Telonics, Inc. Products - A-3210 Argos Transmitter

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information on frequency allocation or usage, and/or comments made on "state of the art" may be time sensitive or even outdated.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.

Size	Canister Weight (g)	Low power (mW)	Low power life (hours)¹	Low power temp (°C)	High power (mW)	High power life (hours)¹	High power temp (°C)	VHF Beacon Onboard
2.0 x 1.6 x 1.9 5.0 x 4.0 x 4.8	663	500 (Typ)	1427	-20 to +60	1000 (Typ)	631	+17 to + 60	Yes

Telonics designed the A-3210 configuration specifically for terrestrial species.

Key Features

Operational life is extended by a factor of three 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.
User programmability allows researchers to reprogram units in the field and change their role and mission.
- On-board sensors can be activated or deactivated in the field. 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 can be refurbished to their original condition at the factory.
Shutdown with a small magnet allows users to turn a unit "on" or "off". When turned "off", this model consumes about 8 μA. Given this low quiescent current level, users can store their units for extended periods with minimal impact on operational life.

Operational Life Information

Fig. 2

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-3210 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-3210 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

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-3210 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 60 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).

Programmable Features

The A-3210 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-3210 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.

Programmable Transmission Parameters

ID code: Any valid 20-bit or 28-bit Argos ID code
Repetition period: 5 to 3600 seconds, as authorized by Argos
Seasons: Up to 32 intervals of time (1 day to 100 years, in 1 day increments) in which on periods occur
Frequency: 401.618 MHz to 401.680 MHz, as authorized by Argos
Transmission power level of 500 mw

Sensors and Data Collection Programming

Saltwater Switch (SWS) The SWS functions to:

determine when the unit (animal) is diving by establishing a qualified dive and suppress transmissions during the duration of the dive. A qualified dive occurs after the duration of the dive exceeds a user-determined time period (usually a few seconds). The qualification period distinguishes between "splashes" and "real" dives.
calculate dive information during a user-specified time interval. The information can include the number of dives, maximum dive time, average dive time, and/or total time underwater during the sampling interval.
provide individual dive durations.
determine a "haul-out" condition and shut down Argos uplink transmissions after a user-determined time interval has elapsed to conserve battery life.

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.

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.

Configuration Options

Color Options

Black, Blue, Brown, Gray, Olive Drab Green (standard if not designated), Orange, Red, White, Yellow

Collar Options

Standard collars (static)

Specifications

Mechanical

Size	2.0 x 1.6 x 1.9 5.0 x 4.0 x 4.8
Weight	663 grams
Antenna Length	UNK UNK mm

Electrical

Electronics	ST-20RF
Power Source	Lithium Cell
Low Power Level	500 (Typ) mW 27 ±2 dbm
Low Power Life¹	1427 hours
Low Power Operating Temperature	-20 to +60 °C
High Power Level	1000 (Typ) mW 30 ±2 dbm
High Power Life¹	631 hours
High Power Operating Temperature	+17 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)	8 µA
Spurious emissions	-45 dB
VHF beacon onboard	Yes

1. 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.

Related Products

TSUR-400 Argos Receiver
ST-20RF Argos Electronics
CR-2a Collar Release

Related Software

Telonics Product Programmer

Technical Notes

Argos System Background

Regulatory Information

ST-20 Argos Certification
FCC Form 422 Sample

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.

A-3210 Argos Transmitter