Telonics, Inc. Products - VHF Avian Transmitters

Telonics avian transmitting subsystems utilize three distinct technologies offering researches a wide range of options for instrumenting different bird species ranging in size from 30 grams to several kilograms.

The TMU/H series offers fully packaging hermaticity. The transmitter, battery, and all interconnects are housed in brass housing similar to the packaging approach used for mammals. The antenna is exited from the configuration through a glass to metal hermetic feedthru. This technology provides the ultimate in proven water proofing technology for long term multi year applications.

The TMU/LB series of units use the same electronics and batteries as the TMU/H series however the packaging technology is polymeric. In most instances the new classes of polymers provide excellent water resistance for up to two years which often exceeds the projected operational life of these smaller configurations. A great advantage of the TMU/LB configurations is a very favorable operational life to weight ratio. The polymeric housing also offers a "softer interface" to the bird's body and avoids thermal issues associated with TMU/H systems using metal housings.

The TMU/CHP use the same packaging technology as the TMU/LB configurations but a lower power transmitter is employed. The CHP transmitter is matched to current delivery capabilities of the small batteries used in the configurations. These battery systems perform well at moderate temperatures but are limited on the low end to about freezing. The TMU/CHP allows the user to deploy high reliability units on smaller bird species that otherwise would not be able to be instrumented with the TMU or the TMU/LB configurations.

Various sensor options exist for different configurations including temperature sensing, activity sensing and mortality sensing. The proper implementation of these sensors can provide additional useful or even critical biological data.

There are numerous mounting techniques for most of the avian configurations with suitability to various species. Gluing is often used on passerines, necklaces are often used on grouse, backpack harness are often used on raptors, turkeys, and ducks, neckbands on geese, legbands on cranes and so on. The selection of a mounting technique has both biological implications and transmitter performance issues that must be considered. The handling of the dressing and length of the external antenna as well as the material thickness, weight, and construction will affect the durability and survivability of the antenna on the animal. The choice of the preferred mounting technique used for a specific species has often changed over time. Over the years, the influence of a specific mounting technique(s) on the species behavior has become better understood. We recommend that researchers check the literature and consult with colleagues on the suitability of a particular mounting technique for a specific species. In some cases, implant technology should be considered as opposed to an external mounting technique (see implantable transmitters-hot key).

Key Features

TMU series transmitting units are specifically designed for avian research.
Various packaging technologies are used to match operational life to the bird, deployment environment and study duration.
TMU/H and TMU/LB series units are microprocessor controlled and feature programmable duty cycles to extend life and customize the sensor technology to the research objectives.
TMU/H and TMU/LB series units have "typical" range performance of 1-5 km miles ground to ground, 5-25 km range ground to air and even better performance air to air*.
TMU/CHP series units match power output and operational life to the capabilities of small battery used to power these devices for optimal performance on small species of birds.
TMU/CHP series units are capable of providing "typical" ground to ground range performance of 0.5 to 1.0 km*.
Most units offer numerous attachment options designed to minimize impact of the device on normal bird behavior. Researchers can choose the most effective mounting technique for specific species.
Most configurations are able to withstand the hydrostatic pressures experienced during an underwater dive. Please call for details for applications on "deep-diving birds".

*All references to range performance can be dramatically affected by antenna length, behavior; habitats conditions, and assume a state of the art receiving subsystem. These references are not a guarantee but are provided to give "an idea" of the system performance.

