[Acoustics] 802.11b Wireless vs Bluetooth

Fri Nov 3 18:11:19 CST 2006

List Members,

After receiving numerous requests for more information on this subject I 
thought I'd share some of those with others on this list.  Please see my 
response below:

John,

The radios we've been using are the Promi SD202's.  They're available from 
www.Lemosint.com I would suggest you get the extra dipole antenna for 
another $10 or so for each radio.  Yes you are able to connect to multiple 
devices (we do it all the time) however, it requires the use of one modem 
for each device.  This will only work if you use the pcmia card or a 
Bluetooth ready laptop as these are the only devices that I'm aware of 
that allow you to connect to multiple Bluetooth radios (in most cases you 
can connect up to 7 radio's).  The pcmia card we've been using is the zoom 
card, it has a range of 100m and a little retractable antenna. 

Good luck

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833203014

http://www.lemosint.com/

In addition: We are currently working on a powerpoint presentation that 
illustrates the configuration of these modems with the Riverboat as well 
as a communication alternative to a serial port.  If you are interested in 
receiving a copy when available please send me an email. 

Also, some questions about the use of 802.11b, g (WiFi) with the Bluetooth 
modems:  As far as I know the two are not compatible; I am not familiar 
with the use of WiFi in this type of application.  If your laptop has 
"wireless" built into it, you need to find out if it is Bluetooth or 
802.11x (WiFi) or both.  In my case my laptop has both types 
pre-installed, the WiFi I use for wireless internet and the Bluetooth for 
wireless peripherals (such as mice, keyboards, etc.), and the Promi 
modems. 

Please note that any reference to products in this message is not an 
endorsement but simply for informational purposes only.

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/

Paul Diaz/WRD/USGS/DOI
10/30/2006 09:11 AM

To
Christopher D Laveau <cdlaveau at usgs.gov>
cc
acoustics at simon.er.usgs.gov
Subject
Re: [Acoustics] 802.11b Wireless vs Bluetooth

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
cc

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

******************************************************************************
_______________________________________________
Acoustics mailing list
Acoustics at simon.er.usgs.gov
http://simon.er.usgs.gov/mailman/listinfo/acoustics

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://simon.er.usgs.gov/pipermail/acoustics/attachments/20061103/81a9b189/attachment.html