GPS for parrots?

[Anansi]

Anyone ever heard of a tile? It uses bluetooth and can be found using a smart phone. If you bird is out of range of your phone, others with the tile app will automatically search for it and send you location.

I have one on my key chain....it would work on a harness as well for a medium to large bird.

I'm not familiar with this tile. Is it something that is put onto other things with the purpose of being able to find them with your smartphone?

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[Weezerj]

https://www.thetileapp.com/

 

[Anansi]

https://www.thetileapp.com/

Brilliant! I don't know how workable it would be in its current shaping, but if something that small and seemingly light can hold a battery charge for a year, then a parrot locator should definitely be doable.

Especially if we were talking the removable leg band configuration.

Granted, I still don't know the range of this tech. Though it would obviously be far less than would that of a GPS model. (Bluetooth doesn't have the advantage of satellite coverage.) But even then, it would grant a significant advantage over a simple visual search.

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[Brittany741]

If they were in a tall tree, I really doubt Bluetooth signal would be much help. Then, there's the mess of having people look at the tile app (which they may not have) and figure out how to use Bluetooth (oddly, most people only use their smartphones for Facebook, phone calls, texts and emails.) I used to work for Verizon and AT&T, not at the same time, and you'd be amazed what a large portion of smartphone users don't do with their phones.

What we really need is something that works off the 4G network and 3G if 4G is not available, combined with GPS, and triangulation will be quick and covers over 99% of the United States.

We have the older GizmoPal. It was $79. It has GPS and makes calls to 2 pre-determined numbers ONLY, so it's worthless to anyone trying to score a free phone. Monthly fees at $5 and this is likely the most budget friendly.

My husband designs and manufactures performance car parts and I could work with him to design a stainless, parrot-proof sleeve to attach to an Aviator.

Is anyone interested in this project? I'm more than happy to use my resources to do a test run.

 

[Brittany741]

Ok I'm doing the project. I bought the first model GizmoPal off eBay for $29.99

I'll keep this thread updated. I plan to do the design and then test on Logan, our 85lb Standard Poodle. If I have success, I will see if we can manufacture these on a low level for my parrotforums friends if anyone here free flies.

For anyone interested in picking one up for cheap, they're almost sold out. I can't guarantee the project will be successful, but it's worth a shot if it works, as nothing else will be this inexpensive.

https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/131612609588

 

[Anansi]

But judging from the pic, isn't it way too big? But still, I'd be VERY interested to see what you do with it. So I'll be watching out for your updates.

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[Kiwibird]

Just checking in since I was the one who started the thread. Have been really busy, but WILL read through these responses more thoroughly later. It looks like we may have an idea going!

 

[kiretta]

You can tell me the gps brand and where to buy it thanks I mean what's in the queue

 

[kiretta]

sorry but I do not speak English I'm writing to the translator

 

[LordTriggs]

I'd love this but boy would some work need doing. Saying that the most obvious thing I can think of is getting tech small enough that may say, fit on a leg band, with part of the band being a solar panel. That way you have a small short range GPS tracker with a permanent energy source (I hope)

With tech getting smaller and smaller day by day it's not impossible to think that this is a viable option in the future

 

[clark_conure]

the "receptor" can recive signals with a minimum of power.....the ability to re-broadcast that i'm a bird called #$^$ and my GPS shows me at location "T&^****" that's where the trouble is...receiving a signal is nothing, most of you probably have an RFID card to get into work, or like dog ear tags the reply to an RF signal... but to TRANSMIT back to the world where you are....you basically have to be on the cell network were antennas are no more than three miles away....or have a large broadcast power availability. Huge, heavy, battery power. (even with the cell option)

 

[SailBoat]

sorry but I do not speak English I'm writing to the translator

You can tell me the gps brand and where to buy it thanks I mean what's in the queue

the "receptor" can recive signals with a minimum of power.....the ability to re-broadcast that i'm a bird called #$^$ and my GPS shows me at location "T&^****" that's where the trouble is...receiving a signal is nothing, most of you probably have an RFID card to get into work, or like dog ear tags the reply to an RF signal... but to TRANSMIT back to the world where you are....you basically have to be on the cell network were antennas are no more than three miles away....or have a large broadcast power availability. Huge, heavy, battery power. (even with the cell option)

The problem keeps come back to battery power and although they have gotten smaller, still to big for even the Big MAC's to carry around. Installing solar panels only adds to the size of the unit and the overall weight!

The other problem is getting the Parrot to leave the device alone!!! The first installation of it would likely have the Parrot working on it with their Beaks.

That would have Owners really seeing 'Green' (okay RED) as their MAC's Beak turns a Thousand USD into trash!

 

[YUMgrinder]

So I have posted about this group that is working on GPS before. looks like from their facebook posts it's successful. flying colors aviary in Utah!

 

[LordTriggs]

excellent points there Sailboat, hence my idea is more for in the next few decades rather than years

I think the most obvious form would be to use the leg band as it's the easiest thing to modify that is permanent with most parrots but if there is another to attach a tracker to a parrot without being too invasive. It would just be a case of getting tech small enough which is happening day by day thanks to incredible leaps in tech we're getting right now. It's definitely something that should be worked on though due to the vast demand such a device could have

 

[SailBoat]

excellent points there Sailboat, hence my idea is more for in the next few decades rather than years

I think the most obvious form would be to use the leg band as it's the easiest thing to modify that is permanent with most parrots but if there is another to attach a tracker to a parrot without being too invasive. It would just be a case of getting tech small enough which is happening day by day thanks to incredible leaps in tech we're getting right now. It's definitely something that should be worked on though due to the vast demand such a device could have

With deeper investigation, (and as provided above) the folks at Flying Colors Aviary are stating that: "Well, if the parrot is [not] intolerant of the tail mount it lasts about .5 seconds

;-). Delilah and Percy are gems though and allow it to stay on. The batteries last about a week of telemetry all day use." They did not state the length of service for around the clock use. Best guess is 3.5 to 4 days, temperature dependent. The on bird batteries remain an issue as they use the flat disc 'pancake' style units used in micro voltage applications. I am not aware of pancake batteries being available in a rechargeable configuration.

