Kinemetrics, Inc

Kinemetrics' VDAS Meteorological Station (VMS) is a modular environmental sensor subsystem that reports weather data to the VDAS Data Acquisition Center (VDAC). The VMS monitors wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure. Four optional sensors provide fuel level, and system voltages as necessary. The insulated station enclosure houses the data acquisition system, the pressure transducer, data communications equipment, power supplies and lightning protection elements.

The VMS is mounted on a versatile 20-foot tripod tower that provides mounting for sensors, data acquisition enclosure, and optional solar cells and antenna.

Kinemetrics' VDAS provides communications between sensors and the VDAS Data Acquisition Center (VDAC) using an Intranet concept implemented using only COTS products. Kinemetrics has designed the VDAS as a virtual private network with connectivity achieved using COTS routers. This strategy allows the user to quickly configure adaptive networks that are independent of proprietary data formats and communications schemes.

Data is transmitted using Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) protocol. SLIP is an industry standard method of encapsulating IP packets so they can be sent over a modem. The physical communications links can be any combination of dedicated copper; leased line; fiber optic; VHF, UHF or Spread Spectrum radio; or satellite. The COTS routers support half- and full-duplex, multipoint, and multidrop communications on these mediums. Host nation radios can be used in the VDAS since the router is configureable to match the characteristics of the radio.

The use of COTS offers a high degree of reliability and flexibility while supporting varied communication topologies required to meet local topographical, infrastructure and regulatory standards. The application of Internet standard COTS products to nuclear treaty verification leverages on the development resources of a market with millions of users.

Communication repeater designs are available to support extended network topologies and physical connections.

Power and grounding is one of the least considered elements in a data acquisition system, and is often the one item where money is "saved" with inadequate design and equipment. As a system integrator with extensive experience in installations worldwide, Kinemetrics considers power and ground essential to the successful installation and continuous operation of a data acquisition system.

Kinemetrics was the first to use dual-stage transient protection on all inputs to our recorders and is one of the few seismic equipment vendors to have CE certification for our recorders and sensors. We have worked with specialists from other companies to design optimal protection by building protection circuitry into our equipment. Kinemetrics' cable design ensures that our systems are protected from transient damage from lightning or electrostatic discharge (ESD) and to minimize both EMI/RFI emissions and susceptibility. All external connections are protected with double stage transient protectors and grounding straps are provided.

The VMS can run from AC Power (80-132 and 180-264Vac, 43-63Hz) or from DC power (10-36Vdc). Power designs are available for AC, solar, thermoelectric, and wind-power to meet the station specific needs.

The user provides the appropriate local ground connection and is responsible for protecting external power cabling, and user provided data connections.