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.

Automated Telemetry Receivers

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 Note these instructions are very outdated and require revision.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.

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.

Manual Telemetry Receivers

For manual telemetry, we need a portable receiver that can decode tag IDs in real time.

Last updated