What does a user need to do before using an Argos device from Druid?

To use Druid’s Argos devices, Argos satellite service is needed. Your research program needs to be approved and each device is identified by a specific ID number.

As required by CLS, the unique operator of the Argos system, a user needs to contact CLS directly for Argos satellite service. Accordingly, we have made a workflow to facilitate this process. Below are the steps a user needs to do before using Druid's Argos devices.

Step 1: Apply for an Argos program on CLS’s website

1. Click on the Register button.
   

2. Fill in the contact information for the program’s administrator, check the I'm not a robot checkbox and then click Next.
   

3. Fill in the specific information of your research program.

   • Program name - provide a name for the project (e.g., Gulf Sea Turtle Project).
   • Deployment date - select one month before your tags are scheduled to be shipped from Druid.
   • Type of Argos application - select “Wildlife”.
   • Duration (in months) - enter the longest duration possible for your application. This will become your program’s expiration date.
   • Planned number of platforms - enter the number of PTT IDs you need for your program. You need one PTT ID per device.
   • User requirements - this field is for CLS information purposes only. It has no bearing on what data or services you will receive. You can select as many as you want. Druid recommends checking the following boxes:
     • Global coverage
     • Location accuracy
     • Low transmitter power (< 1 watt)
   • Detailed description of the program objectives.
     

4. Fill in additional information on the program and the organization and click Next.

5. Choose NO because your Argos IDs are bonded with your devices, and the Argos IDs will be added to your program by CLS when your devices are ready.
   

6. Wait for CLS to contact you and send you program number and Argos account for consulting your results on line. If your application is urgent, or if you have not received confirmation of your application after several days, we recommend contacting CLS to confirm that your information has been received.

Step 2: Create a guest account & send necessary info to Druid

As most users will use their Argos IDs for different projects, we recommend that you create a guest account for each project and allocate the required quantity of IDs into this guest account.
The procedure is below:

1. Click here to log in with Argos account.

2. On the home screen, click on the profile icon in the upper right corner to reveal My Account details, and then click Guest account.
   

3. Click on the + sign in the upper-right-hand side of the screen to create a guest account.
   For the name of User, it is suggested to write this way to avoid possible confusion or mistakes during Argos ID assignment: initials or part of your organization or project name_initials or part of your name. For example, Druid_Cain or DT_SGD.
   
   Note that when the Expiry date is due, your Ecotopia account won’t be able to get data updates anymore. Please consider and set a proper Expiry date according to your need. It is suggested to set a date 2~3 years from present date.
   
   Click Save and the new guest account will be added.

4. Provide the following info to your sales representative from Druid via email.

   • Program info including Argos program number, species and repetition rate.
   • Guest account username and password.

Step 3: Allocate Argos IDs to the guest account

Wait for notification from your sales representative to allocate Argos IDs to the guest account.

1. On the home screen, click on the profile icon in the upper right corner to reveal My Account details, and then click Guest account.
   

2. Click the pencil icon before the guest account to display two options: Available programs and Available platforms.
   
   Click the + sign on the right side of Available platforms.
   
   Select the IDs as instructed by your sales representative, and click Add and then Save.
   

Now you are ready to use Druid's Argos devices.

CLS is the only organization authorized to allocate Argos ID numbers. Each platform is identified by a specific ID number used for accurate system processing. These ID number(s) will be requested and integrated by your platform manufacturer.

Note that CLS collects Argos transmission fee separately. CLS's value added services for Argos including ArgosDirect and ArgosArchive are not necessary for normal functioning of Druid's devices. You can choose them based on your needs.