REMOTE TESTING AND INTERROGATION OF STRONG MOTION ACCELEROGRAPHS

An instrument is described which allows a strong motion accelerograph to be linked to a regional computer center for remote maintenance and interrogation. This system (SIFI) consists of a computer with memory, analog to digital converter, real time clock, modem and other needed circuitry, all of which are contained in a small box that can be installed near the strong motion accelerograph. The accelerograph operates independently and records any strong motion it senses. SIF۱ allows the user to call the strong motion station from a remote location through a telephone line, and to interrogate the accelerograph for the purpose of maintenance and/or any transfer of data on peak motions that accelerograph has recorded. The testing of ten SIFI units presently utilized with the University of Southern California Strong Motion Accelerograph Network indicates very high reliability of operation. ۷۵