Telonics, Inc. Products - VHF Systems for Alligator, Crocodile and Caiman

Fig. 1
MOD-400 VHF system deployed on an alligator. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University Alligator Study.

Key Features

All MOD configurations have two configurable power levels to accommodate either greater range or greater life
Duty cycling to extend operational life
Mortality sensing option
Temperature triggered mortality in modes containing the MK-8 electronics
Activity monitoring option in models containing the MK-8 electronics

Models

Model	Dimensions (in, cm)	Canister Weight (g)	Life @60BPM Std Pow (months)	Life @60BPM Min Pow (months)	Transmitter Electronics	Transmitter Options
MOD-205	1.7 x 1.3 x 0.7 4.31 x 3.3 x 1.77	58	12.3	31.5	MK-8	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5
MOD-400	2.4 x 1.5 x 1.3 6.09 x 3.81 x 3.3	175	31.8	81.2	MK-8	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5

Photo Gallery

MOD-205 VHF system	MOD-400 VHF system	MOD-400 VHF system deployed on an alligator. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University Alligator Study.	MOD-400 VHF system deployed on an alligator. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University Alligator Study.	MOD-400 VHF system deployed on an alligator. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University Alligator Study.
MOD-400 VHF system deployed on an alligator. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University Alligator Study.	MOD-400 VHF system deployed on an alligator. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University Alligator Study.

Specifications for Transmitter Electronics

MK8 Transmitter General Specifications Show

The MK8 Transmitter is a single frequency, microprocessor controlled pulsed-CW transmitter, designed for operation in the 140 - 220 MHz frequency range.

Frequency Range

140 - 220 MHz

Frequency Tolerance

±17 ppm max @ 25°C
±25 ppm max -40°lC < Temp < +60°C
(<7ppm typical w/ variation in load impedance - 6:1VSWR)
(<3ppm typical over supply voltage range at room temperature)

Temperature Range

-40°C to +60 °C (Note: Temperature range is for the transmitter only. The power supply must provide the required peak current and voltage requirements for the transmitter over the expected temperature range.)

Shutdown Component

Externally shutdown by presence of a small magnet

Output Power

Output Power Option	Peak Power Output Levels Relative to Standard Power
Low	0.5 x
Standard	1 x
High	2 x
Extra high	5 x

RF Pulse Width

15 msec standard
Can optionally be configured from 12 - 255 msec

Pulse Period

Configurable from 200 - 10000 msec (6-300 Bpm)

Spurious Emissions

Non-coherent Spurs <-50 dBc

Harmonic Suppression

Coherent Spurs <-10 dBc

Available Sensors

Motion (Hg switch - activity/mortality) - options MS6, MA
Position (Hg switch - head up/head down) - option MS9
Temperature Triggered Mortality Sensor - option MS5
Temperature Measurement Sensor - MS4

Option	Resolution at standard center temperature of 37°C	Calibrated Accuracy
MS4-400	0.4 deg	±(0.6°C + cal. uncertainty*) ±20°C from center temperature
MS4-400	0.4 deg	±(0.9°C + cal. uncertainty*) ±40°C from center temperature
MS4-410	0.1 deg	±(0.15°C + cal. uncertainty*) ±10°C from center temperature

*(Note: "Cal. uncertainty" is the error inherent in the calibration procedure. This value is dependant on the end users calibration procedure and equipment accuracy. For example, if the calibration process measures temperature to within ±0.1°C, then the MK8 calibrated accuracy would be:
- For 0.4 deg resolution option
±(0.6deg + 0.1deg) = ±0.7degC (±20°C)
±(0.9deg + 0.1deg) = ±1.0degC (±40°C)

- For 0.1 deg resolution option
±(0.15deg + 0.1deg) = ±0.25degC (±10°C)

Seasonal Timing

8 factory programmable on-off duty cycles - option MDC
Typical timing accuracy of < ± 30 min/yr is reasonable for most applications
Chart reflects known error limits

Temperature (°C)	Error Limits (min/yr)
-40°C	~ -73 to -105 (extrapolated)
-20°C	-25 to -58
0°C	2.6 to -29
25°C	±16
50°C	2.6 to -29
70°C	-25 to -58

FCC Emission Designator

1k00P0N * California Users - The MK8 transmitter exceeds the emission designator requirement of 2k00P0N for operation in California. The MK8's 1k00P0N emission designator is identical to 2k00P0N except that it occupies only half of the 2 kHz bandwidth allowed by the State of California for wildlife tracking.

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.

Related Products

TR-5 Tracking Receiver
TR-4 Tracking Receiver

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: VHF Transmitting Subsystems Show

The VHF Transmitting Subsystem includes the following main components: internal digital and radio frequency electronics comprising the transmitter, power supply (battery), exterior packaging, transmitting antenna and attachment. A refurbished Subsystem is warranted as if the Subsystem was purchased new, unless otherwise stated.

Telonics warranties only the following with respect to the Subsystem:
1.1 The internal electronics (excluding batteries) 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 the rated operational life of the Subsystem (as recorded on the final test data sheet accompanying the unit), up to a maximum of three (3) years from the date of initial shipment of the Subsystem by Telonics.
1.2 The exterior packaging integrity of hermetically sealed subsystems are warranted for the full operational life of the Subsystem, up to a maximum of three (3) years from the date of initial shipment of the Subsystem by Telonics.
1.3 The exterior packaging integrity of polymerically sealed subsystems are warranted for the operational life of the Subsystem, up to a maximum of one (1) year from the date of initial shipment of the Subsystem by Telonics.

Limitations:
Although each Subsystem is supplied with a power supply in the form of a battery, Telonics does not manufacture batteries (electrochemical cells), and therefore cannot warranty the battery lifespan, mechanical integrity or other battery performance issues. However, Telonics conducts extensive testing of all types of electro-chemical subsystems to determine suitability to the application. Once an electrochemical system is chosen for a configuration, testing procedures are employed at Telonics to evaluate every individual battery that is installed in each transmitting subsystem. Even using these advanced testing procedures it is not possible to determine a specific battery's lifespan or mechanical integrity.

Telonics conducts tests to assure that each unit is transmitting at the power level selected by the user. Actual range performance is a system characteristic dependent upon numerous conditions including receiver sensitivity and noise figure, receiving antenna tuning and pattern, transmitter antenna integrity, line of sight conditions in the field, and vegetation and habitat conditions and other factors specific to individual study sites. Therefore it is not possible to warranty a minimum range that will be achieved for units deployed in the field.

"Packaging integrity" as applicable to 1.2 and 1.3 above, is limited to normal wear as encountered on the animal.

It is the purchaser's obligation to make certain that it orders the correct size and type of Subsystem for the particular type and size of animal that the Subsystem will be applied to, and 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.

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 Subsystem, 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. 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 Subsystems 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 Subsystem which is resold or otherwise transferred from the original purchaser to another party. The warranty will be extended to customers who purchase the Subsystem directly from a Telonics-authorized distributor.