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The information contained in these documents is confidential, privileged and only for the information of the intended recipient and may
not be used, published or redistributed without the prior written consent of Wildlife Computers.
recommended to exercise the batteries every few months by sending a test transmission. This can be done
in Tag Agent. Select “Advanced” and then “Send Test Transmission.” The transmission voltage should read
approximately 3.2 v and the battery voltage displayed on the main sensor screen should be around 3.5 v. If
you receive a low voltage reading, it may be due to passivation forming during storage.
MiniPAT Recovery Instructions
If the MiniPAT is recovered after deployment, it is possible that contamination of the communications port
may cause some communication difficulties. The following instructions, in addition to describing how to
recover the data, explain possible problems that might occur during the recovery and how to fix them.
Even if all attempts to communicate with the MiniPAT fail, your deployment data are probably still in
memory, and can be retrieved by Wildlife Computers.
Preparation for Post-deployment Communication
When you recover your MiniPAT full of valuable deployment data, there are several steps to perform before
attempting to connect it to the USB communication cable.
As a precaution, it is advised to have the following on hand:
•
Compressed air in a can
•
Electronic contact cleaner, if available
1.
Thoroughly dry the MiniPAT with a paper towel.
2.
Remove the rubber communications port protection plug.
3.
Blow out any water in the communication port. Make sure the port is clean and dry. Compressed air
in a can works well for this.
Communicating with a MiniPAT which has saltwater in the communications port will cause the
pins to corrode very fast
!
4.
Count the number of pins in the communications port. If there are not four pins, one or more have
corroded or broken off. Stop there and send the MiniPAT to Wildlife Computers, and we will
download your data.
5.
Examine the pins in the communications port. If they are rusty or corroded, send the MiniPAT back
to Wildlife Computers for downloading.
6.
If all four pins look clean and golden in color, you can continue and attempt to establish
communications.
7.
You may wish to spray some contact cleaner into the communications port as a precaution.
If you are able to establish a communication connection with the tag, you are now ready to download your
data with Tag Agent.
