Telemetry is the process of receiving data from technical instruments, which can be sent via physical wires, radio signals, or other remote transmission methods. It was first developed in the mid-1800s and became practical via wireless methods in the 1930s. Telemetry signals can be sent using radio waves or infrared signals, and sometimes use a network of cell towers to increase signal range. It is used in various fields, including scientific, military, and commercial applications.
Telemetry is a process that is used to receive data from technical instruments. This technique is also sometimes called remote measurement, and the information collected is referred to as telemetry. Data collected via telemetry can be sent via physical wires, radio signals, or other remote transmission methods.
The word telemetry comes from the Greek term for “distance measurement”. Remote measurement was first developed in the mid-1800s. In 1845, information from the palace of the Tsar of Russia was monitored by the Russian military. French scientists in Paris monitored weather sensors located on Mont Blanc in 1874. Both of these early examples of telemetry used physical wires to transmit information from one place to another.
It wasn’t until the 1930s that remote measurement via wireless methods became practical. Both French and Russian scientists developed wireless telemetry designs that year and used Morse code to send weather measurements to monitoring stations. Wireless telemetry became a vital part of missile and rocket launches in the mid-20th century. Experts in Russia and the United States have used remote measurement to track driving and atmospheric measurements during the space race between these two countries.
There are several telemetry methods available. Signals can be sent over long distances using radio waves. Similarly, infrared signals can also be used. Infrared telemetry requires that there be a direct line of sight between the receiver and the transmitting location. Despite this disadvantage, infrared remote measurement signals are less prone to interference than radio telemetry.
Telemetry signals do not always travel directly from the monitored location to a receiver. Sometimes, remote measurement uses a network of cell towers to increase signal range. The wireless cellular network in the United States is an example of this method. Data collected from one side of the country, for example, can be sent hundreds or thousands of miles as a text message over the same network used to make phone calls. Using existing infrastructure, such as cellular or satellite networks, greatly increases the reach and simplicity of modern telemetry processes.
Sending data is a vital part of many businesses and is not limited to scientific or military use. Tracking the speed of a race car and tracking the location of ambulances are two common examples of remote measurement. Even common conveniences like vending machines and ATMs often send telemetry containing updates on how much currency or stock they hold.
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