Receivers
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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 or or built with the . Note these instructions are very outdated and require revision. New instructions will be posted in the near future.
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.
For manual telemetry, we need a portable receiver that can decode tag IDs in real time.
(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 and , 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.