Product category:
Signal conditioners, isolators, modems
News Release from: Lee-Dickens | Subject: Sitewatch data concentrator
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 23 May 2003
Sitewatch data concentrator takes 6
serial inputs
Lee-Dickens has launched the Sitewatch Data Concentrator, for collecting serial data inputs from up to 6 separate collection points - for example PLCs - and combining them into a single memory space
The new unit is designed for storing and forwarding large amounts of data to a central point at intervals, for control and monitoring large or geographically spread data acquisition systems As in conventional telemetry, a PSTN land line or radio link can be used to transmit data
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 20 Sep 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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However, the potential of the unit is considerably extended by an integral web server, which provides remote monitoring and parameterisation capabilities using TCP/IP communications.
A GSM or GPRS (always on) wireless connection can be also employed for transmitting Alarms and Events information immediately to a designated central location.
The concept is ideal for applications where increased numbers of I/O need to be handled because multiple telemetry systems become uneconomic.
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At the data source - eg the PLC - it is only necessary to add a serial analogue or digital output card to forward data to the Sitewatch Data Concentrator, allowing multiple data streams to be combined into a single environment that is more cost-effective and, using modern technology, can offer significantly more functionality.
The concept is an extension of a conventional telemetry RTU and was developed by Lee-Dickens in response to market demand from a Slovenian customer, for metering gas purchase and distribution systems.
EU regulations require that metering is undertaken accurately and that a maximum demand policy is implemented.
By installing the Sitewatch Data Concentrator, engineers at the customer company are able to monitor incoming supplies from two widely separated geographical sources having different cost structures, and then switch sources or moderate consumption in accordance with demand.
Leak detection is another function for this system.
Various levels of security are built in to the web server pages, enabling different requirements to be met within the same equipment.
At the gas supply company, all working parameters can be monitored and adjusted, whilst at the customer end those parameters that apply to that customer can be read but not modified.
Different web pages can be created for various requirements or customers, and pages can be downloaded to the Sitewatch Data Concentrator so the system is flexible enough to meet varying requirements, both from the customer need point of view and over time as those needs change.
Other applications seen for the system include Water Distribution and Tank Farm monitoring.
Lee-Dickens says that any situation where conventional telemetry has traditionally been used can benefit from the Sitewatch Data Concentrator, especially where multiple installations have to be monitored or as equipment is extended.
The new concept starts to become economic at about 400-500 I/O points, says Lee-Dickens.
The Sitewatch Data Concentrator is fitted with 1MB of internal storage - far in excess of conventional RTUs - and can be fitted with direct local I/O capacity for special requirements such as intruder detection or fire detection.
Up to 16 digital inputs, 4 analogue inputs and 4 outputs are available for this purpose, considerably extending the usefulness of the system.
The Sitewatch Data Concentrator has a ruggedised housing that means it can be mounted in any environment.
A touch panel and LCD display mounted on the front of the unit provides local control and parameterisation. Request a free brochure from Lee-Dickens ...
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