MiniPAT

The MiniPAT is a pop-up archival transmitting tag (PAT tag, also known as a PSAT). It is a sophisticated combination of archival and Argos satellite technology. PAT tags are designed to track the large-scale movements and behavior of fish and other animals which do not spend enough time at the surface to allow the use of real-time Argos satellite tags.

Depth, temperature, and light-level data, among others, are collected and summarized for transmission and archived in onboard memory. Then on a preset date set by the researcher, the tag releases from its host animal, surfaces, and uploads a summary of the archived data to Argos satellites.

Developed with a focus on reliability, ruggedness, and ease of use, the MiniPAT features a stable low-drag shape, a strong integrated nosecone and pin, and a pinger for radio tracking recovery.

Our latest design offers the benefit of a more resilient nosecone and pin. The nosecone will no longer separate from the tag and will not stay with the tether after the pin burns to pop up. This design allows for much stronger retention and thereby increasing the probability of longer deployments.

MiniPAT-390

Key Benefits of MiniPAT

  • A complete record of depth, temperature, and light-level readings are stored. Should the MiniPAT be recovered, the full archive is available for download.
  • Flexible programming allows researchers to customize and prioritize data transmissions and release parameters.
  • A corrodible pin allows the release of the MiniPAT from the fish on a pre-programmed date or when certain conditions indicating the tag is no longer on the fish (conditional release) are met.
  • Once released, the tag floats to the surface so data can be transmitted.
  • The pinger allows for radio tracking recovery.

Data Products

  • Depth Archive (Pressure)
  • Temperature Archive
  • Light Archive
  • Acceleration Z-Axis Archive
  • Acceleration 3-Axis Archive
  • Upright and Knockdowns (Orientation) Archive
  • Activity (ATS) Archive
  • Dry Archive
  • Light-Level Geolocation (GPE3)
  • Argos Locations
  • Daily Data—Depth, Temperature, and Light
  • Orientation
  • Activity Time Series (ATS)
  • Depth Time Series
  • Temperature Time Series
  • Mixed Layer
  • PDT
  • Time-At-Temperature Histogram (TAT)
  • Time-At-Depth Histogram (TAD)

User Guide/Software

MiniPAT User Guide

This user guide gives you all the essential information needed for interacting with, configuring, and deploying this tag.

USB Communications Cable Driver – 29-March 2023

Driver for the Wildlife Computers USB Communications cable.

Tag Agent

Administer settings to your tag.

GPE3 User Guide

A statistical model for estimating animal movements. GPE3 is an integrated component of the Wildlife Computers Data Portal and runs exclusively on our servers.

Specifications

Below are the physical specifications of the MiniPAT. A full description of the features is available on the downloadable MiniPAT Product Features (PDF).

Attachment TypeTowed
SensorsWet/Dry, Depth, Temperature, Light, Accelerometer
Depth Sensor Range0-1700 m
Depth Sensor Resolution0.5 m
Depth Sensor Accuracy±1% of reading
Temperature Sensor Range-40° C to 60° C
Temperature sensor Resolution0.05° C
Temperature Sensor Accuracy±0.1° C
Conductivity Operational Limits0.1 to 5 S/m
Light Sensor5 x 10-12W.cm-2 to 5 x 10-2W.cm-2
Operating Temperature Rating (°C)-20° C to 50° C
Optimal Storage Temperature Range (°C)0° C to 5° C
Memory64 MB
Dimensions118 mm (length) x 38 mm (diameter)
Weight in Air61 g
Pressure Rating2000 m
Maximum Deployment Length730 days
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