Satellite

How it works:

In radio and acoustic systems, signals travel from a transmitter to a nearby receiver. By contrast, animals equipped with GPS, Iridium, Globalstar or Argos collars or tags do most of their communicating with satellites in outer space. The collars take advantage of services afforded by two multiple-satellite systems, the “Global Positioning System” (GPS) and one of the mentioned communication satellite systems. Each system operates in a unique way: GPS satellites transmit their positional data to receivers on the ground and the receivers calculate their geographical coordinates. Communication satellites receive positional and other sensors data from transmitters on the ground and relay that information back to ground stations situated elsewhere. We manufacture collars that can utilize either system to full advantage.

For example, our GPS collars or tags can take positional snapshots at numerous pre-defined intervals all day long. The first of their kind, these collars also boast impressive data storage capabilities and long operating life, keeping a record of the animal’s migratory history. This data can be either transmitted to the end user via communication satellite systems, by a line of sight RF link, or retrieved when the collar or tag is recovered. Never before have biologists been able to obtain such a rich and accurate mapping of an animal’s movements, to within an error of less than a few meters.

Another exciting innovation has been the addition of remote-release capabilities to our collars. Biologists can now activate a mechanism that automatically detaches the data-rich collar from the animal from the comfort of their desks. This eliminates the need to recapture the animal at the end of the study, reducing both the expense to the researcher and potential trauma to the animal. Once detached, the collar changes to its radio beacon signal to assist the researcher in collar recovery.

When it’s used:

GPS, Iridium, Globalstar and Argos systems are used to track animals such as coyotes, wolves, caribou, sheep, cattle, mountain lions, bears, moose, deer and cougars, as well as sea turtles, marine mammals and birds. Recently, Lotek has also added GPS locator capabilities to other products, such as our SRX receivers.

 

Lotek GPS Products

Lotek Iridium Products

Lotek Globalstar Products

Lotek Argos Products