Introduction

This guide has been created to help collaborators decide on where and how to install Motus stations.

This guide is still under development! Please keep in mind some information here may be incomplete.

There are several different ways a Motus station can be installed all of which depend on the location, purpose of the deployment, the infrastructure and equipment available. This guide will provide an overview of how different stations can be installed as well as some in-depth instructions on how to set up a variety of fixed, or free-standing towers with Yagi antennas and solar power. This booklet will not include a set of exhaustive instructions, but is intended as a guide that may need to be adapted to your project.

Disclaimer and Health and Safety Tips

This guide is intended as a way to help individuals install their own Motus station that should be adapted to the needs and abilities of each individual. In addition, many installations include working at heights above 2 meters (6 feet). Follow instructions provided by suppliers and do not work without adequate knowledge or training. Individual projects will have to abide by local health and safe regulations, or those of their host organization.

Motus Pro Tips

• Wear gloves!

• Good foot wear: steel toes and grip

• High-vis and hard hats

• Harness and adequate training when working from heights

• Electrocution -- overhead wires

What is a Motus Station?

A Motus station is an automated radio telemetry station designed to listen to specific types of radio transmitters used to track wildlife. These stations comprise the physical ground-based infrastructure of the Motus Wildlife Tracking System. A station consists of several parts: a radio receiver (computer) and peripherals such as antennas, cables, a mounting structure, and a power supply. Installing and maintaining a Motus station is no small task, but the rewards are great.

Definitions

With all the terminology being thrown around with this technology, it can be hard to keep track of what’s what. See Quick References for a terminology reference.