Abstract: A wireless device is described that comprises a spread spectrum radio-frequency (RF) communications portion, such as a Bluetooth module, and an ancillary RF receiver portion. The spread spectrum RF communications portion is activated on receipt of a characteristic RF signal by the ancillary RF receiver portion. The ancillary RF receiver portion may consume substantially less power than the spread spectrum RF communications portion thereby allowing a low power standby mode to be implemented. The wireless device may be a measurement probe, such as a temperature probe, for use with machine tools and the like. An interface for transmitting the characteristic RF signal is also described.

Abstract: A wireless device is described that comprises a spread spectrum radio-frequency (RF) communications portion, such as a Bluetooth module, and an ancillary RF receiver portion. The spread spectrum RF communications portion is activated on receipt of a characteristic RF signal by the ancillary RF receiver portion. The ancillary RF receiver portion may consume substantially less power than the spread spectrum RF communications portion thereby allowing a low power standby mode to be implemented. The wireless device may be a measurement probe, such as a temperature probe, for use with machine tools and the like. An interface for transmitting the characteristic RF signal is also described.

Abstract: A programmable probe system for a machine includes a probe, an interface and a two-way optical communication link between them. The probe includes signal conditioning electronics, a power supply, a plurality of on/off switch circuits whereby the electronics may be connected to, and disconnected from, the power supply by a variety of means, for example, an optical signal, or a mechanical switch and a timing circuit. The probe also includes a microprocessor which can be externally programmed from the interface to select one or other of the on/off switch circuits. Where the probe includes a radio transmission for transmitting probe data to the interface, it is also provided with a synthesiser for generating different operating frequencies for the transmission system. The microprocessor can also be programmed from the interface to change the frequency of the system where required.