1 Introduction

The CTT Node™ is a mini-base-station that allows you to localize LifeTags™, PowerTags™ and HybridTags™ with a high degree of accuracy. If deployed in a grid fashion, and employing post-hoc analysis, the CTT Nodes can operate as pseudo-reverse-GPS, providing near GPS accuracy in optimal conditions. With the addition of calibration data, Nodes can provide presence/absence and distance estimate of instantaneous detections from supported tags.

The CTT Node uploads received tag detection data to the standard CTT SensorStation™, creating a dense, high resolution tracking network. Solar power recharges batteries in the CTT Nodes meaning no extra power cables or external solar systems are necessary.

Each CTT Node has a detectable range of about 250-300 meters, and is able to relay data to a CTT Base Station as far away as 1.5 kilometers.

1.1 Using This Guide

Use the Quick Start Guide in the next section to get you up and running with your CTT Nodes. For more detailed information you can proceed to the sections below the Quick Start Guide. Please provide any feedback via our Customer Service Desk portal here.

2 Node Quick Start Guide

What you will need:

  1. Unpack your Nodes.

  2. Place Nodes outside in a sunny location and allow to fully charge for several days (more important if you will be testing with the magnet off)

  3. Bring Nodes within range of an existing SensorStation (note: if not using antennas on your SensorStation, make sure Nodes are within a meter of the station).

  4. Connect your computer to your SensorStation so you can view the web interface (for SensorStation operation consult the online install guide here).

  5. Ensure your SensorStation has at least one radio tuned to detect Nodes (if this isn’t clear, consult the SensorStation online install guide).

  6. With the magnets still on, a Node will transmit health information once every five minutes and can do so for over two years without recharging the battery. With the SensorStation web interface open, you should begin to see Nodes checking in and showing up in the Nodes list at the top of the SensorStation webpage like in the image below. A properly functioning Node will send accurate GPS location and GPS time. Note time is always in UTC. If GPS data is empty, or GPS time is incorrect, either the Node is in a place where it cannot get a GPS fix, or the GPS needs to be forced. See Advanced Configuration via Node Client below for how to force a GPS fix.

Node display on SensorStation web interface.

  1. If you have a test tag, you can place it near the Nodes and remove the magnet on the Node case. Removing the magnet activates the Node radio to listen for tags. You should begin to see tag data flowing in on SensorStation web interface under the radio(s) you programmed to listen for Nodes.