Wildlife Computers has incorporated Fastloc™ technology into an Argos-linked data recording tag in order to create a Fast-GPS tag. This tag addresses the difficulties inherent in deploying traditional GPS receivers on free-ranging marine animals which spend very little time at the surface. The ability to achieve highly accurate GPS locations, while requiring the tag antenna to be above the surface for less than one second, represents a major step forward in the ability to track marine animals.

The Fast-GPS tag (Mk10-AF) acquires the GPS signal snapshots, which can be completed in .008 seconds, and archives them along with depth and temperature data. On subsequent surfacing, a percentage of the summarized data and Fast-GPS snapshots are transmitted via the Argos system. Should the Mk10-AF tag be recovered, it yields the full archive of all Fast-GPS snapshots and sampled data.

Since the initial Mk10-AF, we have added the Fast-GPS capability to both standard archival (Mk10-F) and basic location-only Argos-linked tags (Mk10-AFB).

For more information on Fastloc™ technology, see Wildtrack Telemetry Systems.

Products

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Mk10-AF Transmitting Fast-GPS Tag [more info]

The Mk10-AF adds the Wildlife Computers Cricket Argos transmitter and the Fastloc™ technology to the standard Mk10 archival tag. The Mk10-AF is a versatile tag that performs sub-second GPS acquistions and transmits Fastloc™ and other data through the Argos satellite system. It has the standard Mk10 sensors to measure depth, temperature, light-level and to differentiate wet or dry conditions, and has archival capabilities which include at least 64 MBytes of memory.

Direct U.S. prices start at $5000. Please contact us for pricing on specific configurations.

Mk10-AFB Transmitting Fast-GPS Tag- Basic model [more info]

The Mk10-AFB tag is a lower-priced option to the Mk10-AF. The Mk10-AFB adds the Wildlife Computers Cricket Argos transmitter and Fastloc™ technology to a more basic version of the Mk10 archival tag. The Mk10-AFB has similar capabilities to the Mk10-AF, but has no depth or light-level sensors, and only 1Mbyte of data storage. It can archive and transmit Fastloc™ GPS locations, haul-out (wet/dry) timelines, and time-at-temperature histogram data.

Direct U.S. prices start at $3400. Please contact us for pricing on specific configurations.

Mk10-F Fast-GPS Tag [more info]

The MK10-F is exactly the same as the Mk10-AF, except the Mk10-F does not include an Argos transmitter. The tag must be physically recovered to retrieve the data.

Direct U.S. prices start at $3300. Please contact us for pricing on specific configurations.

Animals

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Seals/Sea Lions

Wildlife Computers first tags were built to support research on the movements and behavior of seals and sea lions. Their frequent surfacing often allows the transmission of behavioral data to Argos satellites and the determination of their geographical position. It also allows the use of Fastloc™ to provide higher-resolution fixes. Also since many of these species predictably return to specific rookeries and haul-out sites, archival tags can sometimes be recovered and the entire dataset retrieved.

Turtles

Turtle researchers are successfully using the full complement of Wildlife Computers products in the field. We have designed several configurations especially for turtle tagging and would be happy to help you select what best suits your animal. Attachment devices such as base plates are also available for some configurations.

Cetaceans

Wildlife Computers tags have been used on both large and small cetaceans. These animals surface frequently but generally are not recaptured, nor do they return to predictable locations. Transmitting tags are therefore most appropriate for these species. For smaller species that can be restrained, we have developed a variety of fin-mounted configurations. For larger species, dart or harpoon attachment techniques have been developed by various researchers. We have produced highly-specialized custom-designed tags to fit individual project needs. In addition, we now offer tags utilizing Fast-GPS and pop-up technologies. Archival tags have also been used in cetacean research when mounted on a bouyant housing and attached by suction. The detached housings are then retrieved for data download. (Note: Not all types of tags are available in all configurations.)

Other Animals

Our tags have been used on animals such as sirenians (manatees and dugongs) and bears. Wildlife Computers tags may be suitable for animals not listed. We will be happy to discuss which options might be suitable for the species you want to study.

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