What Telonics does

Telonics, Inc. is a privately held Arizona-based electronics manufacturer that has operated since 1970 (with firmographic data alternatively reporting 1978) from its headquarters at 932 E. Impala Avenue, Mesa, Arizona. The company specializes in the design, manufacture, and direct sale of wildlife telemetry equipment, including GPS/Iridium satellite collars (Gen 3, Gen 4, and TGW-4xxx-5 series), VHF telemetry receivers (TR-4, TR-5, and TR-8), Argos satellite receivers (TSUR-400), programmable collar release mechanisms (CR-5/CR-6/CR-7), and a comprehensive range of VHF receiving antennas. Underlying technical differentiators include Quick Fix Positioning (QFP) technology enabling GPS fixes in ~2 seconds for 3-6x extended battery life, hermetic metal canister packaging using NASA-grade glass-to-metal feed-thru technology for harsh-environment durability, two-way Iridium satellite communications for remote device management, geofencing capabilities, and salt-water-switch hardware for marine mammal applications.

The company's revenue model is primarily hardware sales to wildlife researchers, oceanographers, marine biologists, educational institutions, and government/law enforcement agencies (NET 30 terms for governments and pre-approved educational institutions; prepayment required otherwise), supplemented by subscription revenue from Iridium satellite data services (~$7.50 per unit per month with one-time $30-$40 activation fees) and one-time/perpetual-license software sales through authorization codes (TPP, TDC, BCP-2, TR-4 Channel Frequency Editor, etc.). Go-to-market is direct sales-led via the company website (telonics.com), phone/fax/email ordering, and extensive conference participation including Wildlife Society Annual Conferences, International Bear Research conferences, Sea Turtle Symposiums, and species-specific research workshops globally. Telonics has been independently operated without disclosed external funding or ownership changes and maintains a 101-250 employee footprint with conference presence documented across North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Australia.

The product portfolio also extends to legacy pro audio equipment (FP-100 steel guitar foot pedals and associated tooling) and intrusion detection peripherals (PT-100/PT-200 processors, RP-301 repeaters, PG-400 handheld monitor), the latter representing modest diversification beyond wildlife research into adjacent security and educational markets.

Name

Telonics

Legal name

Telonics, Inc.

Website

https://telonics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Telonics is a Mesa, Arizona-based manufacturer of GPS/Iridium satellite wildlife tracking collars, VHF telemetry receivers, and Argos satellite equipment serving wildlife researchers, marine biologists, oceanographers, and government agencies globally since 1970.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Telemetry and Tracking Equipment

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine Sensors, Instrumentation & IoT (Condition Monitoring) (IMAJAJAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fleet, Asset Tracking & Telematics Location Platforms (BPAMANAF), Avionics Communication Systems (VHF/UHF/SATCOM/Data Link) (IMABAFAG)

Keywords

• Wildlife tracking equipment
• GPS satellite collars
• VHF telemetry receivers
• Oceanographic monitoring systems
• Biotelemetry electronics

Headquarters

HQ city

Mesa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Wildlife Tracking Hardware: GPS/Iridium collars, VHF transmitters, Argos transmitters, and associated wildlife tracking equipment sold to researchers and government agencies. Hardware includes various models ranging from small collars for fox-sized animals to large collars for moose.
2. Oceanography Equipment: GPS/Argos and Argos-only equipment for oceanographic or meteorological applications.
3. Software Authorization Codes: Software products including TDC, TPP, and other programming software require authorization codes for full feature access. Demo versions available for 30-day evaluation.
4. Pro Audio Equipment: Foot pedals, amplifiers, and other steel guitar accessories.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Telonics designs and manufactures GPS/Iridium satellite wildlife tracking collars, VHF and Argos telemetry receivers, programmable collar release mechanisms, VHF receiving antennas, and oceanographic monitoring equipment for wildlife researchers, oceanographers, marine biologists, and government agencies. The company also provides proprietary Windows-based programming and data conversion software (TPP, TDC, BCP-2, etc.) sold under authorization codes, and operates a separate pro audio line of steel guitar foot pedals and accessories. All hardware is shipped F.O.B. Mesa, Arizona, with optional monthly Iridium satellite data service.

