Z-TRAP

The Z-Trap is currently designed to monitor codling moths, but adjusting the system to detect other insect species may be possible in some cases. Initial experiments with Oriental fruit moths and obliquebanded leafrollers, for example, showed very good results.

Yes. Spensa is constantly working on improving the capabilities of the Z-Trap. If you have a particular insect species that you would like to monitor, please contact us.

Under the present (2015) Z-Trap design, only a single insect can be selected for detection within MyTraps. You can, however, change the insect throughout the season (in correlation with the lure). We are also researching various methods to allow for the detection of multiple insects in a single Z-Trap to accomodate multiple species lures.Under the present Z-Trap design, only a single insect can be selected for detection within MyTraps. A user, however, can change the specified insect throughout the season or year to year (in correlation with the lure). At Spensa, we are also researching various methods to allow for the detection of multiple insects in a single Z-Trap utilizing multiple species lures.

Yes. A standard pheromone lure must be inserted in the Z-Trap to attract the target insects. If you are using a different style of lure than the lure below, please contact us. to discuss installation methods.

Any lure that is currently being used in your traps to attract a particular insect can be used in the Z-Trap. We currently employ a magnetic mounting system for the lure. The Z-Trap uses the same type of lure used with traditional insect traps. If you are using a different style of lure than the lure below, please contact us. to discuss installation methods.

No. You can purchase the lure from the supplier that currently provides the lures for your manual sticky traps.

With the Z-Trap turned off, you can install the lure with your fingers or need nose pliers as shown in the graphic below.

Wireless communication ranges depend on a number of factors, but in general, in an open field, the Z-Traps can communicate up to ~1 km (0.7 miles). Inside a field or farm with dense canopy cover, such as a typical apple orchard, the communication range is reduced to approximately 100-150 m (330-500 ft).
The Z-Traps can relay messages between one another, allowing you to extend the communication between the base station and the individual traps. You can further extend the communication between the Z-Traps by utilizing aerial antennas. If you have any questions or concerns about your particular installation, please contact us.

The base station is responsible for aggregating all the information collected by the Z-Traps, connecting to the Internet, and uploading the data to MyTraps.

The current base station needs to be placed in an area protected from environmental conditions and requires access to a power outlet. Spensa is developing an outdoors base station that will overcome these limitations. If you need an outdoors base station, please contact us.

The base station can communicate with MyTraps using either a wired (i.e., LAN) or wireless (i.e., WiFi) Internet connection. If no Internet connection is currently available, a broadband USB modem can be purchased from a wireless provider company (e.g. AT&T;, Verizon, Sprint, etc.), providing the necessary connection to the Internet. You can read more about these devices on Wikipedia.

The Z-Trap relies on a number of characteristics of the system such as sensor response, pheromone lure selectivity, and target insect flying time to estimate the number of target insects detected by the system. Although the correspondence between the number of target insects captured by the Z-Trap and the number reported is not 100% accurate, they are highly correlated.

Currently the Z-Trap establishes its own communication network. Spensa has been communicating with other companies that provide wireless network solution for the agricultural community to evaluate the possibility of providing integrated services.

No. The Z-Trap transmits all of its data directly to the base station, which then uploads the data to MyTraps automatically.

The data collected by the Z-Traps can be an important tool in the research and development of new IPM technologies. Although the data belongs to Spensa, we will not disclose any information without your consent.

The Z-Trap is powered by a high density lithium iron phosphate battery. These batteries are as efficient as the lithium ion batteries used in laptop computers and mobile phones, and due to their design, also much safer.

Under common codling moth monitoring conditions (i.e., operating approximately four hours per day, seven days a week), we expect fully charged Z-Trap batteries to last approximately six months. In most cases, you should only need to charge the batteries at the beginning of the season.

No. In most cases the Z-Trap batteries will last the entire season. If recharging does become necessary, you can connect the Z-Trap to the provided DC adapter for approximately 24 hours and the Z-Trap will be ready to operate again for another six months.

There are several mechanisms to verify that the Z-Traps are operating properly:

• During deployment each Z-Traps that is connected to the base station will periodically blink its green LED to indicate that it is connected and communicating to the base station.
• MyTraps will show a message reporting that the trap was successfully deployed.
• After deployment, you can also go to a Z-Trap at any time and press the battery button to see the battery level of the Z-Trap.
• The Z-Traps must report to the base station periodically. If that does not happen, the base station will send a warning message to MyTraps which the user will be able to visualize. MyTraps also shows the battery level of the Z-traps.

The Z-Trap batteries are integrated into the system and cannot be replaced by the user. If service is needed, please contact us to facilitate the replacement.

If you feel that your Z-Trap is in need of a repair, please contact the Spensa Customer Support either by phone (765-405-5055), via e-mail, or through our ZenDesk Help Desk Ticket System.

An entire Z-Trap weighs a slightly over 3 pounds.

A MyTraps account is necessary to be able to visualize the data collected by your Z-Traps. However, as a Z-Trap customer, a single mobile account is included in the cost of the Z-Trap.