Collecting sensor data from geographically-dispersed, low-powered data loggers is a problem. The loggers can record many kilobytes of data, which must be periodically gathered. Sending “collectors” into the field to connect to each logger one-at-a-time to upload the data is time-consuming, cellular radio requires lots of power and building a mesh radio infrastructure to “route” the data is expensive and often impractical.

We asked the question “would it be possible to gather sensor-logger data while driving by the remote sites without stopping?” Current radio protocol choices were not designed for this scenario. Low-energy radio protocols such as BLE transfer data slowly. Wi-Fi uses a lot of power and may take seconds just to establish the connection.

This talk describes a simple radio protocol, which operates at low power while waiting for a radio connection, yet is able to change modes and transfer bulk data at high rates. The protocol is open-source and available for down-load from GitHub.

Craig Goldman is founder and President of CoAutomation Inc., a consulting company specializing in the design of reliable firmware for commercial, industrial, and medical products that MUST work correctly. A graduate of MIT, Mr. Goldman has been designing embedded microprocessor products for 35 years. A recognized innovator, he has made a significant contribution to dozens of successful designs and has been awarded ten US patents.

PLEASE NOTE: The meeting is open to the public. No charge for Consultants Network members or employees of Constant Contact; $5 entrance fee for all others. Casual dress.

The Consultants Network meeting starts at 6:30 PM.  The meeting will take place at Constant Contact, Reservoir Place - 1601 Trapelo Road, Waltham, MA 02451, in the Great Room on the third floor.

A no host, PRE-MEETING DINNER will take place at 5:15 PM (sharp) at Bertucci's, 475 Winter Street, Waltham, MA (exit 27B, Rte. 128)

Driving Directions to Constant Contact

Follow I-95/route 128 to Trapelo Rd in North Waltham, Waltham. Take exit 28 from I-95/route 128.(https://goo.gl/maps/tvn3I)

Consultants Network meetings generally take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month, but are not held during the summer months. 

For more information, e-mail cn.boston@ieee.org or chairman@boston-consult.com; or contact the chairman Heinz Bachmann, at 978-637-2070.