HeatWatch II Components
Base Station and Access Point
The base station is a sophisticated electronic device
that receives and stores mounting activity information
from the cow monitors in the form of RF signals. The
information is wirelessly transferred to the access
point which in turn passes it into the computer and
the HeatWatch®II software. The base station also sends
signals back to the monitors acknowledging the receipt
of mounts and/or giving it certain instructions. The
base station is encased in a weather-resistant enclosure
and is positioned in a line of sight proximity to
the cows. The maximum distance between the base station
and the access point is a function of the types of
antennas used on both devices. The standard configuration
will allow for 1000 ft. The base station can be powered
by either 110V outlet or 12V DC power.
Cow Monitor
Monitors, the heart of the HeatWatch®II system are
small, transferable battery-powered digital radio
frequency units containing a pressure sensor for detecting
mounting activity and transmitting this data to the
base station. The base station will send a return
message to the monitor acknowledging its receipt of
the data. If the monitor does not receive this acknowledgment
message, it stores that mounting data and re-sends
it on a periodic basis until the base station receives
it. A monitor can transmit a mounting activity signal
well over over a quarter mile in a line-of-sight to
the base station. Periodically, a supervisory signal
is sent from the monitor as confirmation that the
monitor is working properly. Should a monitor be in
an active mode and not send a supervisory signal,
as in the case of a dead battery, you will be alerted
by the software. Each monitor has its own unique numerical
identification code. No two monitors have the same
ID. Monitor cases are constructed of hardened plastic
designed to withstand mounting activity forces.
Repeater
The repeater is a sophisticated transceiver which
identifies signals from HeatWatch®II monitors and
re-broadcasts those signals at full power. The repeater
is used to relay mounting information to the base
station on large farms and ranches, or from area with
hidden mounting or heat detection locations. This
effectively increases the range by several miles in
line-of-sight to the base station.
Patches and Glue
A polyester patch has 3 functional components:
1. the base material used to affix the patch to the
tailhead of the cow with Ruscoe glue;
2. the nylon pouch that encloses the monitor.
3. the tail strap that can provide retention of the
patch and monitor to the cow if the patch comes loose
from intensive mounting. The glue is a contact-type
cement available in 10.5 oz caulking tubes.