Programmable Collar Releases
A release mechanism is often desirable on collars because it means collars can be recovered without having to recapture an animal and/or that an animal does not need to wear the collar for the remainder of its life. "Release" mechanisms can be constructed from degradable or breakable links; however, materials degrade or are subject to breakage at drastically variable times depending on species, habitat and other factors. Telonics currently offers two microprocessor-controlled programmable release mechanisms that provide reliable release at a precise time, the CR-5 and CR-7. (The CR-2A was discontinued in Fall 2018; though some information regarding it is still provided below)
The CR-5 can be installed onto a 2-inch or wider Telonics wildlife tracking collar.
The CR-7 can be installed on 1.5-inch wide Telonics collars.
Release date and time are normally programmed by Telonics at the time of purchase. Alternatively, the user can program or re-program the releases through use of a computer, interface cable/adapter (see Related Products below), and the appropriate programming software (BCP-2 for the discontinued CR-2a, and TPP-CR for CR-5 or CR-7).
The CR-5 and CR-7 each are available in two versions. The CR-5B and CR-7B can release via user command when paired with a specific Telonics GPS/Iridium collar in the TGW-4x77-4 or TGW-4x78-4 series. The CR-5A and CR-7A versions do not have this feature.
Telonics collar releases have been designed to be able to withstand shock, temperature, and moisture conditions experienced on terrestrial wildlife applications.
The releases can be placed in a storage mode. In such cases, the release date needs to be programmed and the safety turned off prior to deployment.
The left picture above shows that collar releases can either be "imbedded in the collar" as shown with the CR-5 on the collar on the left, where standard collar hardware is used to attach the collar; or to "replace the collar hardware" as shown with the CR-7 on the collar on the right. When used to replace the collar hardware the long end of the collar must be precisely cut when placing the collar on an animal to butt against but not bind on the release end (right picture above). The "replace the collar hardware" option is sometimes required with smaller collar circumferences.
Specifications
Operational
| Minimum operating temperature | -40° C |
|---|---|
| Maximum operating temperature | 60° C |
| Operational life | 5 years |
| Accuracy, typical | 13 minutes per year |
| Accuracy, worst-case | 110 minutes per year |
Mechanical
| CR-5 | CR-7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 50 g | 35 g |
| Dimensions | 2.0 x 1.7 x 0.6 inches 5.0 x 4.3 x 1.6 cm | 1.4 x 1.4 x 0.6 inches 3.7 x 3.6 x 1.6 cm |
Accessory Kits for CR-2a, CR-5 and CR-7
Accessory kits and collar hardware kits are needed for users that prefer to install the releases onto the collars themselves.
These kits are not needed if releases are programmed and installed onto collars at Telonics.
CM007049-001 Accessory Kit for CR-2a Collar Release
This kit services approximately 25 CR-2a units.
| Quantity | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Syringe |
| 10cc | Silicone Lubricant, loaded in syringe |
| 25 | Shunt, Conductive Elastomer, for CR-2a programming pins Note: These shunts are for use with the CR-2a ONLY. DO NOT USE WITH THE CR-5. |
| 25 | Rectangular Adhesive Label |
| 1 | Allen Wrench |
| 25 | Plug, programming port |
| 2 | Quilter's pin for use in removal of port plug |
CM009680-001 Accessory Kit for CR-5 Collar Release
This kit services approximately 25 CR-5 units.
| Quantity | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Syringe |
| 10cc | Silicone Lubricant, loaded in syringe |
| 25 | Rectangular Adhesive Label |
| 1 | Allen Wrench |
| 25 | Plug, programming port |
| 2 | Pin, Quilter's |
CM009703-001 Accessory Kit for CR-7 Collar Release
This kit services approximately 25 CR-7 units.
| Quantity | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Syringe |
| 10cc | Silicone Lubricant, loaded in syringe |
| 25 | Adhesive covers for programming port |
| 1 | Allen Wrench |
Hardware/Installation Kits for User Attachment of CR-2a, CR-5 and CR-7
Customer installation of the CR-2a, CR-5 or CR-7 requires one hardware kit for each release mechanism to be installed on a collar. The choice of hardware is based on the collar width (2" or greater using the CR-2a or CR-5 kits, and 1.5" using the CR-7 kits), and the thickness of the collar material. Please select from the hardware defined below.
CR-2a and CR-5 Hardware Kits
Each of these contains the following items, with the differences between the kits being the length of the cap screws.
| Quantity | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Size #1 Collar Clamp Bottom Plate with 1-1/4" studs (HD000460-013) |
| 1 | CR-2a/CR-5 Hardware Plate |
| 2 | Nylock Nut |
| 2 | Cap Screw, Socket/Flat Head, Self-Locking (length as indicated in individual kits) |
HD007327-001 CR-2a/CR-5 Hardware Kit
Includes 1/2" screws for collars made from 1/16" material on 1/8" collar material (standard on most large mammal collars).
HD007327-002 CR-2a/CR-5 Hardware Kit
Includes 9/16" screws for collars made from 1/8" over 1/8" collar material (as frequently used on some large carnivores).
HD007327-003 CR-2a/CR-5 Hardware Kit
Includes 3/8" screws for collars made from 1/16" on 1/16" material (as used on some smaller collars).
CR-7 Hardware Kits
Each of these contains the following items, with the differences between the kits being the length of the cap screws.
| Quantity | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Size #2 Collar Clamp Bottom Plate with 1-1/4" studs (HD000461-013) |
| 1 | CR-7 Hardware Plate |
| 2 | Nylock Nut, 6-32 |
| 2 | Cap Screw, Socket/Flat Head, Self-Locking (length as indicated in individual kits) |
HD009704-001 CR-7 Hardware Kit
Includes 1/2" screws for collars made from 1/16" material on 1/8" material.
HD009704-003 CR-7 Hardware Kit
Includes 3/8" screws for collars made from 1/16" material on 1/16" material.
Related Products
TPP Telonics Product Programmer
Telonics Product Programmer (TPP) is a powerful software tool used to program Telonics transmitters, and Telonics CR-5 and CR-7 collar release mechanisms. TPP gives you the ability to modify aspects of your Telonics GEN4 GPS and VHF transmitters including data collection and transmission intervals. TPP is designed for ease of use, with simple point-and-click navigation through the program.
Programming software for use in reprogramming the CR-2a release.
The TSC-9A is a multi-use interface cable terminated with a USB A connector and a male BNC (bayonet style) connector. The cable is used to connect various Telonics products to a computer when using Telonics Product Programmer (TPP), Telonics Data Converter (TDC), or the CR-2a BCP-2 programming software. The BNC connector allows quick and easy attachment of various adapters.
CN006977-001 Adapter
Adapter for connection of TSC-9A cable to CR-2a or CR-5 release.
CN009813-001 Adapter
Adapter for connection of TSC-9A cable to CR-7 release.
Manuals
Technical Notes
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
Telonics warranties the following with respect to the collar release mechanisms as used on Telonics collars. Additional Telonics warranty information also applies.
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 up to a maximum of (1) one year from the date of initial shipment of the unit by Telonics.
The release devices are sold and warranted separately from Telonics radio transmitter, satellite or GPS collars or any other devices. Repair or replacement does not include the collar, transmitter, satellite PTT or GPS unit and does not include capture costs.
The warranty is voided if the release is installed on any other manufacturer's collar.
If a defect occurs, return the release mechanism to Telonics within the 1-year period noted above.
If the exterior packaging integrity and/or internal electronics (excluding batteries) are defective, the release mechanism will be replaced or repaired, at Telonics' discretion, at no cost to the customer other than shipping charges.