time to get a fix on its current location.
5. You current position is now the center point in the Geofence. The GPSMIC can now be used normally.
Isn't mixing voice and data on the same channel problematic? Aren't there collisions between data and voice transmissions?
Traditionally, data and voice have been segregated to different channels in order to avoid collisions, which lead to lost data and / or interference to voice communications. However, having separate channels requires an investment in separate infrastructure: radios, repeaters, controllers, licensing, etc.
The GPSMIC system represents a revolutionary way to add limited data capacity to existing voice channels without a major investment in new backbone. The GPSMIC system is able to lower the number of collisions that occur because the microprocessor in the GPSMIC checks to see if the channel is busy before it automatically sends any data reports. Using Push-to-Talk based reporting also mitigates the chances of collisions since radio users are trained to wait for a clear channel before transmitting.
While there is no way to eliminate the possibility of collisions entirely, many two-way radios do have a Busy Channel Transmit Inhibit feature which can be used in conjunction with the collision avoidance features already built into the GPSMIC.
Why do some GPSMICs sometimes report their locations as all zeros? (Example: Latitude 0000.0000,N; Longitude 0000.0000,E)
Reports where the latitude and longitude of a GPSMIC are shown as zeros could indicate that the unit has recently been powered up and does not have a valid GPS "fix." If the GPSMIC cannot determine its own location when it is powered on, it will report all zeroes for its location coordinates.
This probably means that the GPS does not have a clear view of the sky. At a minimum, a GPS receiver has to be able to receive signals from at least four different Global Positioning satellites in order to be able to accurately determine its own location. If the GPSMIC is indoors or in an automobile without a good view of the windows, the GPSMIC may not be able to receive those signals.
Why do my GPSMICs occasionally report their location as being "Invalid?"
If a location report is flagged as invalid, it can mean a few different things. By default, the GPSMIC will consider its last known location as invalid if the last location fix is more then two minutes old. A GPSMIC that is taken indoors or has a clear view of the sky may not be able to determine its current location. So, it will report its last known location and flag this location as "invalid."
This can also happen if the GPS Quality Filter setting for the GPSMIC is set to "High." The microprocessor in the GPSMIC attempts to determine how accurate its location fix is based on the number of GPS satellites it is able to receive and the positions of those satellites. The high quality GPS filter setting can result in some location reports being rejected because the GPSMIC isn't confident in the accuracy of the report. Changing the quality filter setting to "Standard" will result in fewer rejected reports.
How does the GPS-4100M GPSBOX connect to my mobile two-way radio?
For most mobile two-way radios, the GPS-4100M GPSBOX will connect to the radio's Accessory Connector on the back of the radio. For some radios, the GPSBOX may also connect to the radio's microphone connector on the front, through the use of a special Y-cable.
What are the functional differences between the GPS-4100M GPSBOX and a GPSMIC?
The GPSBOX has all the same location reporting capabilities as a GPSMIC. However, on some two-way radio models the Push-to-Talk based reporting mode will not function. This is because not all radios provide PTT Sense on the accessory connector. This does not apply to a GPSBOX connected to the microphone jack of a mobile radio through the use of a Y-cable.
How do I activate the Alarm function of the GPSBOX, since there is no panic switch?
The GPSBOX has an external input that allows the installation of a panic switch. The switch must be installed in the vehicle and connected to the GPSBOX input for the alarm function to be available.
I plugged my GPS-4100M into my computer but I keep getting a message that says "USB device not recognized" and the GPSMIC Tools software cannot connect to the GPSMIC. What am I doing wrong?
The GPS-4100M requires a driver be installed on the computer in order for the computer to recognize the GPSBOX. The driver creates a virtual com port on the computer whenever the GPSBOX is plugged in. You can download the driver for the GPS-4100M information page on the PRYME.com website.
The GPSMIC System is an easy and powerful way to add over-the-air GPS location reporting using the same two-way radios that you use for voice communications. The GPSMIC System consists of one or more GPSMIC devices attached to two-way radios. These devices report their locations over-the-air to a Base Station which is interfaced to a personal computer running Computer Aided Dispatch mapping software.
The PRYME GPS-5100 GPSMIC is the first generation of GPSMIC device. It is a powerful location reporting device that takes the place of the handheld microphone attached to your two-way radio. Each GPSMIC contains a robust data modem and a Global Positioning System receiver. This allows the GPSMIC to send short location data reports over your existing two-way radio system. The GPSMIC allows you to add location reporting capability to your existing voice radio system without adding any substantial new system backbone.