Models

Hermetically Sealed Canister Systems

Configuration	Dimensions (in, cm)	Unit Weight (g)	Transmitter Electronics	Operational Life @ 60BPM, Std Pow (months)	Operational Life @ 60BPM, Low Pow (months)	Microprocessor Control Options	Species
TMU-040	1.4 x 0.5 3.6 x 1.3	14-16	MK8	0.7	1.8	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS4	great argus, peregrine falcon, american coot, boobie, barn owl, black-bellied whistling duck, clapper rail
TMU-050	2.2 x 0.7 5.6 x 1.7	27-30	MK8	7.5	19.2	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	ringneck pheasant, raptor, raven, brant, bald eagle, canada goose, blue grouse, sandhill crane, gull
TMU-073	1.25 x 1.1 x 0.4 3.2 x 2.8 x 1.0	21-22	uMK7	4.1	10.5	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS6	barn owl, black-faced spoonbill
TMU-075	1.3 x 0.7 x 0.9 3.3 x 1.8 x 2.3	29-31	MK8	4.1	10.5	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	chuckar
TMU-080	1.3 x 0.7 x 0.9 3.3 x 1.8 x 2.3	34-36	MK8	8.2	21	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	malleef owl, partridge, pheasant, turkey, hubera bustard, hawaiin goose, spoonbill
TMU-125	1.6 x 0.9 x 0.8 4.1 x 2.4 x 2.0	47-53	MK8	12.3	31.5	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	eagle, great bustard
TMU-205	1.7 x 1.3 x 0.7 4.3 x 3.2 x 1.8	54-58	MK8	12.3	31.5	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	ostrich, tawny fish owl, turkey, crested serpent eagle, goose, great blue heron, crane
TMU-225	1.75 x 1.3 x 0.75 4.4 x 3.3 x 1.9	80-85	MK8	20.6	52.5	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	canada goose
TMU-311	1.4 x 1.4 x 1.1 3.5 x 3.5 x 2.8	88	MK9	10.3	n/a	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	ostrich, tawny fish owl, turkey, crested serpent eagle, goose, great blue heron, crane
TMU-336	1.4 x 1.4 x 1.1 3.5 x 3.5 x 2.8	105	MK9	15.5	n/a	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	canada goose

LB Polymer Systems

Configuration	Dimensions (in, cm)	Unit Weight (g)	Transmitter Electronics	Operational Life @ 60BPM, Std Pow (months)	Operational Life @ 60BPM, Low Pow (months)	Microprocessor Control Options	Species
TMU/LB-35	1.68 x 0.8 x 0.5 4.26 x 2.03 x 1.27	14.5	MK8	4.1	10.5	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	pheasant, grouse, guinea fowl
TMU/LB-37	1.68 x 0.8 x 0.5 4.26 x 2.03 x 1.27	15	MK8	4.1	10.5	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	pheasant, grouse, guinea fowl
TMU/LB-38	1.68 x 0.8 x 0.5 4.26 x 2.03 x 1.27	14.5	MK8	4.1	10.5	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	pheasant, grouse, guinea fowl
TMU/LB-70	0.5 x 0.9 1.3 x 2.3	8	MK7	1.2	3	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	pheasant, grouse, guinea fowl
TMU/LB-420	2.7 x 1.4 x 1.4 6.9 x 3.4 x 3.4	135	MK8	28.6	46.2	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	ostrich, turkey
TMU/LB-421	2.7 x 1.4 x 1.4 6.9 x 3.4 x 3.4	135	MK9	17.9	30.2	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5	ostrich, turkey

CHP Systems

Configuration	Dimensions (in, cm)	Unit Weight (g)	Transmitter Electronics	Operational Life @ 60BPM, Std Pow (months)	Operational Life @ 60BPM, Low Pow (months)	Conventional Control Options
TMU/CHP-5P	1.34 x 0.52 x 0.27 3.41 x 1.32 x 0.69	6.8	CHP	8.5	13.6	S2
TMU/CHP-6P	0.90 x 0.52 x 0.27 2.28 x 1.32 x 0.69	3.7	CHP	4.2	6.8	S2
TMU/CHP-7P	0.73 x 0.35 x 0.27 1.85 x 0.89 x 0.69	2.2	CHP	1.6	2.7	S2
TMU/CHP-8P	0.80 x 0.32 x 0.15 2.03 x 0.81 x 0.37	1.2	CHP	0.7	1.1	S2

CHP Conventional Control Sensor Options

OPT. S2 Temperature Sensor. Sensor provides pulse rate which varies according to temperature within the transmitting subsystem. User specifies desired pulse rate at anticipated median temperature and approximate range of temperatures to be monitored. Pulse rate increases at higher temperatures and decreases at lower temperatures.

