I'm not a falconer but want some info from some guys that use falconry transmitters. I thought about putting a falcon transmitter in an old dog tracking collar to increase the range for cat hounds. Just wanted to know if these transmitters are made good, waterproof etc. and would they hold up to a hound and what kind of range do you guys get with em?
I'm not a falconer but want some info from some guys that use falconry transmitters. I thought about putting a falcon transmitter in an old dog tracking collar to increase the range for cat hounds. Just wanted to know if these transmitters are made good, waterproof etc. and would they hold up to a hound and what kind of range do you guys get with em?
LL Electronics also makes tracking collars for dogs. Your range with one designed specifically for dogs would be better because the unit is bigger (more power), and the antenna is hardy. The range with a small bird transmitter will be less because the dog is low to/on the ground. In fact, you may lose the signal altogether if the dog's in a ravine. And if the dog is traversing thick-vegetation terrain, the thin wire antenna will likely rip off. It just can't take the rigors a dog will put it through. You can always give Louie at LL a call and ask him for his professional opinion on the idea.
tell you the truth, $$599.00, you will spend that much on a bird set up also.
Way more for bird telemetry. One new transmitter is about $165, and the receiver is around $900. Of course, one can try to find a used set for cheaper. But why... especially when it won't work as well or better than a less expensive dog tracking collar.
Wouldn't the dog collar that killjoy mentioned be too heavy for most birds?
While we're on the subject... What should be the max weight for most birds?
Obviously "most birds" is vague, I was wondering if there is a formula that usually works. 5% of body weight maybe?? idk
Thoughts???
a dog telem would crush a bird!!
A big telem a bird could carry MIGHT be 1 oz, the one I used on my Kessie was 4g total and the bird weighed 87g.
I think it's a fair statement if I say that if they made a 1g telem that would last 1 month people would buy it. But the one I have only last 3 days with a 20 mile line of sight. You need to find the balance of weight and battery life.
i have an associates degree in electronics i am gob-smacked at the cost of telemetry for what is effectively a small radio signal, If i had the time i would give it a go and get something that was truly useful like using GPS to overlay the signal source. This area of falconry is truly one big ripe off. 100+ for the transmitter fine, but 400 spiraling up-wards some one is bending us all over and giving us a good slapping.
I was thinking exactly the same thing. Seems like a whole lot of money for not a lot. I was inquiring about weight and the dog tracker because it sure seems to me like the technology should be here to track our birds with GPS instead of running around with technology that is decades old. Scientist use GPS to track migration routes, those units weigh 20-32g. I have yet to find where these are available to the public. I'd sure like to hear what other people know about where we're at on this.
Last Edit: Nov 27, 2009 22:04:25 GMT -5 by Chigger
... This area of falconry is truly one big ripe off. 100+ for the transmitter fine, but 400 spiraling up-wards some one is bending us all over and giving us a good slapping.
I couldn't agree more, Steve. I'm guessing the price of components has increased (like everything), but some are charging way beyond that. I think that's because people besides falconers (researchers - orgs -government biologists) buy it for their projects and they're willing -and have the funding- to pay big dollars to get it. And there aren't a lot of makers/suppliers out there (very little competition).
Example: I've been co-opping with a gov-funded org on a Barn owl release project (I raise the owlets). They're tracking the owls' movements with telem and GPS back packs. I get reports and maps of where the owls have been and are. Too cool!! The cost of the GPS is way beyond most falconers' means. Not just the units themselves, but the cost of using the satellites has to be figured into it too.
Pricing for individuals may be too high, but what if falconers formed a co-op, or even if it was done through an existing organization like NAFA? Perhaps the bulk pricing would make it reasonable? I really have no idea, just wishful thinking here.
Pricing for individuals may be too high, but what if falconers formed a co-op, or even if it was done through an existing organization like NAFA? Perhaps the bulk pricing would make it reasonable? I really have no idea, just wishful thinking here.
that won't work cause then a private group would still rake you over the coals. It would cost even more. Merlin or Marshall would have to sell you the subscription.
But I have to disagree on cost of satelites. For $200 I get a car gps with a 1 year of map upgrade service free. Then $120 for lifetime map upgrade.
The highest cost will be reducing the size of the tx for the birds. I think that is why the gov can do it. Other than that the satelites are in space and being used already.
LOL, I'm clueless bout this stuff too. I was curious to hear what the techno people had to say and was really hoping that maybe this info would spark the interest of someone more capable than myself.