For the 2011 Iron Dog race, all Pro Class racers will be required to mount or carry the IonEarth GPS tracking units from Start to Finish. Racers will receive mounting brackets and some recommendations for mounting in the racer’s packets. It is highly advisable to contact other teams to see what they have learned for installation tips. Dan Thibault is assisting with coordination and has generously volunteered to assist all teams in getting the best solution for their make/model of snowmobile. (Call our office for Dan’s information).
It’s very important to know that the GPS unit will be test fitted at the Tech Inspection and will be REQUIRED to fit properly before passing inspection!
Download SRT Mounting Instructions (Rev A)
At the time of writing, the following is an overview of what we know so far:
- Units are battery powered. No wiring is necessary.
- Weight: 30 ounces
- Dimensions: 6″ x 3″
- Tested to -45F (and still undergoing cold testing)
- Has been successfully used by the Iditarod for the last 4 years.
IonEarth GPS Unit
(subject to revision, we will keep you posted via racer’s packet and at the Tech Inspection)
- Units will be charged and ready to go the day before the race.
- Units will go live automatically and verified they all work before installed on race day.
- Racers MUST be PROPERLY POSITIONED in the pit area (paddock) no later than 10:00AM – NO EXCEPTIONS
- Once live, there is no way to shut them off – period.
- Even while charging they will transmit.
- They will continue until the race is over and IonEarth shuts them down.
- Charge time in Nome: 3 hrs
- Nome: Minimum of 20 charging cables that should work off 110AC or 12VDC without having to remove them from the mounts (assuming we can access the data port).
- So far, IonEarth has been seeing our units – they work great.
- Lab testing now and will see how long they last at a day/night cycle of -45F to -25F
We will continue to update this page and keep racers apprised of any new information we learn about the GPS tracking.
