News and Press Information
Guide to Monitoring Backup Power Generators at Remote Telecom Sites [Saturday, May 27th, 2023]
Telecom sites such as repeater towers, fiber huts, microwave towers, and power substations rely heavily on uninterrupted power supply for their operations. As these are often situated in remote areas, it's essential to have backup power generators that are ready to activate during an extended power loss.
Common Remote Site Monitoring Acronyms Defined [Wednesday, May 24th, 2023]
Remote site monitoring involves the use of various protocols and acronyms. The parade of terms like SCADA, RTU, SNMP, NMS, FTP, VPN, IP, SLA, QoS, LAN, WAN, TCP, HTTP, ICS, M2M, PLC, DNP3, LTE, IoT, and RS485 can be overwhelming when you're new at this.
How to Manage Firewalls and Security for Remote Monitoring [Thursday, May 18th, 2023]
As a sales engineer at a manufacturer of remote monitoring equipment, I witness the tension between security and authorized access on a daily basis. The Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and master stations that I sell are hardware devices that are integral to security - but can also create some firewall issues that you must handle.
How to Integrate Legacy Telecommunications and Monitoring Systems with Next-Gen Devices [Sunday, May 14th, 2023]
As the telecommunications equipment - and the consumer and commercial demands for service - continues to evolve, you face a challenge. You have to modernize your network while minimizing disruptions and downtime. How can you do this effectively?
How Remote Site Management Ensures Network Uptime [Saturday, May 13th, 2023]
For managing complex telecommunications networks, ensuring constant network uptime is a top priority. In this digital age, even minor disruptions can lead to significant losses in revenue and customer trust.
Prevent Downtime in Rail, Telecom, and Power Distribution with Remote Site Monitoring [Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023]
In today's world, connectivity is critical. People, businesses, and industries all rely on networks to function properly. Unfortunately, networks can and do fail, leading to lost productivity, revenue, and even endangering lives. This is where remote monitoring becomes so important.
Deploying Remote Monitoring Solutions: Best Practices and Step-by-Step Guide [Saturday, April 29th, 2023]
As the world grows more and more dependent on telecom infrastructure, the need for effective remote monitoring becomes increasingly important. This is also true for foundational industries like power distribution and mass transit that are always in demand. Learn how to select and install hardware, software, and network infrastructure to accomplish your remote monitoring goals.
Substation Monitoring System Buying Guide [Sunday, April 23rd, 2023]
There are many things that you have to think about when selecting and purchasing a substation monitoring system. A substation monitoring system is an essential tool that allows utilities and power companies like you to monitor and manage their electrical grid.
How to Evaluate and Buy an HVAC Control System [Thursday, April 20th, 2023]
HVAC control systems come in different types with different elements. Learn how to select and buy the right one for your organization.
Remote Site Monitoring Overview and Equipment Recommendations [Sunday, April 16th, 2023]
Remote site monitoring is more important than ever. The world is getting more and more telecom-centric. The global response to COVID created a huge push toward video streaming, both for entertainment and for web meetings. This all means that your remote sites need quality RTUs for good protection against threats.
How to Retrofit Legacy SNMP Equipment for SNMPv3 Cybersecurity [Sunday, April 16th, 2023]
With the security advantages of v3 in mind, what do you do about your older SNMP equipment. Its unencrypted SNMP traps may just be something you think about from a security perspective. It's also increasingly likely that you'll get a security mandate that says: only SNMPv3 is allowed on our network to protect our network security.
Basic Overview of DPS Remote Monitoring Equipment [Sunday, April 9th, 2023]
I spend a lot of time on this blog writing about fairly detailed scenarios and technical nuances. When you're just getting started, however, a basic overview of what you can accomplish with DPS monitoring systems is in order. Let's review the basic architecture and some common use cases.
Understanding, Selecting, and Purchasing a CRAC Unit for Your Company or Government Agency [Sunday, April 2nd, 2023]
Computer rooms and data centers play a critical role in businesses and government agencies. These rooms require a controlled environment with specific temperature and humidity levels. This ensures the smooth operation of servers, network equipment, and other mission-critical gear.
