CTT’s BlūSeries 2.4GHz tags include solar-only, battery-only, and
solar-rechargeable battery options.
BlūMorpho Quick Start
Guide
Best For
BlūMorpho is a solar-powered 2.4GHz tag for very small animals. The
tag weighs about the same as a grain of rice, approximately 0.06g, and
measures less than 4cm with antenna included.
BlūMorpho is appropriate for species ranging from Monarch butterflies
and bumble bees to hummingbirds and many more. BlūMorpho comes pre-set
with a 3-second beep interval. Because it is solar-only, the lifespan is
as long as the tag remains attached to the animal and receives enough
sunlight.
What You’ll Find in
the Package
BlūMorpho tags arrive in a tri-fold envelope, suspended behind a
retention strip.
The envelope includes:
- Your order number.
- The reference number printed on the panel to which your tags are
attached.
- The Tag ID, which is the ID you will see when detecting your tag
with a receiver.
The tag ID is not printed on the tag itself. The panel ID numbers are
your reference to the full tag digital ID number that will show up on
your receiver.
Fig 1. The tri-fold envelope holding your
BlūMorpho tags. Note the retention strip holding the antennas down, and
the small white sticker holding the panel strip to the
envelope.
What You’ll
Need
- The order, panel, and tag ID information printed on the
envelope.
- A sharp cutting tool for cutting at the indicated cut line.
- A compatible 2.4GHz receiver for confirming tag detection, such as a
CTT Sidekick, V3 Node, or SensorStation equipped with a BlūSeries
Receiver.
- BlūSeries Portal access and an active data plan if using Expanded
Blū+ detection.
Before
Deployment
- Open the tri-fold envelope carefully.
- Note the order number, panel reference number, and Tag ID
information.
- Confirm that the tags are solar-panel up, which is the way they
should be deployed on an animal.
- Identify the cut line at the top of the antenna where it meets the
panel strip.
Fig 2. The upperside of the BlūMorpho
transmitter showing the solar panel as well as the small cutline
indicating where you should cut to separate the tag and antenna from the
panel strip. This cut line results in a 1/4 wavelength
antenna.
Fig 3. The underside of the BlūMorpho tag
showing the reference “Panel ID numbers” along the top of the
Panel
Activate or Test
the Tag
BlūMorpho is solar-only. As such, only solar exposure is required to
trigger the tag to start beeping.
To remove the tag from the panel strip, cut only at the small white
cut line at the top of the antenna where it meets the panel strip. This
is the only place where you should cut your tag to remove it from the
panel strip and deploy it on an animal.
If this is an Expanded Blū+ tag, activate the tag in the BlūSeries
Portal, assign an active data plan, and confirm that the tag is toggled
on before relying on Blū+ detection workflows.
Confirm
Detection
Confirm that the tag ID appears on your compatible 2.4GHz
receiver.
For local receiver testing:
- Place the tag solar-panel up in direct sunlight.
- Keep the tag within detection range of the Sidekick, V3 Node, or
SensorStation with BlūSeries Receiver.
- Confirm that the expected tag ID appears in the receiver
workflow.
For Expanded Blū+ testing, confirm that the tag is active in the
BlūSeries Portal and that detections appear after the tag has
transmitted in compatible coverage.
Charging / Battery
Notes
BlūMorpho is solar-only.
Troubleshooting
If the tag ID does not appear on your receiver:
- Confirm the panel ID/reference information was recorded
correctly.
- Confirm the tag was cut only at the indicated cut line.
- Confirm the solar panel is facing up.
- Confirm you are using a compatible 2.4GHz receiver.
- If using Expanded Blū+, confirm the tag is active in the BlūSeries
Portal, has an active data plan, and is transmitting in compatible
coverage.
Final Deployment
Checklist
Make sure each item below is checked before deployment.
BlūBat Quick Start
Guide
Best For
BlūBat is a battery-only 2.4GHz digitally-coded transmitter for
species that require transmission in the dark or at night. It is
appropriate for bats, birds, rodents, and more.
The base model BlūBat weighs 0.16g and measures 3.5cm total length
including antenna.
What You’ll Find in
the Package
BlūBat tags arrive paneled or de-paneled in individual packaging,
with the testing tab attached.
Screen-printed numbers correspond to the tag IDs printed on the
packaging.