Specifications for Transmitter Electronics

MK8 Transmitter General Specifications
MK9 Transmitter General Specifications

VHF Transmitter Sensor Option Descriptions

MK8 Microprocessor Control Sensor Options Show

Opt. MDC MK8 Duty Cycles. Transmitters can be programmed to cycle through up to eight sequential time periods or "duty cycles" in order to extend transmitter life. Within each duty cycle, the transmitter can either be "on" or "off". Pulse rates can be uniquely defined for each "on" duty cycle. Each duty cycle can be defined from eight seconds to approximately 50 months in length. Duty Cycle timing begins at the moment the magnet is removed to initialize the transmitter. Upon completion of the last programmed Duty Cycle Period, the transmitter begins again at the first duty cycle.

Opt. MA Activity Sensor. Varies the pulse period depending on the relative activity level of the animal. A motion-sensitive switch detects animal movements and the microprocessor monitors changes in the state of the switch (open vs. closed). A user-defined evaluation time is established and the number of switch state changes is recorded by the microprocessor. The maximum number of state changes is limited to one per second by the software. The transmitter pulse period varies between two user-defined pulse periods. One pulse period corresponds to "no activity" and the other corresponds to a user-defined "maximum activity level". A graph supplied with the transmitter correlates activity level and pulse period.

Opt. MS4 Temperature Sensor. Monitors body temperature in proximity to the collar on the animal (pulse period varies with temperature). User may define the desired pulse period vs temperature characteristic of the transmitter (contact factory for details). Standard temperature resolution is approximately 0.4°C. Optional high-resolution circuitry provides approximately 0.1° C resolution.
The MS4 temperature sensor circuitry provides accurate temperature measurements, even when the transmitter cannot be recovered and recalibrated after period of data collection. This virtually eliminates calibration drifts due to aging and battery voltage changes over time.

Opt. MS5 Temperature-Triggered Mortality Sensor. This option determines a mortality event in an endothermic animal with a stable body temperature. Faster (mortality) pulse rate is triggered when body temperature drops below a user specified temperature. Note:
Pulse rate is returned to original rate if temperature rises back above the specified temperature. Consideration of the ambient temperature is a consideration in selection of the transition threshold. For example, temperature-controlled sensors would probably not be suitable in areas where high ambient temperatures would prevent rapid cooling of body after death. This option is often used in monitoring waterfowl mortality events where motion sensitive mortality sensors may not be applicable (e.g. where the body may continue to be rocked by waves on the surface of a lake). Available in all implant configurations. Please contact the laboratory to discuss implementation of this sensor before ordering.

Opt. MS6 Mortality-Motion Sensor. Provides "active or alive" or "inactive or dead" pulse period depending on activity state of the study animal. A motion-sensitive switch is incorporated in the unit to detect animal movements. The microprocessor continuously monitors the motion switch to determine when motion occurs. Once per second, the microprocessor increments an "activity counter" if motion was detected during the preceding one-second time period. This "activity counter" keeps a running total of the number of times motion was detected over a user-defined mortality evaluation time (8 sec to 6 days). The active pulse period is maintained as long as the number of switch closures in the mortality evaluation time is greater than the mortality threshold. If the number of switch closures falls below the established threshold, the unit produces the inactive period. A separate resurrection threshold allows the unit to return to the active pulse period if the number of activity counts during the mortality evaluation time exceeds the resurrection threshold. Note:
The microprocessor updates the active/inactive pulse period at intervals of 1/16th of the evaluation time. This means that after the "resurrection" threshold criterion is met, there will be a delay of up to 6.25% of the evaluation time before the transmitter reverts to the "active" pulse period. The same is true with the transition between "active" and "inactive" pulse periods. The actual time between cessation of motion and initiation of the "inactive/dead" pulse period can be up to 6.25% longer than the evaluation time.

