MANUAL FOR OPERATION AND CONFIGURATION OF ELECTRONIC MODULES

(Modifications: tBeaconGreen and AmberVersion 0.54-0.56)

1. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF THE DEVICE

1.1. Electronic radiolocation modules of the tBeacon brand (hereinafter referred to as the Module or Device) are complex civil radioelectronic components.
1.2. The main purpose of the device: Remote determination of coordinates, location monitoring and search for autonomous civil objects on the ground (agricultural drones, unmanned sprayers, agricultural machinery, meteorological probes, geodetic equipment and sports aircraft models) in the event of their unplanned landing, loss of control or emergency power failure of on-board systems.
1.3. To establish wireless communication with the Module, a standard portable or stationary radio station of unlicensed civil bands (LPD, PMR, FRS) or the permitted amateur radio spectrum of 70 cm is used. It is recommended to use radio stations with support for sending an analog call tone with a frequency of 1750 Hz (Tone burst) or subtones of the CTCSS system.
1.4. Basic methods of object radio detection supported by the tBeacon architecture:

  • Precise satellite coordinates method (GPS): Broadcasting the latest recorded navigation data directly into the air by the enabled Module using a voice synthesizer.
  • Proximity Mode: A special mode for estimating the relative signal strength using the “request-response” principle, which displays the level of wave attenuation in conventional units.
  • Classical radio direction finding method: Determining the direction vector to a radiation source using a three-tone signal of decreasing power and using directional antennas.

2. REGULATIONS FOR THE USE OF RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM

2.1. tBeacon electronic components are supplied with a setting (by default) to the basic civil channel of the LPD grid: 433.075 MHz.
2.2. The user is obliged to independently study and strictly comply with the national legislation of the country of operation regarding the allocation of radio frequencies.
2.3. Before putting the Device into operation, it is necessary to make sure that the operating frequency selected in the configurator is allowed for free (license-free) civil use in your area, or you have the appropriate permission (call sign) to work in the amateur radio spectrum.
2.4. Before activating the Module on the air, preliminary monitoring of the selected frequency for its occupation by other civil or technological communication services is mandatory.

3. PHYSICS AND TACTICS OF RADIO DETECTION OF AN OBJECT

3.1. Determining location using satellite navigation (GPS) data

Upon receiving a call signal from the operator, the Module reads from the operational or non-volatile memory the last valid geographical coordinates received from the object’s onboard navigation module and broadcasts them by voice over the radio.

  • Important: If the object’s onboard navigation sensor has been mechanically damaged or has been de-energized due to an accident, the tBeacon Module automatically uses the last correct coordinates stored in its own non-volatile memory immediately before the incident. The device warns about the use of archived data with three short markers before the main speech block.
  • To visualize the point, the operator uses any civil mapping software on a smartphone (Google Maps, GeoCompass, Androzic, etc.), having previously synchronized the minutes/seconds display format in the application and configurator settings.

3.2. Working in Proximity engineering mode (Estimating the level of signal attenuation)

This mode is intended for locating a lost object in the absence or failure of satellite navigation systems, as well as when the object is heavily shielded by natural obstacles (tall grass, snowdrifts, complex terrain).

  • The device analyzes the amplitude of the call signal coming from the operator’s radio station, processes it using an internal ADC and transmits a numerical value from 0 to 99 in the return voice message (where 99 is the maximum signal level, i.e. the shortest distance).
  • Body Shielding Search Tactics: The operator holds the radio tightly to his body (creating a natural barrier to radio waves) and slowly turns 360 degrees, periodically sending a tone call. The direction in which the Module records and reports the smallest (weakest) numerical value indicates that the tBeacon Device is directly behind the operator.
Search direction

3.3. Classical radio direction finding method using a tritone marker

If this mode is activated, the Module, in response to a request, generates a burst of three consecutive tone signals emitted with a rigidly fixed descending power:

  1. The first tone is 100 mW (maximum power for long-range detection).
  2. The second tone is 13 mW (average level for approach).
  3. The third tone is 1.3 mW (minimum power for accurate detection within a radius of several meters).
  • By analyzing by ear or using the radio station’s S-meter, how many tones out of three make their way through interference and noise, the operator gets an accurate idea of ​​the dynamics of approaching the object, or builds vector lines on the map to the point of their intersection.
three-point triangulation

4. TECHNICAL OPERATION AND ACTIVATION ALGORITHMS

After power supply, the tBeacon module initializes the system, emits a start-up sound signal and reports the current voltage level of its own autonomous power source. If connected to the on-board power network, the Device buzzes to notify the number of recognized LiPo battery cells and broadcasts the average cell voltage. After that, the Device enters an energy-saving cyclic standby mode (sleep/air monitoring).

4.1. Wireless tone activation

  • To wake the Module from sleep mode, the operator sends a call analog tone (1750 Hz or a high-frequency CTCSS subtone up to 240 Hz is recommended to reduce power consumption during processing).
  • The duration of holding the call button on the radio should be slightly longer than the “Listening interval” setting (default is 3 seconds).
  • Module response procedure: Signal processing ➡️ Turning on AUX light and sound beacons (if the amplitude exceeds the specified threshold) ➡️ Broadcasting a three-tone direction finding packet ➡️ Voice message of navigation data.