Fig 4. Your BlūBat tags will arrive paneled
or de-paneled in individual packaging, with the testing tab
attached.
What You’ll
Need
- Tag ID information from the packaging.
- Sharp scissors for depaneling and final activation.
- Metal tweezers or another metal object to bridge the test pads.
- Super glue or epoxy to seal the cut point after final
activation.
- A compatible 2.4GHz receiver to confirm tag detection, such as a CTT
Sidekick, V3 Node, or SensorStation equipped with a BlūSeries
Receiver.
- BlūSeries Portal access and an active data plan if using Expanded
Blū+ detection.
Before
Deployment
- Record the tag IDs printed on the packaging.
- Identify the white cut line at the tip of the antenna.
- Identify the testing tab.
To depanel while keeping the testing tab intact for continued testing
prior to deployment, use sharp scissors to cut on the white line at the
tip of the antenna and around the testing tab.
If deploying directly from the panel, you can cut on the white line
with the cut arrow that attaches the tag to the testing tab.
Activate or Test
the Tag
With the tag separated from the panel, you can still test the tag by
bridging the two gold pads on the testing tab.
Fig 5. With the tag separated from the
panel, you can still test the tag by bridging the two gold pads on the
testing tab.
Testing is easiest with metal tweezers, but any metal will do. When
bridged, the tag will beep. When unbridged, it will stop.
The gold-pad bridging method is for instantaneous testing only. Do
not leave the pads bridged for any length of time. Testing this way
draws more power than an activated tag and will reduce the life of the
transmitter if left bridged.
When you are ready to deploy, use sharp scissors to cut on the white
line between the tag and the testing tab. This permanently activates the
tag.
If this is an Expanded Blū+ tag, activate the tag in the BlūSeries
Portal, assign an active data plan, and confirm that the tag is toggled
on before relying on Blū+ detection workflows.
Fig 6. Now that the test tab has been
severed, the tag is permanently activated.
Important: Because severing the test tab exposes
copper, you must put a drop of super glue or epoxy over the cut point
and let it set before deploying the tag. This seal step is required to
help the tag last the expected lifespan once deployed.
Confirm
Detection
Confirm that the tag ID appears on your compatible 2.4GHz
receiver.
For local receiver testing:
- Briefly bridge the two gold pads on the testing tab so the tag
begins transmitting.
- Keep the tag within detection range of the Sidekick, V3 Node, or
SensorStation with BlūSeries Receiver.
- Confirm that the expected tag ID appears in the receiver
workflow.
- When testing is complete, remove the bridge from the gold pads to
stop the test transmission.
For Expanded Blū+ testing, confirm that the tag is active in the
BlūSeries Portal and that detections appear after the tag has
transmitted in compatible coverage.
Charging / Battery
Notes
BlūBat is battery-only. Severing the test tab permanently activates
the tag.
BlūBat lifespan depends on build, battery size, beep interval, and
whether the tag is Standard or Expanded with Blū+. Use the BlūBat
configuration tool to compare available options.
Troubleshooting
If the tag does not beep during testing:
- Confirm the testing tab is intact.
- Confirm you are briefly bridging the two gold pads on the testing
tab with metal tweezers or another metal object.
- Confirm the tag was not already permanently activated by severing
the test tab.
Final Deployment
Checklist
Make sure each item below is checked before deployment.
BlūBird Quick Start
Guide
BlūBird tag with 4-corner 5mm raised
platform
Best For
BlūBird is a solar-rechargeable battery 2.4GHz tag designed for
deployments where 24-hour operation is required, such as recording
nocturnal migration of a diurnally active species like many migratory
birds.
What You’ll Find in
the Package
Each BlūBird tag will arrive with a magnet attached. The magnet keeps
the tag in a low-power state during shipping and storage.
BlūBird with 4-corner hole platform as
shipped with magnet attached
What You’ll
Need
- A Sidekick receiver to verify operation and monitor battery voltage
before deployment.
- A compatible 2.4GHz receiver for study detection after deployment,
such as a V3 Node or SensorStation equipped with a BlūSeries
Receiver.
- BlūSeries Portal access and an active data plan if using Expanded
Blū+ detection.
- Outdoor direct sunlight for charging.
