Quality Electronics for Wildlife,
Environmental Research,
and Special Applications
Environmental Research,
and Special Applications
|
|
Quality Electronics for Wildlife, Environmental Research, and Special Applications |
|
|
|
www.telonics.com / products / argosMarine / A-1025.php |
Page last updated on Wednesday August 24, 2011 |
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information on frequency allocation or usage, and/or comments made on "state of the art" may be time sensitive or even outdated.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 on this page.
Fig. 1. A-1025 Argos Marine Transmitter.
| Size | Unit Weight (g) |
Pressure Sensor | Low power (mW) |
Low power life (hours)1 |
Low power temp (°C) |
High power (mW) |
High power life (hours)1 |
High power temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 x 4.85 x 1.23 in 6.0 x 12.3 x 3.1 cm |
331 | Yes | 500 (Typ) | 1874 | -30 to +60 | 1000 (Typ) | 739 | -30 to +60 |
The A-1025 Telonics Argos Transmitter is a highly versatile Argos Data Collection and Location Platform designed for research on marine mammals and turtles. This model can be programmed to transmit either a 500 mw or 1 watt Argos uplink. The higher power levels are particularly advantageous in high radio-noise environments such as Europe and the Middle East. The lithium battery system employed in this model is "nonhazardous". Therefore, domestic and international shipments can use standard ground and air carriers without restriction.
The A-1025 is equipped with a pressure transducer to measure subsurface pressures and calculate depth of dive information. These data can be accumulated and transmitted as a detailed dive profile(s) to characterize an individual dive(s). Alternatively, these data can be sampled over a user defined time interval, i.e. 4 hour, to characterize the percent of time spent within a particular depth layer(s). Other information such as maximum depth of dive can also be obtained. As with all on board sensors the data collection regimes and transmission formats can be programmed at Telonics or by the researcher using the Telonics Product Programmer (TPP).
Fig. 2. The graph provides a means to evaluate the total number of 4-byte Argos messages that can be transmitted (or "uplinked") by the A-1025 given a specified operational lifetime. Both low power and high power operational life predictions are shown for comparison. The transmissions can be scheduled as per user requirements using the A-1025 scheduler. The repetition rate, daily and seasonal duty cycles can be modified as required to meet study design. Modifications of these operational parameters can be made at the factory or by the researcher using the Telonics Product Programmer (TPP).
Fig. 3. This graph is related to Fig. 2. The graph provides a means to evaluate the total number of hours a 4-byte Argos message can be transmitted (or "uplinked") by the A-1025 given a specified operational lifetime. Both low power and high power options are shown for comparison. The hours of transmission can be scheduled as per user requirements. The Argos repetition period used to generate this graph is 45 seconds. Daily and seasonal duty cycles can be modified as required to meet study design. Modifications of these operational parameters can be made at the factory or by the researcher using the Telonics Product Programmer (TPP).
The A-1025 can be fully programmed at Telonics per the user's instructions so it arrives ready for deployment. Alternatively, researchers can choose to construct the data collection scheme and transmission parameters at their laboratory. Field programming the A-1025 can be done at any time prior to deployment.
TPP, the Telonics Product Programmer, is a software utility that allows the user to customize and program the unit's role and mission. TPP software is available by clicking here. The TPP demonstration software allows researchers to evaluate programming functions and data collection capabilities for all supported transmitter models for 30 days. The demonstration version of TPP is fully functional with the exception that it does not support actual programming of hardware. Users can purchase the "software key" to convert their demo version into a fully operational program.
Pressure (Depth of Dive) Sensor:
Saltwater Switch (SWS) The SWS functions to:
Temperature Sensor: Measures temperature between -40 to +70°C, ±1°C accuracy.
Low Voltage Sensor: Determines the battery condition by measuring the battery voltage during transmission.
Two additional data collection options exist but, are not specifically designed for marine applications. There may be instances where specific research designs may use these options.
Activity Sensor: Determines animal activity level based on animal movement measured within a specified interval.
Mortality Sensor: Infers whether or not the animal is dead by comparing the animal activity level to a specified threshold.
Fig. 5. The drawings depict the various antenna exit angle options available: Option 500 exits at 0 degrees, Option 501 exits at 45 degrees , Option 502 exits at 90 degrees (Option 502 is the default option that is installed if no other option is specified). Option 503 exits the antenna at an angle that is most suitable to dorsal fin mounts. The SWS position options are also shown: Option 541 places the switch on the "front" of the unit (and is the default option that is installed if no other option is specified). Option 542 places the switch on "top" of the unit and must be specified at time of order. Option 543 is available only when antenna option 503 is specified.
Option 101: Olive drab Green (standard if not designated)
Option 102: Black
Option 103: White
Option 104: Yellow
The A-1025 is designed for attachment to marine turtles and marine mammals.
The A-1025 can be attached to "hard shelled" turtles using accepted methods that employ fiberglass strips and an epoxy resin to directly secure the unit to the carapace. Descriptions of successful techniques and accepted materials are described in the biological literature. As a cautionary note, highly exothermic epoxies should be avoided as excessive heat generated during the curing process of the resin can result in damage to the turtle's lungs. Please consult the appropriate literature or work with researchers who have successfully applied units with this attachment procedure.
Turtles that do not have hard shells can be successfully instrumented using various harnessing techniques. Once again please consult current literature and experienced individuals who have successfully instrumented these animals using harnessing techniques.
The A-1025 configuration can be attached to these mammals using a variety of attachment techniques depending upon the animals under study. Please consult the biological literature and consult directly with experienced individuals who have successfully instrumented these species to assure that appropriate techniques are utilized.
Pinnepeds: Pinnepeds can be instrumented by "epoxying" or "gluing" the unit using a cyanoacrylic ("super glue") directly to the hair. Units are typically positioned on the head or back to assure exposure during surfacing. The attachment, when properly applied, can last until the animal undergoes a normal molt.
For longer-term attachment, flipper mounts can be used; however, it is often difficult to obtain Argos locations at sea using this technique, as the flipper may not always break the surface.
Cetaceans: Dolphins and small whales that can be captured and physically restrained during the instrumentation process typically utilize various forms of dorsal fin mounts.
Large cetaceans that cannot be restrained for the instrumentation process typically use a remote delivery system. The unit deployed is part of a projectile that is implanted into the blubber layer leaving only the antenna exposed. This model is probably not appropriate for remote delivery systems.
| Size | 2.4 x 4.85 x 1.23 in 6.0 x 12.3 x 3.1 cm |
| Weight | 331 grams |
| Pressure Sensor | Yes |
| Antenna Length | 7.0 in 178 mm |
| Electronics | ST-20RF |
| Power Source | Lithium Cell |
| Low Power Level | 500 (Typ) mW 27 ±2 dbm |
| Low Power Life | 1874 hours |
| Low Power Operating Temperature | -30 to +60 °C |
| High Power Level | 1000 (Typ) mW 30 ±2 dbm |
| High Power Life | 739 hours |
| High Power Operating Temperature | -30 to +60 °C |
| Argos Transmission Frequency | 401.618 to 401.680 MHz |
| Modulation (BPSK) | -1.1 to +1.1 ±0.1 radians |
| Quiescent current (typical) | 3 µA |
| Spurious emissions | -45 dB |
1. Operational life expectancy is based on a continuous series of transmissions of a 4-byte Argos message at a 45-second repetition rate at 25°C.
TSUR-400 Argos Receiver
ST-20RF Argos Electronics
Argos System Manual
Getting started with Argos
Argos Publications
Argos Animal Tracking pages
ST-24 Argos Certification
FCC Form 422 Sample
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.
