The intention of this site is to provide resources for those tasked with designing, maintaining or using a SCADA system that utilizes a SCADA radio data network.  Both licensed and unlicensed frequencies will be discussed along with pros and cons of each.  User owned SCADA radio networks require some initial design energy, and can afford the owner a very robust and exceptionally reliable communications network. 

User owned systems can achieve minimal down time measured in minutes per year vs. weeks after a severe weather event, power failures, cable cuts, etc.   The user owned SCADA radio networks are completely controlled by the owner and their maintenance organization, Vs. Telco, cable, or wireless communications carriers.  Proper planning and control of your spare parts program can make a return to service as simple as swapping out a damaged part.

 The industry standard for designing most SCADA radio links is 20 dB of RF fade margin.  This is additional signal is designed into the link budgets for each radio path.  What this means is that there is 100 times the minimum amount of RF carrier signal needed to reliably operate the radio link to transport SCADA data on it.  Decibels are logarithmic and a little goes a long way to provide reliability.

 There are countless SCADA radio networks through out the United States and abroad monitoring and controlling everything from municipal water and waster water systems, to oil and gas production, power grids, automatic meter reading, and much more. These SCADA radio technology based communications systems have ranges from yards to hundreds of miles.  Selecting the right technology, defining the projects requirements, and creating a rubust SCADA communications network is crucial.   

Please brows this site, If you have any questions or a specific project or an application you would like to discuss, please feel free to call on me, Mark Lavallee.  I enjoy sharing my 20+ years of experience and knowledge.  My company is often used to sub consult with consultants, assist controls system integrators, and work with the end users directly.