Tracking using GPS Implants for Snakes

Different snakes… different GPS designs

As you can imagine, making a GPS data logger for a snake requires very special attention to design so that the product does not harm the snake. That’s why we approach our snake designs on an individual basis and work closely with the client during the design phase.

How it works-GPS Implants for Snakes

GPS implants for snakes are the obvious choice but this presents issues for the reception of a GPS signal. The GPS signals will not penetrate into the body of the snake so we have overcome this in two ways. The first is an implant with the GPS antenna exiting the snake. It is light and streamlined so that it won’t hang up on anything. The second solution is to use a saddle that is attached on the outside of the snake and attaching the GPS unit to the saddle. The second solution allows for the user to replace the GPS unit after the battery is flat, without disturbing the snake’s skin. Snakes vary greatly in size so whether we decide to use an implant or a saddle will depend to some extent on the size.

As a Telemetry Solutions client you will utilize our website to quickly download our user friendly software. The software is your interface to create a GPS positioning schedule for your GPS data loggers. All of our GPS data loggers use simple USB connections that allow you to upload your GPS positioning schedule into the GPS unit. Your programming choices are almost limitless and there are three different programming modes to choose from; repeat mode, template mode or always on mode. If, during this set up process, you need help we are here to support you every step of the way. We can even create your program and install it for you.

Repeat mode is simple, you choose an interval at which your GPS data logger will turn on. The interval can be set to any combination of minutes and hours from 2 minutes to 48 hours, 59 minutes.

Template mode enables you to program specific times and dates for positioning and this is very powerful, not restricting you to program every day like every other day. You schedule as many positions into the day as you like and save it as a template. Then apply that template to the days in the year which should follow the schedule in that template. Create up to 20 unique templates to apply into the programming year. Don’t forget that you may also choose to create a template with no positioning. That way you can have days with no GPS positioning scheduled if that is what you need.

Always on mode allows you to choose a time and date in the future at which the GPS module will turn on and stay on. These programming modes are yours at any time, our products are built so that you can use any of these modes. There is no need for you to decide upon one or another at the time you place your order.

Your GPS module contains a memory that stores GPS data. You will recover the data by locating the collar with the VHF beacon included and then either by capturing the animal and downloading data via USB cable or by using the optional wireless data download option (range up to 500 meters). This option adds 1.5 grams to the overall weight of the product. The remote data download feature can be activated any time that you are within the download range of the Telemetry Solutions’ GPS module. And with the more convenient ‘automatic’ remote download option you don’t even have to leave the warmth of your office for the data to be downloaded remotely. With the automatic download option, the Telemetry Solutions’ base station can trigger the automatic data download by itself.

Downloaded data can be viewed in UTMs, degrees/minutes/seconds, decimal degrees or as a KML file that you can map directly to Google Earth. Another alternative is to upload your data to our secure website and view it in Google Maps. This feature associates your map with a secure URL that can easily be shared.