telemeter

A telemeter is a device or system that measures a physical quantity at a location remote from where the measurement is observed and transmits the data to a receiving station for monitoring, recording, or analysis. The term can refer to the instrument that performs the remote measurement as well as the broader telemetry system that carries the data from the sensor to the display or data-processing unit.

A typical telemeter system includes a sensor at the measurement site, a transmitter that encodes and sends the measurement signal, and a receiver at the monitoring location along with a display, recorder, or data logger. Transmission methods vary and may include radio frequency, wired or optical links, and other communication channels. Telemetering may be implemented in analog or digital form and often incorporates features such as error checking, power management, and sometimes remote control of the measurement system.

Historically, telemeters were developed to observe distant processes and environments without direct access, and they have been used in applications such as meteorology, aviation, spaceflight, industrial process monitoring, and underwater sensing. Modern telemetering systems frequently adopt standardized protocols and integrate with networks to enable real-time monitoring, data sharing, and long-term archival storage.

In summary, a telemeter is the instrument or subsystem responsible for remote measurement and data transmission, forming a component of a larger telemetry framework that enables monitoring and analysis from a distance.