- A way to record each tag ID, baseline voltage, and post-charge
voltage.
Before
Deployment
BlūBird tags are shipped in a low-power state and are not shipped
with fully charged batteries. Before deployment, all tags should be
checked with a Sidekick, charged in direct sunlight, and checked again
to confirm that the batteries are charging properly.
Because of the small size and tight manufacturing tolerances of these
devices, some units may fail after manufacturing even though they were
pre-tested. Always confirm function and battery charging before
deploying BlūBird tags on live animals.
Activate or Test
the Tag
Start by collecting baseline data with your Sidekick before charging
the tags:
- Remove the BlūBird tags from the packaging.
- Discard any plastic that was holding the magnets in place.
- Remove the magnets from the tags you are checking.
- Use the Sidekick to confirm that the tags are transmitting and
reporting battery voltage.
- Record the tag IDs and baseline battery voltages.
- Reattach the magnets after collecting the baseline data.
You do not need to check tags individually. You can place all BlūBird
tags out at once, collect detections with the Sidekick, and review the
Sidekick CSV file afterward to retrieve the baseline voltage for each
tag. You can also work with a smaller group of tags and monitor each one
in the Sidekick using the real-time graph of time versus voltage. Both
methods are effective.
If these are Expanded Blū+ tags, activate each tag in the BlūSeries
Portal, assign an active data plan, and confirm that the tags are
toggled on before relying on Blū+ detection workflows.
After baseline data are recorded:
- Remove the magnets and place the tags outdoors in direct sunlight
for a couple of days.
- Reattach the magnets at night to prevent the tags from discharging
overnight.
- After a couple of days of charging, cover the solar panels and
collect post-charge voltage samples with the Sidekick.
- Review the Sidekick data to confirm post-charge voltage for each tag
in the shipment.
Confirm
Detection
Confirm that each tag appears on the Sidekick display, is
transmitting normally, and is reporting battery voltage.
For study detection, confirm that the expected tag IDs appear in the
planned receiver workflow before deployment. This may be a V3 Node, a
SensorStation equipped with a BlūSeries Receiver, or the BlūSeries
Portal for Expanded Blū+ tags with an active data plan.
Charging / Battery
Notes
As each tag appears on the Sidekick display, note the reported
battery voltage. Record a baseline voltage before charging, then record
a second voltage after the tags have been exposed to direct sunlight for
a couple of days.
Recommended voltage before deployment:
- 3.0 V or higher: ready for deployment.
- Below approximately 2.9 V: additional charging is
recommended before deployment.
The ending voltage after a couple of days in direct sunlight should
be close to or just above 3.0 V, regardless of the starting voltage. For
example, if a tag starts at 2.0 V and only reaches 2.1 V after two days
in direct sunlight, the battery may not be charging effectively. If the
voltage decreases after sun exposure, this also indicates a charging
issue.
Recommended charging procedure:
- Place the tags outdoors in direct sunlight whenever possible.
- Leave the tags in direct sunlight for a couple of days.
- Reattach the magnets at night to prevent discharge.
- Cover the solar panels before taking the post-charge voltage
sample.
The magnets may remain attached during charging if desired, although
this is not required for charging to occur. If you remove the magnets
for charging, remember to reattach them at night.
Until deployment, keep the tags in a well-lit location where they can
continue to charge. Units will typically not charge through windows. Do
NOT charge under the windshield of a car; extremely
high temperatures will damage transmitters.
Troubleshooting
If a tag does not begin transmitting immediately:
- Reattach the magnet to the tag.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Remove the magnet again to reset the tag.
- Check the Sidekick display for activity.
If the tag still does not appear, charge the tag in direct sunlight
and then check it again.
After charging:
- Remove the magnet from the tag.
- Verify that the tag appears on the Sidekick display.
- Confirm that the tag is transmitting normally.
- Confirm that battery voltage has increased.
If a tag does not charge close to 3.0 V after a couple of days in
direct sunlight, if the voltage only increases slightly from a low
starting voltage, or if the voltage decreases after charging, contact
Cellular Tracking Technologies for replacements. Do not deploy tags with
non-charging batteries on live animals.
If the tag still does not transmit after charging and resetting,
contact Cellular Tracking Technologies for support.
Final Deployment
Checklist
Make sure each item below is checked before deployment.