Sensor Offers Web-Based Monitoring
Remote monitoring of temperature and other physical environmental
characteristics just got easier with Newport Electronics’
wiSeries wireless sensors. This radio complies with IEEE’s
802.15.4 standard and transmits on one of 16 channels in the 2.4- to
2.483.5-GHz ISM band. The device uses direct-sequence spread spectrum
(DSSS) and a star network topology.
Unlike most radios using this standard, the wiSeries runs at higher
power (10 or 20 dBm) and can transmit up to 1000 m (3280 ft) without
obstructions or significant interference. A wide range of temperature
values can be accommodated according to the probe selected.
At the receive end of the wireless link, a monitor/controller device
connects directly to an Ethernet network. This means users can monitor
and record temperature, relative humidity, and/or barometric pressure
over an Ethernet network or via the Internet without any special
software—just their Web browser.
The wiSeries includes in two versions. A battery-powered version
uses two alkaline D-cells that can last several years based on one reading
per 2 minutes at 20 dBm. An ac version uses 110 to 230 V and
includes a long-life lithium backup battery. Price, depending on the
sensor selected, can run from $195 to $245.
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