News Release: Data Streams from Stormy Waters

The ability of the Meteorological office to issue forecasts of coastal flooding, surges and wave activity is now stronger than ever before. The entire National Tide Gauge Network has now been fully equipped with the latest Telemodem2 line powered modem technology, from Jekyll Electronic Technology so meteorologists can instantly download sea level data to help forecast storm surges around the national coastline that could breech flood defences.


The Telemodem2 systems have added value to the entire tidal gauge network. Although similar systems were in place before, non offered the benefits of continuous line power. This means they simply operate from the telephone line, without having to worry about batteries or mains power, and are ideal for remote telemetry in harsh or hazardous environments. They offer data transfer rates up to 2400bps, remote set-up and diagnostics for on-line maintenance, an industry standard 25 way ‘D’ data port connector, and CTR/21 compliance for use throughout Europe and beyond.

The National Tide Gauge Network covers 44 sea level monitoring stations around the UK coastline. Each station has a datalogger incorporating a Telemodem2. The network provides data on demand to the UK Storm Tide Forecasting Service (hosted by the Met Office) and other authorised users.

The Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory (POL) based at Bidston Observatory, Merseyside funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has developed and maintains this network. This allows the Met Office and other users to call up any of the network stations and download near real time sea level data together with wind speed and direction data.

As part of the comprehensive service agreement, Jekyll engineers helped fine tune the interface and mounting options to ensure a smooth telemetry connection between the tide gauges and the Telemodem units. The entire system is now fully operational.

Jekyll Electronic Technology, based in Aldermaston, is the UK leader in low power telephone telemetry systems. Their telemetry products offer the benefits of remote line power for data transfer from environmental monitoring equipment such as tidal gauges, air quality sensors, traffic monitors and water treatment systems as well as multi-utility meters (for true AMR) and PLC sensor systems for 24×7 condition monitoring at industrial plants. As well as offering a core range of products, the company’s flexible approach to problem solving means they can also tailor-make solutions according to a customer’s unique application.

Further Enquiries:

Dr Geoff Lawlor.

Jekyll Electronic Technology:

Unit 3,

Zephyr House,

Calleva Park, Aldermaston,

Berkshire,

RG7 8JN, UK.

Tel: +44 (0)118 981 7321

Fax: +44 (0)118 981 4743

E-mail Jekyll Electronics

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