The latest Telonics Argos Transmitter models represent a new generation of Argos systems designed
specifically for terrestrial mammal applications. The electronics and battery system are
integrated together and installed in a waterproof hermetically sealed brass housing that can be
mounted on collar. The electronics, battery and all the interconnections are completely protected
from moisture penetration and assure the longterm performance of the system. The antenna(s) is
exited through a glass to metal feedthru maintaining the hermaticity (waterproofing) of the unit.
All of the models contain a VHF beacon transmitter used to monitor the units during the course
of the study or to retrieve the units for refurbishment at the end of the study. The customized
collar mounted configurations are well suited for deployment and monitoring of terrestrial
mammals.
Key Features
- Powerful data collection and transfer capabilities allow the units to acquire,
queue, and transmit activity, temperature, mortality, and low voltage information.
- Real-time clock calendar (RTC) controls all timing functions.
- Flexible transmission schedules.
- Data compression is available when utilizing the Argos 31 byte message. Fewer
messages, and more data through.
- User Programmability allows changes in transmission, activity and temperature
schedules as well as Argos ID codes, uplink power levels and Argos frequencies.
- All data is Stored on Board (SOB) the unit and can be downloaded upon
retrieval.
- Units 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".
- 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) |
Canister Weight (g) |
Estimated Weight with Collar (g) |
Power Level (mW) |
Operational Life (hours) |
Temperature Range (°C) |
VHF Beacon Onboard |
| TAW-4210-2 |
2.78 x 1.8 x 1.42
7.0 x 4.5 x 3.5 |
210 |
325-600 |
500 (Typ) |
1248 |
-40 to +70 |
Yes |
| TAW-4213-2 |
2.78 x 1.8 x 1.42
7.0 x 4.5 x 3.5 |
210 |
325-600 |
800 (Typ) |
1032 |
-40 to +70 |
Yes |
| TAW-4313-2 |
2.9 x 2.3 x 2.0
7.4 x 5.8 x 5.1 |
340 |
600-1000 |
500 (Typ) |
3960 |
-40 to +70 |
Yes |
| TAW-4313H-2 |
2.9 x 2.3 x 2.0
7.4 x 5.8 x 5.1 |
340 |
600-1000 |
800 (Typ) |
2256 |
-40 to +70 |
Yes |
| TAW-4610-2 |
3.25 x 2.75 x 2.25
8.3 x 7.0 x 5.7 |
625 |
1000-1100 |
500 (Typ) |
7536 |
-40 to +70 |
Yes |
| TAW-4610H-2 |
3.25 x 2.75 x 2.25
8.3 x 7.0 x 5.7 |
625 |
1000-1100 |
800 (Typ) |
4200 |
-40 to +70 |
Yes |
| TAW-4710-2 |
4.25 x 2.7 x 2.3
10.9 x 6.9 x 5.8 |
875 |
1700-1900 |
500 (Typ) |
11208 |
-40 to +70 |
Yes |
| TAW-4710H-2 |
4.25 x 2.7 x 2.3
10.9 x 6.9 x 5.8 |
875 |
1700-1900 |
800 (Typ) |
6264 |
-40 to +70 |
Yes |
- Reduced power modules are available with approximately 22% increased life. 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
TAW-4xxx Specifications (Uses the µGPSI-22 System)
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| 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, 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: 400mW (+26dBm) or 500mW (+27dBm) nominal into 50 Ω (User
selectable using TPP programming software)
High Power Version (H): 800 mW (29 dbm) ±1db nominal into 50 Ω (User
selectable using TPP programming software)
Note 1: 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
The MK10 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.
|
Packaging/Housing Specifications
| TAW-4xxx Packing/Housing Specifications: |
Electronics are sealed in hermetic metal canisters containing the electronics, batteries, and all interconnects. Glass to metal feed-thru technology is used to exit antennas and power. This packing is hermetic and can be tested utilizing a helium leak bomb test for hermeticity to assure < 1 part in 106 atmospheric CC per second.
|
Collar Specifications
| TAW-4xxx Collar Designs: |
Collar designs are species specific.
|
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 Telonics Products
Argos Receivers and Receiving Antennas
Programmable Collar Releases
TPP - Telonics Product Programmer
TDC - Telonics Data Converter
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-3010,
A-3110,
A-3210,
A-3310,
A-3610,
TAW-4310, TAW-4310H
TAW-4210, TAW-4313, TAW-4313H, TAW-4610, TAW-4610H, TAW-4710, TAW-4710H
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 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.
