Frequently Asked Questions
- How many Birth Alarm versions are there?
- What are the differences between the different Birth Alarm systems?
- What is the range of the Birth Alarm?
- Why are some Birth Alarm transmitters green and some black?
- How does the battery level indicator work?
- How does the call indicator work?
- Is my old receiver compatible with a new transmitter?
- I have expanded my 433 MHz basic system Birth Alarm with a second transmitter. Why was I only supplied with a black transmitter?
- How do I know at a glance which model of transmitter or receiver I have?
- My neighbour also uses a Birth Alarm. Can this lead to interference?
- The Birth Alarm has a variety of accessories such as lights, sirens and phone dialers. Can I use these accessories with any version?
- Why is the GSM Birth Alarm supplied without a receiver?
- Is the SIM card supplied with the GSM Birth Alarm?
- Which SIM card can be used with the GSM Birth Alarm?
- Can I use the GSM Birth Alarm anywhere, or in any region?
- I have stored two phone numbers, phone I and phone 2, on the SIM card in my GSM Birth Alarm. Why do I not get a call via these numbers when the alarm triggers?
- How many Birth Alarm versions are there?
The Gallagher company is committed to the continued development and improvement of the Birth Alarm system. As a result, the following versions of the Birth Alarm are currently in use:
Birth Alarm 153 MHz "toggle switch" version (available until 1995) Birth Alarm 40 MHz Version I (available until 2004) Birth Alarm 40 MHz Version II (available only in 2005) Birth Alarm 433 MHz Basic version (available from 2006) Birth Alarm GSM (available from 2006) - What are the differences between the different Birth Alarm systems?
The 153 MHz "toggle switch" Birth Alarm, the first version sold in Germany, can be recognised by the toggle switch on the Birth Alarm receiver. This version has no call or battery level indicator.
Birth Alarm 40 MHz Version I differs from the previous version by having pushbuttons on the receiver instead of the toggle switch. This version also has no call or battery level indicator.
It also uses a different frequency range (40 instead of 153 MHz )
Birth Alarm 40 MHz Version II has a round, green sticker on the receiver. The transmitter also has a green case. It differs from the previous version by having a call and a battery level indicator.
The Birth Alarm 433 MHz basic version differs from the previous versions in two ways. First, it uses a different frequency range - 433 instead of 40 MHz. Second, the receiver and transmitter have a sturdy rubber antenna. Previous receivers had a standard telescopic antenna. This version has a call and battery level indicator.
The GSM Birth Alarm differs from the standard versions in using state-of-the-art mobile phone technology. A stationary receiver is not needed because of the SIM card (mobile card) in the transmitter. If the alarm triggers, the transmitter dials one or two phone numbers stored on the SIM card to alert the BA user of the impending birth of a foal. In this way, any (mobile) phone whose number is programmed in the SIM card becomes a receiver. - What is the range of the Birth Alarm?
Birth Alarm versions "toggle switch", I and II have a range of approx. 300 metres (distance between transmitter and receiver).
The Birth Alarm basic version can be used without problems over a distance of 1000 metres (distance between transmitter and receiver).
Because of its integrated mobile phone dialer, the GSM Birth Alarm has an unlimited range. However, the basic requirement is a functioning mobile phone network. - Why are some Birth Alarm transmitters green and some black?
Older transmitter models (black) did not have battery or call indicators.
As well as a 40 MHz receiver (version II) or 433 MHz receiver (basic version), newer transmitter models (green) have battery and call indicators which can be checked via the receiver or transmitter. - How does the battery level indicator work?
If you are using a 40 MHz BA receiver version II or 433 MHz basic version receiver in conjunction with a green transmitter, the battery indicator is both visual and audible. If the (transmitter) battery is fully charged, the transmitter's LED stays on continuously if the transmitter is lying on its side. If the (transmitter) battery charge is low, the transmitter's LED flashes when the transmitter is lying on its side. If you hear irregular beeping from the receiver (approx. 10-minute intervals), this is an indication that the battery needs replacing.
If you are using a green transmitter in conjunction with a 40 MHz version I receiver, you will only have a visual battery indicator on the transmitter. If the battery is healthy, the transmitter's LED will be on continuously; if the battery is weak, the transmitter's LED will flash. In both cases, the transmitter must be lying on its side. - How does the call indicator work?
If you are using a 40 MHz BA receiver version II in conjunction with a green transmitter, the call is signalled by the LED (2) on the receiver. If the connection between transmitter and receiver is adequate, the LED will flash approx. every 10 seconds.
If the connection between transmitter and receiver is not adequate, you will hear a warning tone from the receiver (approx. every 10 seconds), but the LED (2) will not flash.
If you are using a 433 MHz BA basic version receiver in conjunction with a green transmitter, calls will also be indicated by the LED (2) on the receiver. If the connection between transmitter and receiver is adequate, the LED will be on continuously.
