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Communication Options Guide
Environdata's communications options make continuous access to the weather data from your weather station a reality. Even if continuous access is not required, using a remote communications method eliminates the necessity to travel to the weather station site to download data. This saves you time and money, and it also becomes easy and cost-effective to collect data more frequently so you can always have the latest weather data right in front of you.
To select the best communication option for your application, you need to consider three main points:
1. How often you need to update your weather data
2. Power availability at the remote site
3. Capital expenditure versus running costs
A summary of each choice is shown below. However, we recommend you contact Environdata for a professional evaluation of your situation.
1. Direct cable connection
This is the lowest-cost solution, suitable for distances up to 100 metres. Lightning protection is required and can be supplied by Environdata. In some cases, this method might not be practicable because of installation costs. Normally, the cable connects to the serial port of a computer, but can be connected to your local area network (LAN) via a Serial to Ethernet converter.
2. Telephone Line
A standard telephone line can be used via either a mains powered or solar powered modem. Any PC connected to the Internet is able to contact the weather station using this connection, allowing access to your weather station from almost any PC in the world. This method is normally only cost effective if an existing phone line is available at the weather station site. However, line rental and call costs have to be considered.
3. Mobile Data Connections
This style of connection allows a wireless link to your weather station, from any PC connected to the Internet. There are two main advantages to this option; first, the ability to site equipment in remote areas and still be able to access the data with the click of a button. Secondly, this option is extremely simple to set up, saving you time. Coverage must be available at the weather station for the network and provider you choose. Both GSM and Next G networks can be used, with the Next G network with a wider regional coverage area. For Australian weather station installations, we prefer to use the Telstra Next G network, whereas overseas installations typically utilise the GSM network of that country.
4. Radio Links
These can be used where telephone services are not available, and for distances up to 10-20 kilometres. Line of sight is required, but these systems can include repeaters to solve line-of-sight problems. Generally, radio links have higher capital costs, but no usage costs. This means the overall cost is less for long-term installations. The choice of system is dependent on the distances required, and the availability of power on site or solar power costs.
Please Note: It is possible to use a combination of the communication methods mentioned above to achieve a solution that suits your situation. Please contact Environdata for more information and technical advice.
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