Choosing and Buying Fuse Panels for 19-inch Racks [Monday, March 27th, 2023]
When it comes to fuse panels for 19" racks, there are a few factors to consider. With the right fuse panel, you'll be able to ensure reliable protection for your telecom system against overloads and surges.
Temperature Monitoring Device Fundamentals and Buyer's Guide [Saturday, March 25th, 2023]
Temperature monitoring is a critical part of managing many different businesses and agencies. From server rooms and data centers to refrigerators, freezers, telecom rooms, and miscellaneous storage areas, the temperatures must be maintained within a predetermined range.
66 Blocks for Cross Connecting Alarm Wires and Setting Up Phone Lines [Saturday, March 18th, 2023]
If you're setting up a phone system or contact-closure alarm monitoring system, 66 blocks are an essential tool. 66 blocks are pre-wired distribution panels that can be used to cross connect wires and quickly set up phone lines.
The SNMP Protocol - Managing and Monitoring Networked Devices [Sunday, March 12th, 2023]
The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a widely used protocol for managing, monitoring, and maintaining network-connected devices. Its primary purpose is to allow IT administrators and outside-plant (OSP) managers to monitor various components. Learn the fundamentals, including how you can use it most effectively for reliable remote monitoring and control.
Refrigerator and Freezer Monitoring Tutorial [Saturday, March 11th, 2023]
Staying on top of freezer and refrigerator temperatures can be difficult, especially if you have multiple locations with a variety of cold storage systems. Installing a freezer monitoring system can provide assurance that your food or vaccines or other important items are stored at the proper temperature.
What is the Best Propane Tank Monitor You Can Buy? [Sunday, March 5th, 2023]
The best propane tank monitor isn't a single product for everyone. The correct answer to that question is going to vary based on your individual situation and circumstances.
How to Monitor Computers: SNMP Traps and Other Methods [Friday, March 3rd, 2023]
Monitoring computers is an important part of IT operations and network management. It allows organizations to ensure that their systems are running smoothly and efficiently, and can alert them to any problems or issues that may arise.
Ground Isolation in Telecom Environments: A Real-World Tech Support Visit [Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023]
I just visited a major supplier of complex telecom systems. Our TempDefender G2 is part of a solution currently being built, and our client was reporting some strange electrical issues over the phone.
Generator Monitoring Price, Bids, and Specifications [Saturday, February 18th, 2023]
Let's take a look at some typical generator monitoring bid specs and results to understand what generators cost and what technical requirements apply.
SCADA RTU Price Data from Actual Bid Documents [Saturday, February 11th, 2023]
Let's look at a few SCADA-related bid documents to see what prices are being paid for SCADA RTUs. Your actual cost will vary, but this publicly available data will give you a good price reference as a starting point for your research.
Remote Site Management during Extreme Weather Events [Wednesday, January 25th, 2023]
Whether you are running a public utility, emergency response department, telecom company, transportation business, or public service organization, the people on your network are depending on you in their time of crisis. Lightning is one potential weather-related
How to Ensure Cell Tower Security and Prevent Copper Theft [Wednesday, January 18th, 2023]
Attacks on grid infrastructure seem to be becoming more frequent. Copper theft is a known ongoing headache for any organization with copper wiring or equipment at unmanned sites. Vandals have also become an increased threat to remote infrastructure equipment.
Law Enforcement Agency Prevents Network Downtime and Protects the Public with Good Remote Monitoring [Monday, January 16th, 2023]
DPS provides remote monitoring solutions for many government agencies. One of these clients, a law enforcement agency on the West Coast, is dedicated to improving the quality of life and serving their citizens on a daily basis. Responding to an average
Advantages of New G6 Devices from DPS [Monday, January 9th, 2023]
If you've worked with DPS for very long, you know we don't build planned obselescence into our products. Although we might sell more upgrades if we did, our philosophy is that we'd rather impress you with our long product lifespans. Even so, I'm proud to be announcing our new G6 line of devices.
What is the Best Temperature Monitoring System? [Sunday, January 8th, 2023]
The best temperature monitoring system depends on the specific needs of your operation and, to a certain extent, your industry. Let's walk through all of the major scenarios where temperature monitoring is required and look at the system that best fits each one.
