Telemetry, literally meaning “remote measurement” or the remote
collection of data, is an automated measurement process that enables
data to be gathered at remote locations, and transmitted to receiving
telemetry equipment for interpretation, display, and recording.
Telemetered data can be biological, environmental or physical data.
Telemetry is used to gather data from remote, inaccessible or dangerous
locations, such as a satellite in orbit, to control stations on ground,
where the information is decrypted. Space agencies like National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency
(ESA) and other international space agencies employ telemetry equipment
to collect data from orbiting spacecraft and satellites.

Communication channels are a major part of any telemetry system. When
telemetry was relatively new, information was relayed over wires. Today
it uses radio transmissions and GSM (Global System for Mobile
communication) technology for data transmission. Telemeter is the
apparatus used for recording the readings of an instrument and
transmitting them by radio. A telemetry handler, collects, formats and
stores the data in a dedicated buffer, and then relays it to the
receiving station. The type of telemetry equipment required depends on
the type and amount of data to be transmitted and whether remote
control capability is desired. In the simplest system, the data are
simply displayed on annunciator, indicator, and recorder. In larger
systems, video display terminal and data logging is frequently used.
Many times this data is analyzed by computer systems in order to put
meaning to the readings being recorded.

The contribution of telemetry to basic biological and medical research
cannot be overstated. Discoveries made during manned space programs led
to development of complex physiological monitoring and telemetry
equipment, typically to gauge the health and well being of astronauts.
Since early 70s, the use of these devices to provide real time
physiological monitoring in hospitals has become widespread. Cardiac
patients are equipped with automatic recording, measuring, and
transmitting devices. I even recall one time when I went into the
hospital for chest pains and even in this small town hospital, they
were equipped with telemetry devices. I wore one to go outside for some
fresh air when I was stable. Incase of an emergency, an alerting
function instantaneously summons the healthcare professional in charge
of the patient. Telemetry also permits the tracking of endangered land
and marine species tagged with customized telemetry equipment. These
devices collect data on their patterns of movement, dispersion, and
migrations. The daily positioning of these animals, coupled with
continuous tracking gives an explicit representation of the way they
utilize their habitat.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. For more information on Telemetry information, please visit Telemetry Information for a wealth of information. You may also want to visit keith’s own web site at http://keithlondrie.com/