Wildlife Tracking: RFID research
So I was interested in RFID for tracking monkeys. RFID comes in two flavors: passive and active. For tracking monkeys the preferable would be an active RFID chip.
**Active vs Passive**
****Active
Power: Battery powered, average 7000 hrs **depending on receiver*
Signal Strength needed: Low Signal
Range: up to 100m
Data Storage: 128kb read/write search and access to data
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Passive
Power: comes from RF reader
Signal Strength needed: High signal
Range: 3-5m or less
Data Storage: 128 bytes of read/write
Depending on models active RFID could have high operating temperature, between -35c and 50c. This is important for the high temperatures in the amazon. Another advantage is the size and weight. Ranging around 14 grams and 2.4 in x 1.2 in x 0.4 in to big ones that are around 2in x 3in x 0.5 in
This link is a diy aduino based RFID reader
http://pimm.wordpress.com/2008/03/09/first-rfid-experience-arduino-controlled-parallax-reader/
This is a couple of data sheets from different companies
http://www.ananiahelectronics.com/RF40315T-s.htm
http://www.activewaveinc.com/products_datasheets.php
http://cliste.sailwhatcom.com/catalog/1
This link has standard pricing options
http://www.rfidexchange.com/purchasing.aspx
Tracking Cows