M.M.
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[video=vimeo;129807173]https://player.vimeo.com/video/129807173[/video]
Robert L Bagley about the New Marshall Rt-GPS
A Few Answers for you:
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How does it work?
The RT-GPS transmitter is the same size, shape and weight of an RT Turbo. But inside we found a way to incorporate a GPS chip to receive signals from the overhead constellation of GPS satellites in an open sky.
The RT-GPS learns where it is and sends this data via radio frequency to a small device we call the PocketLink. It is the PocketLink that in turn provides this situational data it is receiving on to the mapping software via BlueTooth at distances of up to fifty feet away. It can use a small whip antenna to go with you (in your pocket or hawking bag) or be left in the vehicle connected to your OMNI.
At the same time, the RT-GPS is sending a regular familiar beeping signal in the UHF band that can be received by the Field Marshall for regular direction-finding.
It is this combination of signal redundancy we felt important for falconers to be sure that if the data connection is ever temporarily lost, they still can track a bird the traditional way.
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How long does the battery run?
Three days. We have worked out an extremely innovative way to use the 1/3N battery instead of requiring something much larger. That was always the goal before announcing our GPS alternative. It had to be “right sized” in the time tested robust packaging required by our customers and usable as a tail or leg mount, not restricted to TrackPack mounting only.
The RT-GPS will run using a variable duty cycle combination of data transmissions and beeping.
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How much will it cost, and what do we get?
For our customers who have have already made the jump to UHF, you simply add the following items to your setup:
- RT-GPS transmitter
- PocketLink Data Receiver
-Marshall Radio’s mapping software application to run on your iOS device
These three add-ons together are priced at: $995
For customers who have do not yet have UHF gear, you’ll also need:
- Field Marshall UHF receiver
- UHF Omni for the vehicle
- UHF Micro tail-mount (recommended as the secondary backup transmitter)
These two lists constitute the complete and redundant system.
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Will it work on something other than iOS devices?
The initial software application is designed for iPad, iPad mini, and iPhone.
Plans are for an Android version sometime soon after.
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Will it work with my 216 receiver?
There are no plans to broadcast data in the legacy VHF bands, since all momentum around the world is to UHF going forward.
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What is the range?
Over 5-6 months of field testing, we have maintained data streaming connections for up to 20 miles line of sight, which is much harder to achieve than getting these distances for a simple beep.
For the beeping signal at any time, or when you are “Plan B Mode,” you will see about the same performance as one of our RT+ transmitters.
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How is this different from the other GPS devices for falconry already out there?
Four main ways, in combination:
1- The size less than half. We’re still using the reliable proven 1/3N lithium 3v battery, and not a rechargeable. This means it can be used as a leg or tail mount where other are far too large.
2- The method is a direct connection, not through mobile towers, so that this can be used anywhere without fear of “dead zones.” There is no SIM card to buy, no further costs per text requests, etc. required to operate it.
3- Instead of periodic updates, delayed or irregular response to text inquiries this is real-time data streaming. You see where you bird is now, not where it was.
4- Our own world-class mapping application that comes with it.
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How much testing has it had?
Early designs have been in testing for years, but this "right-size version" was first flown in early January 2015, and continuously on several falcons and one eagle ever since then. We’ve been able to fine tune what are essential functions and data in the mapping software, as well as experience real-world performance issues away from the lab.
Of the two epic tracks you see in the video, the first was a remount on a duck flight by our passage Prairie falcon with two pitches over 3,000 feet, the second is the eagle soaring on thermals to over one mile high (5,400 feet). Tracks are saved to a flight log and can be replayed or shared.
Continual refinements were regularly done to the point we finally felt confident to let the world know it really exists and we are really going to do it this season. It’s that good now.
What also quickly changed was our realization that for so many years as a company we have been narrowly focused on just a recovery device so the design concerns were always and ever more range, with ever more battery life in a smaller size. The RT-GPS transcends this limited thinking to become an entirely different product since you are continuously connected to the flight in real-time, so are now "seeing it" as it happens
