Receivers
The Motus Network mostly consists of stationary automated radio telemetry stations which continuously record incoming radio pulses. Mobile stations also exist, either affixed to a moving vehicle, boat, or in a backpack on foot. Other receivers are used for manual tracking so that wildlife can be located in and observed in-person for more precise location data.
There are three types of receivers compatible with Motus that can be purchased, or built yourself in some cases: Lotek Wireles Inc (SRX600, 800 and D-series receivers), CTT Sensorstation and Nodes, and the open-source SensorGnome.
Sensorgnomes can be purchased from Compudata or RFS Scientific or built with the following instructions. Note these instructions are very outdated and require revision. New instructions will be posted in the near future.
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Compatible with Lotek Tags | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Compatible with CTT Tags | Yes | Yes | No |
Base Price | $625 USD (3) | $589 USD board only (1) | [Contact Lotek] |
Accessories | DC power converter (for solar installations): $45-75 USD | Waterproof case: $45 USD Wi-Fi Module: $30 USD Cellular Module: $50 USD Power supply (for AC installations): $25 USD Bulkheads (1 required per antenna): $10/each USD Health Reports Data Plan: $5 USD/Month Automatic Upload Data Plan: $5 USD/Month Base + Data | [Contact Lotek] |
Price per Lotek-compatible antenna dongle | $200 USD | $200 USD | $0 (included) |
Price per CTT-compatible antenna dongle | $100 USD | $0 (included) | Not compatible |
Remote data download and diagnostics? (Requires internet) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Internet connectivity? | Ethernet and Wi-Fi; cellular modem can be installed separately | Cellular (2) OR Wi-Fi; Ethernet | Cellular (modem purchased separately) |
License | Open-source hardware and software | Open-source hardware and software | Proprietary |
Used for manual tracking | Possible with added battery pack, but not well tested. | No, but see CTT Locator | Most models can be used for manual tracking. |
Build-your-own | Yes (3) | No | No |
(1) Price does not include cost of: Wi-Fi module; cellular module; data plans; case; power supply; bulkheads (1 required per antenna); or testing time.
(2) CTT charges $5/month base plus data costs for cellular data plans and an additional $5/month for station health reports. Contact CTT for more details.
(3) Cost for self-built SensorGnomes is estimated to be ~$150 USD without dongles, but prices may vary. Instructions on building SensorGnomes can be found here and here, but note these are outdated and require revision. New instructions will be posted in the near future. We do not recomend collaborators build their own SensorGnome without prior experience.
For manual telemetry, we need a portable receiver that can decode tag IDs in real time.
Last modified 1yr ago