Sparrow Systems is entering the release phase for an upgraded version of the model 10-1000 ARUs.
The new model uses the same receiver circuitry as the existing 10-1000 units, but with a new digital section. The Bantam model was designed as an upgrade for the existing ARU units in the field. In addition to offering it for sale as a new unit, the current ARUs can be retrofitted with the new digital board, instantly upgrading them to a model 10-2000 unit. This will eventually be a mandatory upgrade as we drop calibration/software support for the previous model 10-1000 units.
Upgrade cost will be $895, including calibration, new power cables, and two SD memory cards. In addition to the new features, we expect maintenance costs to be lower. The new unit will use fewer components, so it will probably require fewer, or at least cheaper, repairs; the Bantam digital board replaces the three digital boards currently in the ARU. Advanced diagnostics will monitor the unit and warn of any anomalies that may affect data integrity (such as antenna switch failure, drifting components, etc.).
There will be very little change in receiver performance. Both models will hear the same animal at the same distance equally well. Every part of the user interface is what is being upgraded, from more powerful software to more reliable power connectors. The design goals of the unit are an easier user interface, increased functionality, lower long term maintenance costs, and maintaining the same selling price despite rising internal costs.
SD Card: As requested by almost every user, the Bantam model will use a removable SD card for data storage. The SD card will use the standard FAT file system, so that the card can be read using an off-the-shelf card reader (many computers now have these built in). While users will be able to get replacement cards at retail outlets if needed immediately, Sparrow Systems will probably be offering an industrial SD card that is rated for more extreme conditions than the typical consumer card found in most retail outlets. More details will be available on these after we evaluate them.
Serial Port: Instead of requiring an adapter cable, a standard 9 pin connector will be on the unit for plugging the unit into a computer serial port. There will be a similar interface as the current 10-1000 model for setting the clock and performing diagnostics.
Power: The Bantam units will use less power than the previous model. This is due to both lower power components, and software control powering off unused devices when not needed. There will also be a power connector on the unit, instead of a cable hanging out (there has been a number of units that have came back for repair because of this cable breaking).
Data Files: Data will be stored on the SD cards in a CSV text file format, readable by any third party program. There will no longer be a conversion process before viewing the data with Sparrow Systems’ software.
Calibration: All calibration routines will be performed by the ARU itself (in cooperation with lab equipment). This means two things for the user; there will no longer be an external calibration file that the user needs to process data (as it will be stored internally), and the turn-around time should be faster when sending a unit in for calibration/repair (as it will not have to wait for human interaction during calibration).
Boot Loader: In the past, upgrades to the ARU firmware (the programming inside the receiver) were accomplished by changing hardware chips which had the firmware ‘burned’ internally. The new Bantam board has the ability to program itself, which allows the use of a Boot Loader. To update the firmware, an ‘image’ file from Sparrow Systems is copied onto an SD card, and the SD card inserted into the target ARU. Upon power-up, the ARU looks for this image file and, if found, proceeds to update its internal programming. This will allow users to update their own units in the field to provide bug-fixes, additional features, or custom programming.
Custom Firmware Programming: Along with the Boot Loader comes an easier ability to provide custom firmware programming. Sparrow Systems can create and email a customized image file to a client, in most cases without requiring the ARU be removed from the field installation. The ARU can potentially be optimized for special transmitters, including digital data transmitters, as well as optimizing search algorithms. This allows us to serve clients with specialized needs while minimizing additional cost.
Software: A new suite of software will be made for the new units. Combined knowledge from the previous programs combined with cleaner data handling (no conversions needed) will hopefully lead to more streamlined software with fewer bugs. (In the past, over half of all bugs were in conversion processes.)
Optional Add-On Equipment: While not yet in design, many add-on devices have been planned for the ARUs. These include