A GPSMIC base station is a device which allows location reports sent by a GPSMIC to be displayed on a computer using mapping software. Base station devices can be used to view received location reports graphically over a computer, and can issue polling commands to determine the location of other GPSMICs.
There are two kinds of GPSMIC base stations: Base-Enabled GPSMICs or dedicated GPSMIC Base Station Units (BSU).
There are two kinds of GPSMIC base stations: Base-Enabled GPSMICs or dedicated GPSMIC Base Station Units (BSU).
A Base Station Unit is a dedicated, rack-mounted device that can support up to four data channels. Multiple BSUs can be stacked to support additional channels.
What hardware is required for the GPSMIC System to work?
The GPSMIC System works on uncompressed voice radio channels. At a minimum, the following hardware is required:
=For Single Channel Systems=
1 PRYME GPSMIC for every portable or mobile radio you wish to track
1 GPSMIC Base Station Unit (BSU) or Base Enabled GPSMIC
1 Personal Computer running the PRYME GPSMIC Tools software
=For Multiple Channel Systems=
1 PRYME GPSMIC for every portable or mobile radio you wish to track
1 Base Station Unit (BSU) can support up to four channels with optional modem boards
Additional BSUs can be stacked for additional channel support.
1 Personal Computer running the PRYME GPSMIC Tools software
Some radio systems may require additional hardware, depending on the configuration of the system.
Does the GPSMIC System support multiple Base Stations operating on the same channel?
Yes. You can use multiple BSUs or Base-Enabled GPSMICs on the same channel if you wish. This allows the system to support a fixed base station position and multiple mobile or temporary command centers.
How much load will the data bursts from a PRYME GPSMIC add to my radio system?
The increase in radio system traffic you will see is dependent entirely upon the reporting options that are programmed into the GPSMICs on your system. GPSMICs are highly programmable with a wide variety of reporting options that can be configured to fit your individual radio system.
The length of each data transmission sent by the GPSMIC system is approximately two seconds. In general, the impact of adding this type of reporting to a radio system is similar to the impact of adding an Automatic Number Identification (ANI) reporting system.
Are data reports sent by the GPSMIC System audible?
Yes, data bursts sent by the GPSMIC are within the range of human hearing. However, each GPSMIC contains a muting feature which helps to mask the sound of received data messages. The data bursts sent by GPSMIC devices are very similar to those used by Motorola MDC-1200 and other ANI systems.
What settings does PRYME recommend for GPSMICs deployed into the field?
In general, we recommend that System Administrators start with a deployment that has the least possible impact on voice communications on their radio system and then, if desired, gradually increase to more aggressive reporting options until they achieve a balance between system load and timely reporting of unit locations.
A combination of Push-to-Talk based reporting and polling by the Base Station Operator is one of the most effective starting system configurations, and this has a very minimal impact on voice communications, since most data reports are sent in combination with voice transmissions that are already taking place.
No single set of operating parameters is right for every GPSMIC system. System Administrators need to individually determine what is right for the users of their radio system.
How do I reduce the amount of data traffic being sent on my GPSMIC system?
This is a complicated question and there is no single correct answer, since every GPSMIC system is different. If you have acknowledgements turned on, disabling these is probably a good place to start.
When acknowledgements are turned on the receiving unit will send a short response whenever it receives a message, acknowledging that it correctly received the message. If the original sending unit does not receive the acknowledgement, it will resend the original message a set number of times until it is successfully received.
While turning acks on helps to ensure that reports are received, it also effectively doubles the amount of data on the system, assuming that acks are turned on for all eight types of messages on the GPSMIC system.
Other options for reducing the amount of data traffic on the GPSMIC System include increasing the amount of time (or the amount of distance) between automatic location reports, setting a minimum throttle time for PTT based reports, and even disabling automatic reporting for one or more lower-priority GPSMIC units.
What's the difference between the Geofence and Relative Distance reporting modes?
In the Geofence mode the GPSMIC will send a location report and alert if the user moves outside of a predetermined perimeter. As long as the user stays within the Geofenced area, no location reports are triggered.
In the Relative Distance mode, a perimeter is also used. However, whenever the user moves outside of the perimeter, a new perimeter is drawn around their new location. As long as the user stays within this new perimeter no reports are sent. Every time the user leaves the previous perimeter, a new perimeter is re-drawn around their current location.
