Key Features
- The TAM-26xx series provides a small, light weight package for smaller species or
juveniles. Data such as last dive time, dive count, maximum and average dive time, percentage
of time spent under water and temperature can be transmitted.
- The TAM-4xxx series utilizes a new hydrodynamic housing design. Data such as last
dive time, dive count, maximum and average dive time, percentage of time spent under water and
temperature can be transmitted. The TAM-4xxx series can also be configured with a pressure
transducer. Depth of a dive, profile of a single dive and percentage of time in user defined
depth layers are available. In addition to transmitting the data, they are also stored on
board the unit in non-volatile memory. The TAM-4xxx series supports a highly compressed
data transmission called page data. This series of units also support a VHF Tracking Beacon
incorportated inside the housing. The VHF transmitter shares the transmitting antenna with the
Argos transmitter.
- A micro-power saltwater switch (SWS) saves additional power and further extends the
operational life of the unit.
[ More information about saltwater switch:
Show
]
The SWS is critical to successful performance of an Argos marine unit. Because radio frequencies
are severely attenuated in salt water, any uplink transmissions while underwater are essentially
wasted. The SWS functions to suppress transmissions while the unit is submerged thereby saving
power. The SWS synchronizes uplink transmissions to resume at the precise time when a marine
animal actually breaks the sea surface following a dive. By transmitting immediately upon
resurfacing, the unit has the best chance of successfully getting uplink transmissions to
available orbiting NOAA satellites. Further, the SWS can be used to determine a haul-out
condition and shut down Argos transmissions during extended shore time to save additional energy.
- Real-time clock calendar (RTC) controls all timing functions.
- 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.
- Powerful data collection and transfer capabilities allow the units to acquire,
queue, and transmit temperatures and dive information.
- 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.
- Shutdown with a small magnet allows users to turn each of these configurations "on" or
"off". When turned "off", TAM-26xx series based units consume less than 5.3 µA,
and TAM-4xxx series based units consume less than 12 µA. Given these low current levels,
users can store their units for extended periods with minimal impact on operational life.
- Units can be refurbished to their original condition at the factory.
Models
Standard Argos Marine Models
| Model |
Dimensions (in, cm) |
Unit Weight (g) |
Onboard Memory for Data Logging |
Low power (mW) |
Number of Transmissions Low power |
Low power temp (°C) |
High power (mW) |
Number of Transmissions High power |
High power temp (°C) |
| TAM-2638 |
1.1 x 2.6 x 0.75
2.79 x 6.6 x 1.9 |
49 |
No |
150 (Typ) |
51840 |
-20 to +60 |
250 (Typ) |
39480 |
-20 to +60 |
| TAM-2639 |
1.3 x 2.6 x 1.2
3.2 x 6.6 x 3.0 |
90 |
No |
150 (Typ) |
205920 |
-20 to +60 |
250 (Typ) |
158400 |
-20 to +60 |
| TAM-4210-2 |
2.99 x 1.48 x 0.8
7.59 x 3.76x 2.03 |
74 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
53280 |
-40 to +70 |
500 (Typ) |
47520 |
-40 to +70 |
| TAM-4310-2 |
3.9 x 1.81 x 1.18
9.9 x 4.6 x 3.0 |
140 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
89280 |
-40 to +70 |
500 (Typ) |
74880 |
-40 to +70 |
| TAM-4410-2 |
4.65 X 2.56 X 1.26
11.8 x 6.5 x 3.2 |
248 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
213120 |
-40 to +70 |
500 (Typ) |
185760 |
-40 to +70 |
| TAM-4510-2 |
5.91 x 2.87 x 1.54
15.0 x 7.3 x 3.9 |
435 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
514080 |
-40 to +70 |
500 (Typ) |
450720 |
-40 to +70 |
The number of transmissions is based on a 4-byte Argos message during a one-year deployment at
25°C.
Models with Pressure/Depth of Dive Measurement Capability
| Model |
Dimensions (in, cm) |
Unit Weight (g) |
Onboard Memory for Data Logging |
Low power (mW) |
Number of Transmissions Low power |
Low power temp (°C) |
High power (mW) |
Number of Transmissions High power |
High power temp (°C) |
| TAM-4225-2 |
2.99 x 1.48 x 0.8
7.59 x 3.76 x 2.03 |
76 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
20760 |
-40 to +70 |
500 (Typ) |
18300 |
-40 to +70 |
| TAM-4325-2 |
3.9 x 1.81 x 1.18
9.9 x 4.6 x 3.0 |
148 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
35820 |
-40 to +70 |
500 (Typ) |
30060 |
-40 to +70 |
| TAM-4425-2 |
4.65 X 2.56 X 1.26
11.8 x 6.5 x 3.2 |
256 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
86400 |
-40 to +70 |
500 (Typ) |
74880 |
-40 to +70 |
| TAM-4525-2 |
5.91 x 2.87 x 1.54
15.0 x 7.3 x 3.9 |
443 |
Yes |
400 (Typ) |
208800 |
-40 to +70 |
500 (Typ) |
182880 |
-40 to +70 |
The number of transmissions is based on 31-byte Argos messages transmitted during a one-year
deployment at 25°C.
