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APPENDIX A: Testing the VHF
Transmitter’s Range
A VHF transmitter’s range will vary depending on a combination of factors. These
factors may include, but are not limited to:
The type and brand of VHF receiver and antenna
The animal’s mass and orientation
Vegetation and terrain
Background environmental noise
Elevation
Weather conditions
VHF collars perform optimally when fitted to an animal. Testing can be
performed outdoors with a bottle of fresh water (not saline solution) to simulate
the mass of the animal’s neck.
Wrapping the bottle with some fabric (e.g. towelling) or fur, to simulate the
animal’s fur, enhances the reliability of the test. Alternatively, you can test the
collar on a domesticated animal, e.g., pet dog or animal that is unlikely to run
away.
Before You Begin
Before testing a VHF transmitter’s range, ensure that you:
Have a plastic water bottle with a circumference that approximates the
circumference of the animal’s neck
The bottle is filled with fresh water (not saline solution), and wrapped in
A piece of towelling or fur of sufficient length to wrap around the
bottle.
Have identified a location suitable for testing, and
The VHF receiver and VHF transmitter have been turned on and the
receiver, transmitter and antenna are all in working order.