How do I set the center point of the Geofence when using that reporting mode?
The center point of the Geofence is determined by the location of the GPSMIC the first time the two-way radio attached to the unit is turned on after the GPSMIC is programmed. The procedure for setting this point is:
1. Program the GPSMIC normally using the GPSMIC Tools Configurator application.
2. Attach the GPSMIC to the two-way radio it will be used with. Make sure the radio is turned off before connecting the GPSMIC.
3. Take the GPSMIC and two-way radio to the location that you wish to be the center of the Geofence. DO NOT power the radio on until you are at this location.
4. Turn the two-way radio attached to the GPSMIC on. Wait approximately one minute to allow the GPSMIC time to get a fix on its current location.
5. You current position is now the center point in the Geofence. The GPSMIC can now be used normally.
Isn't mixing voice and data on the same channel problematic? Aren't there collisions between data and voice transmissions?
Traditionally, data and voice have been segregated to different channels in order to avoid collisions, which lead to lost data and / or interference to voice communications. However, having separate channels requires an investment in separate infrastructure: radios, repeaters, controllers, licensing, etc.
The GPSMIC system represents a revolutionary way to add limited data capacity to existing voice channels without a major investment in new backbone. The GPSMIC system is able to lower the number of collisions that occur because the microprocessor in the GPSMIC checks to see if the channel is busy before it automatically sends any data reports. Using Push-to-Talk based reporting also mitigates the chances of collisions since radio users are trained to wait for a clear channel before transmitting.
While there is no way to eliminate the possibility of collisions entirely, many two-way radios do have a Busy Channel Transmit Inhibit feature which can be used in conjunction with the collision avoidance features already built into the GPSMIC.
Why does adjusting the volume control on my radio seem to affect my GPSMICs ability to receive polling and programming requests from the Base Station?
The GPSMIC receives polling requests and programming instructions from the base station as audio bursts sent over your voice radio system. The modem within the GPSMIC converts that audio into data requests, which are then processed by the microprocessor. Because this audio is sent to the GPSMIC through the speaker or accessory connector on your two-way radio, adjusting the volume too low or too high can result in the GPSMIC being either unable to hear the bursts or in the bursts being too distorted for the GPSMIC to understand.
In general, the radio profiles included in the PRYME Configurator software are set up so that data and voice should be received at approximately the same volume. By setting your radio's volume to a comfortable, moderate listening level for voice transmissions, you make sure that received data should be at an appropriate level for the GPSMIC to process it.
Why do some GPSMICs sometimes report their locations as all zeros? (Example: Latitude 0000.0000,N; Longitude 0000.0000,E)
Reports where the latitude and longitude of a GPSMIC are shown as zeros could indicate that the unit has recently been powered up and does not have a valid GPS "fix." If the GPSMIC cannot determine its own location when it is powered on, it will report all zeroes for its location coordinates.
This probably means that the GPS does not have a clear view of the sky. At a minimum, a GPS receiver has to be able to receive signals from at least four different Global Positioning satellites in order to be able to accurately determine its own location. If the GPSMIC is indoors or in an automobile without a good view of the windows, the GPSMIC may not be able to receive those signals.
Sometimes a GPSMIC on my system will report its location inaccurately. Why aren't these location reports accurate?
All civilian GPS location devices have a certain degree of inaccuracy. These inaccuracies are inherent to the Global Positioning System and are outside of the GPSMIC system's control. Typically, GPSMICs report their locations accurately, within 10 meters of the actual location. Elevation reports are generally slightly less accurate.
Because of the inherent inaccuracy of GPS, users should not place absolute reliance on reports delivered by any GPS system.
Why do my GPSMICs occasionally report their location as being "Invalid?"
If a location report is flagged as invalid, it can mean a few different things. By default, the GPSMIC will consider its last known location as invalid if the last location fix is more then two minutes old. A GPSMIC that is taken indoors or has a clear view of the sky may not be able to determine its current location. So, it will report its last known location and flag this location as "invalid."
This can also happen if the GPS Quality Filter setting for the GPSMIC is set to "High." The microprocessor in the GPSMIC attempts to determine how accurate its location fix is based on the number of GPS satellites it is able to receive and the positions of those satellites. The high quality GPS filter setting can result in some location reports being rejected because the GPSMIC isn't confident in the accuracy of the report. Changing the quality filter setting to "standard" will result in fewer rejected reports.