Specifications: Electronic and Packaging
TAM-26xx ST-26 Specifications (Uses the Argos Certified Transmitter)
Show
| 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, Temperature, Low Voltage, Dive Data
|
| 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)
|
| TAM-26xx Packing/Housing Specifications: |
Designed for application on most pinnipeds and most marine turtles. Units are enclosed
in a polymeric casting to withstand pressures of 1000 psi. The external casting shell is
of a contoured design to minimize hydrodynamic drag. Saltwater switches are installed in
the housing to allow the unit to detect diving behaviors. The Argos antenna assembly
employs a strain-relief to avoid breakage.
|
TAM-4xxx Specifications (Uses the µGPSI-22 System)
Show
| Timing Accuracy: |
Timing is synchronized to GPS time when available. If the GPS time is not then internal
timing accuracy is:
6 min/year at 25° C
30 min/yr -20 to +40° C
47 min/yr -40 to +70° C
|
| Available Sensors: |
Mortality, Temperature, Low Voltage, Dive Data
|
| 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: |
400mW (+26dBm) or 500mW (+27dBm) 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)
|
| Available VHF Frequency Options: |
Option 705 140-154 MHz;
Option 707 144-158 MHz;
Option 715 154-171 MHz;
Option 720 160-177 MHz;
Option 740 174-192 MHz;
Option 750 191-210 MHz;
Option 760 210-237 MHz
Note: The frequency can be programmed in 100Hz steps within a given frequency range.
|
| VHF Frequency Stability: |
Better than ±3ppm at room temperature;
±5 ppm total tolerance over full temperature range
|
| VHF Operating Temperature: |
-40° to + 70°C
|
| VHF Pulse Width: |
Programmable (10 to 250 msec)
|
| VHF Pulse Period: |
Programmable (560 to 5000 msec)
Period 1 (normal tracking mode)
Inactive period (if no motion for selected time)
|
| Available VHF Sensors: |
Mortality Sensor (parameters are user programmable)
|
| VHF Transmitter Timing: |
Programmable seasons and duty cycles.
|
| VHF Power Output: |
Programmable Medium/High power (measured into 50 Ω load).
Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) varies, depending on packaging, antenna
configuration, and immediate environmental conditions. * California Users: This
transmitter meets the California requirement of EIRP <0.009W for all configurations.
|
| VHF Emission Designator: |
2k00P0N
|
| VHF Harmonic Suppression: |
Better than 30dB (>40 dB typical)
|
| VHF Spurious Emissions: |
<-35 dBc at 10kHz offset from carrier
|
| VHF Frequency: |
Aging: <2ppm/yr
Shock: <1ppm 3000g x 0.3ms x ½ sine x 3 directions
|
| VHF VSWR: |
RF output stable to 10:1 VSWR, all phases
Radiated harmonic levels are degraded with poor load VSWR.
Spurious emission specification maintained for >10:1 VSWR
|
| VHF Programming: |
Transmitter parameters programmable via antenna "1-pin" interface and Telonics TPP
PC software.
|
| TAM-4xxx Packing/Housing Specifications: |
Designed for application on most pinnipeds and most marine turtles. Units are enclosed
in a polymeric casting to withstand pressures of 1000 psi. The external casting shell is
of a contoured design to minimize hydrodynamic drag. Saltwater switches are installed in
the housing to allow the unit to detect diving behaviors. The Argos antenna assembly
employs a strain-relief to avoid breakage.
|
Related Products
 |
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.
|
 |
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.
|
 |
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).
|
 |
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).
|
 |
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.
|
 |
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.
|
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:
A-118,
A-119,
A-210,
A-225,
A-410,
A-425,
A-1010,
A-1025,
A-2010,
A-2025
A-1010B, A-2010B, A-1025B, A-2025B
TAM-2618, TAM-2619
TAM-4310, TAM-4410, TAM-44510, TAM-4325, TAM-4425, TAM-4525
Key Features
- The A-xxx series data as last dive time, dive count, maximum and average dive
time, percentage of time spent under water and temperature can be transmitted. In addition,
the A-xxx series can also be configured with a pressure transducer. Depth of a dive, profile
of a single dive and percentage of time in user defined depth layers are available.
A-xxxx Specifications (Uses the ST-21 Argos Certified Transmitter)
Show
| 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:
450mW (+26.5dBm ±2dB) or 630mW (+28.0dBm ±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)
|
| A-xxxx Packing/Housing Specifications: |
Designed for application on most pinnipeds and most marine turtles. Units are enclosed
in a polymeric casting to withstand pressures of 1000 psi. The external casting shell is
of a contoured design to minimize hydrodynamic drag. Saltwater switches are installed in
the housing to allow the unit to detect diving behaviors. The Argos antenna assembly
employs a strain-relief to avoid breakage.
|
Telonics no longer supports or refurbishes the following products:
ST-18 and ST-14 PTTs for Mammals and Turtles
ST-15 PTT for Cetacean Research
ST-15 PTT for Walrus
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
Show
Telonics warrants its Argos products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a
period 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.
