WILDLIFE Benthic sPAT User Guide

June 3, 2024
WILDLIFE

WILDLIFE Benthic sPAT

WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-
product

About the Benthic Survivorship PAT (Benthic sPAT)

The Benthic sPAT (also known as a PAT tag or PSAT) is a pop-up archival transmitting tag specifically optimized for short-term survivorship studies on benthic species. Benthic species can remain stationary for days, making it difficult to deduce mortality from our typical data sets— depth, temperature, and light. The Benthic sPAT adds tilt to help measure activity (or inactivity) in order to help determine mortality. The Benthic sPAT monitors the status of the tagged animal for up to 96 days. Examples of species ideal to deploy the Benthic sPAT on include halibut, sole, flounder, turbot, and rays.
The Benthic sPAT is designed to be attached to an animal by a tether. The corrodible burn pin releases the tag from the tether on a pre-programmed interval or date, or when the Benthic sPAT determines it is no longer attached to an animal. Data transmission occurs when the tag floats on the ocean surface after it releases from the tether. These transmitted data will allow you to infer the status of the animal at the time of release.

For each UTC day, one orientation message is generated that contains two-hour summary periods with the following information:

  • Time upright
  • Number of times the tag was knocked down
  • Wet/Dry summary

In addition, you will get the Argos generated pop-up location.
The Benthic sPAT will transmit for approximately 5-10 days until the tag battery expires. Upon linking your Benthic sPAT Argos Account credentials to the Wildlife Computers Data Portal, tag data will show up in your portal account in near-real time as the data are received.

Before you Begin

The list below shows what is required to communicate with the Benthic sPAT:

  • A Wildlife Computers online portal account
  • A Windows computer with Tag Agent Software and USB driver installed
  • A Wildlife Computers USB communications cable
  • A magnet

Visit wildlifecomputers.com to download the required software (Tag Agent and the USB Driver) and setup an account. At the end of this document, there is a list of key terms and concepts for reference. We recommend new users review this list.

Anatomy of the Benthic sPAT

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The communications port is where the Wildlife Computers Communications Cable connects to the tag. Prior to a deployment, this port should be sealed with the provided plug. To do this, smear a small amount of the supplied silicone grease onto the sides and bottom of the plug. Align the plug and pins, then carefully push the plug into the port.

  • If the plug does not align easily with the pins, rotate it 180° and try again.
  • The plug prevents corrosion of the pins during the deployment. The plug is not required for the tag to function normally.

Note that the Wet/Dry sensor, ground plate, and electronic release pin should never be covered.
Covering the Wet/Dry sensor, ground plate, and electronic release pin interferes with the tag’s functionality. This includes anti-fouling coatings, brightly colored paints for recovery purposes, and attachment adhesives (e.g. epoxy).

Types of Data Received from Benthic sPAT

Orientation Message
For each UTC day, one orientation message is generated that contains two-hour summary periods with the following information:

  1. Time upright
  2. Number of times the tag was knocked down
  3. Wet/Dry summary

Tag Release

The Benthic sPAT is user-programmable for the users desired deployment duration (up to 96 days). On the user specified time interval or scheduled date, the tag will begin the release sequence, unless a conditional release occurs prior to reaching the intended duration.

Conditional Release

The Benthic sPAT uses We/Dry sensor measurements to make reasonable assumptions about the state of the deployment. The Benthic sPAT will initiate release if the tag Wet/Dry sensors determine the tag is floating at the surface.
Release reasons as reported in the tag’s status messages:

  1. Interval—the tag ran to the configured end of the deployment and the animal survived.
  2. Pin Broke—the tag sensed the release pin was broken, and the tag found itself floating on the surface for an extended period of time. Some external force pulled on the tether and broke the pin.
  3. Floater—the tag was dry for the majority of specified conditional release interval. For some reason (mortality or attachment failure) the tag has come off the animal and is floating at the surface.

