Choosing a Transmitter
(https://www.microwavetelemetry.com/choosing_a_transmitter)
Solar-powered GPS/GSM 20-70 Transmitters send data through the GSM mobile phone network (our transmitters use 2G and 3G protocols). They collect high-resolution GPS data up to once a minute, depending on the current battery voltage and sun exposure, and transmit daily where possible. GSM transmitters archive data, so if a bird is out of cellular network range, the dataset is retained and will be transmitted during the next available cell connection.
GPS/GSM 20-70 TRANSMITTERS
(https://www.microwavetelemetry.com/gps_gsm_20-70_transmitters)
Our GPS/GSM 20-70 Transmitters use the mobile data network to transfer extensive high-quality location data. The frequent data collection and transmission of these devices makes them ideal for studies focusing on fine-scale movements and habitat use.
GSM stands for Groupe Spécial Mobile (or Global System for Mobile Communications). It is a digital mobile system designed for advanced compression and transfer of data over a wireless network that has been adopted by countries across the globe. When utilized by a mobile transmitter, the GSM system operates as a higher-capacity, more direct means of data transfer compared to a satellite system. Please see our Argos v. GSM page for more information on how the two systems compare.
Argos vs GSM
https://www.microwavetelemetry.com/argos_vs_gsm
Solar Argos/GPS 30g PTT (left) and GPS/GSM 20-70 30g Transmitter (right)
Argos
Our Argos-certified devices are called PTTs (Platform Transmitter Terminals) and offer global coverage. All PTTs send data through the Argos constellation of polar-orbiting satellite modules and provide locations estimated by Argos based on the Doppler shift of the PTT's signal frequency.
Solar Argos/GPS PTTs and the Battery Powered Argos/GPS 105g LC4™ PTT not only yield Doppler locations, but are also equipped with an onboard GPS receiver. The high-resolution GPS location data these PTTs obtain are also transmitted through Argos.
Argos/GPS PTTs are programmed to acquire GPS fixes at user-specified hours, and transmit at user-specified intervals (typically about every 3 days). Despite limitations in data throughput that accompany satellite communication, these GPS-equipped PTTs are the ideal instrument for studies attempting to understand instances of mortality. They are not subject to coverage limitations and can be equipped with our Ground Track (GT™) technology. With Mortality GT™, a transmitter will emit a UHF signal upon registering animal inactivity for a prespecified period of time, allowing researchers to pinpoint detached PTTs or dead/injured birds. Experience has shown that locating "downed" PTTs can lead to critically important information about causes of mortality and population declines. PTTs can also be programmed with Seasonal GT™ that initiates the UHF signal during preprogrammed time periods. This enables localized detection of devices during certain times of the study cycle and aids in behavioral observation.
GSM
GPS/GSM 20-70 Transmitters are distinguishable by their 3.35 inch antennas, less than half the length of the antennas of our PTTs. GSM transmitters offer the potential for greater amounts of data due to their ability to record and transmit high-frequency GPS data, making them excellent for studying fine-scale habitat use. GPS fixes are acquired at intervals correlating to the battery voltage, such that GSM transmitters can acquire GPS fixes up to once a minute (current software version) when in good lighting conditions. The data collected includes high-resolution GPS locations as well as their corresponding error (VDOP and HDOP) data. As long as a transmitter is within range of the mobile network and can make a connection, it will send data daily. GSM transmitters archive data, so if a connection cannot be made, the unsent data are not lost. Instead, the data will be transmitted once the device is able to connect to the network again. However, if a bird dies or remains outside of cellular range, transmissions will not be possible. In the event that a transmitter is recovered, MTI can retrieve the archived dataset.
Smallest GPS/GMS (2021)
(https://www.microwavetelemetry.com/gps_gsm_20_70_25g_transmitter)
GPS/GSM 20-70 25g Transmitter
Features
Solar-powered, rechargeable battery
Microprocessor-controlled power management
Internal multi-channel micro-power GPS receiver
SBAS capable (WAAS, EGNOS, and QZSS)
GPS horizontal accuracy ±18 m
GPS vertical accuracy ±22 m
GPS resolution 0.00001 degree (~1 meter at equator)
Dynamically adjusting GPS fix rate (1-minute minimum with current software version)
Archive capacity of up to 258,000 locations
Operating lifetime up to 3 years
| Dimensions* | Length: 2.54 in (6.45 cm) x Width: 0.92 in (2.34 cm) x Height: 0.67 in (1.70 cm)
Antenna: 3.35 in (8.51 cm) protruding from the back edge of the transmitter 35 degrees to the bottom face |
| Sensors | GPS (latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, course, HDOP, VDOP, and number of GPS satellites), temperature, battery voltage, activity |
| Construction | The
housing is constructed from a lightweight glass-reinforced epoxy
composite material with a contiguous interior metal-plated coating. The
unit is hermetically sealed with a metal-to-metal solder joint providing
stability during changes in temperature and humidity. |
| Attachment options | Backpack (with standard neoprene cushioning pad), leg band** |
| Color options | Standard or Matte Finish: classic, dark brown, medium brown, gray, white, black Matte Finish Only: desert sand, brown sand, black sand |
| Example species | Osprey, Whooping Crane, Red-tailed Hawk |
*
Harnessing loops and neoprene pad not included in these
dimensions.
** Customer must supply leg band at least 4 weeks
prior to scheduled delivery. Be advised that the combined weight of
the PTT and leg band will exceed 25 grams.
Our smallest GSM model, the GPS/GSM 20-70 25g Transmitter is lightweight and adaptable. It is comparable in size to our Solar Argos/GPS 22g PTT.
GPS/GSM 20-70 9/10g Transmitter
That experimental way will be, no doubt, in Paul Howey`s hands and MTI, and in no other's hands.
Is it clear?
When? No idea.
It is the next future in our way.
