Telonics is pleased to introduce the next generation of Argos Avian Transmitters. With the
certification of the ST-26 Argos transmitter, the door has opened to a new generation of
microminiaturized Argos systems well suited for deployment on a variety of bird species.
Key Features
- The TAV series are Argos Transmitters (no GPS receiver).
- Operational life is extended relative to older transmitter models, due to ultra-low
quiescent current and highly efficient radio transmission circuitry.
- Real-time clock calendar (RTC) controls all timing functions.
- Powerful data collection and transfer capabilities allow the units to acquire,
queue, and transmit temperature and activity information.
- All products can be programmed by Telonics Product Programmer (TPP) which uses a
GUI interface. TPP makes it possible for users to program their own systems and simulate
performance of the system prior to deployment.
- On-board sensors can be activated or deactivated by the user. Data collection
regimes and schedules can be altered as required. Sensor data can be enhanced or deleted
from Argos uplink transmissions.
- Transmission schedules can be modified.
- Argos ID codes can be changed.
- Argos uplink transmission power levels can be modified to extend operational life or
increase the probability of signal reception at the satellite.
- Argos uplink frequencies can be changed to frequencies in low noise channels to
increase the chances of a successful uplink.
- Units are battery powered and can be refurbished to their original condition at
the factory.
- Shutdown with a small magnet allows users to turn each of these configurations "on"
or "off". When turned "off", ST-26 based units consume less than 5.3μA. Given this low
current level, users can store their units for extended periods with minimal impact on
operational life.
- Data Decoding - Data are processed using the Telonics
Data Converter (TDC), which provides complete data decoding of Argos DS files and supports
complete memory downloading. TDC provides a comma separated value (csv) output file with time
stamps for all data collected. TDC can also be run in the "batch mode" for hands off
operation.
- TDC allows you to plot Argos locations
with Google Earth.
Models
| Model |
Dimensions (in, cm) |
Unit Weight (g) |
High power (mW)1 |
High power life (hours)2 |
High power temp (°C) |
| TAV-2617 |
2.53 x 0.8 x 0.33
6.43 x 2.03 x 0.84 |
15 |
250 (Typ) |
233 |
0 to +60 |
| TAV-2630 |
2.43 x 0.82 x 0.63
6.16 x 2.08 x 1.59 |
29 |
250 (Typ) |
936 |
0 to +60 |
| TAV-2656 |
2.65 x 1.28 x 0.80
6.7 x 3.3 x 2.0 |
55 |
250 (Typ) |
2136 |
-10 to +60 |
- Reduced power modules offer an increase in operational life of approximately 30%. Contact
the lab for more information.
- Operational life expectancy is based on a continuous series of transmissions of a 4-byte
Argos message at a 60-second repetition rate at 25°C.
Photo Gallery
Specifications: Electronic and Packaging
TAV-26xx ST-26 Specifications (Uses the Argos Certified Transmitter)
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| Timing Accuracy: |
6 min/year at 25° C
30 min/yr -20 to +40° C
47 min/yr -40 to +70° C
|
| Available Sensors: |
Mortality, Activity, Temperature, Low Voltage
|
| Argos Operating Frequency: |
ARGOS Frequencies:
401.6300MHz to 401.6800MHz in 1 kHz Steps
Brazilian SCD-1: Channels C1 to C9
401.6180MHz to 401.6220MHz in 500Hz Steps
|
| Argos Frequency Stability: |
±0.5 ppm maximum from -30° to +70° C
±2.0 ppm maximum from -40° to -30° C
|
| Argos Initial Frequency Error: |
±0.5 ppm maximum at +23°C, ±2° C
|
| Argos Aging: |
±2.0 ppm maximum after 1 year
|
| Argos RF Power Out: |
Standard Power Version:
150mW (+22.5dBm ±2dB) or 250mW (+24.0dBm ±2dB) nominal into 50 Ω
(User selectable using TPP programming software)
Note 1: At +70°C, transmit current will increase by approximately 10% from the
+25° C measurement. Conversely, at -40° C it will decrease by approximately 10%
from the +25° C measurement.