Pinger

The pinger function is designed to aid in tag recovery. In addition to the Argos transmissions (sent every 90 seconds), the Benthic sPAT sends out low power “pings” after release while at the surface. The Benthic sPAT will ping at a one second interval for the duration of the Argos transmission period (approximately three days after release). During the Argos transmission period, tags can be located with an appropriate receiver and directional antenna. When the transmission period ends, the pinger function will cease.

Interacting with a Tag

Tag Agent Software is used to communicate with the Benthic sPAT. Tag Agent and the USB Driver can be downloaded from our website: wildlifecomputers.com .
Plug the USB communications cable into the computer and connect to a tag carefully observing the orientation of the connector pins to the communications port on the tag. The Tag Agent connection screen will display with Tag Status as Interactive in the lower left (Figure 3) when a proper USB and tag connection is made. If tag status remains Disconnected, swipe the magnet supplied near the communication port on the tag to view the tag in interactive mode.WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-fug-2

If the tag is new or was previously programmed by another user, a pop-up box will appear asking if you wish to take ownership of the tag. By accepting ownership, you will become a “Tag Administrator” and have the authority to select and save new tag settings to your tag.
If tag settings have been updated through Tag Portal, a pop-up box will appear on opening Tag Agent advising that changes were made and the tag’s settings need to be updated.
When the tag is connected to Tag Agent, the home screen will appear (Figure 4). The sensor values displayed on the home screen are continuously updated from the tag. WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-fug-3

In the grey menu at the top of the home screen;

  • Administer Tag button allows you to modify the settings of the connected tag.
  • Download WCH button shows a summary of data on the tag and gives you the option to download the archive and set-up info onto your local machine.
  • Advanced button allows you to test the tag and gather tag information.
  • Disconnect Tag button allow you to choose which state or mode to disconnect the tag.

Configuring the Benthic sPAT Within Tag Agent

To configure the Benthic sPAT within Tag Agent, select the “Administer Tag” button in the upper grey menu on the screen.WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-
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A new window will open up to reveal four sections —Tag Information, Tag Release Sequence, Data Product Settings, and Transmission Settings.

Tag Information

Tag information includes individual tag details & Argos settings (Figure 6). Tag administrators, tagware version, and tag type are displayed on the Tag Details tab. Tag Name is an optional field designed to make a tag easier to find in the Tag Portal when applying the filter feature. The Argos Settings tab displays the tag PTT ID details.
For more information on these terms, reference the Key Concepts section at the end of this document.WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-fug-5

Tag Release Sequence

Tag release sequence settings define when the tag will activate its release mechanism. Either an interval release or scheduled date release can be set. The release will begin at 20:00 UTC after the number of days specified, or on the chosen date (Figure 7).
The tag automatically sets its archival sample interval based on the deployment length specified in this tab.

Conditional Release
The Benthic sPAT uses Wet/Dry sensor measurements to make reasonable assumptions about the state of the deployment. Depending on your study design and the behavior of your study animal, you can program the tag to release and transmit earlier than the interval or scheduled date release, so long as certain conditions are met.

Auto-detect Tag Detachment
This parameter automatically initiates release if the tag detects itself floating at the surface.

  • Select how long the tag must be at the surface before a release will occur. The pin burn will occur after the specified time has elapsed, not at 20:00 UTC like the scheduled release.WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-fug-6

The release settings shown in Figure 7 will result in the following:

  • The tag will release 60 days after deployment.
  • The tag will release if it is floating at the surface for 48 hours.

Note : Auto-Detect Mortality (a feature for MiniPAT and sPAT tags) is not available on the Benthic sPAT because there is no depth sensor.

Data Product Settings

Orientation Data Product

These settings define the Orientation Data Product. In order to enable the Orientation data product, the Tag Release Sequence must be set for a deployment of 96 days or less.

Knockdown

The knockdown detector identifies changes in tag orientation. Select the threshold that qualifies a change in acceleration as a knockdown event. To calculate the change in angle from the vertical (θ) that will result in a knockdown, θ = cos-1(1-‘k’), where ‘k’ is the knockdown value. Keep in mind that a change in acceleration does not equate to the same change in tilt over the full range of motion. For example, a tag tilting from 0 degrees to 30 degrees or 60 degrees to 68 degrees will both result in a change in acceleration of 0.13g.