What's New with DPS in 2023: The G6 Platform [Friday, January 6th, 2023]
What network improvement goals do you have for the new year? Better security for your network monitoring? More preventive monitoring of your UPS batteries? New and improved DPS products are always in the works, and in 2023 you can easily implement our
How to Prevent Service-Affecting Outages with Remote Monitoring [Saturday, December 31st, 2022]
When you can't effectively monitor your network, you can't just write a bigger check to keep things running. When serious failures happen, that can actually disrupt your service delivery.
How to Prevent Equipment Damage in Your Telecom Infrastructure [Saturday, December 31st, 2022]
Both poor and excessive maintenance are waste in your operation. You owe it to your coworkers, your users, and yourself to balance maintenance tasks correctly.
Stop Wasting Your Budget on Poor and Inefficient Infrastructure Maintenance [Saturday, December 24th, 2022]
There are four major categories of profit-eating problems in your network: Poor & Inefficient Infrastructure Maintenance, Equipment Damage, Service-Affecting Outages, and Wasteful Power Consumption In this article, let's take a deep dive into the first of the four.
How to Set Up a Remote Propane Tank Monitor System [Thursday, December 22nd, 2022]
We all know how disastrous network downtime is to your organization. The remote monitoring of LP fuel tanks can be vital to your network, especially at unmanned sites.
The Benefits of Using a Custom Infrastructure Product [Sunday, December 18th, 2022]
We're no strangers to custom infrastructure equipment at DPS. Most of this falls under our "remote monitoring equipment" umbrella, but some of it is more general IT infrastructure gear. No matter what sort of infrastructure project you have on your plate, custom products can be tremendously helpful and actually reduce costs.
How to Choose the Best Cell Tower Site Monitoring and Automation [Thursday, December 15th, 2022]
A cell site is a perfect example of facility that absolutely demands remote monitoring technology. Cell sites are generally located in remote areas. Even in urban locations, no one is stationed there regularly. Learn how to select the best possible monitoring and automation RTU for facilities like these.
Siskiyou Telephone Monitors Cabinets and Lines Against Bear, Bird, and Wildfire Threats using T/Mon [Friday, December 9th, 2022]
Siskiyou Telephone is a family-run business that has been proudly serving Western Siskiyou County for over 125 years. They now have 7 telephone exchanges in the county, and offer internet packages and long distance calling plans to their customers as
Remote Site Security: How to Keep Your Unmanned Gear Safe [Wednesday, December 7th, 2022]
Remote Site Security: How to Keep Your Unmanned Equipment Safe Remote site security is just as important as infrastructure security. There are many good reasons to invest in an effective security system for your remote telecom sites. Most of them can
How a State DOT Monitors its Communication Sites and Trailers [Sunday, December 4th, 2022]
I just returned from a trip to visit 5 different DPS clients. The 5 clients covered most of the range of DPS clients, from a small rural telephone company to large government agencies. I also visited the state's Department of Transportation to learn what they think about DPS gear and how they use it to remotely monitor sites and trailers.
Monitoring Door and Panic Button Alarm System for a Casino [Thursday, December 1st, 2022]
I'm currently working on a surveillance project with a casino in Iowa. We frequently furnish casinos for their surveillance and security needs. If you're thinking about implementing, improving, and/or expanding a surveillance monitoring system, it might
Buying a Data Center Monitoring System [Sunday, November 27th, 2022]
When considering the purchase of a data center monitoring system for asset management, there are several things to look for. This is a system that's supposed to last 10 years or more, so it's a purchase decision that you'll want to get right.
Remote Power Switch DC: Reboot and Power Cycle DC Devices [Sunday, November 27th, 2022]
What you need is a reliable industrial-grade PDU with remote access. A switched PDU will make power control of your site as effortless as a few clicks from your desk. It might also integrate with an SNMP manager or other centralized controller.
How to Buy the Best HVAC Controllers for your Remote Sites [Sunday, November 20th, 2022]
Choose HVAC controllers can feel like a complex job, particularly if this is your first time shopping for one. Let's review the fundamentals so you can make the best possible choice.