Note 2: Transmit current and RF power out are sensitive to VSWR. Both can be degraded
significantly if the antenna or antenna coax are of poor quality or not correctly tuned
and matched to the ARGOS/Brazilian frequency band 50 ohm RF output impedance.
|
| Argos Spurs and Harmonics: |
<-40dBc minimum, -60dBc typical (Coherent Spurious)
<-50dBc minimum, -60dBc typical (Non-coherent spurious)
|
| TAV-26xx Packing/Housing Specifications: |
Designed for application on most birds. Units are enclosed in a polymeric casting. The external casting shell is of a contoured design to minimize aerodynamic drag. The Argos antenna assembly employs a strain-relief to avoid breakage.
|
Related Products
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Telonics Data Converter (TDC) converts raw data from Telonics transmitting subsystems into data reports formatted as comma-separated values (CSV). TDC generates report data using standard engineering units and associates it with the time of its acquisition. You can review TDC reports in any spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Excel, and you can also use your own custom software to process reports electronically. TDC also creates files compatible with Google Earth so that you can map transmitter locations interactively. Telonics Data Converter even maintains a list of your transmitters and their data-conversion settings so you can generate new data reports efficiently throughout your study. TDC supports Telonics' current family of Argos transmitters and newest Gen4 GPS units.
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Telonics Product Programmer (TPP) is a powerful software tool for configuring the data-collection parameters of Telonics transmitters. Until now, Telonics has programmed most transmitters in the factory. Telonics customers now have a way to customize their own transmitters quickly and interactively, even prior to delivery of the units. Telonics Product Programmer gives you the ability to modify specific aspects of your transmitter, including transmission intervals and sensor behavior.
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The TSC-4A is a multi-use USB interface cable and features a USB A type computer connector and a male BNC (bayonet style) embedded device connector. The BNC connector allows quick and easy attachment of various embedded device adapters (available separately).
|
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The TSC-3 is a multi-use serial interface cable and features a DB9 serial computer connector and a male BNC (bayonet style) embedded device connector. The BNC connector allows quick and easy attachment of various embedded device adapters (available separately).
|
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The CN008351-001 test clip adaptor, used in conjunction with a TSC-3 smart cable, was designed to interface various TDC and TPP applications with Argos only: GPS Store on Board, and GPS/Argos transmitter systems on most Windows based PCs. Two alligator clips to female BNC connector.
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The TSTR-4 provides transmit indication for Argos PTTs (401.650 MHz). Provides both a visual indicator and audio tone with each transmission. Operates on a standard 9 volt battery. Designed specifically for short range (2-3 feet) use with PTT.
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Related Links to Information on Other Websites
Argos System Manual
Getting started with Argos
Argos Publications
Argos Animal Tracking pages
Legacy Products
The information below is provided for individuals who are still deploying these older systems.
Some of the system information or limitations, information on frequency allocation or usage,
and/or comments made on "state of the art" may be time sensitive or even outdated. Please
contact Telonics if you have any questions about the information provided in this section.
Telonics still supports and refurbishes the following products but no longer sells them new:
TAV-2417,
TAV-2430,
TAV-2456
Service Commitment
Since 1970, Telonics has built a reputation based on product quality, product support, service,
and customer satisfaction. Telonics strives to produce the highest quality products, and to
support those products accordingly.
Because of extreme conditions and the unpredictable nature associated with most telemetry
applications, problems occasionally arise. Most problems can be resolved quickly. In all cases,
we hope to be able to work in partnership with users to resolve problems to the user's
satisfaction and to uphold our demonstrated commitment to excellence. If problems should arise,
all products must be returned to our factory for failure analysis.
Warranty: Argos Systems
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Telonics warrants its Argos products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for
the operational life of the unit up to a maximum of one year from the date acquired. Telonics
does not warrant batteries.
If a defect occurs, return the equipment to us within the proper time frame at the following
address: TELONICS, 932 E. IMPALA AVENUE, MESA AZ USA 85204-6699. The customer shall arrange for
and pay all shipping, insurance and related charges incurred in the shipment to and from Telonics
under this warranty. Damage to any equipment resulting from misuse, accidents, unauthorized
service, extreme conditions, or other causes, is excluded from this warranty. Telonics does not
assume responsibility for loss or damage to equipment during shipment. Telonics does not assume
responsibility for delays resulting from shipment on commercial or private carriers. We insure
all equipment shipped from our facility and suggest that shipments to Telonics also be insured.
Upon the timely return to our facility, if defective, the product will be replaced or repaired
at our discretion at no cost to the customer. This remedy is the exclusive remedy. This product is
supplied without any further warranties or conditions, expressed or implied, including warranties
of merchantability, quality or fitness for particular reason or those arising by laws, statutes or
trade usage or course of dealing.
The entire risk, as to the results and performance of the product, is assumed by the customer.
Neither Telonics, nor its suppliers, shall have any liability to the customer or any other person
or entity for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damage whatsoever, regardless
whether Telonics has been told of the possibility of such damages or that such damages might be
foreseeable. Telonics has no responsibility or liability for the claims of any third party. The
maximum aggregate to the customer, of Telonics and its suppliers, shall not exceed the amount paid
by the customer for the product.