Upright

To determine the amount of time a tag spends upright versus tilted, a threshold definition of upright is needed. A measurement of acceleration on the x-axis of the tag that is considered upright. This assumes the tag has no other accelerations acting on it. When the sensor reads -1g on the z-axis, the tag is perfectly upright. To calculate the tilt angle (θ), θ = cos-1(u), where ‘u’ is the upright value.
The default settings for Knockdown are 0.5g and Upright -0.5g. This could vary depending on the behavior of the animal you are tagging. Contact Wildlife Computers if you need assistance.
Once settings have been chosen, use the blue Send Changes button (or Propose Changes button if working in Tag Portal) to load settings into tag. Tag Agent will confirm receipt of settings via dialog box. The Check for Updates tab on the top left menu bar of Tag Agent home screen can be used at any time to see if settings updates are available.

Transmission Settings

Displayed in this tab is the 90 second Argos transmission interval the tag will attempt post-release. This value is unchangeable to the user.

Disconnect from the Benthic sPAT

Tag States: Start, Auto-Start, and Stop
Use the “Disconnect Tag” button on the top right menu bar (Figure 5) to disconnect from a tag. Do not simply unplug the USB communications cable.
The Benthic sPAT has three states: Auto-Start, Start, and Stop. Wildlife Computers ships Benthic sPATs in Auto-Start.

  1. Auto-Start mode allows the tag to Start or activate by sea water submersion.
  2. Start mode activates the tag. In Start, data collection is running and the tag begins monitoring for its set release condition.
  3. Stop mode is the equivalent of shutdown and is used for storage of tags for periods longer than a month. In this mode the tag will remain unresponsive unless connected to Tag Agent.

Prior to a deployment the communications port should be sealed with the plug provided. Smear a small amount of the silicone grease supplied onto the sides and bottom of the plug. Align the plug and pins, and carefully push the plug into the port. If it does not easily align with the pins, rotate the plug 180° and try again. The plug prevents corrosion of the pins during the deployment; however, the plug is not required for the tag to function normally.
Tags in Stop mode need to be connected to Tag Agent through the USB cable to awaken the tag.

LED Blink Patterns

Within Tag Agent, the “Disconnect Tag” button on the top right menu bar can be used to put a tag in any state. Wildlife Computers ships the Benthic sPAT in Auto-Start mode.
At any time, users can verify the tag state by making a single pass of a magnet near the communications port. When the LED gradually transitions from bright to dim, this is confirmation that the tag is in Auto-Start mode.
Once disconnected in Auto-Start:

  • If the tag gets wet for approximately 10 seconds, the tag will “deploy” – this is visible by the LED blinking ten times. The archive will erase and the deployment will begin.
    • Within the first hour of a deployment you can reset the tag state and toggle the tag back into Auto-Start mode by swiping it with a magnet. If done successfully, you will see the LED come on and gradually transition from bright to dim.
    • After one hour of a deployment, the reset switch is disabled and a magnet no longer has the ability to toggle the tag state. If this happens, the tag must be connected to Tag Agent using a USB Cable and reset.
  • If the tag gets wet, but not long enough to enter “deploy” mode as above, the LED will gradually transition from bright to dim to show the tag state remains in Auto-Start mode.

Clearing the Benthic sPAT Archive

The archive is cleared automatically when a new deployment is started. The LED will indicate that the tag is clearing the archive with many rapid blinks. Leave the tag connected until Tag Agent indicates that the archive is erased. This may take several minutes.
Disconnecting the tag in Start or Auto-Start will erase the archive. If a tag is recovered, be sure to download the data prior to putting back in Auto-Start or Start mode.

