Telemetry & Remote Troubleshooting

Data telemetry allows you to access your data remotely. This is a huge benefit since it allows you to view the data in near real-time.

For recommendations on telemetry factors to consider, click the button below.

Telemetry

A benefit of telemetered data is the ability to know exactly when a problem arises and to conduct remote troubleshooting. A firmware upgrade or re-configuration of the system can address the problem without sending anyone into the field.

Here are tips on remote troubleshooting:

Battery Voltage: One of the most basic parameters to check is battery voltage. Most systems will have a nominal voltage of 12 volts. Voltages as high as 15 can be experienced when the solar panel is fully exposed to the sun. Voltages shouldn't drop below 11 volts, and below 10 volts can start to cause damage to a lead-acid battery.

Low battery voltage is an indication that:

• The solar panel isn't receiving enough sun
• There is a connection issue
• The system is sampling too frequently or transmitting to frequently

If possible, send a new program or use a configuration website to change the transmissions and sampling to less frequent intervals to conserve power.

Faulty Communications: Some loggers allow you to send manual commands in pass-through mode. If communications between the instrument and logger are suspect, then using pass-through commands is a good way to verify communication.

Adding New Sensors: Adding new sensors remotely is possible, but dependent on your telemetry system.

Because loggers may not automatically detect new equipment, errors can occur when you make changes to the instrument output. For example, a water quality sonde may be programmed to output temperature and dissolved oxygen. While servicing a site you turn on a third parameter; however, the data logger program may not respond to three outputs, rather than the previously programmed two. Therefore, if you use a non-YSI logger, it is important to have the correct original program to set-up the site.

One of the greatest benefits of telemetry is the ability to view data in near real-time, typically updating every 15 minutes.

Sometimes, though, interpreting the data can be tricky. How do you know if you're really collecting good data? For example, if a sampled parameter tends to continuously trend in a single direction without recovering, this can indicate drift caused by environmental conditions at the site.

Based on our own experience and extensive customer interaction, we can provide several helpful examples of data analysis that highlight user challenges with biofouling, calibration, and deployment.

Download and view data analysis examples (login/registration required to download)