Overview
Description
The GSatRancher Series is a Satellite transmitter designed to send GPS location data to a network of low earth orbiting (LEO) satellites. The received data is then delivered to a telematics platform or other processor to visualize and utilize the data. The GSatRancher Series is powered by a battery. The GSatRancher Series features a solar charging circuit that allows battery charging from the built in solar panel. The GSatRancher Series contains a satellite transmitter, GPS receiver, motion sensor, solar charger, and antennas for each of the radio subsystems.

Block Diagram

GSatRancher Best Performance
The GSatRancher Series determines its location by triangulation of GPS satellites, and then transmits the location back to a communications satellite. It is important to understand the application and importance of good satellite coverage, outdoor locations, and take into account obstructions, buildings, and metal objects that greatly affect the antenna performance. These devices are transmitting a signal up to 1,000 miles. Even though they are small and lightweight with the latest silicon technology, they are still sensitive to positioning and orientation much more than say a cellular phone, which is transmitting up to a few miles.
Mounting Best Practices
Antenna Orientation
Care should be taken as to what is placed above, below, and around the GSatSolar/GSatRancher. The internal satellite antenna is located inside the top edge of the GSatRancher. For best performance, the GSatRancher Series should have an unobstructed view of the sky. Metal objects next to or above the GSatRancher Series will greatly affect the performance of the device. Non-metallic substances such as fiberglass and plastic have less effect on the antenna performance.
Temperature
DANGER!
DO NOT MOUNT ON BLACK SURFACES. OVERHEATINGRISK IS INCREASED
The GSatRancher Series utilizes an internal lithium polymer battery, which is designed for operation between -10C and +60C. In direct tropical sunlight, the solar panel will also heat the unit by up to +15C from ambient temperature. In winter months, the additional heating caused by the solar panel will help increase the internal temperature of the unit, but in the desert, this can cause overheating and the unit will cease transmitting if the internal temperature exceeds these temperatures. The unit will resume operation once the temperature has dropped below the maximum operating temperature.
- In general, do not mount on:
- Black surfaces
- Metal surfaces
- Poorly ventilated locations
- Car dashboards
- Enclosed locations that trap heat
Solar Panel
The orientation of the solar panel is important to consider, to ensure the device is mounted where direct sunlight will hit the solar panel. Placing the device under plastic or glass is not ideal, as different materials can block UV which is a large portion of the spectrum that the solar panel is most effective at converting to energy.
Noise Sources
Electrical noise is an important consideration in any installation of the GSatSolar/GSatRancher. When possible, sufficient physical separation should be maintained between electrical noise sources and the GSatSolar/GSatRancher. Noise sources can be any other transmitter such as other satellite devices, GSM, WiFi, etc.