Argos Terrestrial Transmitters (TAW)
Argos only, without GPS (does include VHF)
TAW-4210-3 "Argos-only" model on a butyl collar with CAST-4 option
These older, Argos-only models without GPS have generally been replaced by GPS/Argos, GPS/Globalstar, and GPS/Iridium models. All of the models below also contain a VHF transmitter.
Models
| Model |
Dimensions L x W x H (in, cm) |
Canister Weight (g) |
Estimated Weight with Collar (g) |
Operational Life (years) |
| TAW-4313-3 |
2.9 x 2.3 x 2.0
7.4 x 5.8 x 5.1 |
340 |
600 - 1000 |
0.9 - 1.1 |
| TAW-4313H-3 |
2.9 x 2.3 x 2.0
7.4 x 5.8 x 5.1 |
340 |
600 - 1000 |
0.5 - 0.6 |
| TAW-4610-3 |
3.25 x 2.75 x 2.25
8.3 x 7.0 x 5.7 |
625 |
1000 - 1100 |
1.5 - 1.9 |
| TAW-4610H-3 |
3.25 x 2.75 x 2.25
8.3 x 7.0 x 5.7 |
625 |
1000 - 1100 |
0.8 - 1.0 |
| TAW-4710-3 |
4.25 x 2.7 x 2.3
10.9 x 6.9 x 5.8 |
875 |
1700 - 1900 |
2.2 - 2.7 |
| TAW-4710H-3 |
4.25 x 2.7 x 2.3
10.9 x 6.9 x 5.8 |
875 |
1700 - 1900 |
1.2 - 1.5 |
The battery life estimates above are for the Argos portion of the collar and are calculated using Telonics Product Programmer; assuming temperatures of 0°C and 4-byte Argos transmissions 8 hours per day with a 60 second repetition period. The VHF transmitter is powered by a separate battery, with its pulse rate and schedule typically adjusted to match or exceed the estimated Argos battery life. These are examples only, with many other options possible. Please consult with Telonics for assistance determining what would work best for your application.
Standard power versions are 500 mW typical; the high-power "H" versions are 800 mW typical. Reduced power versions are also available with ~400 mW output power and ~22% increased life compared to the 500 mW models.
Key Features
- These operate through the Argos system. Positions are determined by Doppler-shift in transmitted frequencies as received by the satellite. These units do not include GPS receivers. Positional accuracy is frequently several hundred meters to a kilometer or more. Users must apply to utilize the Argos system, and will be assigned ID codes and repetition periods.
- Argos satellite are in near polar orbits, and have the most overpasses and cumulative time visible to the Argos PTT on the animal near the poles, and the least number of overpasses and cumulative time visible near the equator.
- Argos and VHF scheduling can be programmed as a continuous intervals, or to change over time (e.g. seasonal changes where monitoring might be more or less intensive at certain times). These units have two battery packs, one for Argos and the other for VHF.
- Transmissions can contain a mortality flag (which relates to whether there has been movement detected by an accelerometer within a user-defined period) and a low-voltage flag (which indicates the battery may die soon).
- Temperature sensing and activity sensing is also available. All sensor data collected is stored-on-board the unit, thus if the unit is recovered, stored data can supplement what was transmitted. If the transmitted data results in longer than the 4-byte Argos minimum message length that would reduce battery life.
- A real-time clock and calendar controls all timing functions.All timing is programmed using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
- Users can program or reprogram the units through use of Telonics Product Programmer (TPP). TPP can be used to obtain estimates of battery life under various possible programming scenarios prior to deployment.
- Data are processed using the Telonics Data Converter (TDC), which provides complete data decoding of Argos DS files and supports complete memory downloading. TDC provides a comma separated value (csv) output file with time stamps for all data collected. TDC can also be run in the "batch mode" for hands off operation. TDC allows you to plot Argos locations with Google Earth.
- Units can be refurbished to their original condition at the factory.
- A magnetic switch allows users to turn each of these configurations "on" or "off".
