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Rainier (Avian) Tag Product Sheet: Rainier-S20

The Rainier-S20 tag from Wildlife Computers is a rechargeable, solar-powered GPS-equipped Argos transmitter (PTT) tag specifically designed for birds. The Rainier-S20 collects GPS locations and other sensor data on a highly flexible customer-programmable schedule during deployment. The archived data are stored locally as well as transmitted to the Argos satellite network. The Wildlife Computers cloud-based portal automatically downloads and processes the data and makes it available in near real time.

The tag’s intelligent, low-power design incorporates our latest Argos-certified transmitter, a 48-channel GPS receiver, temperature, battery voltage, tilt, and accelerometer sensors. A non-volatile memory with the capacity to store up to 58,000 locations (about 6.5 years of GPS locations based on one location per hour). The small, solid cast 20-gram package is waterproof and tested to 100 meters depth.

It’s a simple, smart, one-size-fits-all approach, field tested and suitable for deployment on birds weighing 650 g and above. In its simplest form, it can be fitted to a bird as supplied, or it can have any size footprint or padding glued to the base to lift the tag to fit larger species as desired.

Key Features of the Rainier-S20

Specific avian design—the “smaller is better” approach to design means there is no need for a bigger tag on a bigger bird. The rounded edges of the tag allow for streamlined aerodynamics while preventing any bird damage from sharp cutting finishes. We also offer either harness loops or holes for attachment depending on your preference.

Argos antenna—minimally intrusive, low-lying antenna exiting the rear of the tag is lightweight, highly robust yet super flexible. The antenna is securely anchored in epoxy resin and withstands over 100 pounds of tensile force ensuring it will stand up to abuse from birds.

Solar cells and power—solar cell design and circuitry efficiencies allow for improved charging in low-light conditions and partial feather coverage.

Flexible calendar scheduling—hundreds of duty cycles if required, not limited to just five.

Argos antenna—minimally intrusive, low-lying antenna exiting the rear of the tag is lightweight, highly robust yet super flexible. The antenna is securely anchored in epoxy resin and withstands over 100 pounds of tensile force ensuring it will stand up to abuse from birds.

Solar cells and power—solar cell design and circuitry efficiencies allow for improved charging in low-light conditions and partial feather coverage.

Flexible calendar scheduling—hundreds of duty cycles if required, not limited to just five.

Smart algorithms differentiate shifts in day length and times of civil sunrise and sunset—Rainier-S20 tags’ smart day/night algorithms accurately calculate civil sunrise and civil sunset to the minute for any location on the globe. The algorithms are integrated within the scheduling and automatically and dynamically control the scheduling which is particularly impressive on migratory birds crossing multiple time zones or on resident birds as the seasons change.

External communications port with multiple benefits including:

  • Administer your own tag setting through Wildlife Computers Tag Agent Software
  • Charge your tags indoors with visual LED feedback
  • Download the entire tag archive if it is located after deployment (it does not need to come back to Wildlife Computers)

Transmitted locations and status messages—the Rainier-S20 methods of sending GPS locations and other data through Argos builds on Wildlife Computers more than 20 years of experience of sending information via satellite in the most challenging marine environments and timestamps each to within two minutes of the actual fix. Status messages and cumulative status data sent can be used to infer the basic health of the tag.

Technical Specifications

Tag weight (excluding neoprene)20 grams
Dimensions (L x W x H) mm56 x 18 x 14
ConstructionSolid cast/hermetically sealed in biologically inert epoxy resin
Antenna make and lengthGPS patch antenna embedded. Argos antenna 200 mm. Protrudes
from back edge of transmitter at 30° to the horizontal
Pressure ratingApproximately 58,000 GPS locations timestamped to the nearest
second
Memory/archiveApproximately 58,000 GPS locations timestamped to the nearest
second
Operating frequency401.678 MHz
Operating lifeSolar tags > 3 years
SensorsGPS, temperature, battery voltage, accelerometer, tilt
GPS accuracyCoordinate positions are recorded to four decimal places yielding accuracy to +/- 11 m
GPS channels48
GSP datumWGS84
Operating temperature rangeRange: 0° C to 65° C as specified by battery manufacturer
CommunicationsVia USB port and Tag Agent user interface software
Battery chargingSolar or USB
Recovery pingerOptional in future designs, not currently activated
BatteryLithium polymer rechargeable battery
RF power outputMaximum 500 mW, typically 200 mW when deployed
Tag on/off protocolUsing a magnet cover
Supply voltage3.0 to 4.0 volts
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