The L. S. Starrett Co. (www.starrett.com) has introduced a new wireless data-collection system, called DataSure, that the company says uses radio transmission to cover thousands of square feet while reliably preserving the integrity of measurement data.
The new system can be used for shop use, metrology lab or large, plant-wide applications. DataSure interfaces with most major brands of electronic measuring tools and software and installs on PCs running Windows XP Professional and uses mesh network system architectures.
The system consists of three elements: miniature radios (end nodes) that connect to the data output ports of electronic tools, a gateway that connects to a PC via the USB or serial port, and signal routers which greatly extend the system range in increments of 100 ft (30 m) each and that can be configured to create the mesh architecture.
The system gathers data from the measuring tool and sends it to the software by the shortest or most robust connection path. Once data is received, a confirmation signal is sent back to the tool to indicate the data was successfully (or unsuccessfully) received. In the event that the host system is down or busy, readings can be stored at the end node and re-sent until they are safely recorded. Collected data can then be analyzed utilizing Starrett or other software products.
A DataSure Gateway can handle up to 100 tools using the integral virtual multiplexer. Each radio's range is approximately 100 feet (30 meters). Adding Routers can increase range in 100-ft increments up to 3,000 ft.
