NACLS: Tracking Hazardous Materials


ARGOS APPLICATIONS TRACKING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FAQ

Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions
regarding container tracking with Argos:

- What is the coverage of the satellite system?
- Will I be able to track containers when they are stacked or under deck in the ship?
- Where do I install the transmitter?
- Where do I install the antenna?
- I am getting data through E-Mail and I have difficulties decoding that.
- I am getting data through the ADW WEB site and I cannot zoom on the map?
- Sometimes the date of the position of the container is different
from the date of the message: what's wrong?
- When do I know I have to replace the battery?

What is the coverage of the satellite system?

The Argos system is a global system: containers can be tracked and monitored anywhere in the world.

Will I be able to track containers when they are stacked or under deck in the ship?

The Argos system enjoys a good link budget: this means that it can work even in difficult transmission conditions. In fact, there are three different possibilities:

The container is on a truck or a railcar or on the top of a stack of containers on a ship: in this case, there will be very little obstruction and Argos works nominally.
The container is stacked under other containers, on a harbour or on a ship: in this case, there is a slight degradation in results. This translates in less position reports and less accuracy. However, information other than position i.e. temperature, battery voltage, is not affected.
The container is under deck of a ship of inside a workshop: these are the known instances where Argos, as other wireless systems, does not work.

As a summary, in the cases when transmission is needed, Argos will always provide updates.

Where do I install the transmitter?

The transmitter can be installed anywhere on a container, as long as it is protected from shocks and high temperatures. Only the antenna requires a specific position (see below).

Where do I install the antenna?

The antenna is the most sensitive part of the installation. A poor installation can prevent transmissions. Here are some general guidelines:
The antenna must be as high as possible
The antenna should be as far away as possible from metallic parts that absorb radiations, except that it must be placed on metal that will act as a reflector. For tank containers, good spots are right on the tank, away from the beams and walkways. For refrigerated containers, the best spot is vertically on the end of the container where the refrigeration engine is installed. (see below)

I am getting data through E-Mail and I have difficulties decoding that.

E-Mail serves as a back-up of the WEB site or in case you have your own application to integrate data. This question is answered in various places on this WEB site:
For general information, please check the ARGOS User Manual
For examples of E-Mail data for container tracking, you can also have a look at ArgoTrans #2
Or look at the ADS for containers page

I am getting data through the ADW WEB site and I cannot zoom on the map?

To zoom on the map, enter the zoom level in the window (e.g. 2000 km) and then click on the map. This recenters the map where you clicked and validates the new zoom level.

Sometimes the date of the position of the container is different from the date of the message: what's wrong?

There is nothing wrong with that. To compute a position, the Argos satellites need to receive at least 4 messages when the satellite flies over the transmitter. With one message, you already get all sensor data like temperature. We deliver only the best message with its time stamp. For the position, it is different: it is dated in the middle of the satellite pass. If the system is unable to compute a position, the last available position is displayed.

When do I know I have to replace the battery?

Battery life depends on a number of factors. As a general rule, the more sensors are connected to the transmitter and the lower the outside temperature, the shorter the battery life will be. Our experience shows that you can count on more than 18 months of battery life.
The batteries provided are alkaline batteries that have three advantages: price, easy availability and slow discharge curve. This means that the voltage of the battery drops regularly from 15V (new battery) to a 10V (discharged). When the voltage is 11V, the battery should be replaced within a month. For all transmitters delivered, the messages shows the battery voltage so that you know when to change them. Please, look at our Access to Data page to have more info on how to read voltage.