User's Manual

Page 24 Lotek Biotracker Receiver User’s Manual
Full Specifications Table (continued)
Specification Value Explanation
Scanning
Minimum
scan interval
Maximum
scan interval
1 second
999 secs
(16 mins
and 39
seconds)
The Scanning function steps through the channels on
your receiver and stops on each one for a predefined
interval. You can set the scan interval and select
which channels are to be included in the scan.
Scanning automates the process of frequency
changing when searching for a number of tags at
once. It is especially useful during searches from
vehicles (including aircraft).
Weight
800g
The lighter the receiver the easier it will be to
carry in the field. However, bear in mind that the
battery contributes extra weight but that heavier
batteries last longer. There is inevitably some
compromise here. Also, receivers in lighter, plastic
cases may not be as robust as those in metal cases.
Size
150 x 85 x
55 mm
6 x 3.25 x
2 inches
The smaller the receiver the easier it will be to
carry in the field. However, consider carefully how
the receiver is to be used. Will you need to use it with
gloves on ? Small receivers usually have small controls
that may be difficult to use, especially with gloves, or
the controls may not be in the optimum position for
operation with one hand while holding a Yagi with the
other. Biotracker was designed with these factors in
mind.
Waterproofing
Method
Rating
Neoprene
and silicone
seals.
IP65
The waterproof rating code ‘IP65’ is from a standard
dust and water resistance scale. It means the device
is dust-tight and impenetrable to water spray from all
directions. Biotracker has a waterproof seal on box lid
and battery compartment. The speaker is fully
covered by the membrane keypad and the gain control
is hermetically sealed. All connectors are sealed on
inside of box and external covers are supplied for
connectors when not in use.
Water-proofing to IP65 is an essential feature of
any modern radio-tracking receiver.
Frequency
Stability
Over –20 to +50 C
Over time
< 2.5 kHz
< 1 kHz in
first year
(slower
change
thereafter)
If a receiver frequency changes with temperature
there is a chance that you will miss tags because the
receiver is no longer tuned to the best frequency on
which to hear them. This is more likely to be
problematic if your study area is prone to large swings
in temperature, or if you are tracking in a very cold
climate and have tuned into your tags indoors in the
warm. In practice, a change of +/- 1 kHz does not
cause much of a problem, provided you are aware of
it. Remember that tags too are likely to change
frequency with temperature. The more stable the
frequency of the receiver over temperature and
time, the less the risk you will miss a tag because
of frequency shift.