What is the turn around time when ordering GEMDS products?

The turn around time is 4 to 6 weeks on all non-stock items. If we have the item in stock and your order is placed before noon, we will make every attempt to ship your product the same day.

What is the turn around time when ordering Phoenix Contact products?

If we have the item in stock and your order is placed before noon, we will make every attempt to ship your product the same day. Items that are out of stock take 1 to 2 weeks.

What is the turn around time when ordering Kenwood products?

If we have the item in stock and your order is placed before noon, we will make every attempt to ship your product the same day. Items that are out of stock take 1 to 4 weeks.

Will ATG work outside of California?

Yes, we have had on site projects as far north as Wasilla, Alaska and as far east as Lewiston, Idaho. In addition, we have reviewed computer path studies and designed a SCADA radio system in the state of Virginia.

If I have done a computer path study of all my proposed radio links, do I really need to do an on-site survey?

A resounding YES. A computer path study only takes into account the local terrain features. It does not account for buildings, trees, or any other changes to the topology. It also does not account for any existing radio interference in the area. An on-site survey tests the actual radio signal, and noise, for a given path. A path may look great on the computer path study, but there may be tall buildings that have been built in the path or an adjacent radio system that may cause interference. An on-site survey also tests actual data throughput on the radio link. Bottom line: always do a path study first AND follow it up with an on-site survey to PROVE it works!

How much does a computer path study cost?

It depends – First we must have the data from your part of the country. If we have the data in our system and let’s say you have 5 sites or so; as a value added service to our integrators, we will run your paths and submit via email an evaluation at no charge. If you need to submit a formal document to your customer or have many sites to evaluate, then we would be happy to submit a proposal for your project.

What is the best antenna to use for my SCADA application?

The definitive answer is….it depends! In a typical Point-Multi Point Multiple Address System (PmP MAS), you would normally use an omni-directional antenna at the master location and directional yagi antennas at the remote locations. If your remotes are all off in one general direction from the master, then a sector antenna at the master might be a better choice. If, by chance, you are dealing with a Mesh type system, then each radio (access points and subscriber units) would use omni directional antennas. The best answer is….CALL US. Let us help you with your system design!

What if I just want to discuss my radio system with you?

We are always willing to educate and assist our integrators regarding their existing or future radio systems – just call us.

How would you deal with a customer who wants to “Go Direct” through you?

We work for you! If you bring Applied Technology Group, Inc. into your project, then we honor that relationship and will not go around you. Your company has more potential to create repeat business for us than does an end user. We have a reputation to protect in the integrator/wireless community and we don’t take that lightly. Even after the sale and the project is completed — if the customer contacts us, we will seek your permission first.

Antenna System Gain

A figure, normally expressed in dB, representing the power increase resulting from the use of a gain-type antenna. System Losses (from the feed line and coaxial connectors, for example) are subtracted from this figure to calculate the total antenna system gain.

Decibel (dB)

A measure of the ratio between two signal levels. Frequently used to express the gain (or loss) of a system.

DCE

Data Circuit-terminating Equipment (or Data Communications Equipment). In data communications terminology, this is the “modem” side of a computer-to-modem connection. By default, MDS 9810/24810 transceivers are set as DCE devices.

DSP

Digital Signal Processing. In the MDS 9810/24810 transceivers, the DSL circuitry is responsible for the most critical real-time tasks; primarily modulation, demodulation, and servicing of the data port.

Hardware Flow Control

A transceiver feature used to prevent data buffer overruns when handling high-speed data from the RTU or PLC. When the buffer approaches overflow, the radio drops the clear-to-send (CTS) line, which instructs the RTU or PLC to delay further transmission until CTS again returns to the high state.