We snowmobiled to the den shed under overcast skies today to finish wiring the battery array, test the solar panels, connect and test the backup generator, and position the multi-band antenna for the best cell signal.
We listened for Lily’s radio-signal shortly after arriving and found it coming from the direction of the den and inactive. This meant the collar was not moving. The antenna is embedded in the length of the collar so it wraps around the bear’s neck. This means the signal strength varies with head movement. Our ride in didn’t disturb Lily enough to cause movement. Two hours later we listened again and caught just enough variability in the signal to assure us the collar was still on Lily. She was likely arranging bedding like we witnessed so many times on last winter’s den cam.
While we were there, the clouds began to thin enough for the sun to cast dim shadows. The light dusting of snow on the solar panels immediately began melting. As soon as the wiring of the 8-battery array was complete, we flipped the switch and eagerly watched the readout of the power output from the panels. It fluctuated between 1.8 amps and 7 amps as the thin clouds moved over. We expect much higher output under full sun.
Before heading for the den shed, we had mapped the location of the shed in relation to the nearest cell tower and determined a compass reading for positioning the antenna. We were right on. After running a throughput test on the initial position and then moving the antenna slightly to each side and retesting, we returned to the first position. We were pleased with the throughput test average of 0.47 Mb per second.
We are deeply grateful to the many volunteers who are working to help is in so many ways. Tonight we wish to introduce the talented hard-working members of the Educational Outreach Team who are striving to bring our educational message to schools across the country.
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Black Bear Box Contributors
Penni Storts – Ohio
Kelie Stegh – Iowa
Denise Beverly – Tennessee
Mary Anderson – Minnesota
Sarah Endsley – Minnesota
Kim A. Cabrera – California
Connie Schutta
Cathy Nagle-Ervin – Ohio
Tom Hennigan – New York
Trish Kirk, BBB Coordinator – Wisconsin
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Curriculum Contributors
Helen Schwarz – New York
Penni Storts – Ohio
Kelie Stegh – Iowa
Tom Hennigan – New York
Betsy Flaten – Minnesota
Eileen Brouddus – Kansas
Rhonda Hennis – North Carolina
Tom Hennigan – New York
Sarah Endsley – Minnesota
Diane McGraw – Iowa
Cheryl Timmons – California
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Technical Support
Eileen Brouddus – Kansas
Resource List
Betsy Flaten – Minnesota
Web Support, Grant Writing, Graphic Arts
Linda Gibson – California
Nadine Long – Oregon
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Thank you to each and every one of the Educational Outreach Team for the good work you are doing!
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center