Gathering Benthic sPAT Tag Information

Checking Sensor Readings & Transmission Test
The sensor values displayed on the Tag Agent home screen are continuously updated from the tag. Sensor functionality can be validated by manipulating the sensors as follows:

  • Wet/dry—connecting a wire from the large rectangular ground plate strap above the communication port to the metal ring around the base of the antenna should change the value from over 200 to less than 20
  • Tilt – rotating the tag should change the value from 0 degrees (antenna straight up) to 180 degrees (antenna straight down)

Test Transmission
Under the “Advanced” button on the top menu there’s an option to Send Test Transmission. When selected, a pop-up box with transmission values will appear .WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-fug-7

The Battery Voltage value will be different in the pop-up box than on the Tag Agent home screen because it is measured when the battery is driving a transmission.
The Transmit Current will vary depending on the presence of conductive objects near the tag. It has been optimized for a tag that is floating in seawater.
Transmit Count is the number of transmissions the tag has made since it was manufactured.

Argos Transmitter Test

The Argos Transmitter test allows for a full system test to confirm that the tag is successfully sending messages to the Argos satellites. Click on the Advanced Tab then Argos Transmitter Test.WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-
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  • Seconds Offset: If you will be testing multiple tags at one time, you can use this parameter to offset transmissions so the tags will not transmit at the same time.
  • Transmit Count: How many times you want the tag to transmit. 120 transmissions at a 60 second interval will provide a 2-hour test, which is usually enough to coincide with a couple of satellite passes. Check the satellite passes in your area prior to beginning the test.
  • Seconds Apart: The time between each transmission.
  • When all of the tags are setup and deployed, take them outside where they have a full view of the sky. For best results, float the sPATs in a bucket of saltwater.

Upon completion of the Argos Transmitter Test, the tag will be in STOP mode and you will need to communicate with it again prior to deploying it.

Configuring Benthic sPAT Remotely and Offline Using Tag Portal and Tag

Agent

Using Tag Portal to Remotely Change Tag Settings

Tag Portal is the cloud-based service offered by Wildlife Computers to remotely select and make changes to your tag settings via the cloud. In Tag Portal, tag configuration can be done without physically connecting to tag. This enables project coordinators to review and select settings for their associates while tags are in transit, before arrival.
When logged into your Portal account, a list of the tags you can administer can be viewed under the My Tags tab. To view the current tag settings, click on the serial number of the tag you wish to configure or use the pencil icon (on the far right of the row).WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-
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Selecting the serial number opens a new window with setting selections. The same programming options are available whether settings are configured via Tag Portal or from within Tag Agent.
When you are satisfied with your selected settings in Tag Portal, click the blue Propose Changes button. This will save the settings in the cloud.

  • The next time that tag communicates with Tag Agent (regardless of who physically connects to the tag), a dialog box will appear notifying that new settings are awaiting upload.

Multiple set-ups can be published resulting in a queue of configurations awaiting upload. In this case, a dialog box will reveal a list of the configurations published, when they were selected, and which administrator chose the settings. Tag Portal maintains a historic record of tag settings each time changes are uploaded into a tag. The record is instantly updated so long as an Internet connection is available.

  • If tags are programed offline using Tag Agent, the next time an Internet connection is established and Tag Agent software is open, the record automatically updates.

Using Tag Agent in Offline Mode

Before you can program offline, you must download Tag Agent software and communicate with a tag while connected to the Internet. You can simulate offline mode by disabling your Internet connection.
What you need before you begin;

  • A Windows-based computer with Tag Agent software and USB driver installed. Download both at http://www.WildlifeComputers.com

  • A Wildlife Computers Portal account. Create your free Portal account at
    https://my.wildlifecomputers.com

  • A USB communications cable

  • A Magnet

  • One of every tag type (i.e. SPOT, SPOT-F, MiniPAT) you are taking in the field

Connect to each tag type while you have Internet connection;

  1. Open Tag Agent and use the USB cable to connect a tag to your computer.
  2. Swipe a magnet near the communication port to establish connection. The tag LED will turn on and the Tag Agent home screen will appear.
  3. Use the “Administer Tag” button to familiarize yourself with the tag setting options.
  4. Use the “Disconnect Tag” button to select the tag state before unplugging.

