Telemetry Networks

Simple UHF Radio Network

This network topology (also known as a 'star topology') involves each radio station talking directly to a central or remote gateway base station (A850). The use of A753, A752 or A751 stations can provide you with a range of 20kms and instant communication. Radio devices are extremely low powered and are typically powered up 24/7. Data can be sent continuously every minute without significant concerns over power or cost. Although line of sight is required, these radios can tolerate non line of sight applications as radio signals can bend slightly around small topological undulations.

Long Range UHF

What makes the Adcon Topology so special? That's not hard to explain: every Adcon long range radio station, be it a weather station, a meter reading station or a pump monitor, can at the same time perform as a relay station for other Adcon long range or short range radio stations.

This not only extends the range of data transmission, it also largely reduces infrastructure cost, because:

  • very low output power is sufficient
  • which can frequently be radiated free of charge or against a minor fee only, such a station needs much less power and requires much smaller - and cheaper - solar panels,
  • installing dedicated relay stations is usually not necessary.
Furthermore that very same base station, which collects data from short and long range radio stations, can also communicate with GSM and GPRS stations. That will easily allow the integration of remote, isolated stations.

Short & Long Range Radio Network

It is possible to economically expand your network by using a range of short-range radio telemetry units such as the A723 addIT or A724 addSWITCH data loggers with an integrated 10mW radio, that can transmit up to 1km. This allows you to:

  • install additional stations within 1km of long-range stations;
  • control more localised relays and switches such as pumps, alarms or valves; and
  • by using addTIMER it is possible to start/stop processes and open/close relays/valves at scheduled times.
  • significantly reduce your capital expenditure and increase the network flexibility by using smaller radios instead of multiple larger RTUs

GPRS and UHF Network

Where you have dense networks of monitoring points it is better and more cost-effective to build a UHF network. However, how do you connect the more isolated sites or even sites where you cannot connect to a radio network. Easy...simply add an A753, A755 or A757 GPRS to the network - functionality and visualisation of radio and GPRS devices are no different so to the average user, UHF and GPRS devices will look no different on the addVANTAGE Pro software! The animation above displays how the same A850 Gateway communicates with any type of station whether they are GSM, GPRS, short range UHF or long range UHF radio.

Total Integration - UHF via GPRS

This topology is truly unique and has not been replicated by any other company. The technology involved allows us to guarantee that we can provide near real-time data from anyone on the terrestrial planet! How? By using an RA440 which has a GSM/GPRS and UHF radio modem inside. The radio modem collects data from all of the radio RTUs and then sends it back using the GPRS modem inside the RA440. Communication is maintained to all sites at all times and only requires one SIM card but can provide a radius of communication approaching 200kms! This means that if you have vast outlying areas with no GSM/GPRS signal then there is absolutely no need to use expensive and less reliable satellite modems. Of couse, if you want to put a satellite modem on to your A850 you can! This techology is truly unique and allows users to significantly reduce their capital costs, their running costs and also provide more regular data (say every 1 to 15mins).

Ultimately this allows you to mix and match technologies to suit your application, network density/topology and your budget. This ensures that you are never confined by lesser technologies or salesmen/women trying to convince you that you should use something that is not appropriate.

To date, we have never had to refuse an application. We have even installed large networks within jungles, world heritage sites, national parks through to monitoring stations installed below ground!

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