Telonics, Inc. Products - VHF Transmitters, Standard

MOD-600, MOD-500, MOD-400 and MOD-315
Four fully configured models designed for terrestrial applications.

Telonics' standard line of VHF transmitters have a long history of successful performance on animals in difficult environments. The reliable packaging technology Telonics uses when manufacturing these transmitters greatly contributes to this success. Hermetically sealing the transmitter, battery and interconnects into a single hermetically sealed canister is an approach which virtually eliminates the possibility of moisture penetration into the package - this is the same technology used in the space program for maintaining high performance electronics in harsh environments. Using hermetic packaging technology, there is no problem with moisture penetration after years of deployment unless the canister is completely crushed. Even in difficult environments, such as applications involving marine mammals at great depths, Telonics provides external and internal castings that help prevent such damage. No polymeric packaging technology offers this level of reliability. All of Telonics' standard VHF transmitters are microprocessor-controlled and include various data-gathering capabilities.

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
Field programmability available in units containing the MK-9 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-210	1.7 x 1.3 x 0.7 4.31 x 3.3 x 1.77	75	16.4	42	MK-8	MS6, MA, MS9, MS2, MS4, MS5
MOD-225	1.7 x 1.3 x 0.7 4.31 x 3.3 x 1.77	85	20.6	52.5	MK-8	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5
MOD-305	1.4 x 1.4 x 1.1 3.55 x 3.55 x 2.79	83	12.3	31.5	MK-8	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5
MOD-306	1.4 x 1.4 x 1.1 3.55 x 3.55 x 2.79	83	7.7	Not Available	MK-9	MS6, MS9, MDC
MOD-310	1.4 x 1.4 x 1.1 3.55 x 3.55 x 2.79	88	16.4	42	MK-8	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5
MOD-311	1.4 x 1.4 x 1.1 3.55 x 3.55 x 2.79	88	10.3	Not Available	MK-9	MS6, MS9, MDC
MOD-315	1.4 x 1.4 x 1.1 3.55 x 3.55 x 2.79	100	20.6	52.5	MK-8	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5
MOD-316	1.4 x 1.4 x 1.1 3.55 x 3.55 x 2.79	100	10.4	Not Available	MK-9	MS6, MS9, MDC
MOD-335	1.4 x 1.4 x 1.1 3.55 x 3.55 x 2.79	105	24.7	63	MK-8	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5
MOD-336	1.4 x 1.4 x 1.1 3.55 x 3.55 x 2.79	105	12.5	Not Available	MK-9	MS6, MS9, MDC
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
MOD-401	2.4 x 1.5 x 1.3 6.09 x 3.81 x 3.3	175	19.9	Not Available	MK-9	MS6, MS9, MDC
MOD-500	2.7 x 2.0 x 1.4 6.85 x 5.08 x 3.55	265	75.9	194	MK-8	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5
MOD-501	2.7 x 2.0 x 1.4 6.85 x 5.08 x 3.55	265	47.6	Not Available	MK-9	MS6, MS9, MDC
MOD-515	2.7 x 2.0 x 1.4 6.85 x 5.08 x 3.55	352	74	163.6	MK-8	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5
MOD-550	4.1 x 1.5 diam 10.41 x 3.81 diam	250	75.9	194	MK-8	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5
MOD-551	4.1 x 1.5 diam 10.41 x 3.81 diam	250	47.6	Not Available	MK-9	MS6, MS9, MDC
MOD-600	3.0 x 2.7 x 1.9 7.62 x 6.85 x 4.82	485	151.8	388	MK-8	MS6, MA, MS9, MDC, MS4, MS5
MOD-601	3.0 x 2.7 x 1.9 7.62 x 6.85 x 4.82	485	95.3	Not Available	MK-9	MS6, MS9, MDC

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.

MK9 Transmitter General Specifications Show

The MK9 Transmitter is a single frequency, microprocessor controlled pulsed-CW transmitter, designed for operation in the 140 - 220 MHz frequency range.

Frequency Range

145-160 MHz, 160-175 MHz, 175-190 MHz, 210-230 MHz
The MK9 can generally be programmed in 10 kHz steps within a given frequency range (e.g. 148.010 - 148.020 MHz). Intermediate steps may be available - contact factory for details.

Frequency Tolerance

Better than ±25 ppm over temperature and voltage range

Temperature Range

-30 to + 50°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 controllable by presence of a small magnet

Output Power

Programmable standard/ high power (1x/ 2x measured into 100Ω load).

Output Power Option	Peak Power Output Levels Relative to Standard Power
Low	Not Available
Standard	1 x
High	2 x
Extra high	Not Available

RF Pulse Width

Configurable from 15 - 250 msec

Pulse Period

Configurable from 400 - 2000 msec (30-150 Bpm)

Spurious Emissions

<-40 dBc at frequency offset > 10 kHz from carrier

Harmonic Suppression

Better than 30 dB (>40 dB typical)

Available Sensors

Option MS6 - Mortality Sensor (parameters are user programmable)
Option MS9Tip Switch (head up/head down - user programmable)

Seasonal Timing

Option MDC - 8 programmable seasons, 8 programmable on-off duty cycles within each season. Programmable real-time clock control seasons and duty cycles. Programming can be completed at the factory or in the field with the purchase of software. 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 MK9 transmitter exceeds the emission designator requirement of 2k00P0N for operation in California. The MK9'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.

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-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 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).

VHF Systems, Medium to Large Size Species (MOD)