DEBUT Series Quick Start (Satellite)

This guide is for DEBUT series devices that transmit data via satellites communication. The models include but not limited to MINI Argos, FLEX Argos, TAG Argos, BADGE Iridium, BADGE UBILINK, YACHT, etc.

System Architecture

The flow-chart below shows how data is transmitted from such device to your account (MINI Argos is used as an example).

Before Using

Make sure you have an Ecotopia account to log in to Ecotopia App and data center.

• Ecotopia App: Search "Ecotopia" on App Store or Google Play. This is the App icon:
• Ecotopia data center: https://www.ecotopiago.com/

You can operate all devices under the account after logging in.

Before test, please switch the data subscription status from the default "Archived" to "Subscribed" and subscribe additional data including ODBA data if you need.

Getting Started

Step 1: Charge the device (rechargeable devices only)

Place the device under direct sunlight for several hours or longer, depending on the weather.

Note: Avoid placing the device directly on concrete floor, rock or metal surface, especially in summer, because fast rising temperature of such surface (sometimes could be over 80℃) could cause permanent damage to the device. When deployed on animal, however, the device temperature is influenced by animal body temperature and will not be too high.

Step 2: Turn on the device and deliver settings

We recommend that you always turn on a device with your mobile phone connected to network, especially for the first time of device initialization.

Note: If you plan to initialize your device in an environment without mobile network, please make sure you have cached all necessary information in your mobile phone beforehand. For details, see Cache management.

1. Authorize Bluetooth to Ecotopia App, and log in with your account.

2. Tap INTELINK icon on App and wait for 15~ 20 seconds. You will see a list of devices. Those in blue color are detected by App.

3. Tap to select one device, or tap and hold to select multiple devices. Follow the instructions to turn them on, and deliver the settings to the device.

   Note:

   • For some batches of devices, shake a device to see LED blinking (blinking LED light indicates that INTELINK of the device has been activated), then tap INTELINK icon and turn on the device before the LED blinking stops.
   • "Setting delivery" is an important step to initialize your device. By doing this, the device can obtain the fine settings that are suitable for each sub-model. When your App is connected to network, it will obtain the correct settings from the cloud server. Without network connection, the App will use the information you cached in your mobile phone.

Step 3: View the data

Place the device in open space with a sky view, and keep it far from high walls, metal surface, strong magnet, or liquid surface (like wet floor). This provides a favorable environment for GPS signal receiving and gateway connection.

The device will collect data and transmit data to satellites. Then you can check the data on Ecotopia App and data center.

Note: Be noted that the device offers more than other way for you to obtain data from the device. Please check Data synchronization. Data downloaded in this way will be displayed in the GPS data, Environment data, and Behavior Data columns, not the Argos/Iridium/UBILINK Data column.

Before deployment, it is highly suggested to keep the device working for several days. During the period, you can get familiar with the system, get to know the best device setting for local environment and be sure the battery is fully charged before deployment.

We will give you in-time technical support during testing and deployment to ensure the device can work at its best performance.

Advanced Settings of Argos-GPS Device

Classic Argos PTTs provide global doppler locations, of which the accuracy varies between several hundred meters to several kilometers. GPS locations enjoy much better accuracy.

Different from Doppler method, GPS collects location data independently, meaning that the GPS data schedule is not related to Argos transmission.

To better under the device functions, we need to bear in mind some features of the Argos system:

1. Argos transmission capacity is limited. When a device enjoys sufficient power supply (big battery or good solar charging), it is able to collect hundred pieces of GPS data per day, which is overwhelming for Argos transmission.
2. Argos transmission relies on satellite pass, and satellite pass timing varies with latitude. The higher the latitude, the longer the satellite pass periods, thus the more chance for data reception. This means the devices for migrating species should not use a fixed Argos transmission schedule.
3. Argos satellite reception can be notably affected by weather (e.g., thick cloud could lead to more transmission failures). This means the Argos transmission can fail even during satellite pass period.
4. Argos satellite will not tell the device whether a piece of data is successfully received or not.

Given the above ground, DEBUT series Argos-GPS devices are designed with a scheme described below for researchers to maximum the valid data reception without jeopardizing the device energy balance.

1. The device is able to use its latest GPS locations to predict Argos satellite pass. When the timing arrives, the device will make continuous transmissions to the satellites.

2. The device has an advanced setting called “GPS data queue” which is to help you get more evenly distributed GPS data.

   For example, you set the device to collect GPS every hour, while at your latitude, the Argos satellite pass happens during 1:10 pm ~ 2:50 pm and 9:00 pm ~ 11:00 pm. And you set the GPS data queue to “8”.

   In this situation, when the first satellite pass happens at 1:10pm, the latest 8 pieces of GPS data, which collected at 6:00 am, 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 am, 1:00 pm, will enter the transmission queue. The device will attempt to transmit the GPS data, one at a time and repeatedly, to the Argos satellites.

   Such data queue setting makes sure that the data collected during the blank period (when there’s no satellite pass at all) can also have chances to be received.

With appropriate settings and good solar charging conditions, we have seen a lot of our Argos devices uploading over 40 valid GPS points per day at 38° latitude.