If the connection between transmitter and receiver is interrupted or not present, the LED (2) on the receiver will flash. The receiver will also emit a warning tone each time the LED (2) flashes. - Is my old receiver compatible with a new transmitter?
Because of its 153 MHz frequency range, the "toggle switch" 153 MHz BA version is not compatible with later versions. This applies to the transmitter and the receiver.
Birth Alarm 40 MHz versions I and II are compatible with each other ? both the transmitter and the receiver. Please note, however, that only a battery level indicator (no call indicator) is possible if used in conjunction with a green transmitter. There is only a visual indicator on the transmitter.
Neither battery or call indicators are possible in the case of a version II receiver used in conjunction with a black transmitter.
The Birth Alarm 433 MHz basic version is not compatible with earlier versions.
Because of its integrated mobile phone dialer, the Birth Alarm GSM version is not compatible with standard versions. It cannot be used with the receivers or transmitters from other (standard) versions! - I have expanded my 433 MHz basic system Birth Alarm with a second transmitter. Why was I only supplied with a black transmitter?
If you want to expand your previous standard Birth Alarm (not GSM) with further transmitters, you will receive black transmitters without call indicators. This is deliberate, not an incorrect delivery.
Example:
Let's assume you have a 433 MHz BA basic version with a receiver and a green transmitter with call indicator. You want to expand this system with another green transmitter and use 2 green transmitters with one receiver.
If one of the transmitters developed a fault and does not work, you would not be able to see this on the receiver's call indicator because the second, working, transmitter would indicate to the receiver that the connection was fine.
So, if a (green) transmitter was faulty, you would not know about it.
If you want to expand your existing system, you will always be supplied with a black transmitter which does not use a call indicator, just a visual battery indicator on the transmitter. Thus, you should always use the green transmitter with call indicator on the mare which is next expected to foal, or the animal which involves the greatest distance between transmitter and receiver. If this (green) transmitter develops a fault, or the receiver is subject to interference, you will notice this quickly, so there is no risk of you not being informed promptly when foaling starts. - How do I know at a glance which model of transmitter or receiver I have?
The "toggle switch" Birth Alarm 153 MHz version can be recognised by the protruding toggle switch on the BA receiver or the (black) transmitter and receiver with a 153 MHz sticker.
In the case of the Birth Alarm 40 MHz version I, the transmitter has a rod antenna and a red LED. Aside from the antenna, there is a sticker on the receiver showing model code H III-A/F2000.
Birth Alarm 40 MHz version II can be recognised by model number 40 MHz /TX on the (green) transmitter. There is also a round, green sticker next to model code H III B on the receiver.
The Birth Alarm 433 MHz basic version has model code H III B on the receiver and the transmitter. Unlike earlier versions, the receiver has a rubber antenna, instead of the telescopic kind. The transmitter also has a rubber antenna.
The GSM Birth Alarm only exists in the current version. - My neighbour also uses a Birth Alarm. Can this lead to interference?
Interference or false alarms may occur in the case of the 433 MHz basic version of the Birth Alarm, with its greater operating range, if someone in your neighbourhood is using the same system.
If you find that your neighbour is also using a Birth Alarm and you often receive false alarms, please set your Birth Alarm to a different channel code. Refer to your user manual for details of how to change the channel code. - The Birth Alarm has a variety of accessories such as lights, sirens and phone dialers. Can I use these accessories with any version?
The Birth Alarm 153 MHz "toggle switch" version is not compatible with additional components such as lights, sirens and phone dialers.
Birth Alarm 40 MHz versions I and II, as well as the basic 433 MHz version, can be fitted with warning lights, sirens and a phone dialer (if there is a phone jack close by). However, only one alarm unit can be connected to each BA receiver.
The GSM Birth Alarm is not compatible with the above accessories. - Why is the GSM Birth Alarm supplied without a receiver?
Because of the integrated mobile phone dialer in the Birth Alarm transmitter, any mobile phone can serve as a receiver if its number is stored on the SIM card. A stationary receiver is not needed.
- Is the SIM card supplied with the GSM Birth Alarm?
The SIM card is not supplied with the GSM birth alarm.
SIM cards can be obtained at mobile phone shops, garages, newsagents and larger department stores. - Which SIM card can be used with the GSM Birth Alarm?
The GSM Birth Alarm only works if you have very good mobile network coverage. We recommend obtaining your SIM card from one of the major mobile suppliers such as T-Mobile, Vodafone, E-Plus, O2, etc.
- Can I use the GSM Birth Alarm anywhere, or in any region?
The GSM Birth Alarm can be used in any region with a suitable mobile phone network. Please check reception first using your mobile phone. The bars (reception quality) on your mobile must all be present!
- I have stored two phone numbers, phone I and phone 2, on the SIM card in my GSM Birth Alarm. Why do I not get a call via these numbers when the alarm triggers?
When you program the SIM card for your GSM Birth Alarm using your mobile, please give the first number the name "AA" and the second number the name "BB". If you assign different names, problems can arise under some circumstances and the stored numbers will not be dialled.