Wildlife Tracking

Penguin project

This is our third generation weigh bridge that incorporates data logging, RFID, and high speed weight tracking in a very robust package. The latest version was installed at Cape Crozier, Ross Island, Antarctica November 2016.

This shows the overall operation of the weigh bridge.  This was our second penguin across.

 

One problem solved by the new weigh bridge is making it very robust for travel in rough conditions.  The weigh bridge is constructed as part of a Pelican case. It made it to McMurdo via C17 US Air Force transport.

Start of weigh bridge final assembly in the lab at McMurdo.
Start of weigh bridge final assembly in the lab at McMurdo.
The RFID read coil is stored in the lid of the packing case.
My lab setup at McMurdo's Crary Lab. Setup and test in a nice environment.
My lab setup at McMurdo’s Crary Lab.

 

After the weigh bridge was checked out at McMurdo, it was loaded into a sling load to be transported by helicopter to the study site at Cape Crozier. Note that the weigh bridge was designed to be robust enough to be roughly handled by the helicopter.

The weigh bridge is robust enough to be delivered by sling load.

 

Once at Cape Crozier, the weigh bridge was set up outside the hut to get used to the temperature and to allow for further checkout.

The weigh bridge is set up and tested at the hut. The whole system is allowed to reach ambient temperature while final programming can be done in the comfort of the hut.
The weigh bridge is set up and tested at the hut. The whole system is allowed to reach ambient temperature while final programming can be done in the comfort of the hut.

 

Here is a nice view of the camp site. You can scroll around on the image.

 

 

 

Once checked out, the weigh bridge was packed up on a rescue sled to be brought the mile or so over ice to the penguin colony.

After final assembly and checkout the weigh bridge is packaged for delivery to the colony.
After final assembly and checkout the weigh bridge is packaged for delivery to the colony.
The weigh bridge and other components are packed on a rescue sled for delivery to the colony.
The weigh bridge and other components are packed on a rescue sled for delivery to the colony.

 

At the colony the weigh bridge site was set up to support the device, solar panels, and a tent for researchers.

 

 

The weigh bridge needs to be level. So we construct a set up for it so that its level and accessible from both sides.
The weigh bridge needs to be level. So we construct a set up for it so that its level and accessible from both sides.

 

Last minute checkout and updates were made in the tent by our intrepid engineer.

Intrepid engineer at work at the colony.

 

Penguins were certainly interested in the goings on.

A penguin is considering how it likes the new model of weigh bridge.
A penguin is considering how it likes the new model of weigh bridge.

 

Here is a reasonably happy customer:

 

Then it is back to New York in comfort and luxury offered by a New Zealand Air Force C130.

Return on a New Zealand Air Force c-130. Lots of room.
Return on a New Zealand Air Force c-130. Lots of room.