Argos Satellite Information

Q: How do I get started with Argos?

A: The Argos satellite tracking system is administered by an organization called CLS.  Their main offices are in Toulouse, France and Maryland, USA.  Contact the CLS Argos User Office and explain that you wish to track animals with satellite collars.  Environmental use of the system by governmental or non-profit users is covered by a special agreement known as the Joint Tariff Agreement (JTA). CLS will send you a System Use Agreement form to confirm that you are eligible for the JTA.

Having been accepted under the JTA you should then receive a purchase order form.  Once this has been processed you can then request a PTT number for each of the collars that you are planning to deploy.  The PTT number is the equivalent of a phone number - it uniquely identifies the transmissions made by each device.

Q: What will it cost?

A: Under the JTA there is a fee for each calendar month in which the tag transmits (e.g. $13.90 in 2006). In addition there is a usage charge per day (e.g. 8.40 per day in 2006) the collar successfully transmits to the satellite. See USA tariff example here.

Q: How does it work?

A: Typically you will receive an email with location data once per day if the device is able to contact the satellite on that day.  Learn more by clicking here.

An Argos manual is also available. Here is another link of Argos FAQs that may be helpful.