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BD-2N, BD-2 & PD-2 |
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BD-2N, BD-2 & PD-2 |
This series of small transmitters is designed for glue-on application to bats, birds, herptiles and fish. Several harness and tail-mount configurations are available. The applications are limited only by the researchers' ingenuity.
Frequency Range: BD-2 & PD-2: 138 to 235 MHz. BD-2N: 148-151, 164, 165, 172 & 173 MHz only.
Transmitter: Crystal controlled two-stage design pulsed by a multivibrator.
Pulse Width & Rate: Pulse width 22 ms ± 10%, pulse rate nominal 0.67 p/s (40 p/m).
Specifications:| Model | Weight | Nominal Life | Lifespan range | Dimensions LxWxH (mm) |
| BD-2N | 0.39g | 12 days | 8-15 days | 11.5 x 5.3 x 2.8 |
| BD-2N | 0.43g | 14 days | 13-22 days | 11.5 x 5.3 x 2.8 |
| BD-2N | 0.51g | 21 days | 17-30 days | 13 x 6.5 x 2.8 |
| BD-2 | 0.62g | 21 days | 17-30 days | 14 x 6.5 x 3.5 |
| BD-2 | 0.75g | 28 days | 21-35 days | 14 x 6.5 x 3.5 |
| BD-2 | 0.90g | 42 days | 28-50 days | 15 x 7 x 3.5 |
| BD-2 | 1.2g | 56 days | 43-74 days | 16 x 8 x 3.5 |
| BD-2 | 1.4g | 9 weeks | 7-11 weeks | 17 x 8 x 4 |
| BD-2 | 1.6g | 11 weeks | 9-16 weeks | 18 x 10 x 3.5 |
| BD-2 | 1.8g | 14 weeks | 10-20 weeks | 17 x 8.5 x 5.5 |
| PD-2 | 2.5g | 3 months | 3-4 months | 23 x 12 x 5 |
| PD-2 | 3.2g | 4 months | 4-6 months | 23 x 12 x 6 |
| PD-2 | 3.8g | 6 months | 5-9 months | 23 x 12 x 7 |
Housing: The transmitter and battery are encapsulated in an inert waterproof epoxy. Battery placement determines shape. Several mounting options are available (see below). Although the unit is usually glued to the animal (click here for gluing instructions), one or two tubes can be attached for the passage of sutures or harness material (click here for harnessing instructions). Tubes will increase the total weight by 0.05 to 0.1 g. The unit can be attached to a bird leg-band (supplied by researcher). Extra potting is required for implanted transmitters, for use in high ionic environments (e.g. alkaline, saline), for extra waterproofing, or for abrasion resistance where needed. This will add ~ 0.1 g. See diagrams below.
Antenna: A stranded stainless steel wire covered with a black or brown nylon coating, or a 0.007" stainless steel wire. Shrinkable tubing can be added to reinforce the base of the antenna. Helical antennas can be added to allow for implantation (see photos below).
Activation: Removing an external magnet starts the transmitter. Replacing the magnet stops the transmitter.
Position (suffix "P"): The pulse rate switches from ~24 p/m in a vertical position to ~50 p/m in a horizontal position. This option adds ~0.5g to the finished weight of the transmitter.
BD-2 and PD-2 CONFIGURATIONS
HELICAL ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS
All of the units shown above can be fitted with helical antennas to allow for implantation. This will add about 0.1g to the finished weight and 2mm to the height (Internal Helix) or 10mm to the length (External Helix). Please note: Due to the reduction in reception range, this configuration should only be used in cases where a subcutaneous antenna is not possible. There are two available options:
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Internal Helix (suffix "H"): In this configuration, the helical antenna is placed across the top of the unit and encapsulated within the potting material. Range under normal conditions: 50 - 100m. External Helix (suffix "HX"): In this configuration, the helical antenna is coiled around a 10mm piece of Tygon tubing, which extends beyond the back of the unit. Range under normal conditions: 100 - 200m. |
EXAMPLES OF TUBE PLACEMENT
Tubes will slightly increase length and weight (0.05 - 0.10g) of the finished transmitter.
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One tube for additional anchoring in conjunction with glue. Two narrow tubes for sutures or light harness material. Two larger tubes for heavier material. Two pairs of vertical tubes and molded longitudinal groove for single feather tail-mount attchment. |
 BATS |
 BIRDS |
 INVERTEBRATES |
 HERPS |
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