Wildlife Materials custom builds each research transmitter to the specifications requested. There are many combinations of transmitter type, weight, peak current, pulse width, pulse rate, battery, and mountings available.

Efficient multivibrator-pulsed transmitters offer a clear, chirp-free signal that is easy to tune and hear in receiver noise. Multivibrator-pulsed transmitters permit greater flexibility in customizing for optimum output and duty cycle. Because pulse rate and pulse width remain virtually constant throughout the life of the battery, transmitter performance is more predictable than that of older designs.

Surface mounting techniques enhance miniaturization by allowing more chip components to be placed on a smaller, flatter circuit board. The low profile, rugged components also greatly improve reliability in punishing environments.

To minimize weight and provide packaging strength, transmitters are waterproofed with a tough acrylic or epoxy resin conformal coating. The epoxy is a neutral substance, which will not harm the animal if implanted.

A Behavior Circuit can be built into a transmitter (indicated by "B" at the end of the Transmitter Number) to change the transmitter's pulse rate gradually as the animal's level of activity increases. When at rest, the behavior circuitry's pulse rate is approximately 30 pulses per minute; the pulse rate increases to 120 pulses or more per minute when the animal is engaged in vigorous activity like running or flying.

An optional Activity Switch (indicated by "A" at the end of the Transmitter Number) varies pulse rate according to the position or movement of the animal.

The Mortality Switch option allows the researcher to detect lack of movement. This lack of activity triggers a customer-specified increase or decrease in pulse rate. The time delay before indication of mortality can be programmed to be any period from a few seconds to over 12 hours. During normal activity in live animals, the mortality timer circuit is continually reset so that no mortality is indicated. The Mortality Switch is listed with an "M" at end of the Transmitter Number.

Combined Activity/Mortality features can be built into a transmitter, as indicated by "AM" at the end of the Transmitter Number.

Exact output of the listed transmitters may vary, depending on the transmitter's antenna length and the frequency range used. Available crystal frequencies include, but are not limited to, 40-50 MHz, 148-155 MHz, 160-165 MHz, 216-222 MHz.

Each transmitter's signal range will be influenced by tracking conditions. Signal range can be diminished by rugged terrain, natural obstacles such as mountains and timber, dense vegetation, swamps and fog, along with large concrete structures. Best signal range occurs in flat, open country, in line-of-sight conditions. Air-to-ground radio monitoring also enhances the received signal.

The datasheets below give more detailed specifications of some of the more common research transmitters that we build. However, due to the custom nature of our transmitters, we do not currently offer them for purchase through our online store. Clients should contact our facility by telephone, mail, fax, or e-mail. Detailed written specifications and drawings allow us to recommend the best possible combinations of options for a particular study.

	Small Bird Transmitters		Medium/Large Bird Transmitters
	Small Mammal Transmitters		Medium Mammal Transmitters
	Large Mammal Transmitters		Dart Transmitters
	Implantable Transmitters		Implantable Temperature Transmitters
	Reptile and Amphibian Transmitters		Research Price List