Sattelite telemetry

[GriffMJ]

Hi All

has anyone looked into sattelite telemetry? I know its out there....is there a UK supplier? I have looked on the web and found many ....but all to do with scientific studies on falcons in the wild and all in either US or Canada.

Have you got sattelite telemtry and if so how much did u buy it for?

How have u used it .... with a laptop and mobile.....with a palm and mobile with maps etc.

[Hawkmaster]

I have been working on a set now for 4 years.

[GriffMJ]

What do mean by "working on a set"? Wanting to buy one?

[Hawkmaster]

Making it, as the systems out there where to large, cumbersome or relied too much on geting info only by email, fax or through a subscription system.

[GriffMJ]

Are the components available to make one?

and how do you register a completed unit within the sattelite network?

[Hawkmaster]

Yes you can get everything it is just the costs of having them put together because it is all surface mount and impossible to solder by hand. The equipment used to do it cost a quarter of a million to buy.

We are about to test a small unit any day now that is probably still considered too big but will be a HUGE step in the right direction.

[GriffMJ]

hmmmmm..... I have seen tailmounted and back pack systems that are no bigger than ordinary telemtry. here is a link:-

http://www.habitresearch.com/satellitetransmitters.html

Here is another link, this one is interesting as he is doing it with an ordinary GPS system (in Wales)

http://gpss.npl.com/falcondf.htm

[Moritz]

Would it not change falconery completly if there are this systems at good prices and sizes? I have been interrested in such a system since ages, keep us up to date how it is going!

Moritz

[GriffMJ]

I think this is Falconry "Nirvana" not to put to finer point on it! Even the best falconers, on occasion, will lose a raptor.

[Hawkmaster]

Griff, those are the reason I got started with this project and the loss of my best falcon. But they are too big, have no direct way to communicate with them or become a cost effective solution.

The GPSS one is not what a lot of people think it is. It is only normal telemetry and a GPS with special software that calculatess and trianglates more or less where your bird is?

My system will tell me where the hawk is within metres.

[GriffMJ]

Still have not figured out the GPSS system on triangulation...lol and I used to be Recce in the forces loooool. But it looks like a great method ....if u know how it works specifically ...please tell me :)

Hawkmaster....I am impressed by the amount £1/4million....how much have U payed out on your system so far? How far down the line have you got with your endevours?

[Moritz]

I will be one of youre first costemers and I know some people that will buy them as well. How long do you think will it take until you are finished with the development?

Moritz

[Hawkmaster]

Development, software and most things are done just waiting for some plastic machined parts to be done, which is a major pain, as it costs at least £8000 a pop and it is not always or ever right.

We did not buy the surface mounter, we are using someone else to do it, hence more delays.

Hope to have a unit to sell in a few months.

[GriffMJ]

Whats the retail price going to be (in your estimation)? Are you goig to price it within the £ range of the majority of falconers?

[Hawkmaster]

Still got to work out how we are going to sell it. With a tracking unit or without complete or half complete etc etc etc.

I want a budget system and a top of the range job too.

When we did work it out about 18 months ago it was £1500 to £1995, but this was for small run quanities. I do have an Arab gentleman that want 25 at £1995 each for his birds, as soon as it is 100%.

[GriffMJ]

hmmmm......price is a bit much if you are flying a £400 Lanner. Still, I look forward to the day ...when I can fly my falcon ..... knowing that if the worst happens.... I have got a much better % of getting her back.

[Hawkmaster]

True and the costs will come down. It is on kills that we are not able to provide the same tracking as RF telemetry, but we have a plan for that too.

[Gaz]

GPSS system
Just a interesting fact..did you know that the sats used for the gps thingumy jigs are owned by the U.S. military and they can decide to turn um off anytime they please :!: :mrgreen:

[Hawkmaster]

Yip but there are European ones too now and the US military has stakes in many of the GPS markets and therefore it is rather unlikey.