If you are headed into the field with multiple tag types (i.e. SPOT, SPOT-F, MiniPAT, etc.) be sure to communicate with one of each tag model while you have an Internet connection.

So long as you have taken the above steps, working offline is nearly identical to working online. The difference is that the Internet status will display Disconnected in the lower left corner of Tag Agent connection screen.

If the Internet connection is unreliable, it is best to disable the connection entirely. A partial connection can prohibit settings from loading properly.

To Program Tags Offline

  • Open Tag Agent and use the USB communications cable to plug a tag into your computer.
  • Swipe a magnet near the communication port to establish a connection.
  • If the tag’s internal clock needs adjusting, select “Yes” to the pop-up box that appears, as well as the Date/Time Picker (Figure 11 —sometimes the Picker hides in the upper left corner of the screen).WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-fug-11
  • Click the “Administer Tag” button and make the required changes to the tag settings.
  • Click “Send Changes” to push settings into the tag. A pop-up box will confirm the new settings were applied. Click “Ok”.WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-fug-12
  • Use the “Disconnect Tag” button to select the tag state before unplugging.
  • Restart Tag Agent when the Internet connection is restored so a record of the selected tag settings will be saved.

Creating Local Templates

The Send Changes button must be selected after a template is applied to push settings into a tag.

Benthic sPAT Recovery Instructions
If the Benthic sPAT is recovered after deployment, it is possible that contamination of the communications port may cause some communication difficulties. The following instructions, in addition to describing how to recover the data, explain possible problems that might occur during the recovery and how to fix them. Even if all attempts to communicate with the Benthic sPAT fail, your deployment data are probably still in memory, and can be retrieved by Wildlife Computers.

Preparation for Post-deployment Communication
When you recover your Benthic sPAT full of valuable deployment data, before you attempt to connect the tag to the USB communications cable there are several steps to perform. As a precaution, it is advised to have the following on hand:

  • Compressed air in a can
  • Electronic contact cleaner, if available
  1. Thoroughly dry the Benthic sPAT with a paper towel.
  2. Remove the rubber communications port protection plug.
  3. Blow out any water in the communication port. Make sure the port is clean and dry. Compressed air in a can works well for this. Note: Communicating with a Benthic sPAT which has saltwater in the communications port will cause the pins to corrode very fast!
  4. Count the number of pins in the communications port. If there are fewer than four pins, one or more have corroded or broken off. Stop there and send the Benthic sPAT to Wildlife Computers, and we will download your data.
  5. Examine the pins in the communications port. If they are rusty or corroded, send the Benthic sPAT back to Wildlife Computers for downloading.
  6. If all four pins are clean and golden in color, you can continue to attempt tag communication.
  7. You may wish to spray some contact cleaner into the communications port as a precaution.

If you establish a communication connection with the tag, you are now ready to download your data with Tag Agent.

Download your Data

Use the “Download WCH” button on the Tag Agent top menu bar to download Benthic SPAT archival data (Figure 11). You’ll be prompted to save the .wch file to your computer. The file can then be uploaded into the Data Portal for decoding, analysis, and storage.WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-
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The archive will contain the following data:

  • Z-axis acceleration (g)
  • Wet/Dry
  • Upright (Aux channel)

Disconnect the tag in Stop mode after downloading the data.

Tag Storage and Battery Maintenance

Proper tag storage is important to minimize passivation and keep the batteries charged. When stored correctly, the amount of battery life lost per year is only 1-2 percent.

Benthic sPAT Storage—Less Than One Month
Not much needs to be done as you will be deploying them soon. Wildlife Computers recommends storing tags in a cool, dry environment—ideally around +5° C.

