Long-Term Storage Instructions
We understand that many projects are currently on hold due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19. Follow the instructions below to properly store your transmitters until you are once again able to deploy them.
Please note that solar-powered transmitters will need to be charged regularly to maintain their rechargeable batteries.
These guidelines apply to ALL transmitters. Follow these instructions, then click on your transmitter type below to see model-specific storage instructions.
- Store transmitters in their original packaging. If you no longer have the original packaging, keep your transmitters in a safe location where they are unlikely to be disturbed.
- Do NOT store transmitters in direct sunlight.
- Keep transmitters away from other magnets or magnetic fields and maintain at least 3 inches (or 8 cm) between transmitters.
- Continue to check your incoming data at least once a week to confirm transmitters are not transmitting while in storage, thus resulting in battery drain. (Transmissions during storage can be caused by incorrect or insecure magnet placement over the transmitter’s STOP position, using the incorrect magnet to turn your transmitter OFF, storing transmitters too close together so that their magnets interfere with one another, etc.)
- Make sure to test all transmitters again before deployment to confirm that they are operating correctly.
Transmitter Model
| Storage Instructions
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Solar 2g PTT
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Secure supplied magnet over the STOP position (black dot on underside of transmitter) with a low-adhesive tape.
Once every 2 weeks, allow PTT 1 hour of direct sunlight* to charge the battery. Do not leave PTT in direct sunlight for more than 1 hour. The full solar array should be exposed to sunlight while charging and unobstructed by other materials such as opaque tape. The original orange tape is acceptable and will not prevent proper charging. Leave magnet in place while charging.
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Solar 5g PTT
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Secure supplied magnet over the STOP position (underside of transmitter) with a low-adhesive tape.
Once every 2 weeks, allow PTT 1 hour of direct sunlight* to charge the battery. Do not leave PTT in direct sunlight for more than 1 hour. The full solar array should be exposed to sunlight while charging and unobstructed by other materials such as opaque tape. The original orange tape is acceptable and will not prevent proper charging. Leave magnet in place while charging.
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Solar 9.5g PTT
Solar 12g PTT
Solar 18g PTT
Solar Argos/GPS 17g PTT
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Secure supplied button magnet over the STOP position with a low-adhesive tape.
Once every 2 weeks, allow PTT 1 hour of direct sunlight* to charge the battery. Do not leave PTT in direct sunlight for more than 1 hour. The full solar array should be exposed to sunlight while charging and unobstructed by other materials such as opaque tape. The original orange tape is acceptable and will not prevent proper charging. Leave magnet in place while charging.
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Solar Argos/GPS 22g PTT
Solar Argos/GPS 30g PTT
GPS/GSM 20-70 25g Transmitter
GPS/GSM 20-70 30g Transmitter
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Secure supplied button magnet over the STOP position with a low-adhesive tape.
Once every 3 weeks, allow PTT 2 hours of direct sunlight* to charge the battery. Do not leave PTT in direct sunlight for more than 2 hours. The full solar array should be exposed to sunlight while charging and unobstructed by other materials such as opaque tape. The original orange tape is acceptable and will not prevent proper charging. Leave magnet in place while charging.
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Solar 35g PTT
Solar 50g PTT
Solar Argos/GPS 45g PTT
Solar Argos/GPS 50g Patagial PTT
Solar Argos/GPS 70g PTT
GPS/GSM 20-70 45g Transmitter
GPS/GSM 20-70 50g Patagial Transmitter
GPS/GSM 20-70 70g Transmitter
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Secure supplied button magnet over the STOP position with a low-adhesive tape.
Once a month, allow PTT 3 hours of direct sunlight* to charge the battery. Do not leave PTT in direct sunlight for more than 3 hours. The entire solar array should be exposed to sunlight while charging and unobstructed by other materials such as opaque tape. The original orange tape is acceptable and will not inhibit charging.
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Implantable 26g PTT
Implantable 38g PTT
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Keep transmitters inside supplied plastic bags with button magnet secured over the STOP position. Do not place magnet directly against the outer coating of the transmitter.
Store in refrigerator (about 4°C) to prolong battery life. Maintain at least 3 inches (or 8 cm) between transmitters. DO NOT FREEZE.
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Battery Powered 45g PTT
Battery Powered 95g PTT
Battery Powered Argos/GPS 105g LC4™ PTT
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Secure supplied button magnet over the STOP position with a low-adhesive tape.
Store in refrigerator (about 4°C) to prolong battery life. Maintain at least 3 inches (or 8 cm) between transmitters. DO NOT FREEZE.
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PSAT PTT-100
X-Tag
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Secure supplied button magnet over the STOP position (white dot). The magnet should be centered over the white dot.
Store in refrigerator (about 4°C) to prolong battery life. Maintain at least 3 inches (or 8 cm) between transmitters. DO NOT FREEZE.
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* Certain areas do not receive much direct sunlight, often due to latitude or weather conditions. While direct sunlight is the most efficient way to charge a transmitter, in these cases you can charge it indoors using an artificial light setup.
To charge a transmitter indoors, you will need
- a 30–60 watt incandescent light bulb or 35–50 watt halogen light bulb
- a small fan
1. Plug in your light bulb in a safe location where it (and your transmitter) are unlikely to be disturbed.
2. Place your transmitter about 1 foot (about 30 cm) beneath the bulb so that the transmitter is positioned in the brightest area of the bulb’s field of light.
3. Situate the fan so that it is blowing directly on the transmitter. The airflow will help to keep your transmitter from becoming too hot by counteracting the heat emitted from the incandescent/halogen bulb. Be careful that the airflow from your fan is not strong enough to tip over your transmitter (this is more likely with Solar 2g, 5g, 9.5g, and 12g PTTs.)
4. Charge transmitter under artificial light for double the amount of time directed for charging in direct sunlight.
If charging more than one transmitter at a time, remember to maintain at least 3 inches (or 8 cm) between devices. For large quantities of transmitters, charge in smaller groups of about 5–10 so that transmitters receive equal lighting.
Please note that LED bulbs are NOT suitable for charging transmitters. LED bulbs do not emit the electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths necessary for the transmitter’s solar array to charge the battery.
If you have any questions or would like us to review your charging setup, send us an email at support@microwavetelemetry.com.