Phase One was a proof-of-concept field test undertaken during the 2013 turtle season. A motion-and-temperature sensor (Analog Devices ADLX362, 3-Axis, Digital Output MEMS accelerometer), soldered to a Sparkfun "breakout board," was soldered to a CAT5 cable. The board was sealed in a Ping-Pong ball by filling it with "aquarium safe" silicone caulk. The Ping-Pong ball, about the size and shape of the sea turtle eggs, was placed in the sea turtle nest by National Park Service (NPS) rangers. The other end of the cable attached to the "egg" assembly was electrically connected to a hacked cell phone that was programmed with a very small, low-powered TI MSP430 microprocessor. The phone sent out text messages with the motion and temperature data every two hours. The cell phone was protected from the elements by a communications tower made from 4" PVC pipe and pipe fittings.

Though the first device had its problems, field tests done at Hatteras in October 2013 were positive. The signal from the sensor close to a single hatchling was eight times larger than the background signal, giving hope for more extensive tests planned for 2014.