Product overview

Telonics is a manufacturer of quality electronics for wildlife tracking, environmental research, and special applications. The product portfolio centers on GPS/Iridium satellite tracking collars (Gen 3, Gen 4, Gen 4-4, Gen 4-5 series) for terrestrial wildlife research, complemented by VHF telemetry equipment including the TR-4, TR-5, and TR-8 receivers, TSUR-400 Argos receiver, and a comprehensive range of VHF receiving antennas (RA series). Supporting software includes Telonics Product Programmer (TPP) for collar programming, Telonics Data Converter (TDC) for data processing and visualization, and specialized tools for collar releases, frequency editing, and parameter configuration. The company also offers collar release mechanisms (CR-5, CR-6, CR-7), aircraft accessories, power supplies, and the TEK-2 educational telemetry kit. A separate Pro Audio line includes FP-100 audio volume pedals with dedicated Toolbox software. The offering is a multi-product hardware and software ecosystem designed for researchers tracking wildlife via GPS/satellite and VHF radio telemetry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Gen 4 GPS/Iridium Terrestrial Systems (TGW-4xxx-5 Series) Current-generation GPS tracking collars that collect GPS positions and transfer location and sensor data via the Iridium satellite system worldwide. Models TGW-4170-5, 4270-5, 4470-5, 4570-5, and 4670-5 cover a range of animal sizes from fox-sized (~120–130 g total) up to large mammals; TGW-4*77-5 variants add auxiliary schedules and geofencing; TGW-4*79-5 variants also include Salt-water-switch technology for marine applications. For wildlife researchers, biologists, and government agencies.
• Gen 4 GPS/Iridium-4 Terrestrial Systems Previous-generation GPS/Iridium tracking collars with QFP-GPS rapid fix technology, activity/temperature/mortality sensors, and geofencing support, available in multiple sizes for different animal species. For wildlife researchers and biologists needing established-generation hardware.
• Gen 3 GPS/Iridium Terrestrial Systems Legacy-generation GPS/Iridium terrestrial tracking collars with QFP-GPS rapid fix technology, activity/temperature/mortality sensors, and geofencing support. Maintained for users on prior-generation deployments.
• TR-8 Handheld Scanning Receiver Wideband VHF telemetry scanning receiver covering 138-235 MHz, stores over 2000 frequencies in 25 lists, with automatic signal detection, narrowband sensitivity, 177 dB gain control, internal 15-hour Li-Ion battery, and USB-C programming/charging port. For wildlife researchers conducting VHF field telemetry.
• TR-4 Receiver High-performance, inexpensive VHF telemetry receiver for 142-220 MHz bands, microprocessor-controlled with up to 100 programmable channels, designed for easy field use. For wildlife researchers using VHF telemetry.
• TR-5 Telemetry Scanning-Receiver VHF scanning receiver for the 140-230 MHz range with manual, scan, data acquisition, and utilities modes. Supports pulse interval modulation for wildlife tracking applications.
• TSUR-400 Argos Receiver Fourth-generation uplink receiver for the Argos satellite system; receives, displays, and stores messages from Argos transmitters (20-bit and 28-bit formats), frequency-agile, with waterproof case and data interface connector. For oceanographers, marine researchers, and field stations receiving Argos wildlife or oceanographic transmissions.
• VHF Receiving Antennas (RA and TA Series) Complete line of VHF receiving antennas in the 142-225 MHz range, including directional models (RA-1A, RA-2AHS, RA-23K, RA-24K, RA-3) and omni-directional models (RA-5A, RA-5B, RA-6B, RA-8, RA-10, TA-9, RA-22). For wildlife telemetry field deployments using Telonics VHF receivers.
• Programmable Collar Releases (CR-5, CR-6, CR-7) Microprocessor-controlled programmable release mechanisms for wildlife tracking collars. CR-5 fits 2-inch+ collars, CR-7 fits 1.5-inch+ collars, enabling collar recovery without recapturing the animal. Remote triggering available via the two-way Iridium link.
• FP-100 Audio Volume Pedal Steel guitar foot pedal with configurable taper and user options, programmed and updated via the FP-100 Toolbox software suite (firmware updates, calibration, taper management). For steel guitar musicians and pro audio users.
• Download Utility (DU) Software Windows program for downloading GPS data from Telonics Gen 2 and Gen 3 GPS systems, converting to readable form, and creating delimited files for spreadsheet programs. Sold with authorization codes (30-day demo available). For owners of Gen 2/Gen 3 Telonics GPS systems.
• TPP - Telonics Product Programmer Windows-based software for programming Telonics GPS/Iridium transmitters and collar release mechanisms. Allows modification of data collection/transmission intervals, GPS schedules, and sensor activation. Requires authorization codes for full feature access; 30-day demo available. For Telonics hardware customers.
• TDC - Telonics Data Converter Windows software for converting raw data from Telonics transmitters into data reports and displaying locations on Google Earth and Google Maps. Outputs CSV files viewable in Microsoft Excel. Requires authorization codes for full feature access; 30-day demo available.
• BCP-2 Collar Release Programmer Windows software for setting and viewing operational parameters of the Telonics CR-2a Collar Release, including release date/time selection and safety mechanism configuration. For users of CR-2a collar release mechanisms.
• TR-4 Channel Frequency Editor Programming interface for the TR-4 receiver. Allows programming of 100 channels, sending/receiving settings to/from TR-4, and saving/printing channel assignment records. For TR-4 receiver users.
• TR-5 Parameter Interface Windows utility for programming TR-5 scanning receivers, editing parameters in spreadsheet-style format, and maintaining a library of parameter files. For TR-5 receiver users.
• ADC-T03 Argos Data Converter Software for decoding and converting Argos data from Telonics Gen 3 GPS/Argos systems, supporting multiple data sources including Argos, LUT, and uplink receivers. For owners of Gen 3 GPS/Argos Telonics hardware.
• Telonics Uplink Logger (TUL) Serial port logging software for the TSUR-400 uplink receiver. Logs messages to file for processing by custom software. Included with TSUR-400 purchase. For users of the TSUR-400 Argos receiver.
• PG-400 Receiver/Monitor Handheld programmer for PT-100/PT-200 series processor/transmitters and RP-301 repeaters. Ruggedized unit with backlit LCD, rechargeable NiCad batteries, water-resistant housing. For government, law enforcement, and intrusion detection applications.
• TEK-2 Educational Telemetry Kit Complete telemetry teaching kit including an RB-10 beacon transmitter, TR-8 Receiver, and RA-23K Directional Antenna for demonstrating wildlife telemetry fundamentals to students. For universities and educational institutions teaching biotelemetry and biologging.
• TNR-3000 Noise Reduction Unit Compact noise reduction unit for VHF telemetry receivers; reduces background and impulse noise by 15-17 dB, powered by 9V battery or external power source. For field researchers using VHF telemetry receivers in noisy RF environments.
• TSC-9A Smart Cable Multi-use interface cable with USB A and BNC connectors for connecting Telonics products to computers for programming (TPP, TDC) and data download. For Telonics hardware customers.
• Antenna Combiners and Switches (TAC and TPT Series) Aircraft antenna switching equipment including TAC-2/TAC-7 control boxes, TAC-4 peak combiner, TAC-5 null combiner, and TPT-2 toggle switch. For aerial telemetry applications using multiple VHF antennas.
• Aircraft Intercom and Audio Distribution Systems (SPO-22, SPO-42) SPO-22 and SPO-42 aircraft intercom systems with automatic activation, push-to-talk control, telemetry receiver input, and audio recording capability. For aerial telemetry crews conducting wildlife surveys.

