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Using the GSM system for telemetry
Reliable & cost effective systems to send data over the GSM (GPRS) networkWhat exactly do we mean by telemetry? Well a quick look at Wikipedia provides one useful definition so let's start there.
Telemetry (synonymous with telematics) is a technology that allows remote measurement and reporting of information. The word is derived from Greek roots tele = remote, and metron = measure. Systems that need external instructions and data to operate require the counterpart of telemetry, telecommand.
It's not so very long ago that for ground based systems (as compared to airborne or vehicle systems) telemetry data was sent over a fixed landline (often leased at considerable cost) or over a dedicated radio link that was limited to perhaps no more than 20 miles (32 kilometres).
These dedicated links frequently needed regulatory approval and their flexibility was very limited indeed. The cost of deploying a system like this could only really be sustained by large commercial organisations and utility companies.
The growth of a ubiquitous cellular radio infrastructure has opened up opportunities to collect telemetry data in application areas and for organisations of all sizes.
The real boost for this application has been the falling costs of the GSM modules and the almost complete coverage in the UK of the GSM network. Together these two things have provided a catalyst to growth that sees GSM telemetry being used in ever more applications.
We see applications as varied as the measurement of temperature and water flow to battery voltage and atmospheric pressure. Essentially any signal that can be converted into a voltage or a current can be monitored by the EMM-Tek RMC301R.
As standard, the RMC301R has three analogue inputs each capable of measuring 0-3V with a 10 bit resolution. (10 bits equates to 1 part in 1024 or on this voltage scale the smallest resolvable signal is 2.9mV.)
We are not limited to this narrow range of voltages though, with an external resistor divider much wider ranges may be measured, 0-30V for example.
Signals from external transducers may or may not need some signal conditioning. Consult us if you would like some advice on this or if you need a higher measurement resolution. We offer the ability to design and build custom interfaces to EMM-Tek systems.
Once you have that valuable data, you may use it to control alarms or outputs locally or you may wish to send it to another location. Here the power of the cellular network makes life so much easier for you. For small amounts of data, a status message sent by SMS (text messaging) is often the simplest way to deliver information where a person needs to read it.
However if the data is to be sent to a web based application (an SQL database for example), then a data transfer protocol may be more appropriate.
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
- HTTP Push
- UDP
- TCPIP using a GPRS link
- SMS to web via a Bridge
Each method has its own plus and minus points and we are happy to discuss how your needs for data transfer might best be met. You may like to take a look at our White Paper titled Reliable Data from Remote Areas on the White Paper page
The ability to easily send data, quickly and easily over the existing cellular network means that telemetry is open to all organisations regardless of size. GSM technology has opened up the ability to measure and control plant and equipment from anywhere in the world. EMM-Tek is part of that revolution and will be pleased to assist with technology implementations using our equipment.
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