Data Service Fee Management

Data service fee consumption of a device in each month is determined by its data subscription status during that month. To optimize the data service fees for your devices, it is important to manage their data subscription status based on your needs.

In addition, please keep your account balance positive to avoid disruptions to data services. To recharge your data service fee, please contact your sales representative for assistance.

For more information, see Ecotopia Data Service Fee.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

Druid Technology offers triple satisfaction guarantee to relieve you from any worries.

6-Month Return & Refund Policy (Customized Products Excluded)

You may request a return^[1] and refund within 6 months from the purchase date if dissatisfied with the device. The customer is responsible for two-way shipping costs, including any applicable customs duties and data service fees incurred during the ownership period.

Limitations:

• The device must not have been deployed, physically modified or tampered with, or show visible damage.
• It must be stored and maintained in accordance with guidelines^[2].
• Any testing must have been conducted within specified environmental parameters.
• The device must remain fully functional as verified through remote diagnostic testing by Druid technicians.

1-Year Limited Warranty

Your device is covered by a 1-year limited warranty from the purchase date. During this period, Druid will repair or replace defective devices at our discretion, subject to technical feasibility. The device must be returned^[1] to Druid for service.

Limitations:

This warranty does not cover defects caused by:

• Improper storage, maintenance, handling, or use outside guidelines^[2] or application scenarios agreed upon with Druid or its sales representatives prior to purchase
• Physical damage

DEBUT Renewal Plan (Optional)

Apart from return & refund and limited warranty, you can purchase DEBUT Renewal Plan as a lifetime insurance that offers you a new device without condition. You can also purchase renewal plan for the replaced new device. After the service is used, the status of old device will turn to Deleted.

Disclaimer

This warranty policy constitutes the sole and exclusive remedy available to customers and supersedes all other warranties, express or implied, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time without prior notice. Please refer to the latest version of our warranty policy on our website for the most current information.

[1]: Please always contact us before shipping any device back to Druid Technology, especially for international shipments. We require time to prepare necessary documents for customs clearance. Without prior notification, we will NOT be able to facilitate customs clearance, and:

• Packages may be returned to the customer, and the customer will be responsible for the return shipping fees.
• Customs may reject or destroy the package, depending on regulations.

For a smoother return process, your cooperation is appreciated.

[2]: Failure to adhere to below guidelines for storage, maintenance, or usage may void your warranty coverage. Malfunctions, performance degradation, or permanent damage resulting from non-compliance will not qualify for repair or replacement under warranty. Carefully review the guidelines below to maintain warranty protection.

Storage Environment

Ensure the device is turned off before storage.

• Temperature

  • Store the device in environments between -10°C to 35°C.
  • For optimal preservation, place the device in an anti-static plastic bag and store it in a refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
  • Avoid exposure to temperatures below -20°C or above 60°C, as extreme conditions may cause irreversible damage.

• Electromagnetic Exposure

  • Keep the device away from magnetic or electric fields (e.g., those emitted by power transformers).

• Physical Handling

  • Store in a secure location to prevent accidental drops onto hard surfaces.
  • Do not dismantle, alter, or tamper with the device.

Battery Maintenance

• Regular Charging

  Charge the battery according to the cycle specifications for your device model. This is critical for models with smaller batteries like ULTRA. Contact your sales representative for model-specific charging protocols. Click HERE to know how long it takes to fully charge a battery.

  Model	Battery charging cycle
  ULTRA / NANO P1 Lite, etc.	once every 2 weeks
  NANO / MINI / INTERREX / FLEX II, etc.	once every 1 month
  FLEX II Argos / FLEX II MAX / LEGO, etc.	once every 2~3 months
  YAWL C2 Max 550 / YAWL C4 Max 550, etc.	once every 3~4 months
  HUB 4G, etc.	once every 6 months

• Charging Verification Process

  1. After charging, launch Ecotopia App and select the Intelink icon (middle-bottom corner).
  2. Navigate to the Intelink page and wait until device UUIDs in the list transition from grey to highlighted.
  3. Check the battery level.
     • Below 4 V: Continue charging.
     • 4 V or higher: Turn on the device, synchronize data, and turn it off for storage. There is no need to modify the device's data service status during this process.

Usage

• Pre-Deployment Testing

  Conduct a pre-deployment functionality test to verify data transmission. Test the device for at least 7 days prior to deployment to ensure operational reliability and familiarize yourself with the tracking system. For cellular/satellite transmission models, ensure data is collected and transmitted via non-Intelink methods at least 3 times before deployment.

• Solar Panel Exposure

  Verify the solar panel is fully exposed for deployment, accounting for animal behavior (e.g., body movement, molting). Never allow the panel to be partially or fully blocked by feathers, debris, or other materials.

• Proper Setting

  Align GNSS and transmission intervals with the target species' behavior (e.g., migration, breeding, hibernation) and environmental conditions (e.g., seasonal light/temperature changes). Overly frequent intervals may cause battery drain, and long-time battery drain can degrade performance and battery health. Contact the support team to design species-and-habitat-optimized intervals for your study.