Sierra Wireless 350 User Manual

Page 8

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Ignition Sense Considerations

The white ignition sense line controls a power switch within the booster used
to reduce power consumption when the vehicle is switched off and there is
no CDPD device connected. The ignition sense is used in conjunction with a
CDPD device detection switch. If either of these is on, the AirBooster
amplifier (and the optional GPS module) is enabled. Only if the ignition and
the CDPD device connection are both off is the power reduction enabled.

In power reduction mode, an installed GPS module will stop tracking
satellites and is not available for communication. It will still receive sufficient
power to maintain its real-time clock and RAM data. This ensures a warm
start condition when the GPS becomes fully enabled.

It is permissible to connect the white ignition sense to the red 12V power line.
This will mean the AirBooster amplifier will be on at all times and the current
draw on the battery will be slightly higher than with power reduction enabled.
This additional draw amounts to approximately 25mA for a unit without the
GPS option and 180mA for units with the option.

NOTE - Users With the GPS Option - When the AirBooster
amplifier switches to the power reduction mode, access to the
GPS is lost. If you need access to the GPS module even when the
vehicle is off and there is no CDPD device connected, you must
connect the ignition sense to the 12V line or provide a switch on
the ignition sense line to ensure the GPS module can be switched
on when needed.

NOTE - Vehicle Battery Life - Although battery life varies
widely based on type, age, environment, and other issues, you
should be aware of the drain when the vehicle is parked for
extended periods. Using a sample case of a battery with 30Amp
hours of storage the following life expectancies would apply
given the AirBooster as the only device drawing power. There are
likely other vehicle systems (clocks, alarms, etc.) that also draw
power when the vehicle is parked.

without GPS

with GPS

Switch Off

12 days

11.5 days

Switch On

9.7 days

4.3 days

Power Connection Procedure

Switch off the vehicle.

1.

Thread the cable through the vehicle.

2.

Connect the Black (Ground) wire to the negative terminal of the
battery.

3.

Connect the White (Ignition Sense) wire to a

suitable location

, either a

switch (ignition or accessories) or directly to the Red (12V power) line.

4.

Connect the Red (12V) wire to the positive terminal of the battery.

5.

Insert the power connector into the AirBooster 350 amplifier.

6.

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