How to Plan and Buy Remote Server Monitoring Tools [Sunday, November 20th, 2022]
The first step in purchasing and planning for remote server monitoring is to research the different types of products that are available. There are a variety of options, from free open-source solutions to commercial enterprise-level products. You must understand your requirements and apply these best practices to make the right purchase decision.
Uninterruptible Power Supply Monitoring Guide [Sunday, November 13th, 2022]
You can't rely on a single power source to keep your critical equipment running at all times. To prevent downtime of your networking equipment, you'll need an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
How Can IoT Remote Monitoring Help a Business? [Wednesday, November 9th, 2022]
As a business, you have a responsibility to operate durable, dependable IoT remote monitoring systems. You need business-specific IoT equipment with the dependability of an established provider, and the capacity to easily replicate IoT systems at all of your sites.
How to Choose a Fused PDU (DIN-Mount) [Sunday, November 6th, 2022]
When it comes to choosing a PDU, there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind. Fuses are fairly fundamental, but you might already have protection. You should also consider remote monitoring, environmental monitoring, and the temperature range your PDU must survive.
Modbus Poll Troubleshooting: Use Correct Half-Duplex RS-485 RTS Head & Tail Times for Generators and Other Equipment [Sunday, November 6th, 2022]
I recently visited a DPS client (a fiber ISP) to perform some generator troubleshooting at a fiber hut in a rural area. I had to troubleshoot Modbus at a fiber hut with backup UPS batteries, and a diesel backup generator (CAT D60 with GCCP 1.2 Control Panel).
Choose and Buy a Modbus-to-SNMP Converter [Sunday, October 30th, 2022]
If you're looking to connect Modbus devices to an SNMP network, you'll need a Modbus-to-SNMP converter. These devices are designed to bridge the gap between the two protocols, allowing you to monitor and manage Modbus protocol devices using SNMP.
Tutorial: Telecom Tower Monitoring [Sunday, October 30th, 2022]
This tutorial has been designed for telecom professionals who want to learn how to use traditional sensors and even advanced AI machine learning for telecom tower monitoring. It will also be useful for students and researchers who are interested in remote monitoring and machine learning at the network's edge.
Intro to Network Device Monitoring [Sunday, October 23rd, 2022]
Without proper monitoring, network devices can become overloaded and reduce network performance. Others can simply go offline and stop doing their job. One of the best ways to detect these problems immediately is with quality network device monitoring via automation.
What is the Best RTU with Solarwinds Compatibility? [Sunday, October 23rd, 2022]
Working in the remote monitoring space, I deal with compatibility questions constantly. Monitoring systems naturally evolve over time, so one of your biggest challenges is making sure all of your new gear works properly with your old gear. Learn how to choose RTUs that will be compatible with your Solarwinds remote monitoring software.
Telecom Asset Management Tutorial [Sunday, October 16th, 2022]
Across a longer time scale, the practice of "telecom asset management" is actually quite related to remote monitoring. Without it, you won't have a good handle on the equipment you have on hand to accomplish your organizational goals.
How to Correctly Migrate Your Alarm Monitoring During a Network Security Upgrade [Sunday, October 16th, 2022]
Network security is important, but so is the actual service you provide and the remote alarm monitoring that protects it. It's always true that we have to strike a balance between security and convenience. How do you find the right balance?
How to Choose the Right Humidity Detector for Your Remote Site [Sunday, October 9th, 2022]
If you are responsible for managing a remote site, it is important to choose the right humidity detector to help you monitor the environment. The wrong choice can lead to decreased accuracy and reliability, and even put your site at risk.
Door Access Control System Tutorial [Sunday, October 9th, 2022]
A door access control system is a security measure that helps to regulate who can enter and exit a building. By using electronic door locks, card readers, and other security devices, a door access control system can track and manage employee or visitor entry.
Data Center Temperature Monitoring Guide [Thursday, September 29th, 2022]
As data centers continue to grow in size and complexity, the importance of effective temperature monitoring increases. When temperatures in a data center increase, it can lead to equipment failures, data loss, and other problems. By having a good temperature monitoring system, you'll be able to protect yourself.
