Lotek Wireless Inc BIOTRACKER Manuel D’Utilisation
Lotek Biotracker Receiver User’s Manual
Page 21
MHz, kHz, Hz
Units of measurement of frequency. The full frequency display on the Biotracker (e.g.
150.1234) is in MHz. During tracking you rarely need to change the ‘MHz frequency’
(the numbers to the left of the decimal point) so the Biotracker allows you to change the
‘kHz frequency’ separately (those to the right of the decimal).
Units of measurement of frequency. The full frequency display on the Biotracker (e.g.
150.1234) is in MHz. During tracking you rarely need to change the ‘MHz frequency’
(the numbers to the left of the decimal point) so the Biotracker allows you to change the
‘kHz frequency’ separately (those to the right of the decimal).
Minimum Discernible Signal (MDS)
This is the weakest signal that can be heard on a receiver. It is usually measured in
bench tests using a calibrated signal generator. The generator output is reduced until
the signal can only just be heard, and the level of the signal is recorded. The best
tracking receivers achieve an MDS of –150 dBm. Although MDS is more comprehensible
than other measurements of sensitivity such as Signal-to-Noise Ratio or Noise Figure, it
is not as objective because it requires a judgement about when a signal can be heard
and when it can not be heard.
This is the weakest signal that can be heard on a receiver. It is usually measured in
bench tests using a calibrated signal generator. The generator output is reduced until
the signal can only just be heard, and the level of the signal is recorded. The best
tracking receivers achieve an MDS of –150 dBm. Although MDS is more comprehensible
than other measurements of sensitivity such as Signal-to-Noise Ratio or Noise Figure, it
is not as objective because it requires a judgement about when a signal can be heard
and when it can not be heard.
Radio Frequency (RF)
Those frequencies typically used for radio-communications. Nearly all frequencies used
for animal radio-tracking are within the Very High Frequency (VHF) Band of 30-300 MHz,
and most are within 138-174 MHz.
Those frequencies typically used for radio-communications. Nearly all frequencies used
for animal radio-tracking are within the Very High Frequency (VHF) Band of 30-300 MHz,
and most are within 138-174 MHz.
Resolution
The smallest unit of adjustment. In the Biotracker this usually refers to frequency and
the resolution is selectable between 1kHz or 0.1 kHz.
The smallest unit of adjustment. In the Biotracker this usually refers to frequency and
the resolution is selectable between 1kHz or 0.1 kHz.
Scan interval
The period of time that the receiver spends on each channel while scanning, sometimes
called the ‘dwell time’.
The period of time that the receiver spends on each channel while scanning, sometimes
called the ‘dwell time’.
Scanning
In the context of radio-tracking this means stepping from one frequency to another and
dwelling on each one for a pre-set time (the dwell time or scan interval). In normal
communications parlance, scanning has a different meaning: that of a receiver stepping
quickly though a band of frequencies and stopping if a received signal exceeds a
threshold signal strength.
In the context of radio-tracking this means stepping from one frequency to another and
dwelling on each one for a pre-set time (the dwell time or scan interval). In normal
communications parlance, scanning has a different meaning: that of a receiver stepping
quickly though a band of frequencies and stopping if a received signal exceeds a
threshold signal strength.
Signal strength
The strength (loudness) of a received signal. Displayed on a bar chart and as a number
on the Biotracker display.
The strength (loudness) of a received signal. Displayed on a bar chart and as a number
on the Biotracker display.
Toggle
Alternate between one state and another on the press of a button.
Alternate between one state and another on the press of a button.