1. A data collection apparatus, comprising: a sensing unit for sensing a parameter comprising a sensor, a first data storage device, a first receiving device, and a first transmitting device, said first data storage device for storing data from said sensor, said first transmitting device for transmitting data derived from said sensor; a control unit separate from said sensing unit, said control unit comprising a second receiving device, a second transmitting device, and a second data storage device different from said first data storage device, said second receiving device to receive data transmitted from said sensing unit, said second data storage device for storing said data received from said sensing unit wherein said sensing unit is configured so a real time signal triggers a change in at least one from the group consisting of: (a) sensor data handling, (b) sensor data collection, (c) sensor data storage in said sensing unit, and (d) sensor data transmission from said sensing unit, wherein all power for powering said sensing unit is derived from said control unit.