RTU (SCADA System) Specification Overview [Thursday, September 29th, 2022]
SCADA systems are used in a variety of industries to monitor and control process. A typical SCADA system includes a number of RTUs (Remote Terminal Units) which are connected to various field devices. The RTUs collect data from the field devices and send it back to your central HMI.
How to Buy a Remote Power Switch for Telecom Environments [Sunday, September 25th, 2022]
One of the most important pieces of equipment in any telecom environment is the remote power switch. Also called PDUs (power distribution units), remote power switches provide a way to remotely control and monitor the power to telecom equipment from anywhere.
Generac Remote Monitoring Guide [Thursday, September 22nd, 2022]
If you have a Generac generator, you have to monitor it. Because it's a combustion engine, it has many subsystems that affect performance. There's obviously fuel, but also other items like pressures and oil temperature. A Generac generator at a remote site is you critical backup power, so you must find some way to get alerts whenever something goes wrong.
Police Radio Tower Sites - Monitor Underground Propane Tank Levels [Friday, September 16th, 2022]
I recently met a telecom engineer for a law enforcement radio network at one of his 100+ tower sites. I'll walk you through the problems he wants to solve, and what I plan to do with it using DPS monitoring equipment.
RTU HVAC: Buying Guide & Remote Monitoring Best Practices [Thursday, September 15th, 2022]
A rooftop unit for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is known as an "RTU HVAC". Just like choosing any HVAC system, there are certain things you must look for. Also, just like any HVAC system, you must monitor the health of your rooftop unit.
Freezer Monitoring: Protecting Vaccine and Food Storage [Friday, September 9th, 2022]
Refrigeration and freezer temperature monitoring is critical to protecting food storage and vaccine storage. Cold chain breaks can cause serious health risks, so it is important to have a system in place that will notify you immediately if temperatures rise.
Truck Rolls: Reduce or Eliminate this Expensive Waste [Thursday, September 8th, 2022]
Truck rolls are the expensive field service trips that gobble up your staff time. Every time you must send a technician on-site, you've just created minutes and hours of wasted driving. Learn how to stop this budget-killing waste now.
Buying a Remote Temperature Sensor for Telecom Site Monitoring [Sunday, September 4th, 2022]
So, you've decided that it's time to remotely monitor your telecom site's temperature. Where do you even begin? Let me walk you some of the basics associated with this important buying decision. Once you understand the fundamentals, you'll be able to make the perfect choice.
Modbus Poll Basics: Make this standard protocol work for you [Sunday, September 4th, 2022]
Modbus polling is one critical part of the overall architecture of the Modbus protocol. Let's walk though the basics of Modbus communication and talk about how you can get the most out of this technology.
How to Monitor Computers (SNMP Traps & More) [Sunday, August 28th, 2022]
If your mission is to remotely monitor computers, there are many possible techniques you can use to do that. Let's walk through some of the reasons why you might want to monitor remote computers & servers, then discuss popular ways to do that.
SNMP Monitoring Buyer's Guide [Saturday, August 27th, 2022]
SNMP monitoring is one of the most popular ways to monitor and manage your remote assets and infrastructure. Let's pick apart this standard protocol and many of the best practices that have grown up around it.
Telemetry: Definition for Telecom, Medical, & Weather [Wednesday, August 24th, 2022]
"Telemetry" is a word with many meanings in many different industries. The term simply refers to "metrics" across long distances ("tele"), so telemetry systems can be useful in many different contexts. Let's look into what exactly telemetry is.
FCC Tower Light Monitoring Requirements & Options [Sunday, August 21st, 2022]
Like all tower owners, you know that the government lays out strict requirements for the monitoring of your obstruction lighting systems. Authority flows from Congress to the FCC, guided by the FAA As the FCC's media release describes: The FCC has been...
Best 'Remote Temperature Monitoring via Internet' Devices [Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022]
In 2022 and beyond, if you want to monitor temperatures at a remote location, it's never been easier to do that. The "Internet of Things" (IoT) means that even small devices can connect to the internet and send you information. What's important to remember is...
An Alternative to Programming Logic Controllers [Monday, August 1st, 2022]
If you're at all involved in the SCADA world (especially if you're new), you probably spend time thinking about the time and/or expense required to program PLCs. Some companies choose to maintain in-house experts who know exactly how a PLC works and...