Photo Gallery
Electronic Specifications
µGPSI-23 GPS/Argos/VHF Specifications - Show
General Specifications
| Timing Accuracy |
Timing is synchronized to GPS time when available. If GPS time is not available, then internal timing accuracy is:
6 min/year at 25° C
30 min/yr -20 to +40° C
47 min/yr -40 to +70° C |
| Available Sensors |
Mortality, Activity, Temperature, Low Voltage (as allowed by specific software)
Salt-water-switch and Pressure are hardware and software options on some configurations. |
| Memory Capacity |
Capable of storing ~500K fixes in nonvolatile flash memory in association with other sensor data. |
| Programming |
Programmable using Telonics TPP software and TSC-9A cable. Programming options are hardware and software dependent, but include GPS, Argos, and VHF schedules; sensor activation and schedules; power output; Argos can also be scheduled to transmit only during satellite overpasses based on the GPS location and the orbital parameters installed prior to deployment. |
Argos Transmitter Specifications
| Operating Frequency |
ARGOS Frequencies
401.6300MHz to 401.6800MHz in 1 kHz Steps
Brazilian SCD-1, Channels C1 to C9
401.6180MHz to 401.6220MHz in 500Hz Steps |
| Frequency Stability |
± 0.5 ppm maximum from -30° to +70° C
± 2.0 ppm maximum from -40° to -30° C |
| Initial Frequency Error |
± 0.5 ppm maximum at +23°C, ± 2° C |
| Aging |
± 2.0 ppm maximum after 1 year |
| RF Power Out |
Standard Power version: 500mW (+27dBm), 400mW (+26dBm) option, into 50 Ω
(User selectable using TPP programming software)
High Power version (H): 800 mW (+29 dBm) ±1dB nominal into 50 Ω
(available in some configurations) |
| Spurs and Harmonics |
<-40dBc minimum, -60dBc typical (Coherent Spurious)
<-50dBc minimum, -60dBc typical (Non-coherent spurious) |
VHF Transmitter Specifications
| Available Frequency Options |
Option 702 134-139 MH
Option 705 140-154 MH
Option 707 146-160 MH
Option 715 156-172 MH
Option 720 160-177 MH
Option 740 174-192 MH
Option 750 191-210 MH
Option 760 210-237 MH
Note: Frequency can be programmed in 100Hz steps within a given frequency range. |
| Frequency Stability |
Better than ±3ppm at room temperature ±5 ppm total tolerance over full temperature range |
| Operating Temperature |
-40° to +70° C |
| Pulse Width |
Programmable (10 to 250 msec) |
| Pulse Period |
Programmable (265 to 5000 msec)
Multiple pulse periods selectable per specific software and TPP |
| Transmitter Timing |
Programmable, including daily and seasonal duty cycles. |
| Power Output |
Selectable levels via hardware and software.
Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) varies, depending on packaging, antenna configuration, and immediate environmental conditions. *California Users: This transmitter meets the California requirement of EIRP < 0.0009W for all configurations. |
| Emission Designator |
2k00P0N |
| Harmonic Suppression |
Better than 30dB (>40 dB typical) |
| Spurious Emissions |
<-35 dBc at 10 kHz offset from carrier |
| Frequency |
Aging: <2ppm/year
Shock: <1ppm 3000g x 0.3ms x ½ sine x 3 dir |
| VSWR |
RF output stable to 10:1 VSWR, all phases
Radiated harmonic levels are degraded with poor load VSWR.
Spurious emission specification maintained for >10:1 VSWR |
Related Products
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Legacy Products
This information on discontinued products is provided for individuals who are still using these older systems. Product descriptions may be outdated. Please contact Telonics if you have questions.
The following subsystems are obsolete and are not available to be refurbished:
Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations
Telonics Inc. ships all systems containing lithium batteries in accordance with the US Department of Transportation rules for hazardous materials set forth in 49CFR and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Shipping dangerous goods can be complicated and confusing, consult a dangerous goods specialist if needed. The general requirements for shipping lithium batteries according to 49CFR are located in Part 173, Subpart 173.185 in the link below.
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=e8334217c2c8d081457a5156872ad037&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title49/49cfrv2_02.tpl#0
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: Argos Systems - Show
Telonics warrants its Argos products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date acquired. Telonics does not warrant batteries.
If a defect occurs, return the equipment to us within the proper time frame at the following address: TELONICS, 932 E. IMPALA AVENUE, MESA AZ USA 85204-6699. The customer shall arrange for and pay all shipping, insurance and related charges incurred in the shipment to and from Telonics under this warranty. Damage to any equipment resulting from misuse, accidents, unauthorized service, extreme conditions, or other causes, is excluded from this warranty. 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.
Upon the timely return to our facility, if defective, the product will be replaced or repaired at our discretion at no cost to the customer. 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 entire risk, as to the results and performance of the product, 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. The maximum aggregate to the customer, of Telonics and its suppliers, shall not exceed the amount paid by the customer for the product.