Is there a difference in functionality between portable and mobile versions of the GPS-5100 GPSMIC?
Mobile versions of the GPSMIC differ slightly from the versions configured for operation with portable two-way radios. While the portable version of the GPSMIC has a built-in speaker for receive audio, the internal speaker is not enabled in the mobile version. Mobile users will need to monitor incoming signals over the mobile radio's internal speaker or a properly installed external speaker. Additionally, while the portable GPSMIC is powered completely by the internal Lithium Ion rechargeable battery pack, the mobile version requires an external 12 volt DC power source.
Both mobile and portable versions of the GPSMIC have the same data and location reporting functionality.
I want to disable the Alarm feature of the GPSMIC. How do I do that?
You can turn the Alarm feature of the GPSMIC off by programming the unit either with the PRYME GPSMIC Tools Configurator or Controller applications. Using Configurator for this purpose requires a cable connection to the GPSMIC while programming using Controller an be done over-the-air.
In order to completely disable the panic function, navigate to the Alarm tab of Configurator or Controller. Set the Panic Start Button Press Duration, Panic Stop Button Press Duration, and Panic Report Time values to all be zero (0). Then, write those setting to the GPS. The alarm function will now be disabled.
Is my (Plantronics/Motorola/LG/Jabra/whoever) brand Bluetooth headset compatible with the PRYMEBLU adapter?
Virtually all consumer Bluetooth headsets are compatible with the PRYMEBLU adapter. There are literally hundreds of models available on the market from many different manufacturers.
What brand/model of Bluetooth headset does PRYME recommend for use with the PRYMEBLU adapter?
PRYME does not recommend any one model or manufacturer. With as many choices as there are on the market, which headset you chose is largely a matter of personal preference, budget, and what conditions you will operate under. We have personally tested Bluetooth headsets from most major manufacturers (and some not so major ones) with good results.
Why would I want to use a consumer Bluetooth headset with the professional two-way radio?
Using a Bluetooth headset with your two-way radio is useful for several reasons. First, for surveillance and other users that wish to keep a low profile, it helps you blend in. Even wearing a secret-service style surveillance kit is a dead giveaway that you are using a two-way radio. However, cellular phones and Bluetooth headsets have become so common place, that few people will pay any attention to one. Secondly, the wireless nature of the PRYMEBLU adapter frees the user from being attached to their two-way radio by a microphone cable. Additionally, the PRYMEBLU adapter allows you to use the same headset for two-way radio communications that you already use for cell phone calls.
I can't get my headset to pair with my PRYMEBLU Adapter. What could be wrong?
First, make sure that you are putting both devices into pairing mode using the correct process. To put the PRYMEBLU Adapter into pairing mode, turn off the radio that the PRYME BLU Adapter is connected to. Wait at least three seconds. Turn the radio on while holding down the Talk button on the PRYME BLU Adapter. Continue to hold the Talk button down for approximately three seconds. Release the Talk button when the status LED begins to flash two times per second.
To put your Bluetooth headset into pairing mode, follow the procedure in the instructions provided with the headset.
Once both devices are in pairing mode, they should pair to one another. Note that if the PRYMEBLU Adapter has not been successfully paired with a headset within 60 seconds of being placed in pairing mode, the Adapter will exit pairing mode and resume normal operation.
I've tried pairing my PRYMEBLU Adapter with my headset multiple times following the correct procedure, but it still won't pair. What now?
Try isolating the PRYMEBLU Adapter and headset from other Bluetooth devices that might be interfering with the pairing. Turn off cellular phones, laptops, and other Bluetooth devices that are in the same area and repeat the pairing process.
You can also check what Bluetooth version the headset is using by consulting the manual or documentation. The PRYMEBLU Adapter uses Bluetooth version 2.1. While the Bluetooth protocol is backwards compatible, we have heard some reports of incompatibility with headsets using older versions of Bluetooth (version 1.0 or 1.1).
The PRYMEBLU Adapters Smart Switch technology allows the Adapter to identify what kinds of audio accessories are connected to the Adapter (wireless Bluetooth, wired PTT, wired audio accessory with speaker and microphone) and to automatically route speaker and microphone audio to the correct accessory. Priority is given first to wired accessories, then to wireless Bluetooth accessories, and then finally to the radio's internal speaker and/or microphone if no other audio accessory is present.
