Blū+ Detection Service – Extended Network Access for BlūSeries Tags
Compatible with: BlūMorpho, BlūBird, BlūBat
Blū+ is a flexible, near real-time detection enhancement service for CTT’s BlūSeries tags. It expands the detection range of your tags beyond traditional receivers by integrating them into a network of IoT and cellular-connected devices.
How Blū+ Works
When activated, Blū+ continuously searches for your tags across:
- CTT SensorStations and Nodes
- The Terra Network
- Partnered cellular IoT infrastructure
Detected signals are reported directly to your BlūSeries Tag Portal, where you can view and download location data, timestamps, signal strength, and other diagnostics.
Managing Detection in the BlūSeries Tag Portal
- Log into the portal at any time
- Toggle tags ON or OFF for Blū+ detection
- Purchase and assign $2/month data plans per tag in one-month increments
- While toggled ON and covered by a valid data plan, the tag will be actively searched for every 5 minutes
Important Notes:
- Tags without an active data plan or toggled OFF will not be searched for
- Detection is not retroactive — only data from active periods will be captured
- You manage your Blū+ deployments entirely within the BlūSeries Tag Portal (CTT)
Motus Registration – Setup and Requirements
Tags purchased with Blū+ include prepaid registration with the Motus Wildlife Tracking Network, operated by Birds Canada. This allows your tags to be detected on the global Motus network and ensures that:
- Sensor data can be received from Motus-enabled CTT receivers
- Rich metadata (e.g., antenna orientation, signal quality) is included with detections
- Your data complies with open data principles and is eligible for publication to platforms like Movebank, GBIF, and Audubon's Migratory Bird Explorer
To Complete Motus Registration:
- You must create a Motus project at motus.org
- Send your Motus Project ID and associated contact email to CTT before tag delivery
- CTT will assign your Blū+ tags to your project within the Motus system
Once registered:
- You manage deployments, metadata, and access through the Motus Tag Deployment Portal (not CTT systems)
- You are responsible for keeping your project records up to date within Motus
Blū+ and Motus: Separate but Complementary
Blū+ and Motus work together to maximize your tag's detection coverage and scientific value, but each system has its own management process:
| Service | Managed By | Setup Required From You | Deployment Managed In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blū+ Detection | CTT | Purchase data plan, toggle tag ON in portal | BlūSeries Tag Portal (CTT) |
| Motus Registration | Birds Canada | Create Motus project, provide ID & email to CTT | Motus Deployment Portal (motus.org) |
Using both ensures you benefit from:
- Broad, near real-time detection across IoT and CTT infrastructure (Blū+)
- Rich, research-grade data with global conservation reach (Motus)
Summary of Benefits
- Extended detection coverage via cloud-connected infrastructure
- Flexible, cost-effective monthly activation per tag
- Prepaid Motus registration included with all Blū+ variants
- Near real-time data reporting through the BlūSeries Tag Portal
- Contributes to open data sharing and conservation science