How to Choose an RTU with Good ESD Protection [Wednesday, July 6th, 2022]
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) is a threat to anything that contains a PCB. There are hundreds of sensitive components on every board. The challenge of choosing a good RTU is to find one that is actually reliable. Success and failure is determined by whether your RTU simply, positively refuses to ever malfunction.
Know This Before Buying RTUs or PDUs from DPS [Thursday, June 9th, 2022]
At a recent trade show and nearby client visits, I rediscovered much of what's important to know about DPS before you buy.
Manufacturer Discontinued Products (MFDs) - Now What? [Friday, May 13th, 2022]
DPS team can design and manufacture just about anything, and as long as the unit is still running, we'll provide support for it. Let's make your monitoring dreams a reality.
How to Stop Budget Waste with Good Remote Site Monitoring [Friday, May 13th, 2022]
DPS is a remote monitoring manufacturer, so we deal with the remote monitoring issues on a daily basis. I'm going to give you insights from the different industries that we serve. I've even included actual quotations from real DPS clients. This information is...
DPS Monitoring Devices Don't Trap You With Built-In Obsolescence [Friday, May 6th, 2022]
As a customer, I bet there's nothing you hate more than planned obsolescence. If something that could continue working is designed to stop working arbitrarily, you rightly feel cheated. That's why, at DPS, I insist on a particular method of...
DPS Metal Shop Shortens Lead Times [Monday, May 2nd, 2022]
Having a single campus in Fresno, California gives DPS an exceptionally high bandwidth of inter-departmental communication, and allows for a rapid response to our clients' unique needs for custom solutions.
Discounts for NetGuardian RTUs & T/Mon Master Stations [Monday, April 25th, 2022]
Everyone has to work within a limited budget, so it's no surprise that I get a lot of questions about discounts. I want to go over some of the basics of DPS Telecom discounts with you now, so you'll know what to expect when you start working with us in Sales...
How to Get a Perfect-Fit Device with a Virtual Prototype [Thursday, April 14th, 2022]
When a DPS client like you calls me about a remote monitoring project, an off-the-shelf product will do the job about 80% of the time. Sometimes, I create a virtual prototype to help you visualize what DPS is about to build for you. Check out this AC+DC PDU I built for a multi-state power utility.
How to Plan Your Installation of Remote Monitoring Devices [Tuesday, April 5th, 2022]
There is one concept that is critical to understand when you're rolling out monitoring gear: You have to realize that it is not just the cost of buying the gear, but the total cost of...
How to Monitor Your Lift Station Wet-Well Effectively [Monday, March 28th, 2022]
Let me walk you through the customized wet-well monitoring system that I put together for my client. In this case, the well was a critical component of operating a county fairground. The solution blends existing control gear with a new RTU.
How to Get the Right PDUs for Your Telecom Cabinets & Huts [Monday, March 14th, 2022]
Semi-custom work is routine at DPS, especially for medium or large projects involving Qty 11 or higher. Let's take a look at several active projects I'm working on related to Power Distribution Units, which will give you a good background on how to choose your own PDUs.
How Good Remote Monitoring Improves Public & Staff Safety [Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022]
I just got back from a fantastic installation trip in the mountainous west of the US. It made me think in more detail about the safety aspects of good remote monitoring equipment that I always try to design and deliver perfectly.
Monitoring ILS and Other Critical Aviation Safety Equipment [Monday, February 14th, 2022]
DPS equipment is frequently used in life-and-death scenarios, but few are so immediate as in aviation. In instrument conditions (zero visibility), a malfunctioning ILS (Instrument Landing System) can quite literally send airplanes into mountains.
Pandemic Drives the Need for Alarm Monitoring In the Healthcare Industry [Sunday, February 13th, 2022]
DPS Telecom gear is frequently utilized by utility, telecom, and transportation companies. I recently worked to provide a solution for a less common industry from us: medical. This client was needing a solution to monitor their freezers and refrigerators.
Combining HVAC Management with General Remote Monitoring and Control Functions [Sunday, February 6th, 2022]
I'm currently working on a project with a company that remotely monitors and manages HVAC systems for their customers. My role in this project will be to integrate general remote site management for other equipment to supplement HVAC management.
