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4.
Pulse Rates and Patterns when
Tracking
4.1.
Nominal Pulse Rate
The nominal pulse rate is the pulse pattern that was broadcast soon after the
VHF transmitter was turned on. It is the pulse rate that is used to track the
animal most of the time.
4.2.
Other Pulse Rates
Depending on the features that were ordered, your VHF transmitter may at
some stage broadcast:
A slower than nominal pulse rate or no pulse at all,
(this is to conserve the battery’s charge - for more information, see
‘Behaviours’ below)
A different pulse rate indicating that the host animal may be dead; or
(For more information, see ‘Mortality Pulse Rate’ later in this topic)
A different pulse pattern indicating how much time has elapsed since
death
(For more information, see ‘Time Since Death’ later in this topic)
IMPORTANT: The order summary form for each VHF collar contains
information that will assist you in recognising and understanding the
VHF transmitter’s pulse rate and patterns. Ensure that you are familiar
with the pulse rates and patterns that are programmed into the VHF
transmitter you are tracking.
Pulse rates are expressed as pulses per minute (PPM).
