# Suggested AnimalTrakker® Hardware [[Start Here|AnimalTrakker®]] is designed to run best with a few hardware accessories. Whether you acquire these accessories yourself, use what you already have on-hand, or purchase our hardware package is completely up to you. ## Preloaded RTU AnimalTrakker® System: $750 + Shipping ![[Pasted image 20241010101312.png|700]] Our Ready-To-Use AnimalTrakker® hardware package comes with everything pre-installed on an Android tablet and an empty [[AnimalTrakker® Database Overview|AnimalTrakker® Database]] ready to go. We source the hardware, set it up, and pre-configure it for you. If you purchase a tissue sampling system or EID tag reader at the same time, we'll pair them with your system and verify that all components work together. We're happy to add or remove accessories as needed for your use case. **Our Ready-To-Use System comes with the following components:** - One Android tablet in a rugged, protective case - One Phomemo label printer for tissue sample labels - One extra box of sample labels - One handwarmer/battery pack - All required cables and chargers - One AnimalTrakker® carrying bag ## Essential User-Supplied Hardware If you want to use items you already have or source them on your own, we encourage you to do so! Because AnimalTrakker® is an [open-source](https://animaltrakker.com/2024/12/25/our-christmas-present-to-you-the-importance-of-being-open-source/) software suite, the hardware kit that we sell is completely optional. At minimum, you need a tablet or computer to run AnimalTrakker®. If you don't plan to print sample labels for blood or semen tubes, you don't need the label printer or the handwarmer/battery pack. AnimalTrakker® can run from an Android smartphone as well. Please be aware that since AnimalTrakker® is not intended or tested for mobile phones, you may run into unforeseen errors when attempting this. Eventually, our goal is for AnimalTrakker® to be fully usable from your computer, too. Some farmers and ranchers find it more convenient to conduct their operations from a central computer station rather than a tablet in the field. While [[AnimalTrakker® Farm Desktop Overview|Farm Desktop]] will eventually have the capability to be used completely independently of [[AnimalTrakker® Farm Mobile Overview|Farm Mobile]], it is limited to report generation at this time. **Our Recommendations:** - Tablet: [Walmart Onn 8-Inch Tablet, 2022 Model](https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-8-Tablet-32GB-2022-Model-Utility-Blue/998275014?athbdg=L1600&from=/search) - Rugged Case: [Handle Stand for Onn 8-Inch Tablet](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN38MPVJ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?s=pc&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw) The below set is **an alternative** that we're currently in the process of testing, since it's getting difficult to source the 2022 model. - Tablet: [Walmart Onn 8-Inch Tablet, 2024 Model](https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-8-Tablet-32GB-2024-Model-Blue/5168235223) - Rugged Case: [Handle Stand Case for Onn 8-Inch Tablet](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C58JL3MY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8) We don't like the handle for the 2024 case as much as the 2022 model, but it's the best option on the market right now. We've found that kids' tablet cases tend to stand up to abuse in the field the best. Please feel free to source and use your own case if you don't like our picks! ## Optional User-Supplied Hardware The following list contains some of the accessories we provide in your Ready-To-Use System. While they're not required for AnimalTrakker® to function, we do recommend purchasing from the list below if you need accessories. These particular units have already been tested with AnimalTrakker®. We can also source them, pair them with your tablet, and add them to your Ready-To-Use System on request. - Printer: [Phomemo M-110 Printer](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089LZBP3S/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8). Note that you can buy the printer with just one roll of labels or with three. [You can purchase extra labels here](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091CQGDGC/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). - Battery Pack: [OCOOPA Rechargable Handwarmer/Battery Pack](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GQ1HHKQ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8). The manufacturer sells many versions of this same battery pack and handwarmer, including alternate colors, and they frequently go on sale. If the model listed here is out of stock, check out their other options. - We recommend adding a stylus pen and a microfiber screen-cleaning cloth to your kit as well. ### EID Readers - [Destron Fearing Global Pocket Reader Plus Universal Microchip Scanner](https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=C69821FC-8041-4CC8-A8FC-CABF08C5D15C) ![[Pasted image 20241010104710.png|300]] - [AllFlex LPR EID Reader](https://www.cattletags.com/products/allflex-lpr-reader?variant=36700374925466) (Discontinued as of 2025 - replaced with the [Allflex APR250 Handheld EID Tag Reader](https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=5fc6f3b4-d126-4b91-bf60-3c6402a100d6), which we have not tested yet.) - [Datamars SRS 2 Stick Reader](https://www.allvetsupply.com/srs2-reader.html?cmp=googleproducts&kw=srs2-reader) - [Shearwell Panel Reader](https://www.shearwell.com/race-reader-small-sheep) ![[Pasted image 20241010104810.png|400]] - [Shearwell x6 Stock Recorder](https://www.shearwell.com/stock-recorder-x6) ![[Pasted image 20241010104907.png|400]] - AllFlex Stick Reader (Refurbished) - Limited Supply with System only. Not many of these are still available. If you'd like to add one, please contact us first to verify whether they're still available. - Build-Your-Own EID Reader: you can always build your own EID reader for less than any purchased model. You'll need to purchase some supplies and have basic soldering skills. Due to FCC regulations, we can provide you with [a how-to guide](https://gitlab.com/OogieM/sheep_eid_hw), but we cannot purchase the parts or build the system for you. ### Tissue-Sampling System We can add a tissue-sampling system for DNA sampling as part of your kit. It includes: - [Symcode Bluetooth Bar Code Scanner](https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Handheld-Bluetooth-Wireless-QRbarcode/dp/B086YHQ7H4/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&sr=8-11) - [AllFlex Tissue Sampling Device](https://www.neogen.com/categories/sampling-equipment/tag-applicator/) - [AllFlex TSU Storage Tray with Lid](https://www.neogen.com/categories/sampling-equipment/allflex-tsu-blue-storage-tray/) - [TSU Sample Tubes in Box](https://www.neogen.com/categories/sampling-equipment/tissue-sampling-unit/?min=GS_SL_531) ### EID Tags If you choose to use electronic ID tags, we recommend the following options. - [Shearwell SET Tag](https://www.shearwell.com/usda-scrapie-840-rfid-set-tag) (~$1.18/ea) Ideal for sheep and goats. This is the tag we use in our own flock. ![[Pasted image 20241010105414.png|300]] - [AllFlex](https://www.allflex.global/na/product/eid-sheep-and-goat/) or [Y-Tex](https://www.y-tex.com/livestock-identification-tags/rfid-tags) Button Tags. Suitable for larger-breed sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs. AnimalTrakker® can read both FDX and HDX tags as long as the EID reader you use is equipped to handle them.