FAQ: Checking 4G coverage , testing antennas and functions for the IMPULSE Wireless VM3
If you are using the IMPULSE Wireless Lone Worker application, then you may have access to a test mode. You are using Lone Worker if you have IMPULSE Wireless GPS tracking and/or CallBank services. Lone Worker may or may not be in the foreground, so if you have any questions or can't activate test mode, contact us on 02 8705 3778 orsupport@impulsewireless.com.au
1. Activate Test Mode on a VM3
Press and hold the P3 button for five seconds. You will hear the VM3 announce "test mode activated" and the screen will change to indicate test mode.
2. Test mode operation
Test mode will allow you to test the 4G antenna, GPS antenna, general reception, and all keys on the VM3. It will also allow you to test emergency mode without sending an alert to the control room.
3. Test Mode Screen
The test mode screen shows:
"sats" - number of GPS satellites locked. This should be more than five. If you cannot lock onto enough satellites after five minutes, test with a replacement GPS antenna or move the vehicle to an open location.
"acc" - accuracy of GPS location fix in metres. This should be less than 10. Under an open sky, typical GPS accuracy will be better than three metres if the antenna is installed correctly
"dBm" - The indicated signal strength of the 4G signal. This should be between -60 and -110.
A larger negative number means less signal, ie. -80 is a strong signal, and -110 is a weaker signal. If you see -127 or -130 here, test with a replacement 4G antenna
"Level" - the 4G overall signal level (similar to number of signal bars). 4 is the highest reading. We use RSSI as our main indicator of antenna and 4G module RF performance, and the "Level" reading simply provides an additional metric.
4. Test Mode Buttons
While in test mode, you may test the OK and P buttons. A tone will be heard when you press, but no other function will occur. If you press the SOS button, an SOS alert will not be sent to the GPS portal, however if emergency hot mic functionality is configured for your system, an emergency hot mic cycle will be intiated on the test channel, allowing you to perform a functional SOS test without disturbing operations.
4. Emergency hot mic and audio accessory testing
If you have a test device with the test talkgroup, now you can press the SOS button to initiate an emergency call on the test talkgroup. This will transmit, allowing you to test the hot mic functionality and ensure the internal mic is working. You can then talk back using your test device and communicate as normal, testing the fist mic PTT button or handset PTT button, earpiece and microphone as applicable.
5. Test Mode Timeout
Test mode will time out and return to normal mode after a pre-defined time which is configured on a per-customer basis, usually 45 seconds. Test mode will not time out during an emergency cycle. If you wish to exit test mode manually, press and hold the P3 button for five seconds until you see the screen revert to normal mode and hear the VM3 announce "leaving test mode."
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