The perfect hardware for your SensorGnome.
Introducing the CTT SensorStation™: A complete, all-in-one receiving station for VHF and UHF radio tags. While we manufacture the CTT SensorStation, it is also Open Source Hardware, so you can build your own or design new sensor accessories to plug in!
Powerful Processor
The SensorStation features the newly released Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3+, featuring a 1.4GHz Quad Core 64-bit ARM processor, 1GB of RAM, and 32GB of onboard storage. The Compute Module 3+ is directly integrated into the SensorStation, providing ample processing power for Software Defined Radio (SDR) applications.
The SensorStation can run standard wildlife telemetry software, such as SensorGnome.
Many Smart Radio Options
The SensorStation comes standard with up to five 434MHz smart radio channels. These can optionally be configured for a variety of frequencies and purposes. Each channel features a Microchip ATMega32U4 connected to a SPI radio. The processor is then connected via USB directly to the Raspberry Pi Compute Module.
Radios are optionally configurable for 434MHz, 868MHz and 915MHz systems, leverging the HopeRF line of RFM95W and RFM69HCW modules. This allows for compatibility with LifeTags, PowerTags, CTT Nodes, ULR, LoRa and LoRaWAN.
Software Defined Radio Ports for FUNcube and RTL-SDR
The SensorStation makes it simple to upgrade your current MOTUS station, or to build a new one compatible with 166MHz tags. Our SensorStation features 4 high power, USB 2.0 ports for connection of a variety of software defined radios, including FUNcube and RTL-SDR. Ample power is supplied to power the devices, and the ports are spaced accordingly to accommodate multiple connected radios.
Send Tag Data Over GSM
Each SensorStation features an integrated SIMCom GSM cellular module, allowing for real-time data from the SensorStation’s SensorGnome software. This includes health reports, battery voltage, solar voltage, tag collection statistics and real-time transmission of tag data. Each SensorStation features an embedded SIM-on-Chip which is soldered directly to the board, preventing from unauthorized usage of data service. Optional, affordable data plans are available from Cellular Tracking Technologies that are extremely cost competitive compared to the cost of field visits for data retrieval.
WiFi Hotspot Capability
In addition to the four high power USB ports, each SensorStation includes two auxiliary USB ports for your peripheral needs. Plug in one of the supported WiFi adapters and the SensorStation can be monitored and configured at any distance over WiFi.
Optional Argos and Globalstar Health Reports
For SensorStations in remote areas, we offer optional Argos and Globalstar connectivity solutions for monitoring the status of your SensorGnome. Health reports include battery voltage, solar voltage, alarms and faults, memory usage, and tag statistics. Get notified of migration events near your SensorStation in near real-time when a certain number of tags are detected.
Integrated Multi-GNSS GPS receiver, with PPS timing connection
The SensorStation features an on-board UBlox CAM-M8Q GPS receiver, with no external antenna required. This provides extremely accurate positioning information, time and time pulses (PPS) to perfectly synchronize the SensorGnome software.
DS3231 Extremely accurate RTC with backup battery
Each SensorStation features a directly connected DS3231 Real Time Clock, providing extremely high clock accuracy for the SensorGnome software. On board battery backup is also provided when power is disconnected.
Easily Download Data
Each SensorStation features a USB port that allows a user to easily connect a thumb drive. At the press of a button, all tag data can be copied to the drive. The user is then told when it can be safely removed.
Sunlight Readable Status Display
SensorStation features a 2×20 Raspberry Pi header and is compatible with a large number of Raspberry Pi Hat displays, such as the Inkyphat eInk display from Pimoroni. These displays are easily read in bright sunlight.
Four buttons will also help you navigate the status display, providing insight on nearby tags, connectivity, and other status.
System Health and Accessory Sensors
Each SensorStation contains sensors to monitor battery voltage, solar voltage, and temperature. Additionally, several I2C and analog sensor accessory ports are available for barometric pressure and other instruments.