Components / Transmitters / Configurable 6 - 16 mm Transmitters

Configurable 6 - 16 mm Transmitters

Thelma Biotel transmitters are energy-efficient and versatile, designed for studies of aquatic species and underwater equipment. They come in five sizes: 6, 7, 9, 13, and 16 (based on diameter in mm). They can be tailored in length, power output, and battery life to fit your needs. They are used in wildlife tracking, aquaculture monitoring, and equipment monitoring. Whether you need an off-the-shelf solution or a tailor-made design, our transmitters can be configured for your exact requirements.

Key Advantages

Small but powerful

Five size options from 6 mm to 16 mm to suit everything from small fish to large marine animals and equipment

Highly Customizable

Choose from a range of sensors and programming options to match your study goals.

Compatible and Flexible

Works seamlessly with Thelma Biotel receivers and open protocols.

Built for Tough Conditions

Reliable performance across varied environments, from rivers to deep-sea applications.

Configurations

All transmitter sizes can be equipped with any combination of sensors, or no sensors for pure ID transmitters.

Activity

The activity sensor is fully embedded in the transmitter with no external ports. It uses a 3-axis accelereomter for rapid samling to document any activity and movement over a chosen sampling duration

Depth

The depth sensor measures the pressure of the liquid above the sensor and the atmospheric pressure to achieve depth values. Measurements are taken from a pressure sensor membrane through a small hole

Temperature

The temperature sensor measures the temperature using an embedded, high-precision digital sensor. When the transmitter is implanted, the animal's experienced temperature is measured.

Inclination (tilt)

The inclination sensor is embedded into the transmitter and measures the tilt angle along the central axis of the casing.

Mortality

The mortality sensor records mortality events using an embedded accelerometer which tracks the orientation, and thus the tilt values over time.

Conductivity (fresh water)

The conductivity sensor is located on the face of the transmitter, and the measurements is taken through four electrodes for wide measuring ranges

Salinity (salt/brackish water)

The salinity sensor is located on the face of the transmitter, and the measurements is taken through four electrodes for wide measuring ranges.

Tag Builder Tool

Build your own tag configuration with our flexible online tool. We are working on a new version coming out within 2025.

Go to tag builder

Specifications

Specification	Value	Remark
Diameter	6.3 mm - 16 mm	Five sizes covering everything from very small species to large species and structures
Length	13.5 mm to 90 mm	Length depends on diameter, battery, and sensor options
Frequency	63 kHz - 77 kHz	69 KHz is the most commonly used frequency
Battery life	Months to several years	Depends on size, power, transmit interval, and sensor options
Range	max range ~500 m to ~1000 m	Varies greatly from site to site, environmental circumstances, and sensitivity of receiver equipment.
Sensor Options	Multiple	Can combine any sensor options together, contact us for recommendations for your needs

Related Components

XP56

Acoustic sensor transmitter for continuous monitoring of subsea installations over extended amounts of time. XP56 has a large and robust casing equipped with batteries to exceed an operational time of 7+ years. The XP56 can be fitted with multiple sensors, including depth (pressure), temperature, and tilt.

Frequently used together

Start and stop transmitters easily by using the DeckBox (field kit) together with LiveView. Use ComPort to later view the registered transmitter data registered in your receivers

DeckBox Field Kit

The DeckBox is a versatile topside kit for manual logging of acoustic transmitters, retrieving TBR 800 Release units, and performing status checks on deployed equipment. With its rugged, waterproof tablet and our free LiveView software, you get flexible, real-time control and monitoring right in the field.

LiveView

LiveView is the Live tracking and data visualization software delivered by Thelma Biotel. It provides live streaming of acoustic data to your computer or with the Deckbox field kit. LiveView is used as a visual reference when starting and stopping transmitters, for active tracking, communicating with deployed TBR family receivers, and calling up acoustic releases.

ComPort

Upload, view and analyse your tracking data quickly and easily with Thelma Biotel’s software, ComPort. By using the built in Bluetooth connection on the TBR 800, uploading substantial amounts of data is seamless and fast. With ComPort’s many viewing options, visualizing and understanding your tracking data is easier than ever.

TBR 800

The TBR 800 is a robust, low-power digital acoustic receiver operating at 63–77 kHz. Used with Thelma Biotel transmitters, it supports customizable code sets. Paired with the DeckBox, it can send status updates on battery and power use.

TBR 800 Release

TBR 800 Release is a robust, low-power digital acoustic receiver operating at 63–77 kHz. Used with Thelma Biotel transmitters, it supports customizable code sets. It features an acoustic release module that can be triggered when paired with the DeckBox

TBR 800 Release Deep

The TBR 800 Release Deep features a motorized release three times stronger than the standard version, ensuring reliable operation under high pressure. The release is triggered acoustically from the DeckBox.

Downloads

Transmitter - Essentials

Acoustic Transmitter Essentials.pdf (371 KB)

Transmitter - Sensor Data Sheets

Sensor Data Sheets.pdf (2 MB)

Transmitter - Sensor Data Calculations

Sensor Data Calculations.pdf (972 KB)

Transmitter - Start and stop guide (Receiver)

startandstop-transmitter-using-receiver.pdf (1 MB)

Comport Configuration - Quick Guide

configuration.pdf (298 KB)

Related use cases

Acoustic telemetry has a long history and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Here are a few examples of our transmitters being used to gain insight

Customer Stories