GPS/Globalstar Solar Eartag

TGWES-4160-4 model solar eartag TGWES-4260-4 model solar eartag
TGWES-4160-4 and TGWES-4260-4 model solar eartag

Eartag transmitters can be used as an attachment method on animals with changing neck girth (i.e. juveniles, buck deer, and similar ungulates) where a collar may not be suitable.

Models

Model Dimensions
L x W x H (in, cm)
Weight (g)
TGWES-4160-4 1.62 x 1.15 x 0.75
4.11 x 2.92 x 1.91
28
TGWES-4260-4 2.30 x 1.76 x 0.57
5.84 x 4.48 x 1.44
36

Assuming 6 hours of sun per day at 10% of peak solar intensity:
3 GPS locations and Globalstar transmissions per day with 6 hours of VHF
OR 4 GPS locations and Globalstar transmissions per day without VHF

4 days reserve of full operation without sunlight using the above programming for TGWES-4260-4, 2 days reserve for TGWES-4160-4.

The number of GPS locations and Globalstar transmissions are temporarily reduced if the unit operates for an extended period of time with reduced sunlight.

Key Features

  • Eartag units are often selected for monitoring juvenile animals. They are quickly and easily attached to animals in the field. They accommodate growth and are used as an alternative to complicated expansion-breakaway collars.
  • Solar powered eartags provide a longer operational life than eartags powered by lithium primary batteries.
  • A specialized attachment tool is required for applying the eartag and is available directly from Telonics.
  • In addition to the GPS and Globalstar portions of these units, they typically include a VHF transmitter. The VHF transmitters can be used to locate or monitor the eartags from the ground or aircraft, including aiding in recovery of an eartag at the end of a study.
  • Users can program or reprogram Telonics GPS/Globalstar units through use of Telonics Product Programmer (TPP). TPP uses a graphical user interface, and makes it possible for users to program their own systems prior to deployment.
  • GPS/QFP collection schedules, Globalstar transmission schedules, VHF schedules, and sensor options can all be user-defined. Scheduling can be programmed to change over time (e.g. seasonal changes where monitoring might be less intensive at certain times of the year).
  • Data retrieved through the Globalstar system, or downloaded from an eartag in hand, are processed using Telonics Data Converter (TDC). TDC is used to convert raw data from Telonics transmitters into data reports and to display locations on Google Earth and Google Maps. You can review TDC reports in Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet programs.
  • The most recently received location and status of each of your GPS-Globalstar transmitters can also be obtained on smart phones or other devices without TDC loaded, via Telonics-provided username and password access through the Telonics Status Webpage.
  • All positions determined and sensor data collected is stored-on-board the eartag, thus if the eartag is able to be recovered, stored data can supplement what was transmitted through Globalstar.
  • A Real-time clock calendar controls all timing functions and is re-synchronized with GPS time to assure high accuracy timing. All timing is programmed using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
  • Optionally delivers data to EarthRanger, allowing you to map historical and real-time locations online and create a unified view of data from Telonics collars and other sources.
  • Optionally delivers data to Movebank, allowing you to map, manage, analyze, and optionally share your data with collaborators or the public.

Features relative to the Globalstar system

  • The Globalstar satellite network consists of 48 satellites in low-earth orbit. Overpasses provide continuous coverage over most terrestrial areas of the world, but the system is not worldwide because of its reliance on ground stations. Data received by the satellite is relayed to a ground station in real time and are available to the user within minutes. The coverage map for the Globalstar simplex system as used on wildlife is indicated by the map below. Areas in orange are primary coverage areas and those in grey crosshatch are areas of fringe coverage.
    * Note: Due to the fluid situation between Russia and Ukraine, the Globalstar coverage may be affected in some areas.

    Previous Coverage Map
  • The Globalstar simplex system provides a one-way link from the unit on the animal to the satellite, and then on to the researcher. The unit does not "know" when a transmission was successfully received, so as a default Telonics units transmit each data packet three times within about 20 minutes. This is considered a single Globalstar transmission, and it results in near 100% transmission success when the unit has a clear view of the sky. If units will be deployed in areas where the view of the sky may frequently be blocked by topography or dense vegetation, it is advisable to either provide additional data redundancy in transmissions and/or recognize that not all data will get through. When specific transmission times are defined, users should select a transmission time when they think the animal/transmitter is most likely to be in an area with good access to satellites (e.g. not when it would predictably be in a den or an area with dense cover).
  • GPS-Globalstar models support two different message formats: a short message that holds only one GPS fix or a longer message that holds ~6 GPS fixes. The longer message format provides reduced monthly costs and slightly longer battery life; however, the shorter message can provide somewhat better transmission success from under vegetative cover and lets you receive the current location more frequently (for real-time tracking).
  • Units may optionally be configured to collect QFP locations and store these locations on board the unit. QFP is Telonics quick fix positioning technology that obtains the data necessary to calculate a GPS position in as little as about 5 seconds. QFP locations can be obtained and stored with much less energy than traditional GPS positions; however, it not practical to transmit QFP locations via Globalstar. If recovery of the eartag can be expected, some applications can benefit from collection of numerous QFP positions, which are stored-on-board for download with the eartag in hand; and less frequent GPS positions which are transmitted through the Globalstar system.
  • 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). You can receive real-time notification of mortality events via email at no additional charge.
  • Activity or temperature data can be collected and stored on board, and be downloaded if the eartag is recovered, but it is not normally practical to transmit activity or temperature data using Globalstar.
  • Telonics GPS Globalstar units are FCC and IC certified and available for use throughout the United States and Canada with no additional licensing required for the data transfer component.
  • Data is normally retrieved through a third-party, AssetLink Global, which offers the least expensive data retrieval option for users. Globalstar data retrieval rates are lower than other satellite-based systems (~$5.00/unit/month with one daily transmission, $3.00 a month extra per additional daily transmission).

Eartag Attachment Tools

Replacement barbs

Electronic Specifications - GPS/Globalstar

Notice to United States Users

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesirable operation.

The user is cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Telonics could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This device contains FCC ID: UQR-CMDCSTM3

To satisfy FCC RF Exposure requirements for mobile and base station transmission devices, a separation distance of 20cm or more should be maintained between the antenna of this device and persons during operation. To ensure compliance, operation at closer than this distance is not recommended.

Notice to Canadian Users

Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using the antenna integrated into the device.

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

This device contains IC ID: 8863A-CMDCSTM3

Manual

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: GEN 4 GPS Systems