A microampere radiotelemetry transmitter for measurement of temperature from unrestrained subjects

A miniature radiotelemetry transmitter is described suitable for chronic or acute monitoring of temperatures from animal or human subjects. The transmitters can be easily constructed with little or no electronics background from discrete components readily available from any electronics supplier. Transmitters weighed from 2.5-20 g, had volumes of 0.8-3.5 ml, had normal currents of 50-120 muA with potential transmitter lives of 35 h to greater than 1 yr, and transmission ranges of 10-30 m. Transmitters could be implanted, swallowed, or connected to chronically or acutely attached temperature probes. The design of the telemetry system allows for reception on any commercial FM receiver. Depending on mode of decoding the temperature data transmitter signal can be accurate to measure changes of from 0.15 to 0.015 degrees C. Thus with a minimum of expense and little electronics background a temperature-dependent transmitter system can be constructed for monitoring temperatures from unrestrained subjects.