Fish Tracking - Frequently Asked Questions

• What is "constant depth?"
• How do I set up proper sensor data formatting for my Archival Pop-up Tag?
• How do I test my tags?

  Before deploying your tag, it should first be tested to confirm that the release mechanism is operating and then tested for transmission reception through the Argos system. You have a one hour window in which to test your Pop-Up tag. Removal of the magnet on the side of the tag should be timed to precede an Argos satellite pass by about 20 minutes. Contact us for the most up-to-date satellite information.

  You will need a simple multimeter set to read voltage. An analog meter with 10 volt DC scale is ideal.

  First remove the magnet from the tag, touch the meter leads to the two wire electrodes on the nose of the tag: the positive (red) lead to the tip and the negative (black) lead to the wire band around the base of the nose. You should see a constant voltage of about 3.6 volts followed about one minute later by pulses on the meter approximately every three seconds. After approximately three minutes the pulses will cease and the tag will start to transmit test signals to Argos. Note that if you replace the magnet on the tag the pulses will stop. Placing the magnet on the tag for over a minute always resets the tag to the beginning of its sequence.

  After testing the release mechanism, it is time to test the tag through Argos.

  Place the transmitter outside in the open, where the horizon is not obstructed by buildings, away from metal enclosures, with the antenna pointing up. Tags should be tested vertically. We recommend that you float them in a bucket of fresh water. (Do not use salt water for this test!) You should also keep them separated by at least one meter. Do not put them in the water until the test of the pop-off mechanism is over, i.e., about five minutes after the magnet is removed.

  Log into Argos through Telnet, Tymnet or Transpac to retrieve the results. Remember that it sometimes takes Argos over six hours to process the data and make it available (though it usually takes less than two hours). Only after you are satisfied that you are receiving data from Argos should you proceed with deploying your tags. It is important to save this Argos test data and forward it to us with the transmitted data collected after the tag pops off, for us to decode for you.

• Why are no results received from Argos when testing tags?
• Why won't the tag switch off?
• How do I store my tags?
• Why do some tags seem to be transmitting in storage?
• Can my tags be rebuilt?
• How do I send my tags back to you?
• Can I become your agent or distributor?
• Can I use one of your transmitters to track my spouse?

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Microwave Telemetry, Inc.
8835 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suites K&L
Columbia, MD 21045
410.715.5292