ANTENNAS

 

The antenna is one of the most important components of any PIT tag detection system.

With the time and resources invested in tagging your animals, you now must rely on a detection system to document their presence or movement patterns. The design and construction of the antenna for your site is critical. West Fork prides itself on crafting antennas that:

  • Deliver consistent read range

  • Are highly durable

  • Anchor with a simple, robust fastening system

WEST FORK’S HDPE INSTREAM PIT TAG ANTENNAS

We offer fusion welded HDPE antennas that are built to similar dimensions as the traditional glued PVC pipe used for NOAA-style antennas. HDPE material and the fusion welds are extremely durable and withstand much greater impact than the housings constructed of PVC. We developed production systems to ensure that the HDPE antennas perform as well or better than previous PVC models.

VERTICAL PIT TAG ANTENNA SYSTEMS (FIN)

Detection of PIT tagged out-migrating juvenile salmonids in relatively large natural rivers is problematic because available PIT tag antenna systems are typically incapable of interrogating the upper portions of the water column where fish may travel. We have developed an antenna system dubbed the FIN (Fish Interrogation Nodes) that is capable of detecting fish throughout the whole water column at variable river flows and stages. These arrays are composed of individual vertical antenna housings anchored to either the channel bed or an above water support system through an articulated shackle that allows for deflection and passage of debris and ice.

CUSTOM PIT TAG ANTENNAS

We design and fabricate custom solutions for any situation. We have developed successful systems in detection environments where high EMI, close proximity to metal infrastructure, tag travel speed, and extreme weather and flow conditions would otherwise limit the use of PIT tag technology.