The "Code" Davis Drifter (it’s physical format was conceived by Dr. Russ Davis of Scripps Institute of Oceanography) or "ARGODRIFTER" is a surface current monitoring Lagrangian drifter. It reports its position by several means, from a calculated position through the ARGOS/CLS system, or by transmitting a GPS location through either ARGOS/CLS or the IRIDIUM satellite system. The surrounding water temperature can also be monitored. Data transmissions can be varied through a wide spectrum of options at the selection of the user.
As can be seen from the photos and sketches, the ARGODRIFTER consists of two orthogonal 1-meter cloth planes oriented vertically around a central instrument-containing core. Four 4" (10cm.) diameter polyethylene foam floats provide positive buoyancy and are tethered at the end of the arms on Dacron lines 10"(25cms.) long. These floats insure that the antennas; sometimes two are used when GPS is required, are sufficiently clear of seawater to insure adequate electronic transmissions. The antennas are mounted on 316 stainless steel springs to protect them in case of contact with foreign bodies, or so the can "flex" in very high seas.
The ARGODRIFTER is primarily constructed of a Sch. 40 PVC pipe hull and Sch. 80 PVC pipe arms and two custom machined end caps. The "sails" (4 ea.) are made from Dacron material. The arms are spring loaded with bungee cord and when retracted from their holes can be folded for storage. Care should be used when unfolding these arms in air as the spring loading causes them to move rapidly. When submerged the motion is dampened and the arms seek their operating position more gently.
Before Shipment the watertight integrity of the hull is pressure tested to insure no chance of leakage. All electronic elements are checked through at least four separate onshore tests and at least once through the satellite to insure proper operation. The design life of the unit using the ARGOS/CLS system is approximately 30 -90 days. Some ARGODRIFTERS have, however, lasted for over six months. The use of GPS or IRIDIUM configuration imposes a heavier battery drain, which may shorten these normal life spans
Near surface hull: 7.6 cm diameter, 93.3cm Length Schedule 40 PVC
Depth: 1.1m (approximately)
Floats: Four 4" (10cm.) diameter polyethylene foam floats
Power Supply: 2 diode-protected battery packs, each 6 Duracell alkaline D-cells
Controller Manufacturer: Technocean Inc.
Sensor Types: GPS, SST (Sea Surface Temperature) transmission rate may vary, up to one measurement per hour
Transmitter/Transmission: Argos/Iridium/every hour or as requested
Parameters: surface level (1.1 Meter approximately)
Operating Life: 30 to 90 days depending on power consumption
Storage Life: 24 months at +22.22 C – +25.56 Degrees C
Operation Temperature: -20 to +40 Degrees. C.
When shipped, the arms, floats and 
antenna(s) are folded and the entire assembly is placed in a square "coffin" shaped cardboard box about 44” (110 cms.) long and 10” (25 Cms.) square at its maximum dimension. Each box weighs approximately 20 Lbs. (9 Kgs.) and contains a clearly marked "rip cord" used to remove the magnet which activates the transmitter and enables operation prior to deployment. However, this magnet cannot be replaced without opening the packing box. If the ripcord is not manually pulled the magnet will automatically separate after the unit is deployed in water. When placed in the water the box components will e separate and the unit will fully deploy in under 1 hour. After the deployment the cardboard box will eventually decay into its components of wood fiber and mucilage.
For air-deployed units, a small spring loaded clip is provided to attach the parachute prior to deployment. If placed in the water the box components will separate and the unit will deploy in approximately 40 - 60 minutes.
To ensure proper operation, the Drifter should be turned on at least 1 hour in advance of deployment to initiate the GPS and verify operation of the Argos/Iridium transmitter. For good results, the Drifter should be oriented to have an unobstructed view of the sky. Also it is advised to orient the Drifter vertically and antenna’s extended so that GPS fixes can be more readily obtained. To turn on the Drifter, remove the magnet by separating it from its attachment point through holes in the boxes surrounding the drifter. The magnet may be covered with tape for shipping. Replacing the magnet in the same position will turn off the unit and reset the program starting point. The magnet will also be automatically released after deployment into the ocean, as the paper tape glue dissolves. The Iridium transmitter operation should be checked via E-mail or Message.
From a vessel: The box may simply be dropped in the water and the unit will automatically deploy in under 1 hour. If preferred, the unit may be carefully removed from the box and then the magnet can be removed and replaced at will. Make certain that the magnet is replaced in exactly the same spot, since this location is NOT indicated on the tube. The location can be determined by choosing a place directly opposite the antenna through point and 2 cm. below the cap edge. There are also 2 pieces of duct tape, which attach the paper tape to hold the magnet in position, which may also be used for magnet location reference.
From an aircraft: For air deployed, units, a parachute is shipped in a paper bag along with a small spring-loaded clip to attach the parachute prior to deployment. The spring clip should be placed on the nylon "sock" above the round soluble element just prior to deployment. The clip should be attached to the central "cross" of the bungee cords at the bottom of the box. The parachute bag and the instrument box should be jettisoned from the aircraft while holding the parachute bag against the bottom of the box. Minimum altitude should be approximately 1,500 ft. (450 m.) and maximum airspeed should be about 120 knots.