Test tags
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What is a test tag?
Test tags are PIT tags that are used to verify PIT tag interrogation device operation. Test tags are registered with the PTAGIS database in order to differentiate them from PIT tags used to mark animals. Key chains with embedded PIT tags are registered as test tags.
There are two general types of test tags. The first is a stick tag. The PIT tag is permanently embedded in a rectangular wood dowel about 12 inches long. The stick is passed through the field of a PIT tag antenna to verify system operations. Generally, when stick testing is performed by PTAGIS Field Engineering Technicians, a known number of tags (usually 20) is placed in a fishway or fish flume, and allowed to pass by or pass through an antenna array. The reading efficiency of the detection system can be established using this direct measurement method.
Timer tags are also used to verify system operation. The timer tag is not an actual PIT tag. Rather, it is a device that emits a known PIT tag signal to detection electronics at a pre-programmed interval. This device allows operations and maintenance personnel to see a 'heartbeat' from a detection antenna during extended intervals when tagged fish are absent. Timer tags are also known as fixed reference tags. A Virtual timer tag is not a tag at all, but a specific code generated by a transceiver and routed through the antenna circuitry. In the case of a multiplexing transceiver (MUX), the same virtual timer tag code is routed to all of the active antennas.
How do I register my test tags?
If you create and plan to use any stick tags at your PIT tag detection sites, you must first register them with PTAGIS. PTAGIS searches through its master list of registered test tags when it processes new detection data, and automatically segregates any test tag detections from "real fish" data.
Note: You can not create a stick tag from any PIT tag that has previously been inserted into a host fish! This blanket exclusion includes any tag that has been reported to PTAGIS as part of a tagging event. This restriction is required to prevent any conflicts between "live fish" and test tag records in the PTAGIS database.
The first step in registering one or more test tags at a new interrogation site is to present the list of tags to PTAGIS for verification. This is one of the services provided to account holders on the PTAGIS Web Portal (http://www.ptagis.org/ptagis).
In the 'Note' field, please tell us what detection site(s) the test tags will be used at. Then upload a file containing the list of test tag candidates. PTAGIS will search the candidates for matching "real fish" data in the PTAGIS database; one or more matches will halt the registration process. If no matches are found in the candidate list, then the file will be forwarded to the PTAGIS staff for additional validation. After the list is validated, the PTAGIS staff will instantiate the tags in the PTAGIS test_tags table.
Note: If you have already used your test tags at a detection site, and the detection records have been uploaded and processed by PTAGIS, then ORPHAN records will appear in the PTAGIS database and your tag list will not pass the initial verification and registration process. In this case, you will have to email your tag list directly to the PTAGIS staff at ptagis.support@ptagis.org. Explain in your email why you could not register the tag list through the PTAGIS Web Portal.
Your test tag definition file will be stored on the PTAGIS file server at www.psmfc.org/pittag/Data_and_Reports/data/test_tags/. The PTAGIS staff will probably edit your file to add some internal documentation, and may possibly rename the file to match the PTAGIS naming conventions. You'll be notified of any changes to the file.
If test tags are replaced, or your activities expand, you may need to register additional test tags. Submit the new test tags for verification as described above, but indicate in the Note field that you want to append the new tags to your existing test tag definition file.
How do I register timer tags?
Timer tags are associated with specific PIT tag antennas at specific sites. PTAGIS audits the performance of the antennas by generating frequent reports noting the count and (especially) the omissions of recent timer tag detections. Contact ptagis.support@ptagis.org if you wish to register your site's timer tags.
Additional information
If you have any questions regarding the registration or use of test tags, please contact ptagis.support@ptagis.org.