4.2. Activation by internal hardware timer

  • When using radio stations that are unable to generate tone signals, the Module is activated automatically after the time set by the “Initial Delay” parameter.
  • After this time interval from the moment of power supply, tBeacon independently switches to the mode of continuous cyclic transmission of three-tone bearings and periodic voice notification of coordinates with a given frequency.

5. RULES FOR INSTALLATION AND INTEGRATION INTO CIVIL FACILITIES

5.1. Power supply: The module is powered by an autonomous LiPo battery with a capacity of 50–300 mAh. By default, the power saving settings provide up to 3-4 weeks of standby time from a 300 mAh battery.
5.2. Mechanical protection: The device must be mounted in the area of ​​the object, which is least prone to deformations during a hard landing. The module must be completely isolated from conductive, metal and carbon (carbon) surfaces.
5.3. Waterproofing: It is strongly recommended to treat the Module board with a specialized dielectric protective varnish or mastic to prevent corrosion from moisture and condensation, and then place the board in a heat shrink tube.
5.4. Optimization of the antenna: To achieve the maximum range of stable radio communication, the antenna of the Module should be placed vertically, as far as possible from metal structural elements, power cables and carbon frames of the object.

6. INTERFACES AND PROTOCOLS FOR SYNCHRONIZATION WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEMS

6.1. For automatic reading and recording of telemetry data from civil aircraft and agricultural drones, tBeacon Modules support direct integration with the following information protocols of navigation systems:

  • NMEA: The de facto international civilian standard for satellite GPS receivers. Used by default in most commercial navigation modules.
  • UBX: Binary data exchange protocol for UBLOX family receivers. Actively used in navigation systems, automation systems and APM/Pixhawk class flight controllers.
  • NAZA: A proprietary, proprietary binary protocol from DJI. Used to synchronize with the Naza family of civilian controllers.
  • MAVLINK: International open telemetry protocol used in automated engineering control systems (ArduCopter, ArduPilot, civilian unmanned sprayers).
    6.2. Current physical connector connection diagrams, pinout (Pinout) and voltage level matching parameters for each modification of the Module (Target Base, Black) are presented in detail on the official service page of the platform: https://tbeacon.com.ua.
tBeacon Amber beacon board
tBeacon Green radio detection board

7. CONNECTION OF LIGHT, SOUND AND AUXILIARY SIGNALLING

7.1. Some modifications of the Modules are equipped with built-in light and sound indication devices to facilitate object localization in conditions of dense vegetation or high snow cover.
7.2. For models that do not have integrated indicators, the board architecture provides for connecting an external civil buzzer (siren) and/or LED flash to the programmable auxiliary AUX outputs.
7.3. In the configuration software, the default port assignments are distributed as follows: Pin 5 — LED flash control, Pin 6 — sound siren control. Fine tuning to the resonant frequency of a specific instance of the buzzer is also available to achieve the maximum sound pressure level (parameter “Siren Parameters”).
7.4. Physics of the indication ports: When the Module is activated, a high logic voltage level is applied to the flash output. Rectangular pulses of a given frequency are transmitted to the siren output, corresponding to the international civil SOS distress signal.
7.5. Critical load limitation: Direct connection of external consumers to the AUX terminals is limited to a maximum current of 30–40 mA. Connection of more powerful power indicators, bright LED matrices or industrial sirens should be carried out exclusively via a transistor switch (for a connection diagram via field effect or bipolar transistors, see the figure in the original instructions).

Connecting light and sound alarms

8. SERVICE AND SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

8.1. All service and commissioning operations (changing operating parameters, calibrating the radio frequency grid, updating the firmware, recording the system bootloader and uploading saved tracks) are performed through the official configuration utility (configurator) for Windows OS.
8.2. Synchronization with a PC via a USB-UART adapter: A standard USB-UART interface converter is used to connect the Module to a computer.

  • ⚠️ IMPORTANT: The connection is made in a cross-connection scheme: the TX output of the Module is connected to the RX output of the adapter, and the RX output of the Module is connected to the TX output of the adapter. The GND line (ground) is connected strictly to the GND of the adapter. Violation of polarity or incorrect connection of the power lines may lead to failure of the electronic components of the Module.
  • After connecting the adapter to the PC and installing the appropriate drivers, a virtual COM port will appear in the operating system’s device manager, the number of which must be selected in the top menu of the configurator.

8.4. Module Firmware Update (Firmware Update)

The procedure for updating the internal code to the current stable version (for example, the current version 2.49) is started by pressing the “FIRMWORK” button after selecting the appropriate COM port.