The transmitter would have limited output, so the receiver needs to be up-sized to track the unit, which would commonly require AC to DC converter or, use of DC power connected to the twelve Volt accessories outlet found in newer vehicle!

The time line of around the clock supply should be enough to locate one's Parrot as part of a fly away.

At present, the units are custom built by their electrical expert. I found no documentation regarding cost to build, nor anything regarding selling them.

It is important to note that they are currently using the units on bigger MAC's. The overall size of the unit implies that it could be carried by Larger Amazons and Larger Toos.

 

[Jollyboy]

https://marshallradio.com/eu/european-falconry-products/european-falconry-gps-systems


A system I have used and a world leader in GPS tracking that I think may cross over to peoples needs....However it comes at a cost

 

[Kiwibird]

https://marshallradio.com/eu/european-falconry-products/european-falconry-gps-systems


A system I have used and a world leader in GPS tracking that I think may cross over to peoples needs....However it comes at a cost

Thanks so much for sharing this link! Do you personally own one of these or have worked with them? How durable are these units? Wonder if the band that goes around the leg is reinforced with metal? To my understanding BOP beaks are more designed for ripping/tearing action, not so much a crushing action. A parrot beak can apply (say a large amazon, CAG or macaw?) up to around 700PSI of pressure for the largest macaw species. I am unsure the "crushing" weight of a hawk beak (looks like they use their feet and claws for crushing instead of their beak from what I can find on a quick google search), but parrots beaks are designed to crack nuts and chew out hollows in trees to build nests in. Wonder how these unit would hold up to a good chomp from a big parrot?

For anyone curious- this looks to have a minimum weight requirement of 400 grams, effective excluding all extra small, small and medium parrot species. Large species amazons, CAGs, eclectus, cockatoos and macaws would be the only parrots who would meet the specified weight requirements for this GPS unit. The unit states it weighs 8.4 grams, which anyone interested I'd love to know what an avian vet would have to say about the weight being on a parrots leg. FYI- parrot legs and hawk/falcon legs are different anatomically, with BOP legs being designed for grabbing and carrying away prey on the wing and parrot legs being significantly weaker.

This unit advertises a range of 60 miles and about 30+ hours per charge to locate your lost bird.

 

[Kiwibird]

Hey, since this thread is back up, wheres our guy building the parrot computer interface with a 3D printer? Wondering if he would have an idea of a crush-proof case that could be printed for a more standard mini GPS unit that could attach to a harness and allow for smaller (and larger) parrots to be GPS protected?

*hint hint* I think he may have a possible side business opportunity in there somewhere

 

[Jollyboy]

Thanks so much for sharing this link! Do you personally own one of these or have worked with them? How durable are these units? Wonder if the band that goes around the leg is reinforced with metal? To my understanding BOP beaks are more designed for ripping/tearing action, not so much a crushing action. A parrot beak can apply (say a large amazon, CAG or macaw?) up to around 700PSI of pressure for the largest macaw species. I am unsure the "crushing" weight of a hawk beak (looks like they use their feet and claws for crushing instead of their beak from what I can find on a quick google search), but parrots beaks are designed to crack nuts and chew out hollows in trees to build nests in. Wonder how these unit would hold up to a good chomp from a big parrot?

For anyone curious- this looks to have a minimum weight requirement of 400 grams, effective excluding all extra small, small and medium parrot species. Large species amazons, CAGs, eclectus, cockatoos and macaws would be the only parrots who would meet the specified weight requirements for this GPS unit. The unit states it weighs 8.4 grams, which anyone interested I'd love to know what an avian vet would have to say about the weight being on a parrots leg. FYI- parrot legs and hawk/falcon legs are different anatomically, with BOP legs being designed for grabbing and carrying away prey on the wing and parrot legs being significantly weaker.

This unit advertises a range of 60 miles and about 30+ hours per charge to locate your lost bird.

I used to use one all the time. They are alloy and I would say they are durable as they are put through their paces in the field But I take your point on the crushing power of Parrots over BOP... I backpacked mine although I have used a tail and leg mount.... for me the tail mount is the easiest to fit but would need to cast the bird to fit (not sure how offended a parrot would get to be honest with that).

I hunted with Hawks,Falcons,Eagles etc from a 5oz Jack Merlin to a 12lb Female Goldie and never lost a bird.... Remeber we are also releasing them at live quarry and chases can go from 20 yards to 10 miles..Track downs

Kev

 

[Zackj26]

We have a ruby macaw on Oahu that we randomly hatched and have been letting fly free as much as she wants. We use the aviator harness with a Whistle tracker on her back. iOS app, rugged and relatively decent battery life (couple of days in bad conditions).

I recently had a euruka moment though... the perfect parrot tracker is the Apple Watch. As is you can track it, it’s rugged, waterproof, slim, light and acceptable battery life. A custom harness with it built in (wireless charging) and it would be very streamlined. Thinking more about the things you could do with a custom app like auto answer your calls, haptics for training/behavior reinforcement.... lots more.

Good luck!