Quantifiable outcome

• Battery life extended 3-6 times with QFP technology vs standard GPS positioning
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Iridium Satellite NetworkcoreTechnology or IntegrationIridium satellite network consisting of 66 cross-linked satellites in low earth orbit (LEO) providing continuous (24/7) worldwide coverage for data transmission from wildlife tracking collars.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• CLS (Collecte Localisation Satellites): French company operating the Argos satellite-based wildlife and oceanographic tracking system. CLS is both a Telonics data-services partner (Argos uplink receivers and Argos-only transmitters) and a broader incumbent in environmental satellite telemetry that competes for institutional research contracts.
• Iridium Communications: Owner and operator of the Iridium LEO satellite constellation (66 cross-linked satellites) that Telonics collars depend on for data transmission. While not a competing product, Iridium is a core infrastructure provider whose pricing, coverage decisions, and roadmap directly impact Telonics' product economics.

Direct peers

• Mission Engineering: US manufacturer of pro audio expression pedals and electronic accessories for musicians. Mission Engineering is the closest direct competitor to Telonics' pro audio line (FP-100 steel guitar volume pedal), competing on similar form factor and feature set.
• Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS): US-based wildlife telemetry manufacturer producing VHF transmitters, GPS collars, and acoustic tags. ATS serves the same university, agency, and conservation customer base as Telonics and is a frequent competitor on US federal and state wildlife research contracts.
• Followit: Swedish wildlife tracking company (formerly Televilt/Snowbee) producing GPS/GSM and VHF collars for large mammals. Followit is a direct competitor particularly in European ungulate and carnivore research programs with overlapping satellite/cellular telemetry capability.
• Lotek Wireless: Canadian manufacturer of GPS, VHF, and satellite wildlife telemetry collars and receivers. Lotek is the most directly comparable peer, offering overlapping product categories (GPS collars, Argos/Iridium links, acoustic tags) to similar wildlife research and government customers.
• Vectronic Aerospace: German-headquartered manufacturer of GPS and satellite wildlife tracking collars including the widely deployed Vertex Plus series. Vectronic competes head-to-head with Telonics on European and global wildlife research programs, especially for ungulate and large-mammal studies.
• Biotrack: UK-based supplier of VHF and radio telemetry equipment, including collars, antennas, and receivers for wildlife research. Biotrack competes with Telonics on the VHF/receiver side and in European academic markets, though with a narrower product line.
• Ornitela: European manufacturer specializing in GPS/GSM bird and small-animal tracking tags. Ornitela is an emerging peer with significant overlap in telemetry hardware, though narrower in species and size focus than Telonics' broad terrestrial portfolio.

Emerging players

• Cellular Tracking Technologies (CTT): US-based wildlife telemetry company using cellular networks (rather than satellite) for data transmission. CTT is an emerging disruptor offering lower per-month data costs within coverage, partially overlapping with Telonics on GPS wildlife collars for terrestrial species.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/telonics-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Telonics