Build Guideadvanced
Indian Ocean Sea Turtle Tracker (IoT)
Marine turtle tracking device based on CMWX1ZZABZ and MAX M8Q GNSS, with dual barometers for underwater depth measurement, designed for year-long deployment on sea turtles.
Firmware:Arduino
Use Cases:GPS TrackingEnvironmental MonitoringData LoggingLoRa & WAN
Overview
The IoT (Indian Ocean sea Turtle) Tracker is a specialized animal tracking device developed in collaboration with IFREMER for tracking sea turtles in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Based on the same CMWX1ZZABZ LoRaWAN module and MAX M8Q GNSS engine used in the Gnat, it adds marine-specific sensors for underwater depth and orientation measurement.
Key Features
- Compact Design: 20.7 x 37.5 mm 4-layer PCB suitable for turtle attachment
- Dual Barometers: MS5803-01BA and MS5837-30BA for precise underwater depth measurement
- E-Compass: LSM303AGR accelerometer/magnetometer for heading measurements
- Ambient Light: VEML6030 sensor for light level monitoring
- Data Logging: 8 MB SPI NOR flash for offline data storage
- Seawater Detection: External resistance circuit for immersion detection
- Battery Charging: 500 mA STBC08 LiPo charger with MOSFET-based voltage measurement
- One Year Battery Life: Goal with small LiPo battery through aggressive power management
Deployment
Part of a research project deploying 10 tags and 5 receiving stations across Reunion Island, Mayotte, the Scattered Islands, and Seychelles between 2018-2021. Co-funded by the European Union under PO INTERREG V Indian Ocean.
Partners
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea)
- CNRS-LIRMM
- Kelonia (sea turtle observatory)
- OFB (French Biodiversity Office)
