Telemetry
An important advantage of utlizing telemetry is that it can be used to evaluate system performance and identify when there is a component failure or required maintenance, thus limiting trips to the field only when they are necessary.
Monitoring Cycle QuickLinks
Cost savings when using telemetry include:
- Reducing the number of trips you have to make to the field to retrieve data
- Identifying potential problems (e.g., biofouling, sensor failures, etc.) early
- Extending deployment times by verifying that high-quality data still being collected
As cellular rates are reduced and the cost of field resources continue to increase, then telemetry has become a more viable option for automating data collection networks.
Telemetry systems rely on several relay options, such as satellite, radio, or cellular. You can select the most cost-effective option that works in your geographic location.
Many types of telemetry solutions are available for many monitoring applications. It is not possible to uniformly classify all of them. Configuration can vary greatly depending on manufacturer. Therefore, look for the system which simplifies your monitoring network; it should provide hosting, data delivery, reporting and maintenance services in one seamless solution.
Alternatively, customizable systems can send data to a secure website, a secure base station computer, or to an existing data network.
The most common telemetry options include:
- Satellite
- Cellular
- Spread-spectrum radio
- Ethernet
- Landline
Check out YSI's EcoNet telemetry solution for long-term monitoring.
Top Steps for Setting Up Telemetry
- Verify cellular coverage at the site before the system is ordered (who is the carrier, what is the signal strength?)
- Determine how the system will be mounted and deployed
- Make a field installation plan outlining required tools and resources
- Review all equipment manuals and documentation before installing
- Calibrate and configure all monitoring sensors
- Test telemetry in the office to verify base-station computer and modem are correctly communicating
- Install system; bring cell phone for a support call from the field
- Set a regular maintenance schedule to visit and service the site and equipment.
Additionally, you can work with YSI's Integrated Systems & Services Team to define the best solution -- including telemetry -- to meet your monitoring requirements.
systems@ysi.com
800-363-3269
While in the field, you should verify that the site is returned to its previous state before servicing. The easiest way to check is by verifying a transmission from the field before you leave the site.
This check is highly dependent on the particular datalogger and instrument you have, but as a general rule the following tests should be confirmed in the field:
- Verify the sensor performance before and after calibration
- Inspect cabling for UV damage or abrasion degradation
- Clean solar panels with damp cloth to maximize output
- Inspect desiccant and humidity indicator card in enclosure to verify there has been no water ingress
- Verify data transmissions before and after servicing the site
- Clear brush and growth from the immediate vicinity of the field monitoring site
- When changing the configuration, make sure to keep a back-up of the original configuration so the site can be restored
