Active Tracking
Track tagged fish in real time using a single mobile receiver. Active tracking offers detailed movement insight with minimal equipment in the water.
Mobile Tracking in Real Time
By following signal strength from a mobile receiver, researchers can manually track a tagged fish’s movement. The system provides valuable insight into behaviour and habitat use, and is well-suited for short-term studies or validation of passive setups.
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Key Advantages
Real-Time Tracking
Follow fish and animals live as they move from your boat, underwater dorne or surface unit.
Minimal Infrastructure
Requires only one receiver and a mobile platform.
Robust and Compact Design
Robust and compact design suitable for harsh environments with limited space.
Advanced Digital Signal-Processing
Dynamic signal thresholding and SNR-based detection filtering provide longer range, reduced code collisions, and cleaner data in noisy environments.
Extensive Operational Depth
Choose the ideal cable length between the Live receiver and the Link main unit - up to several hundred meters - for reliable operation at significant depths.
Minimal Infrastructure for Mobile Research
The system only requires one receiver and a mobile platform such as a boat, underwater drone or surface unit. The Link BT data logger is battery-powered and waterproof, and can be easily mounted on various vessels. The setup is highly flexible, enabling tracking in both shallow and deep waters without permanent infrastructure.
How it works
Signal Range in Your Environment
Are you conducting your first telemetry study, or are you planning a project in a new area? We always recommend performing a range test to familiarize yourself with the local environmental conditions and understand how they affect signal strength.
Fish Are Tagged With Transmitters
Fish are tagged with small acoustic transmitters that emit uniquely coded ID signals. Sizes range from 6 to 16 mm in diameter, with optional sensors for depth, temperature, activity or mortality. Each tag is configured for the species and study duration.
Track Your Fish
Lower a Live receiver into the area you expect your fish to be and live stream acoustic data to a DeckBox or a PC.
Watch Your Live Data
Use the LiveView software for live data visualization on a DeckBox or PC.
Specifications
| Specification | Value | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Output options | ID, temperatur, depth, activity and mortality | Depends on your study goal |
| Transmitter size | 6, 7, 9, 13 or 16 mm in diameter | Depends on species, size of individual and battery needs |
| Receiver model | DeckBox or Live receiver with UBS cable connection | Depends on your study area |
| Accessories | Focus kit for Live | Optional |
Get Started
From first questions to final analysis, we help you build a setup that fits your goals, timeline, and study species.
Define Your Study
Clarify the objectives, species, and environment. We assist in matching these needs with the right tools and approach.
Design Your Configuration
Select the type of Live receive equipment and transmitter sensors. Our support team brings research experience to help you plan an effective and realistic setup.
Examples of Use
Explore how Thelma Biotel acoustic receivers and transmitters have been used for active tracking by other researchers.
Downloads
DeckBox Quickguide
Related Components
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.
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.
Focus - Directional Amplifier Field Kit
The Thelma Biotel Focus – Directional Amplifier Field Kit is a precision-engineered acoustic reflector that fits seamlessly over the standard Live transceiver. It delivers powerful signal amplification within ±15° of your target. Designed for use with the DeckBox, the Focus extends your operational range and pinpoints the bearing of any acoustic transmitter. It is essential for maintaining a safe communication distance when working with the TBR 800 Release – Deep model, and we recommend it for all Release receivers operating at depths greater than 200 m.
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.
Get in touch
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