What happens if my Bluetooth headset runs out of battery power?
If the battery in your Bluetooth adapter runs out of power while you are operating, PRYME's Smart Switch technology in the PRYMEBLU Adapter will automatically route speaker and microphone audio to the two-way radio's internal speaker and microphone, or to a wired audio accessory (if one is plugged into the adapter).
Can I have more than one device paired to my Bluetooth headset at the same time?
Many Bluetooth headsets support multiple pairings. This would enable you to pair your headset to both a cellular phone and the PRYMEBLU adapter simultaneously, and use the same headset for both phone and radio communications. You should consult the documentation for your Bluetooth headset to determine if it supports multiple pairings, and if so what process must be followed when pairing the devices to the headset.
I have my headset paired to both my cellular phone and PRYMEBLU Adapter. Why do my radio calls interrupt my cellular calls (or vice versa)?
When using a Bluetooth headset that supports multiple pairings, one paired device will be the "primary" device and the other will be the "secondary" device. Calls received from the primary device will always interrupt calls received from the secondary source. Consult the documentation for your headset to determine how to set which device is primary.
Do you have to have an internet connection to run GPSMIC Tools?
You are not required to have an internet connection to program GPSMICs using the GPSMIC Tools: Configurator application. You must have an internet connection to view map data using the GPSMIC Tools: CheckPoint application. However, it is possible to save online maps to a local hard drive using CheckPoint and then load and use those maps later even while offline. However, when using saved maps offline the ability to zoom in and out on the map is limited.
Does the computer running CheckPoint need to be located at the same site as the radio equipment?
In most installations, the computer running GPSMIC Tools needs to be connected to a GPSMIC device or BSU (Base Station Unit) and two-way radio(s) operating on whatever radio channel(s) you wish to receive location reports on.
Updates are published as often as they are needed. Generally, small updates are published every few months which fix any minor bugs that have been found and may add or update minor features in the software.
Is Admin access required in order to run the GPSMIC Tools software?
Admin access is required to install GPSMIC Tools and to run GPSMIC CheckPoint and GPSMIC Configurator for the first time. Once the software has been installed and run once, admin access is no longer required to launch and run the software.
Can the features of GPSMIC Tools be integrated into my own software?
PRYME supports integration of GPSMIC functionality into third-party GIS and CAD software. Please contact PRYME at 1-800-666-2654 if you are interested in integration. We can provide an API to facilitate this kind of software integration.
How many hardware ports do I need on the computer running GPSMIC Tools?
For programming GPSMICs you need:
* One Serial Port to program older legacy GPSMIC devices (like the GPS-5100 series or Base Station Unit).
* One USB Port to program second-generation GPSMIC devices (like the GPS-4100P or GPSBOX)
For tracking GPSMICs using CheckPoint, you will need one port per channel that you will monitor for data reports.
* One Serial Port when using a legacy GPSMIC (GPS-5100) as a base station
* One USB Port when using a second-generation GPSMIC (GPS-4100P, GPSBOX) as a base station
* When using one or more Base Station Unit(s) (BSU), you will need one Serial Port per BSU channel. (Each BSU can support up to four channels of data.)
The new Suite 5 version of GPSMIC Tools contains several enhancements, such as:
CheckPoint
* You can now toggle whether the software will show a GPSMIC or GPSBOX used as a base station device in the Users and Groups list. This is useful because it allows a mobile base station in the field to "poll" its own location.
* By default, an alarm sound will play on the base station computer whenever a panic report is received over the air. This sound can be disabled in the File - Settings menu.
* Added multi-language (Korean) support
* "Hybrid" map mode is now integrated with the Satellite map mode. For Hybrid mode, select Satellite mode and check the "Show labels" box.
Configurator
* Added software support for PRYME's second generation GPSMIC products including the GPS-4100P GPSMIC for portable radios and GPS-4100M GPSBOX for mobile radios.
* When programming a GPSMIC device, the Configurator software will now only show those functions that are supported in the hardware.
* The Auxillary Button in the GPS-4100P can now be programmed for a variety of different functions via the software.
* Impolite Polling Mode is now available on all GPSMIC devices with version 4.4.1 or newer firmware. Impolite Polling allows the GPSMIC to immediately respond to poll messages. More information about this mode can be found in the GPSMIC Tools Help File.
Additionally, the new version contains many bug fixes and enhanced stability compared to older versions of the software.
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