Introduction to Radio Telemetry
Radio Telemetry is the conveyance of data and control messages using radio, where the data is encoded and broadcast securely appended with a unique address that sets it destination.
The team at Radio Data Networks have been acknowledged pioneers of radio telemetry since its deregulation back in the late 1980’s. They are also active in the industry trade body the LPRA (Low Power Radio Association) which the company’s founder and MD sitting as its vice chair.
Real-time Data vs. Data Loggers
Real-time data provides immediate, up to the minute insights for fast decision making, while data logging collects and stores data over time for later analysis.
Combining our real-time sensing technology with wireless radio communications allows incidents or potential hazards to be acted on immediately. Our radio telemetry solutions are designed for monitoring highly critical industrial sites and assets in real-time remotely and autonomously for live data feeds and live triggering alert integration.
Gateway Transmitters
Gateway Receivers
Gateway Transceivers
Signal Boost Repeaters
Replacing Legacy 458MHz Systems
Our Ofcom licenced systems operate in VHF with the ability to send messages much further than the equivalent UHF system and to penetrate building, forests and to traverse obstructions such as hills. Using VHF it is totally imune from traffic lights.
We can also provide replacement systems for those manufactured by SCADA Systems, Space Age Electronics, Wood & Douglas, Styx, Pacscom, Communique, RDT, Magenta and Bristol Babcocks, Warwick Wireless, etc.
RDNET1000 Protocol
First deployed over 15-years ago, the RDNET1000 protocol is exclusive to Radio Data Networks, and has been optimised to deliver real-time data, offer high battery efficiency, reliability, flexibility and is compatible with small burst satellite data [SBD] systems. Unlike IoT protocols, it simultaneously supports real-time data transfer, broadcasts, star-hub, wide area network, and repeater strategies using both Short Range Radio and longer-range licenced radio.
SRD vs. Licenced Radio
Licenced radio has a has proven to have a significant advantages over SRD low power radio and totally avoids interference from 3rd party devices such portable traffic lights. RDN’s band is totally exclusive and fully protected under the power of the Wireless and Telegraphy Act and covers the whole of the UK, NI and the Channel Islands.
Radio Data Networks offer a unique blend of tried and trusted communications methodologies to deliver sensor and/or control data to a variety of destinations from BMS, SCADA, telemetry outstations through to our own cloud platform Sentiel365.
Radio vs. IoT
We are often asked the question, what is the difference between, radio telemetry and IoT. Simply radio telemetry systems have the ability to send messages totally independent of the internet.
Radio telemetry also supports the broadcast of messages to local devices, two-way communication back and forth, the broadcast of messages to multiple receivers, the sending of data to BMS systems, SCADA and telemetry outstations. Whereas IoT can only deliver data via the internet with all the cyber security and reliability implications associated with reliance on 3rd party networks.
BMS & SCADA Gateways
Radio Data Networks have thousands of radio telemetry Gateways sending data into clients existing BMS, SCADA or telemetry outstations with 100% cyber security assured by “air gapping”. In the case of analogue levels, such as pressure, flow, depth, these can be interfaced as 4-20mA signals, whereas as alarms, faults and limits represented as digitals via relays.
Radio telemetry is the ideal media for real-time control applications such as pressure management in order to reduce leakage and to conserve energy. It can also be used to control sluices, tilting wears, pumps and other systems where feedback is required.
Telemetry Data to the Cloud
Unique to Radio Data Networks is the ability to send data between field devices such as a BMS outstations or pump controllers and simultaneously our Sentinel 365 cloud portal. This enables totally autonomous, cyber secure systems to be created with remote supervision without the need for the client to upgrade a legacy SCADA or BMS system.
RDN’s Telemetry Cloud Gateways can handle a wide variety of sensor including ones not readily interfaceable to BMS outstations such as temperature or devices using the SDI-12 protocol. The Gateways can be configured remotely to upload upon detection of a state changes, such as an alarm being raised due to for example a high-water level.
Need more information?
Contact our technical team today to find your next solution.
+44 (0)1279 600440
For technical datasheets, consultative advice and to explore our larger portfolio, our technical team of engineers are happy to help. Alternatively, you can email us at sales@radio-data-networks.com.