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Telemetry, RF packet network

Telemetry, RF packet network

Telemetry, RF packet network

(OP)
I am programmer gettin into EE. I need to design a telemetry system that has multiple transceivers all sending info to a main computer/transceiver. They should be identifiable (by address) and the main computer should get digital data bytes from the sensors. What is the best way to go about this? How should I handle the RF communications? Are there systems already that can control packets of data, with many senders/recievers at once that I could use/build?

Thank you,
John

RE: Telemetry, RF packet network

Determine 1.) info speed 2.) max. delay. 3.) Distance
4.) one or bidirectional ?
before starting  to design.

<nbucska@pcperipherals.com>

RE: Telemetry, RF packet network

(OP)
1) the speed doesn't need to be that fast, i'm sending small messages

2) the delay i'm looking at around 50ms for a 16byte packet, or 320bytes/second

3) distance, the RF only needs to travel around 100yards

4) bi directional communication, the sensors will be doing display output also

so any ideas on how i should start? what books/forums/techniques to use?

RE: Telemetry, RF packet network

Easy way:  802.11b (Wireless LAN) cards can be purchased for around $70 on the internet.  

Less easy way:  Family Radio Service walki-talkies (sold at Target, K-mart, etc.) cost $30/two.  A microcontroller circuit could be used as the MODEM (the walkie-talkie is functionally equivalent to a phone line, except that you cannot "talk" and "listen" at the same time). If you are not good at signaling (its not so easy), you can buy MANY different MODEM chips from companies such as MX-COM.  

RE: Telemetry, RF packet network

Suggest you also look into the Bluetooth technology. There are some solution for longer ranges or you may add PA for longer ranges. You may use a structure of scatternet to help coverage larger then the intended original range. Multipath issues should not be neglected. motib@pacbell.net

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