Benthic sPAT Storage—Longer Than One Month
If you will be storing Benthic sPAT tags longer that one month, you will need to place your tag(s) in “Stop” mode using Tag Agent and exercise the batteries every 3 months.
Connect to each tag and login to Tag Agent. In the menu at the top, you will see the “Disconnect Tag” tab. Scroll down to “Stop.” The tags can now be stored. Wildlife Computers recommends storing tags in a cool, dry environment—ideally around +5° C.WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-
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Once tags are stored, they must be “exercised” by sending test transmissions in Tag Agent. Connect to each tag and log into Tag Agent. In the menu at the top, you will see the “Advanced” tab. Scroll to select, “Send Test Transmission.” WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-fug-15

The test transmission voltage should read approximately 3.3v and the battery voltage displayed on the main sensor screen should be around 3.5v. WILDLIFE-
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If you receive a low voltage reading, it may be due to passivation forming during storage. We recommend repeating this test at least 3-10 times to dislodge the possible passivation layer. If you continue to receive a low voltage reading, anything less than 3.2v, contact your technical sales consultant. WILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-fug-17

Technical Specifications

Dimensions 124 mm (length) X 38 mm (diameter)
Weight in Air 60 g
Pressure Rating 2000 m
Memory 64 MB
Operating Frequency 401.678 MHz
Operating Life Up to 96 days
Sensors Wet/Dry, Acceleration
Accelerometer Range ± 2 g
Accelerometer Resolution 4 mg
Accelerometer Accuracy ± 0.15 g
Conductivity Operational Limits 0.1 to 5 S/m
Storage Temperature 5 °C Optimal
Communication Via USB port using Wildlife Computers USB communications cable

Additional Information

Glossary of Terms

  • Administrator— someone who has the authority to publish tag settings.
  • Argos ID— uniquely identifies a transmitter for the Argos system. The ID consists of a decimal number and a hexadecimal (base 16) number.
  • Argos location— a location generated by the Argos system from uplinks received during a satellite pass. Get more information about how the Argos system works here: www.argos-system.org
  • Argos uplink— a radio transmission intended for the Argos satellite system.
  • Data message— created by the tag to transmit data through the Argos system. Each data message is transmitted as payload in an Argos uplink. In order to increase the likelihood of its reception by the Argos system, each message is sent a fixed number of times.
  • Data Products— the various types of data available from Wildlife Computer tags.
  • Deployment— the period when a tag is associated with an animal and actively collecting and sending telemetry data.
  • Location uplink— a transmission intended to generate an Argos location. These uplinks can also carry a data message payload. Multiple uplinks are required to generate an Argos location.
  • Pinger— a UHF radio tracking beacon.
  • Repetition Interval (repetition rate) — how often a tag will test for dry conditions and try to transmit. Set at 90 seconds for Benthic sPATs, this value is assigned by CLS (Argos) and set by Wildlife Computers.
  • Start/Auto-Start/Stop— the different tag states. When in Start mode, the tag will generate locations and/or collect sensor data. Auto-Start will allow the tag to Start using a magnet or when reading wet. Stop causes the tag to do nothing until reconnected to Tag Agent.
  • Summary Period Data— generated from sensors during a defined number of hours.
  • Tag Agent Software— the program used to change tag states and select tag settings and connect a tag to the Wildlife Computers Tag Portal.
  • Tagware— the software version running on a tag.
  • Tag Portal— the cloud-based service offered by Wildlife Computers for remote tag setup. A historic record of tag settings and templates are maintained within the Tag Portal.
  • USB Communications Cable— the Wildlife Computers communication cable required by Tag Agent.
  • Wet and Dry—t he state of the tag as determined by the We/Dry sensor which measures conductivity.

Why You Should Apply Antifouling Paint

Heavily fouled tags can be hugely detrimental to tagging studies as fouling growth over critical sensors can impede the tag’s transmitting performance. Especially for deployments in tropical waters, it is imperative that tags be protected against marine growth. Wildlife Computers endorses two antifouling paints, Micron and Propspeed. While we prefer Micron66, it is not available in some countries. There are dozens of paint options available, but Micron 66, Micron77 and Micron99 are our favorites from years of testing and client feedback.