Alternatives to Programming Logic Controllers [Sunday, February 6th, 2022]
Every SCADA system (or other "remote monitoring and control system") necessary involves some number of remote input and output devices. RTUs represent a simpler approach that can be used to accomplish many monitoring goals.
How to Monitor Your Remote Building Temperatures [Sunday, January 30th, 2022]
Temperature sensing at remote buildings is important for many different industries. If you have telecommunication sites at a telco, power company, railroad, or county agency, you must monitor temperature. If you have a data center, a server room, or a...
How to Monitor Doors at Your Remote Sites [Tuesday, January 25th, 2022]
Of all the things you have to monitor at your remote sites, perhaps none are as simple and important as basic security. This essentially boils down to door, motion, and other sensors that detect intrusion. Let's review several examples from my recent project proposals.
9 Radio Monitoring System Examples for 2022 [Monday, January 17th, 2022]
Your radio sites, by definition, are spread out across a wide area. They tend to be in remote places like mountaintops. That's why you need good monitoring. If something is going wrong, you must know about it immediately.
Tower Site Monitoring Examples for 2022 [Wednesday, January 12th, 2022]
Monitoring tower sites is one of the most common uses for remote site monitoring equipment. RTUs collect data about local conditions, then send it to a central master station. In these 9 examples, you'll see real diagrams and examples to give you a solid tutorial on what you need to accomplish and how to do it.
Emergency Power System Monitoring Exposed [Thursday, December 30th, 2021]
An energy service provider in the western United States recently upgraded their Master Alarm System. They were in need of a central location for monitoring of their remote sites. Some of the power producing sites capable of producing over...
Best Transport Gear That Cleanly Integrates with a T/Mon Manager [Tuesday, December 28th, 2021]
As the manufacturer of the T/Mon alarm management platform, I'm required to ensure proper integration with a wide range of popular devices. Take a look at this list of transport equipment that integrates gracefully with T/Mon.
Control HVAC Lead-Lag, Monitor Batteries, & Monitor Equipment with One System [Monday, December 20th, 2021]
In the last few weeks, I've quoted perhaps the most comprehensive monitoring system DPS has ever developed. Let's review the value of multi-functional equipment, then go over this specific example. It will either...
The Best Rectifier, Generator, and UPS Systems that Integrate with T/Mon [Wednesday, December 15th, 2021]
At DPS, our T/Mon remote site management server communicates with a wide range of equipment. With our focus on telecom site monitoring, that naturally includes equipment related to fiber, IP, microwave radios, and very important primary and backup power systems.
Alarm Monitoring Should Be A Long-Term Investment [Sunday, December 12th, 2021]
Have you suffered through the bad news of discovering that a piece of gear your company buys is no longer supported? It may have worked perfectly, which is why you need to...
How to Securely Reset Your Password on a NetGuardian RTU [Wednesday, December 8th, 2021]
Today, I spoke to Andy Yang, an engineer on the DPS Technical Support team. I asked about some of the most common types of support calls he handles. One of the most common - Forgetting Your Password.
DPS Monitors HVAC & Batteries for Government [Monday, December 6th, 2021]
I recently finished wrapping up another remote site monitoring proposal. This proposal was for a long-time DPS client. They're a governmental agency with telecom shelters in very remote locations. Let me give you a quick overview and also a...
How to Monitor Telecom Cabinets at a Rural ISP [Tuesday, November 16th, 2021]
I just got back from a trip last week. Among several other DPS clients, my fellow engineer Andy and I stopped by a telco (telephone & ISP) in a fairly rural part of Texas. Based on this meeting, we were able to propose a complete system for monitoring battery health and commercial power interruptions.
Monitoring Tower Lights, HVAC, & Radio Systems for a County Fire Department [Monday, November 8th, 2021]
On this trip to Texas, one of my stops was to a county fire department. When we arrived, we were instantly greeted by the fire chief. Since he is also responsible for the multiple radio sites owned and operation for county public safety personnel, he took out out to 3 tower sites to survey the equipment and plan a remote monitoring system to cover everything. Take a look at what we found...