8.5. Engineering calibration of the frequency grid

Each Module undergoes mandatory factory tuning to the reference grid of civil frequencies. To perform repeated individual tuning to a specific user radio station:

  1. Establish a connection with the Module and press the “FREQUENCY CALIBRATION” button.
  2. Tune the radio to the same civilian frequency as the Module.
  3. After the program warns you, continuously hold down the Send Call Tone (1750 Hz) button on the radio until the process is complete (usually takes 30-40 seconds). Do not bring the radio antenna close to the board and communication cables during calibration.

8.6. Reading and analyzing a saved location point

The Module’s non-volatile memory is capable of recording up to ~100 of the last valid geographical coordinates. This allows, in the event of an incident, to download the movement track of a civilian object for further analysis of the causes of the accident or failure of on-board systems.

  • The interval for recording points is regulated by the “GPS save frequency” parameter. The track is uploaded by pressing the “DOWNLOAD TRACK” button, the data is saved in the standard international cartographic format .KML for visualization in Google Earth or Google Maps.

9. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION AND CLASSIFICATION OF CONFIGURATOR PARAMETERS

9.1. Basic system parameters

  • Частота (Гц): Робоча частота цивільного спектра, на якій функціонує Модуль. Задається в Герцах (наприклад, для першого каналу цивільної сітки LPD 433.075 МГц вноситься значення 433075000). Основні безліцензійні канали доступні у зручному випадаючому B2B-меню програми.
  • Correction: Individual frequency correction factor for a specific transceiver chip of the board, calculated automatically during the calibration procedure.

9.2. Offline timer mode settings

This parameter block controls the operation of the Module in case of its automatic activation by time (without external radio request):

  • Initial delay (sec): Time until the Device automatically enters active broadcast mode after power is applied. If set to 0, the timer is disabled.
  • Interval at start/end (sec): Time pauses between radio transmissions at the beginning of the search period (default 10 sec) and at its end (default 60 sec).
  • Search period (min): Total active time of the timer Module (default is 240 minutes / 4 hours), during which the interval between packages smoothly increases to save battery power.
  • Delay until next period (min): The Module’s deep sleep time (default is 1200 minutes / 20 hours) after the end of the active phase, allowing the Device to automatically wake up at the same time the next day.

9.3. Call mode parameters (Operator-requested operation)

  • Listening interval (sec): The frequency at which the energy-saving Module wakes up to scan the air for a tone call (default is 3 sec). Low values ​​are not recommended due to a critical increase in power consumption.
  • Listening period (msec): Duration of one air scan session (default is 50 ms). For reliable operation with CTCSS subtones, it is recommended to set this parameter to 150.
  • Number of work cycles (times): Number of repetitions of tone and voice message packets of the Module in response to one received call (by default — 3 cycles).
  • Packet Interval (sec): Time interval between individual message information packets in the response cycle (default is 5 sec).
  • Call Tone Frequency (Hz): The exact frequency of the analog signal that the Module responds to for activation (default is the standard amateur radio Tone burst 1750 Hz or coded CTCSS subtone frequencies).

9.4. Configuring integration with satellite systems (GPS)

  • GPS Error Limit (times): The maximum allowable number of failures or empty packets when reading data. If the limit is exceeded (default is 100), a line break or the object’s navigation module is turned off is detected, and tBeacon starts accessing the port 100 times less often to protect the battery from discharge.
  • GPS reading interval (sec): Frequency of the Module accessing satellite data (default is 10 sec).
  • GPS Timeout (msec): Time to wait for a response from the navigation port (default is 1500 ms). For modern high-speed receivers with a data update rate of 10 Hz, this parameter can be reduced to 150 ms for significant power savings.
  • Coordinate format: Select the mathematical standard for displaying geographic data (by default, YY.YYYY, which provides localization accuracy up to 1 meter and is fully supported by Google Maps).
  • Minimum GPS satellites (pcs): Physical threshold of the number of satellites held (default is 3), at which the Module considers the coordinates valid and writes them to memory.

9.5. Additional system configurations

  • Battery Saver: Function to activate an intermittent tone signal to reduce the load on the Module’s transmitter (disabled by default).
  • Siren and flash activation threshold: Numerical value of the signal level in Proximity mode (from 0 to 99), upon reaching which the Module automatically activates the external AUX light and sound alarm for accurate detection of the object at the final search meters (default — 60).
  • External battery thresholds: A special digital parameter of the WWCC type for models that support direct monitoring of the agricultural drone’s power battery. For example, the value 3533 sets the warning threshold at 3.5V per bank, and the critical level at 3.3V. By default, the function is disabled (0).

10. TYPICAL ENGINEERING CONFIGURATIONS FOR THE CIVIL SECTOR

Profiles are optimized for various commercial scenarios of using electronic boards:

  1. High-speed civil objects profile with GPS: Setting minimum read timeouts and maximum coordinate relevance.
  2. Maximum autonomy profile: Long-term farmland monitoring mode with extended Module sleep intervals (up to 4 weeks standby on a single charge).
  3. Profile of systems without satellite navigation (Autonomous bearing): Optimization of the operation of the tritone marker and Proximity mode for objects without onboard GPS modules.