Remote Release Device for Marine Mammal Electronic Tags.

摘要

This new technology aims to provide a safe and reliable method for retrieving and reusing data loggers and other instrumentation deployed on marine mammals, because these electronics can be costly and might possess valuable data that researchers are unable to get unless physically recovered. The RRD and its handheld controller use the ininternationally-acaccepted Argos frequency band for long range wireless communication. When interrogated by a unique command, the RRD activates its release mechanism's electrically-degradablend separates from its baseplate within 10 seconds. Once retrieved, the RRD can be refurbished with a new cartridge and baseplate for subsequent deployment of payload devices. The tasks completed over this period focused on building and testing RRDs and system components, which helped to identify assembly tasks and production costs associated with manufacture. Iterative hardware and software improvements have been made by building additional fixtures and test instrumentation. Through feedback given from independent tests performed by our research partner, Dr. Russ Andrews of the Alaska SeaLife Center, refinements to this design have been incorporated so that typical applications of this technology will be better served. Field tested RRD prototypes were L: 4.45 x W: 2.50 x H: 0.83 and weighed 232 grams out of water. They included two flat surfaces for payload and pinniped attachment.