Sierra Wireless 350 Ignition Sense Considerations, Power Connection Procedure, without GPS

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

1.Switch off the vehicle.

2.Thread the cable through the vehicle.

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

4.Connect the White (Ignition Sense) wire to a suitable location, either a switch (ignition or accessories) or directly to the Red (12V power) line.

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

6.Insert the power connector into the AirBooster 350 amplifier.