Opt. MS9 Tip Switch Sensor. Transmits one of two different pulse rates depending on orientation of the transmitter. Usually designed to switch pulse rates as it passes through an angle of 0° (parallel to horizontal). Other switching angles may be selected with some configurations (factory set within 10°).** Typical uses include monitoring "head up" and "head down" positions.

MK9 Microprocessor Control Sensor Options Show

Opt. MS6 Mortality-Motion Sensor. Provides "active or alive" or "inactive or dead" pulse period depending on activity state of the study animal. A motion-sensitive switch is incorporated in the unit to detect animal movements. The microprocessor continuously monitors the motion switch to determine when motion occurs. Once per second, the microprocessor increments an "activity counter" if motion was detected during the preceding one-second time period. This "activity counter" keeps a running total of the number of times motion was detected over a user-programmable mortality evaluation time (128 sec to 6 days). The active pulse period is maintained as long as the number of switch closures in the mortality evaluation time is greater than the mortality threshold. If the number of switch closures falls below the established threshold, the unit produces the inactive period. A separate resurrection threshold allows the unit to return to the active pulse period. If the number of activity counts during the evaluation interval exceeds the resurrection threshold, the unit will immediately assume the active pulse period. Notes:
The microprocessor updates the "inactive" pulse period at intervals of 1/16th of the evaluation interval. This means that the actual time between cessation of motion and initiation of the "inactive/dead" pulse period could be up to 6.25% longer than the evaluation period.

Opt. MS9 Tip Switch Sensor. Transmits one of two different pulse rates depending on orientation of transmitter. Usually designed to switch pulse rates as it passes through an angle of 0° (parallel to horizontal). Other switching angles may be selected with some configurations (factory set within 10°).** Typical uses include monitoring "head "up" and "head down" positions. Note:
The MK9 transmitter integrates the time spent "head up" vs "head down" with ~0.5sec time constant. If the transmitter position changes rapidly with respect to the integration time constant, the resulting pulse period will be between the "head up" and "head down" pulse period, providing an indication of the average amount of time the transmitter spent in the two positions.

Opt. MDC MK9 Duty Cycles. Transmitters can be programmed for up to eight sequential time periods or "seasons", generally used to extend transmitter life. During each season, the transmitter may be "enabled" or "disabled". Timing is controlled by a Real-Time-Clock, allowing seasons to start and end on any desired calendar date and time, regardless of when the transmitter is initialized. Once the transmitter enters the last programmed "season", it continues to operate under the last season's parameters for the duration of the transmitter's lifetime.
Within each season, the transmitter may be programmed with an on/off "duty cycle" to further extend transmitter lifetime. Each on/off cycle can be defined in one hour increments from 1 hour to 255 hours (about 10.6 days).

MK9 Field-Programmable Transmitter Parameters Show

Attachment Options

Backpack Harnesses

Backpack harnesses are designed to position the Argos transmitter on the back of the bird between the wings. These harnesses generally work into the feather tracks and are secured on the breast. Various harness materials have been used including but not limited to soft leather strap, elastics or bungee cord, and 1/2- or 1/4-inch Teflon ribbon. The following backpack harness materials are available from Telonics.

Teflon Ribbon Harness Materials

MT-000555-001 Teflon ribbon harness material for small-bodied birds. Width: 0.25" (0.64 cm) Weight: 1.5g/foot. Priced per foot.

MT-000555-002 Teflon ribbon harness material for large-bodied birds. Width: 0.5" (1.3 cm). Weight: 3.0g/foot. Priced per foot.

Nylon Overbraided Harness Materials

MT-000435-001 Stainless Cable used in conjunction with nylon overbraided harness material MT-000468-001 for medium to large-bodied birds. Outside diameter: 0.15" (0.4 cm). Weight: 5.7g/foot. Provided with attachment hardware. Priced per foot.

