How-tOS
More how-tos
Operate Your Transmitters
Turning transmitters on and off
- You should have received a one page sheet with your order, explaining how your VHF transmitters operate. It's also available here.
- After unpacking, ensure all transmitters are off by monitoring each frequency with a telemetry receiver.
- Each transmitter has an on/off reed switch controlled by a magnet.
- If the on/off reed switch is not visible through the transmitter resin, dots indicate where the magnet should be placed.
- When the magnet is affixed, the transmitter will be off. As soon as the magnet is removed, the transmitter is on and enters a start-up mode.
Checking transmitter operation
- Important: prior to releasing the animal, and after removing the magnet, confirm your transmitters are operating by monitoring each transmitter’s frequency, (even if you have previously checked them).
- Occasionally, the reed switch may stick in the off position. A light tapping of the transmitter should activate the switch.
- Transmitters with microprocessors will transmit from 16 to 50 start-up pulses when the magnet is removed, prior to beginning a normal pulse rate.
Storing your transmitters
- Separate transmitters by at least 5 cm. (2 in.) so the magnets do not “cancel” each other, and allow the transmitters to turn on inadvertently.
- Remeber that transmitters using silver oxide batteries have limited shelf life, typically one to six months, before tag life is substantially degraded. Transmitters using lithium batteries have a much longer shelf life span, a few years or more. Contact ATS for more details.
- Store your transmitters in a cool, dry location, away from heating sources.
Using mortality, duty cycle, and trap transmitters
- A mortality program option will start-up in the mortality mode after the magnet is removed. Shake the transmitter to reset the mortality switch and program.
- A duty cycle program turns the transmitter on and off at pre-programmed intervals. If the magnet is removed, the program resets its clock. The most recent removal of magnet determines when the program begins.
- After the transmitter has been started, keep all magnets away from transmitters to avoid restarting the program.
- Keep the data sheet(s) and job number sent with your order for future reference..
- Details on trap transmitter operation can be found here. Additional details regarding the decoding of PET transmitters is here.
100% Satisfaction, Guaranteed
We provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all transmitters equal to one half the battery life (in days), up to two years; up to three years on select collars.