FreeWave Technologies Radios Provide Automated Volcanic Monitoring in Ecuador

BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 8, 2011 /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 it was chosen by the Institute of Geophysics of Ecuador as the data communications source for real-time monitoring of several active volcanoes. The Institute has deployed several FreeWave radios and is responsible for seismic and volcanic monitoring throughout the country in order to improve disaster preparedness and protect the lives of those that live in harms way.

"The data collection equipment that we previously had was fairly reliable, but it was not robust enough to withstand difficult terrain," explained Cristina Ramos, researcher at the Institute of Geophysics of Ecuador. "FreeWave offered a solution that could handle the interference, weather and terrain associated with active volcanoes, and also transmit data across long distances. This was exactly what we needed in order to continue to fulfill our commitment of protecting the community."

Currently, the Institute has added FreeWave radios for its monitoring networks and uses them in various applications and implementation activities. The primary monitoring applications include real-time broadband seismic stations in the Imbabura and Tungurahua Volcanoes; meteorological stations; stations to monitor volcanic gases; deformation stations using GPS technology and borehole sensors; remote digital cameras; and soon stations to quantify mud flow.

"Since implementing the radios, FreeWave has met the Institute's expectations in many regards," said Ramos. "This especially is evident in their performance in extreme conditions. This is demonstrated by a radio that transmits images from the top of the highest active volcano in the world, which operates at below zero degree temperatures from a height of 5,947 meters above sea level."

"For more than eight years, FreeWave has proven to be a reliable solution for this mission critical application in Ecuador where human lives are at stake," said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer (CMO) and general manager of products at FreeWave. "In fact, the seismic broadband monitoring done by FreeWave radios helped give early warning to the eruptions of the Tungurahua Volcano in 2006, 2008 and 2010."

Additional benefits of the FreeWave radios that the Institute of Geophysics of Ecuador has identified:

• Reliable connections
• High performance under extreme conditions
• Easy configuration
• Compatibility among all versions
• Transparent radios
• Different data interfaces
• Far-reaching
• Fast transmission
• Immune to interference

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.

SOURCE FreeWave Technologies

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