 : A new dimension in wireless data
collection
Your Questions Answered
- What are the main advantages of the SkyLINK
system in comparison to conventional cable-linked measurement
networks?
- We already use radio transmission of data
via public cellular networks like GSM. Why should I switch to
SkyLINK?
- You offer the SkyLINK system in combination
with GammaTRACER probes for the measurement of gamma radiation. Can
we also use it in any other fields where monitoring is
required?
- Which measuring quantities can be
transferred via radio transmission with SkyLINK?
- Which applications do you mean in
particular?
- Is it possible to integrate other
parameters from different monitoring systems into the SkyLINK
network?
- Which distances can you cover?
- What is the maximum number of measuring
points that can be handled by SkyLINK?
- Which components make up a complete SkyLINK
system?
- Don't you think there is a certain
risk in using a novel technology like SkyLINK when a data
collection network has to be planned?
- Is there any possibility to test if the
SkyLINK works at our specific site?
- On which frequencies does a SkyLINK system
operate?
- Which regulations have to be considered
for the allocation of a specific frequency?
- How can I switch the cycle time in case
any unusual event occurs?
- Using radio links many users have
experienced data losses. How can you ensure that the SkyLINK system
is reliable?
- What kind of data management do you
offer?
- What experience do you have with the
SkyLlNK system?
- Where exactly do you have you SkyLINK
installations?
- We are planning to set up an environmental
monitoring system but also have to upgrade our system for emergency
preparedness. Can the SkyLINK system be a solution for these
purposes?
- Is it also possible to perform in-plant
transmission of data in a nuclear power plant?
- You claim that the SkyLINK system is a
cost-effective solution. On which facts do you base this
statement?
- What service do you offer if there is a
problem with the operation of the system?
- How complicated is it to get the SkyLINK
computer network up and running?
- Is it possible that a complete outage
would occur due to wrong operation of the system?
- How much effort does it take to exchange
the probes or to extend the network?
- What is the time frame to set up a
complete SkyLINK system?
- How can I get further information on the
SkyLINK system?
1. What are the main advantages of the
SkyLINK system in comparison to conventional cable-linked measurement
networks?
The SkyLINK system has many advantages. The most
important ones are:
- Practically no cost for infrastructure at the probe site
- Low cost of installation for probes and base station
- Low cost of operation
- Complete mobility of the system (if required in an emergency
scenario)
2. We already use radio transmission of
data via public cellular networks like GSM. Why should I switch to
SkyLINK?
Firstly, the coverage of public cellular network is
not available in sparsely populated areas.
Secondly, with SkyLINK there are no fees for communication and thus
the operational costs are much lower.
Thirdly, in times of an emergency cellular networks will break
down.
3. You offer the SkyLINK system in
combination with GammaTRACER probes for the measurement of gamma
radiation. Can we also use it in any other fields where monitoring is
required?
In general the SkyLINK system is ideally suited where
the following situation for the monitoring of data is given:
- high level of security
- lack of infrastructure (e.g. telephone lines)
- where large distances have to be covered
- extreme environmental conditions
4. Which measuring quantities can be
transferred via radio transmission with SkyLINK?
All data which can be compressed to form a message
comprising no more than a few bytes per measurement cycle.
5. Which applications do you mean in
particular?
In particular the SkyLINK system can be applied in the
fields of
- public security (e.g. regional measurement networks for
radioactivity, early warning systems, flood indication, earthquake
indication)
- communal supplies (e.g. operational data of energy
supplies, pumping stations)
- ecology (e.g.agricultural meteorology, air pollution,
weather evaluation)
- recycling (e.g. filling status of containers for
optimizing logistics)
- telematics (information on traffic flow because of jams,
ice, fog etc.)
6. Is it possible to integrate other
parameters from different monitoring systems into the SkyLINK
network?
Yes, one SkyLINK unit can collect different kinds of
data within the same system.
Public bodies, especially, could combine different tasks in
environmental surveillance, emergency response or other needs of
public data communication in a very cost-effective way.
7. Which distances can you cover?
In hilly terrain typically 30 km, in flat terrain 100 km with
complete coverage. Under favourable conditions (mountain to mountain)
we have managed up to 350 km.
8. What is the maximum number of measuring
points that can be handled by SkyLINK?
Depending on the measurement cycle and standards for data security
the system can handle up to several thousand measurement points.
9. Which components make up a complete
SkyLINK system ?
The system components of a SkyLINK system comprise
- outdoor components: antenna, downconverter unit and lightning
protection
- receiver unit: intermediate frequency processor, digital signal
correlator, uninterruptible power supply, software modules
- organizer unit: Pentium computer WIN/NT, peripheral units,
software modules, SQL- data base, alarm unit
- radio probes
10. Don't you think there is a
certain risk in using a novel technology like SkyLINK when a data
collection network has to be planned?
No, there is no risk for you. We have a wide
experience of difficult terrains and we will carry out a site
evaluation of your project beforehand. Moreover we grant a
warranty of three years in which we will take care of technical
problems provided that the system is operated correctly.
11. Is there any possibility to test if
the SkyLINK works at our specific site?
Yes, just send us a map with the topography and we
will do the calculations. At the system design phase we may come to
your location and test our equipment on the spot.
