Wireless Data Acquisition Network.

Summary:This paper describes the implementation of a wireless data acquisition network for agricultural applications based on the Microchip PIC16C71, and the Intel 87C592 microcontrollers. The system uses a set of solar powered wireless data-acquisition stations (SPWAS) linked by radio frequency to a base station (BS). The base station has as main functions the control of the data-acquisition stations and the storage of the data collected by them. The network has been applied to collect outdoor and indoor climate data from a set of greenhouses located at Universidade de Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), in the northwest of Portugal. 1

As part of its plans to send humans back to the moon by year 2020, NASA's Constellation Program is developing concepts for habitation modules that provide protection for the astronauts and are easy to transport to the lunar surface. This inflatable habitat is insulated, heated, powered, pressurized, and offers nearly 400 square feet of living space. During the test, NASA and its partners, the National Science Foundation and ILC Dover, will study improvements in packing, transportation, set up, power consumption and damage tolerance. During the testing at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, Invocon's ELMWIS(TM) (Extended-Life Micro-Miniature Wireless Instrumentation System), a wireless data acquisition network for near-static sensing and recording applications, will allow engineers to monitor the habitat's performance. 2

ELMWIS sensors are small, extremely low-power, autonomous, wireless units designed for extended data acquisition and recording. The units can be configured for any resistive sensor including strain gauges, resistive thermal devices (RTDs), pressure sensors, humidity sensors, accelerometers, etc. Each ELMWIS unit can serve as a relay for any other unit allowing communication with very remote units. Relays can pass configuration commands, real-time data, and post-acquisition data transfers. 3

By now you're probably wondering what this has to do with data acquisition. Although Wi-Fi devices are used primarily as wireless Internet or LAN access points, their applications are far ranging. A Wi-Fi network can be used to access a DATAQ Instruments' Ethernet device from up to 150 feet away! Wi-Fi capability allows you to monitor your WinDaq data from virtually anywhere in the building without the bother of running back and fourth or laying cable, all for around $150. 4

Endevco Corporation's new Model 5860 MicroWIS RF wireless data acquisition network measures and transmits temperature data via a wireless link to a receiver plugged into the RS-232 port of a PC. Up to 32 Model 5010 wireless temperature transmitter units can be placed within the coverage zone to collect temperature data at programmable sample rates varying from 1 sample/sec to 1 sample/hr. 5

Most wireless equipment for home use will come with a wireless network diagram to help you set up your own network. It�ll show you where and how to connect your modem to the access point and use the wireless adapters. You can also find a range of wireless network diagrams online to help you decide how to set yours up. 6

Remote Control Technology's Wireless Data Controller is a Web-to-Wireless SCADA device designed to directly monitor up to 10 digital inputs and 3 analog data inputs through the internet. The WDC can also control 3 relay outputs. As easy as opening a web browser, applications can be monitored in near real-time, status can be evaluated, and corrective action can be implemented. 7

In this document, the connection of peripheral nodes to the active nodes of the network is performed by means of a specific node which is a node for access to the concentrator and according to a mode of transmission of data which is identical to the mode of transmission of the data and/or of commands of the network of active nodes. To perform the connection of the peripheral nodes, active nodes get allocated, in a static manner, timeslots programmed by the concentrator during which they can transmit data packets emanating from the peripheral nodes. To each time span there corresponds a data hop between an active node and a peripheral node. 8

New Wireless Monitoring System V/T is designed to improve machine reliability, reduce installation costs and increase personnel safety. Data is automatically uploaded it via a standard WiFi 802.11b wireless network to SKF Machine Suite for analysis. Ideal for monitoring machines in areas that are inaccessible. 9

Once you�ve installed the router and adapters, check to be sure that you�re getting a good signal on your adapters. Many wireless adapters will have a strength meter that you can check on each computer. Make sure that the signal is strong and continuous as you move from area to area. You don�t want a signal that�s low or that fluctuates. 10

Using a wireless network diagram can save you time when you are setting up your home network. The diagram will let you see how you need to connect components to get the best possible signal and network efficiency. If the manufacturer doesn�t include one with your equipment, look online for a diagram to help you. 11

Notes: DuraNode is a sensor designed for structural monitoring, that can detect the damage of structural members, provide crucial intelligence of structural integrity and activate emergence response mechanism during the happening of disasters. The sensor encompasses three MEMS-type accelerometers (SD-1221) and Wi-Fi (802.11b) communication adapter. It operates on solar power and rechargeable battery making it durable for long term service without battery replacement. DuraNodes can be deployed in a form of a dense wireless network to enable seamless structural intelligence acquisition process inside a complex structural system. 12

That's all there is to it! In a matter of minutes you can be up and running at sample rates as high as 186,000 samples per second with little or no help from your network administrator. So take a few minutes out of your day, set it up, and enjoy the convenience of wireless data acquisition. 13

Notes: In this work in progress paper they outline an approach, centered on the UWB technology, to support a sensor network composed of .xed wireless sensors for health monitoring of highways, bridges and other civil infrastructures. They present a topology formation and a media access control scheme coupled with a mechanism for data aggregation to collect the sensor data. 14

Notes: In this paper they outline an approach, centered on the Bluetooth technology, to support a sensor network composed of fixed wireless sensors for health monitoring of highways, bridges and other civil infrastructures. They present a topology formation scheme that not only takes into account the traffic generated by different sensors but also the associated link strengths, buffer capacities and energy availability. The algorithm makes no particular assumptions as to the placement of nodes, and not all nodes need to be in radio proximity of each other. The output is a tree shaped scatternet rooted at the sensor hub (data logger) that is balanced in terms of traffic carried on each of the links. They also analyze the scheduling, routing and healing aspects of the resulting sensor-net topology. 15

span> is the backbone of your wireless data acquisition network. It is an externally powered RS232/RS485 receiver, which can also support Point Six's wired devices. With it's multidrop capabilities, the HA8-WOW can be part of a 26 receiver network. This extremely powerful system will support 2600 wireless sensors. 16

To optimize the performance of their cars, students at The University of Akron use wireless data acquisition technology to monitor on-board data while the cars are on the track. For example, one such measurement is shock absorber travel, measured using linear potentiometers. This data is collected using a DATAQ Instruments DI-720EN and is then transmitted via an SMC Networks wireless access point to a laptop computer. 17

The students are able to receive and record their data (at a sample rate of 100 cycles per second � 5 channels) from up to 1000 feet away in the open, outdoor environment with the aid of a parabolic Wi-Fi dish antenna. Virtually any measurement, from engine temperature to fuel level, can be received and recorded in real time. 18