
Data Radios

Data radios are designed for robust and reliable communications in a variety of applications, ranging from OEM setups to SCADA systems. These radios are built to provide high reliability, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging environments. In addition to SCADA applications, which involve supervisory control and data acquisition, data radios are also often employed in OEM applications where seamless integration into existing systems is required.
One of the key features of data radios is the high-speed data transmission. This is particularly useful in telemetry systems where real-time data collection and control are essential. To achieve this, many data radios operate on specific frequencies, such as VHF and UHF, which are known for their capability to transmit data over long ranges. Some models even feature a repeater function, boosting the range and making it ideal for more extensive network setups.
Port options vary among different types of data radios, allowing for multiple inputs and offering flexibility in system integration. Advanced models may include various control features to manage data flow and communication settings, providing the user with more hands-on control over the setup. While newer products are continuously being introduced, legacy versions of data radios still find use in many applications, thanks to their proven reliability.
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FAQs
How are data radios regulated when it comes to transmitting signals worldwide?
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the agency responsible for regulating the use of radio frequencies, including the operation of data radios. Internationally, each country has its own regulatory body that sets similar standards. For example, in the European Union, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) plays a comparable role.
Serial vs Ethernet Radios
There are many different communication protocols that can be used when selecting a radio. The type of protocol being used may depend on the application, time frame the hardware was installed, existing hardware that is already in place and many other factors. What is important to understand is that most of these protocols fall into two generic families: Serial-based protocols or Ethernet-based protocols. Examples of Serial-based protocols include: Modbus RTU, RS-232, RS-485 and Profibus. Examples of Ethernet-based protocols include: Modbus TCP, Ethernet IP and Profinet. The differences that exist in these protocols has a lot to do with data transmission speeds.
Serial-based protocols have a much more limited data transmission capacity compared to Ethernet-based protocols, however, they do not require a connection strength as strong as Ethernet-based protocols. This is beneficial in situations where the radio connection may be limited because of physical obstructions or long distances. Ethernet-based protocols have faster data transmission capabilities and are becoming much more common than Serial-based protocols. By understanding the differences between these two types of protocols, you will be better equipped to select the radio that will work best for your specific application.