MT-000468-001 Nylon overbraid harness material, without cable. Outside diameter: 0.15" (0.4 cm). Weight: 3.4g/foot. Priced per foot.

PE-000373-001 Crimping Tool. For use in attaching cable with nylon overbraid harness. (See "NOH" above)

Aprons, Bibs, and Ponchos

Aprons, bibs, and ponchos are designed to mount the transmitting subsystem on flat durable material such as "herculite". A hole is cut into the material to allow the bird's head to fit through; the material and the system is then draped over the neck. This kind of mount is often used successfully with Gallinaceous birds that be adversely impacted by a backpack harness. The antenna is dressed along the material and exits past the neck and then drapes over the back of the bird.

Necklaces

Necklaces are designed to be similar to apron mounts; however, the material used may make the final assembly more closely resemble a collar. In general, the necklace holds the transmitter closer to the neck as compared to an apron mount.

Patagial Mounts

Patagial mounts are designed such that the transmitting unit is on the wing of the bird. This technique is typically used on large, strong birds that soar such as vultures. The transmitter is glued or tied with suture to a soft durable strip of material such as "herculite". The material is wrapped around the patagium and riveted or glued. The transmitter is thereby positioned on the dorsal surface of the wing. The antenna is in the same orientation as the primary feathers. Neckbands are designed to mount the Argos transmitter on a standard-colored plastic neck band. These bands are used routinely by the federal and state agencies to color mark and number waterfowl. They are coiled and expand to fit around the neck. No fastener is used. Typically the antenna is glued to the plastic band in a manner that allows the antenna to be exited on the dorsal surface of the neck. A section of exposed antenna is often necessary to maintain the link with the satellite and this section of antenna is always more subject to damage/breakage than the portion of the antenna glued directly to the plastic band. If the external portion of the antenna is broken the link to the satellite can be lost. These bands are not available from Telonics and must be procured and provided by the researcher at time of order. There is a charge for mounting the unit on the band.

Legbands

Legbands are similar to the neckbands described above, but they tend to be smaller in diameter. Legbands are often used to mark long legged wading birds. They are typically mounted high on the leg and actually rest on the "knee". Weight is important because units that are too large can cause the band to wear against the skin of the knee joint. The exposed antenna is easily accessible by the bird and is therefore subject to preening and possible damage. As a final note, the antenna is positioned in a place where it may be submerged in the water and the link to the satellite is lost during this time period. These bands are not available from Telonics and must be procured by the researcher. There is a charge for mounting the unit on the band.

Tail Mounts

Tail mounts are used to directly attach the transmitting unit to one or two deck feathers of the bird's tail. This technique has the great advantage of using the natural molt of the bird's tail feathers as a breakaway mechanism. The units must be placed on hard pinned feathers and the antenna is often tied with surgical suture to the feather shaft. Clearly, timing of the attachment relative to the molt is an important consideration. Although the double feather mount is more stable and distributes the weight of the configuration over two feathers, there is always a concern that one feather will likely molt before the other, leaving the transmitting unit dangling from the remaining feather until it breaks at the shaft or pulls out.

Glue

Gluing the unit directly to the skin of the bird involves the use of cyanoacrylic glues (super glue). This technique minimizes the weight of the final configuration. There are no additional materials like harness material to contribute to the total weight of the final system. It should be noted that some bird species will remove a glued unit within a short time period.

Implantation

Implantation is a technique used to place the transmitting unit in the body cavity of the bird. The unit is coated in a physiological wax to minimize immunological reactions. This technique has the advantage that the unit is near the center of gravity: like a glued unit, there is no additional weight contributed by attachment devices. In species that do not wear external devices well, this may be the only practical means to instrument the animal. Unlike VHF telemetry implants, the technique is complicated by the need to exit the Argos antenna out of the body cavity in order to achieve a successful link to the satellite. The technique usually involves having the surgical implantation process done by a veterinarian that specializes in birds. This technique has been used successfully in the instrumentation of several species of sea ducks.

Avian Species VHF Systems (TMU)