Dairyland Power Uses FreeWave Technologies Wireless Data Radios For Distribution Automation Applications

BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced that it has deployed wireless radios for La Crosse, Wisconsin-based Dairyland Power Cooperative (http://www.dairynet.com/), one of the area's largest wholesale electric suppliers.  Dairyland uses FreeWave's FGR-115 serial radios for a variety of distribution automation applications. It also uses FreeWave's HTPlus radios for certain applications requiring more effective throughput. The cooperative serves more than 600,000 customers in a service area of 45,000 square miles.  Dairyland provides wholesale electricity to 25 member distribution cooperatives and 16 municipal utilities in four states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois).

"FreeWave has been a trusted partner for several years and we continue to depend on its wireless data radio solutions for critical data transmission," said Ken Graves, manager of telecommunications services at Dairyland Power. "Most of our customers live in rural communities.  Prior to using FreeWave radios, we researched a variety of potential vendors. It was essential to find a communication solution that was proven to transmit reliable data on a real-time basis, despite remote locations, a hilly landscape and steep terrain. Not only did FreeWave radios prove to have effective throughput, link performance and noise immunity, but they were easily integrated into our existing network. We are pleased with the radios we have deployed and are considering FreeWave for future wireless data radio needs."

When Dairyland first implemented FreeWave radios it deployed a small installation base of FGR-115 radios. Based on the performance of the initial deployment, a decision was then made to expand the FreeWave radio network.  After a distribution automation study comparing various types of communication technology that faced harsh weather conditions and line-of-sight challenges from hilly terrain, the robust and reliable data transmission provided by FreeWave helped Dairyland Power make its decision to continue using the FGR-115 exclusively in its distribution network.  FreeWave solutions are currently being used for a variety of distribution automation applications including AMI backhaul, transmission capacitor bank control, transmission line sectionalizing, and fault detection and isolation.

The FGR-115 is an early version of FreeWave's current product, the FGR2-CE. FreeWave's products are 100 percent backwards compatible, making customers' investments secure. The FGR-115 offers real-time remote diagnostics and setup, transparent to network communications and versatility - a single radio can operate simultaneously as a master, a slave and as a repeater.  The quality and versatility of the FGR-115 has led to its use in locations ranging from Mount Everest and Antarctica to the Amazon rainforest.  According to Graves, Dairyland has been especially pleased with the FGR-115's link performance, single system integration and overall reliability.  The FreeWave HTPlus Ethernet radio is ideal for customers who need an industrial grade high-speed Ethernet radios that operate in harsh environments and noisy RF conditions.  It delivers data at a rate of up to 867 Kbps and is an ideal radio for SCADA backhaul networks.

"We are pleased to provide wireless data radio solutions to Dairyland Power Cooperative," said Curt Goldman, market manager of utilities at FreeWave Technologies.  "FreeWave strives to provide the most trusted solution for distribution automation applications, and our entire team, from the engineers to the factory to customer support, works hard to ensure we are meeting all of our customer's needs. We look forward to a continued partnership with Dairyland Power."

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Helpful Links

• FreeWave Technologies Newsroom
• FreeWave Technologies on Twitter
• FreeWave Technologies on Facebook
• Dairyland Power Cooperative

About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at [email protected]. Visit the company's website at (www.freewave.com) or connect with the company via Twitter: @freewavetech.

Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
[email protected]

SOURCE FreeWave Technologies

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