Environmental Research,
and Special Applications
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Quality Electronics for Wildlife, Environmental Research, and Special Applications |
Fig. 1. A-119 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 x 2.6 x 1.2 in 3.2 x 6.6 x 3.0 cm |
90 | No | 160 (Typ) | 2748 | -25 to +60 | 250 (Typ) | 2140 | -20 to +60 |
The A-119 Telonics Argos Transmitter is a highly versatile Argos Data Collection and Location Platform designed for research on marine mammals and turtles. This model is best suited to an application where an extremely long operational life is required and an intermediate sized unit can be employed. The Argos ST-24 transmitter used in this model allows the user to select (program) the transmission power level to 160 mw or 250 mw. The small size is made possible by pairing the microminiaturized ST-24 electronics with an advanced energy-dense electrochemical system designed for military applications. The unique design of this battery makes it possible to directly supply the pulse currents required by ST-24 during the transmission of an Argos uplink message.
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-119 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-119 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-119 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-119 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-119 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.
Saltwater Switch (SWS) The SWS functions to:
Temperature Sensor: Measures temperature between -40 to +70°C, ±1°C (typical) 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-119 is designed for attachment to marine turtles and marine mammals.
The A-119 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-119 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 | 1.3 x 2.6 x 1.2 in 3.2 x 6.6 x 3.0 cm |
| Weight | 90 grams |
| Pressure Sensor | No |
| Antenna Length | 7.0 in 178 mm |
| Electronics | ST-24 |
| Power Source | Lithium Cell |
| Low Power Level | 160 (Typ) mW 22 ±2 dbm |
| Low Power Life | 2748 hours |
| Low Power Operating Temperature | -25 to +60 °C |
| High Power Level | 250 (Typ) mW 24 ±2 dbm |
| High Power Life | 2140 hours |
| High Power Operating Temperature | -20 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.
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.
Telonics manufactures and offers for sale electronic assemblies for OEM applications. These packages and assemblies are designed to be integrated into complete systems with appropriate power supplies, packaging and in some cases user hardware and firmware.
Telonics warranties only the following with respect to the Subsystem:
1.1 The electronics assemblies are warranted to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship and to perform to the operational specifications over
the specified operating temperature range as published by Telonics for one year
from date of purchase.
Limitations:
Telonics warranties only the electronic assembly that is provided to the purchaser.
It is the purchaser's obligation to make certain that they order the correct size and type of electronic assembly for the application. No warranty is expressed or implied for any failure to meet operational specifications due in whole or in part to use of an incorrect size or type of Subsystem.
The user bears all responsibility for selection of the appropriate power supply, packaging and pressure and water proofing of the final subsystem.
In applications where the purchaser must supply firmware control over an electronics module, the purchaser is fully responsible for assuring proper integration and testing of the final subsystem.
No warranty is expressed or implied with regard to abnormal events or damage due to human actions such as gunshot damage, vehicle encounters, etc. Further, no warranty is expressed or implied with regard to damage resulting from misuse, accidents, unauthorized service, extreme conditions, or other causes not specifically enumerated herein.
The entire risk, as to the results and performance of the electronic assembly, 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. Telonics' and its suppliers' maximum aggregate liability shall not exceed the amount paid by the customer for the Subsystem.
Exercising the Warranty
If a defect occurs, return the Subsystem to Telonics within the applicable time
frame noted above at the following address: TELONICS, 932 E. IMPALA AVENUE, MESA
AZ USA 85204-6699. Electronic assemblies must be returned to Telonics in the
configuration they are were in when shipped to the purchaser. Assemblies should
be returned without any customer hardware or packaging and with the original
interface connectors supplied by Telonics. 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. Customer shall arrange for and pay
all shipping, insurance and related charges incurred in the shipment of electronic
assembly to and from Telonics under this warranty.
Upon the timely return to our facility within the applicable time frame noted above, if the exterior packaging integrity and/or internal electronics (excluding batteries) are defective, the Subsystem will be replaced or repaired, at Telonics' sole discretion, at no cost to the customer, other than shipping charges. 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 above warranty extends only to the original purchaser and does not cover any electronics assembly which is resold or otherwise transferred from the original purchaser to another party. The warranty will be extended to customers who purchase the electronic assemblies directly from a Telonics-authorized distributor.