[Acoustics] 802.11b Wireless vs Bluetooth

[Paul Diaz]

Chris,

I'm sure others have chimed in by now, but just in case...  We've been 
using Bluetooth modems over here for some time now, it all got started a 
few years back when during high water measurements the water tight case on 
the riverboat leaked and the only pair of modems we had failed (at about 
$3000+ a pair we did not have any spares).  At this point we had to resort 
to making mechanical meter measurements :-(.  One of the benefits with the 
Bluetooth modems is that they are almost dispensable at about $120 a 
piece.  Also, most of the computers we are using over here have Bluetooth 
radios built into them, this means that we have no need for a land based 
modem, 12v battery, and cables.  This saves time in setup process, and can 
also let streamgagers make one person measurements if they choose to 
(especially with the use of tablet pc's).  The one downside to the 
Bluetooth modems might be range (although we have not had this issue over 
here), the setup I've been using is supposed to have a range of ~80 
meters, and they are supposed to be able to have a range of up to 100 
meters depending on the antennas used.  Note: We have also used Bluetooth 
pcmia cards on laptops not equipped with Bluetooth radios, there are also 
usb versions available as well as serial.

Hope this helps



Paul Diaz Jr
Hydrologist
U.S.Geological Survey, W.R.D.
Colorado Water Science Center
970-245-5257 X-28
pdiaz at usgs.gov
http://webserver.cr.usgs.gov/




Christopher D Laveau <cdlaveau at usgs.gov> 
Sent by: acoustics-bounces at simon.er.usgs.gov
10/26/2006 02:03 PM

To
acoustics at simon.er.usgs.gov
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Subject
[Acoustics] 802.11b Wireless vs Bluetooth







Hello All: 

Does anyone have any experience with the use of  802.11b wireless 
technology vs Bluetooth for communication with a Rio Grande Workhorse 
ADCP? Currently we are using a tethered Oceanscience Riverboat with 
Freewave radios and are looking to move to radios with a smaller size and 
energy requirement.  I am aware of individuals using Bluetooth for 
communication with an ADCP but is there a reason that technology is 
preferable over 802.11b Wi-Fi. 

Thanks, 
Chris 

******************************************************************************
Chris Laveau
Hydrologist
U.S. Geological Survey 
102 North 4th Street               (701) 775-7221, Ext 14
Grand Forks, ND 58203        cdlaveau at usgs.gov

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