Inexpensive Wireless Telemetry for Animal Tracking

Master of Electrical Engineering Program Cornell University Design Project Report Project Title: Inexpensive Wireless Telemetry for Animal Tracking Author: Christopher Yeou-Hwa Chau Abstract: This project explored the feasibility of creating a cost-effective transmitterreceiver pair to replace commercially available 150 MHz devices used in animal telemetry. Distance measurements of test circuits transmitting at 418 MHz were taken over clear ground and in forested areas to demonstrate that 400 MHz radiation is capable of acceptable forest penetration. A transmitter was then designed and optimized for power consumption and cost. The final transmitter has a total current draw of 70 uA. Components for the transmitter-receiver pair are available at considerably less cost than commercial devices. This project explored the feasibility of creating a cost-effective transmitterreceiver pair to replace commercially available 150 MHz devices used in animal telemetry. Distance measurements of test circuits transmitting at 418 MHz were taken over clear ground and in forested areas to demonstrate that 400 MHz radiation is capable of acceptable forest penetration. A transmitter was then designed and optimized for power consumption and cost. The final transmitter has a total current draw of 70 uA. Components for the transmitter-receiver pair are available at considerably less cost than commercial devices. Report Approved by Project Advisor: ________________________Date: ___________________