ALERT2 Data Transmitter

ALERT2*, the latest generation data format for hydrological and meteorological data collection systems, utilizes faster baud rates for transmission and enables more data to be sent in shorter messages. This increase in data capacity allows for the transmission of field data in calibrated, floating-point engineering units, and also provides a tremendous increase in the number of available Station IDs.

Another significant advancement offered by ALERT2 is the ability to assign TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) time slots for each transmitter and repeater. TDMA eliminates data loss due to collisions and ensures exceptional system data throughput even during extreme weather events. This transmission scheduling capability is possible due to the precise timekeeping enabled by the on-board GPS receiver. The increased message capacity of ALERT2 also allows for the inclusion of forward error correction to help minimize transmission errors that can occur over noisy channels.

ALERT2 BENEFITS

• Sends more data with shorter messages by utilizing the faster baud rate
• Exceptional system data throughput even during extreme weather events
• Accurate data with the use of full error detection and forward error correction = good data or no data
• Synchronize reports based on the use of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)

*ALERT2 is the latest generation data protocol for hydrologic systems administered by the ALERT2 Technical Working Group of the U.S. National Hydrologic Warning Council.