Robin2:
In addition to what @PaulS said ...You could add a checksum to your data so the receiving device could verify correct reception.
...R
If the decision is to use a "heartbeat" pulse, adding a checksum to it might be challenging. 
Robin2:
In addition to what @PaulS said ...You could add a checksum to your data so the receiving device could verify correct reception.
...R
If the decision is to use a "heartbeat" pulse, adding a checksum to it might be challenging.