The SPOT-S-433 is a compact satellite transmitting tag designed for tracking the horizontal movements of free ranging marine animals. As part of the SPOT tag family, the SPOT-S-433 provides reliable Argos locations in a cost-effective, field proven platform.
The SPOT-S-433 weighs just over 8 grams, making it suitable on juvenile sea turtles with a straight carapace length (SCL) of 15 cm and above. This is one of Wildlife Computers easiest tags to use as it automatically adjusts its transmission effort based on the available solar charge, meaning no programming is necessary. The SPOT-S-433 is well suited for movement studies, migration analysis and habitat use research.
SPOT-S-433 tags transmit short messages to any Argos-enabled satellite that is overhead when the animal is at the surface. Transmissions received during satellite passes are used to calculate locations. When consecutive transmissions are received, this increases the probability of higher
quality locations.
Solar-powered Automation—operation is fully automated with no setup required. The tag automatically adjusts its transmission effort based on available solar charge, ensuring optimal performance across seasons and environments without the need to choose duty cycling settings or predict sunlight in advance of deployment.
Waterproof Construction—tested to 400 meters in depth.
Coverage via the Argos Global Satellite System—provides time-stamped longitude and latitude, plus sensor data including ambient temperature, battery voltage, and solar charge diagnostics.
Proven SPOT Tag Architecture—Wildlife Computers SPOT tags are among the most widely used and most published marine satellite tracking tags available. Their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness have made them a trusted choice for researchers worldwide.
SPOT-S-433 User Guide – Coming soon!
This user guide gives you all the essential information needed for interacting with, configuring, and deploying this tag.
Kineis Data Integration Quick Start Guide
This guide walks you through the steps of manualling uploading your Kineis data into the Wildlife Computers Data Portal.
Below are the physical specifications of the SPOT-S-433. A full description of the features is available on the downloadable SPOT-F-433 Product Features (PDF).
| Tag Weight (excluding neoprene) | 8.2 grams |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 37 x 19 x 8 |
| Pressure Rating | Tested to 400 m depth |
| Operating Frequency | 401.678 MHz |
| Operating Life | Unlimited with solar |
| Sensors | Temperature, battery voltage, solar, wet/dry |
| Operating Temperature Range (°C) | -5° C to 60° C as specified by the battery manufacturer |
| Charging temperature range (°C) | 0° C to 65° C as specified by the battery manufacturer |
| Battery Charging | Solar |
| Battery | Lithium polymer rechargeable battery |
| RF power output | Maximum 500 mW, typically 200 mW when deployed |
| Tag on/off protocol | Using a magnet |