Telemetry and Remote Communications
Robust and innovative remote communication technology is a significant part of our 30 year history. Given our focus on systems designed for extremely remote deployment, it's no wonder that we've matured into a leader in GOES satellite communication technology.
Today we offer a variety of telemetry options for our systems, each with their own unique characteristics which will govern which applications they are most suitable for.
Regardless of the option you choose, telemetry provides a significant cost-savings benefit by eliminating the need to visit the site to retrieve data from it—the data comes to you in near real-time. Given that FTS' systems are designed to run continuously in all environments with only one visit required per year, most of the systems we sell have a telemetry option.
Regardless of the option you choose, telemetry provides a significant cost-savings benefit by eliminating the need to visit the site to retrieve data from it—the data comes to you in near real-time. Given that FTS' systems are designed to run continuously in all environments with only one visit required per year, most of the systems we sell have a telemetry option.
GOES Satellite
GOES is ideal for remote deployment because it can be used in virtually any location, including places where cellular signal is absent, and it has extremely low power requirements. There are also no airtime or data transmission costs. Generally only government organizations can utilize it, although there are some exceptions, such as sponsored collaborators.
FTS is the worldwide leader in GOES communication technology. We were the first to introduce automatic GPS correction of clock and oscillator drift, resulting in continual operation of up to 28 days without needing a GPS fix, resulting in close to 100% successful transmissions. We were also the first to offer an HDR (high data rate) GOES transmitter, and our technology is even used by other vendors.
Low power requirement and access to satellite signal throughout North America make it idea for extremely remote locations.
No airtime or data transmission fees.
Not available for every organization.
Must have line-of-sight with satellite. Antenna must be precisely oriented.
Globalstar
Globalstar is a two-way satellite communication link supporting 9600 baud communication. Low power demands, automatic re-initialization capabilities, and continuous self-monitoring of modem operation make the Globalstar ideal for remote site locations. FTS is the only company that offers communication via SMS protocol, which greatly reduces airtime use by 50% or more and increases data reception success by up to 80%.
Available to everyone, in over 100 countries.
Suitable for remote locations where other cellular signal is not present.
Provides two-way communication.
Airtime fees apply.
Data transmission is not always reliable.
Digital Cellular
Cellular is ideal for mobile or temporary applications such as construction site turbidity monitoring. Unlike RMX radio systems, an FCC-assigned frequency is not required, however unlike GOES data transmission fees do apply.
FTS systems can use the AirLink™ Raven XT digital cellular modems, made by Sierra Wireless, and are available for both GSM and CDMA networks (AT&T and Verizon).
Data can be transmitted as often as required.
Available to everyone. FCC-assigned frequency required.
Ideal for locations where there are no landlines.
Perfect for mobile/temporary stations. Requires no special positioning
Provides two-way communication.
Transmission fees apply; can be expensive.
Cellular signal not available everywhere.
High power consumption.
RMX Radio
The RMX radio transceiver is a two-way, 9,600 baud VHF/UHF radio modem. It's a short-range (up to 25 miles) line-of-site option, but can be used in combination with Globalstar satellite modems to provide satellite access to an RMX station cluster throughout North America. There are no airtime costs, but the radio spectrum used must be licensed by the FCC (requires a radio station license).
Low power requirements.
No airtime costs. Less expensive over time than digital cell or GlobalStar.
Provides two-way communication.
Limited range (up to 25 miles), line-of-site required.
Landline Modem
FTS' TM-Ultra is the ruggedized version of the classic 14.4K modem from the early days of the Internet. It's water-tight, has built-in lightning protection, and extremely low power requirements. It can be used for two-way communications over standard telephone lines.
Inexpensive, with no airtime fees (long distance charges do apply).
Provides two-way communication.
Requires a landline phone jack and cabling.