12. On which frequencies does a SkyLINK
system operate?
Technically the system is available in the range
between 400 - 500 MHz.
13. Which regulations have to be
considered for the allocation of a specific frequency?
The SkyLINK system can be operated in the deregulated
ISM band although this is not recommended under security aspects for
data transmission. Much better however is the allocation of a
specific frequency. In Germany, Russia and USA we will have an
allocated frequency by the end of 1999. We can assist with our
know-how to make application for frequency allocation for you as easy
as possible.
14. How can I switch the cycle time in
case any unusual event occurs?
The probe automatically switches and accelerates the
measurement cycle upon a user-selectable threshold.
15. Using radio links many users have
experienced data losses. How can you ensure that the SkyLINK system
is reliable?
Through high redundancy in the transfer of data and in
the memory of the probe. You will not face the problem of data losses
with the SkyLINK system. With this system you benefit from an
extremely high level of data integrity and unrestricted
availability.
16. What kind of data management do you
offer?
Data is imported into an SQL data base. In general the
system is open to any other kind of data base as well. Administration
of the data under WINDOWS NT is fully assured.
17. What experience do you have with the
SkyLlNK system?
Up to now there are a dozen completely installed
systems for radiation protection purposes. Our experience with the
base station‘s accumulated operational time covers more than 10
years. The systems are operated, partly in very difficult terrain
where regular commercially available radio modules have failed. With
the technology applied in the SkyLINK system we have always found
complete solutions to overcome any difficulties.
Regarding the probes used in our concept there are
more than 1300 units installed world wide. Experience from all 440
probes operated at the French EDF (Electricité de France) shows a 104
years MTBF (Mean-time-between-failure-rate) performance. There is a
high user value of the maintenance free concept.
18. Where exactly do you have you SkyLINK
installations?
The first public installation was effected around the
French nuclear power plant of Chooz in 1997. In 1998 Electricité de
France evaluated the system over 6 months at their site in Dampierre.
Their conclusions were very positive and they have already decided to
use the system for environmental surveillance in all of the 19 French
nuclear power plants.
We have been awarded a TACIS contract of the European
Union for the three Russian power plants of Kursk, Kalinin and
Balakovo. The NPP Ignalina, Lithuania, has received a system for
perimeter fence monitoring with 24 probes. All installations have
been fully operational since the year 2000. In Germany the
Environmental Protection Agency of Baden-Württemberg surveys three
NPPs with one single receiver station. The German instrumentation
pool of the Kerntechnische Hilfsdienst GmbH which is sponsored by the
companies involved in the field of nuclear, the fuel cycle or
big nuclear research institutes operate a SkyLINK as a completely
mobile emergency response system. During 2002 we have been awarded
the contract and installed three SkyLINK systems with more than 80
probes for the renewed reactor surveillance network of the Ministry
of Finance and Energy, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Currently we are
preparing contracts for a total of about 20 systems.
19. We are planning to set up an
environmental monitoring system but also have to upgrade our system
for emergency preparedness. Can the SkyLINK system be a solution for
these purposes?
With SkyLINK you can use one and the same system for
both routine surveillance and emergency management. Within
minutes the mobile probes can be relocated and used as a completely
autonomous system.
20. Is it also possible to perform
in-plant transmission of data in a nuclear power plant?
Yes, also here the SkyLINK system is very
efficient.
21. You claim that the SkyLINK system is
a cost-effective solution. On which facts do you base this
statement?
In fact, the SkyLINK system is a cost-effective
approach! With conventional solutions users mostly forget the
expenses necessary to set up and operate such a network. But to have
a realistic cost frame numerous other costs have to be calculated..
With the installation of a SkyLINK system you actually save costs
for:
- a project team to regulate details of implementation
- mains power lines or solar panels
- installation of data or telephone lines
- data communication fees
- organization of data polling
- special software for data analysis
- service cost for maintenance.
With a SkyLINK system there is no uncertainty about
the total cost involved or permanent follow-up costs coming up.
22. What service do you offer if there is
a problem with the operation of the system?
We do remote maintenance of the system by PC. After
the three years warranty period you may benefit from a service
contract which we offer.
23. How complicated is it to get the
SkyLINK computer network up and running?
SkyLINK is a user-friendly turn-key system. Hard- and
software will be configured according to the customer's
specification. It can be put in operation simply by switching the
main key.
24. Is it possible that a complete outage
would occur due to wrong operation of the system?
No. The use of passwords and watchdogs assures that
the system puts itself back into operation. Moreover the built-in
Quality Assurance System will provide valuable information in case of
any special events or failures.
25. How much effort does it take to
exchange the probes or to extend the network?
Very little. Exchanging probes or installing new ones
is a very simple procedure.
26. What is the time frame to set up a
complete SkyLINK system?
After the probe locations are determined and the
probes installed we can set up a complete SkyLINK system within one
day. Ask for our video documentation on the installation at the
French nuclear power plant of Dampierre (free of charge).
27. How can I get further information on
the SkyLINK system?
Please fill in the
form on which you should lay out your specific project and basic
requirements. We will then contact you as soon as possible.
: competence from detector
to data base management
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