Background
National Archives Ireland provides public records to researchers worldwide. The National Archives is the official repository of state records. They are responsible for collecting, preserving, and making public all government records, as directed by the National Archives Act of 1986. This includes records from all government departments that are over 30 years old, as well as records from 61 scheduled bodies, the courts at all levels, and tribunals or bodies established by the government. Based in Dublin the archive has over 60 million documents covering more than 200 years of history and provides a rich source of reference for anyone looking into the history and culture of Ireland through historic documents. As you can imagine the shelves are packed with archive boxes floor to ceiling to house all the documentation, and environmental control measures are required to ensure that each document is stored in the best possible environment in terms of temperature and humidity.
Environmental Monitoring
National Archives Ireland had been using a Hanwell telemetry system which has now come to the end of its serviceable life and is obsolete.
The new Eltek system uses a cloud based approach to enable multiple staff to monitor readings remotely and respond to any issues they identify. The system has 24 sensors over 6 floors in the main archive building and a further 12 sensors over 3 floors in an off-site location. Further sensors will be added when a new storage repository is completed. All the sensors/transmitters are safely mounted on wall brackets.
Wireless data sent to the Cloud
To avoid any complications in having to use local IT infrastructure, i.e. Wi-Fi or ethernet, the decision was taken to install Eltek’s “cloud” based system which uses the mobile phone data network to send collected data to cloud-based servers. Users then interface with the system and data using Eltek’s web based Darca Connect software. All the transmitters being deployed are Eltek’s GD10 temperature and humidity sensors. There are also a couple of RP250GD repeaters which re-broadcast the signals from the transmitters, extending the distance over which the system can operate.
Automated Reporting
Darca Connect has a range of options for automating workflow from automatically downloading the latest data to sending out customized reports at user-defined intervals.
Darca Connect Software - Ease of viewing data on any web enabled device whether it be PC, tablet or mobile phone
Specialist Expertise
D-Tech PRO provided the knowledge and expert advice for this project.
Support
D-Tech Pro provide support to museums and conservators from first enquiry and throughout the lifetime of the installed system.
Eltek supplies monitoring and logging systems to many types of customers and if you are interested in monitoring systems outside of Museums and Heritage please contact Eltek directly.
Many customers now take up the offer of having fully configured hardware and software delivered to their requirements, thus allowing them to get the system up and running with the shortest possible time on-site.
Millions of historic records are stored in an environmentally controlled atmosphere, now monitored by the Eltek system.
