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Microstar

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The Microstar Drifter is designed primarily for tracking currents at a depth of 1 meter, particularly suitable for coastal and shallow water environments.  The Microstar Drifter is a versatile tool for various coastal and shallow water applications, including circulation and dispersion studies and environmental monitoring.

Full Specifications 

Telemetry

Iridium SBD (Short Burst Data) or optional Globalstar Smartone C

GNSS

Enhanced location accuracy with GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo for global, multi-constellation positions


Packaging

Box shipping is standard. An optional nylon bag is offered with internal padding for the surface float. For air deployments rigging with a parachute is available where the drogue opens automatically within 5 seconds of landing in the water

Battery

The Microstar is powered by a replaceable 12V, 15.6 Ah alkaline battery pack

Drogue

The Microstar is designed for easy storage, deployment, and recovery using a collapsible corner radar reflector design,

Sensors

Status sensors report GNSS quality, monitor the battery voltage and indicate whether the drifter is deployed or if the drogue is attached.

Optional sea surface temperature sensor available

Data Telemetry/Archiving/Distribution

Includes data conversion to scientific units, a web browser interface with a dashboard map and current array status, convenient downloading, and device and organization administration. Data is archived on Pacific Gyre servers, and an API interface is available to download data directly to customer web pages or applications such as Excel and Matlab

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Applications


Standard Sensors

  • Ublox LEA-M8S GNSS Module supporting Galileo, GLONASS, GPS/QZSS for accurate location tracking
  • Battery voltage  
  • Drifter-deployed indicator in sea water
  • Drogue-on


Available Options

  • Internal surface sphere temperature
  • High-resolution sea surface temperature
  • Orange surface float top
  • Commandable LED flasher
  • Choice of telemetry
  • Air deployable packaging
  • Drogue open by water contact