Micron66 is a copper-based antifouling paint that has a biocide which repels barnacles. For optimal protection, it is critical to use International Paints’ Interprotect primer in addition to several coats of paint. Micron66 is a great choice for slow movers like sea turtles and whale sharks—
http://bit.ly/Micron66

Propspeed is non-toxic and widely available. Its glossy texture sloughs off marine growth before it has a chance to bond. Constant water flow is key to Propspeed’s effectiveness making it most beneficial for active swimmers.
Wildlife Computers offers an optional service to sand, mask, and paint tags with Propspeed antifouling and coat the wet/dry sensors with conductive polymer. This comprehensive antifouling service is offered at a charge of $100 per tag prior to shipping. We do not apply Micron antifouling paint due to the hazardous nature of the product.

Tips and Tricks When Antifouling Your Tags

Here are a few critical points to ensure successful tag antifouling:

  • Mix the Micron paint with a battery drill and paint mixer tool—this step is imperative to dislodge the copper off the bottom of the can! If you can’t use a drill, mix it thoroughly with a wide paddle to ensure all the copper sludge is mixed into the paint.
  • After covering the wet/dry sensors, communications port, depth sensor opening, “Battery Isolator” screw, and LED viewing port with tape, prime the entire tag including all the antennas when applicable—Fastloc® GPS patch antennas, Fastloc® GPS whip antenna, and the Argos antenna.
  • Only prime two to three tags at a time and ensure that the first coat of Micron paint goes on when the primer is tacky and not dry (if too late, apply another coat of primer and then paint when tacky).
  • Apply three to four coats of Micron, allowing time to dry between coats (it is ablative, so it needs several coats that will wear off over time in the water).
  • Remove masking tape!
  • Optionally, apply another coat to the Fastloc® GPS and Argos whip antennas after attaching the tag (especially to a turtle). Remember to avoid the wet/dry sensors. Micron will not harm the attachment epoxy.

Check out our antifouling resources on the Wildlife Computers website including a video that shows you exactly how to do apply antifouling paint.

Resources

International Paints Micron Antifouling PaintWILDLIFE-Benthic-sPAT-
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Micron is only available in 5-liter (one gallon) cans.
http://www.yachtpaint.com/LiteratureCentre/micron-66-info-usa-eng.pdf

USA Store Locator: http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/diy/store- locator/search.aspx
Micron is available in the USA and Asia-Pacific regions from International Paints dealers and ship chandlers. Micron is not available in all countries.

Similar Micron products such as Micron Extra, Micron Extra2, MicronCSC, Micron77 and Micron99 are alternative solutions although Micron66, Micron77 and Micron99 are the most effective. Micron77 may only be available from licensed applicators.

International Paints Primer

“Interprotect 2000E” or “Interprotect” or “Gelsheild 200” (These are the same product). Interprotect is a two-part epoxy primer and is available in 750ml, (one quart) cans.
If Interprotect primer is not available then “Primocon” primer can be used but it is not as effective.

Contacting Wildlife Computers

U.S. and International
Members of the Wildlife Computers technical sales and support team are located in Redmond, WA, USA, and Havelock North, New Zealand, allowing us to cover promptly a wide range of time zones.

Mailing and Shipping
Wildlife Computers
8310 154th Avenue NE Suite 150
Redmond, WA 98052 USA
Email
Sales, Quotes, and Inquiries:[email protected]
Technical Support: [email protected]

Phone: +1 (425) 881 3048

Website: WildlifeComputers.com

For Asian Clients
While we welcome your direct correspondence, we recommend that you contact our colleague, Mr.
Yong Huang, for assistance. Mr. Huang understands the special purchase processes for your countries, and will provide you with the best service for the best price. He also is fluent in Japanese, Chinese, and English.

Mailing Address—Please ship tags to our main office in Redmond, WA.
Yong Huang
Enfotran Corporation
816 Evergreen Point Road, #217
Medina, WA 98039 USA

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1 (425) 456 0101

Fax: +1 (425) 456 0303

References

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