SCADA - Remote Monitoring/Control

Remote Thermal Monitoring
APW Electronic Solutions has introduced a new Ultra-Smart intelligent systems monitor that provides continual monitoring of thermal conditions, fan conditions and backplane voltage in enclosures and chassis. The monitor is designed for telecoms and other applications that require remote monitoring of packaging systems. The new monitor system allows the visible display and audible status of each function for preselected thermal points in a chassis or enclosure; backplane voltages when they exceed a predetermined upper or lower limit and the rotation and speed of fans based on temperature.

The new monitor can handle up to six voltage inputs, each with its own upper and lower trigger. Typical voltages are +5 V, +3.3 V -1 to 12 V, -12 V, V1 (48 V) and V2 (48V). The voltage portion of the new monitor also provides for preset windows for either CompactPCI or VME64x applications. The new system's basic voltage readings are monitored to a 10-bit accuracy which provides a resolution of 0.1 percent FS. The isolated V1 and V2 voltages are monitored to an 8-bit accuracy, giving a resolution of 0.4 percent FS.

Twelve volt power for the new APW Electronic Solutions intelligent monitoring system can come directly from the + 12V line or generated via a step-up switching regulator from either the +3.3 V or the +5 V line. Automatic switching will maintain the monitor in operation in the event of power failure in any two power sources.

The alarms system for the new APW monitor provides for both an audio alarm of at least 83 dB per minute at 10 cm and an LED display for visual indication of the cause of the alarm and for rapid diagnosis of the fault.

SCADA - Data Acquistion

New Ultrasonic Level and Flow Monitor
This new SL T32 Level & Flow Monitor from Greyline Instruments features a non-contacting ultrasonic sensor and a built-in 3-key calibration system. The SL T32 can be used as a level transmitter for tank inventory applications with continuous display and control, or it can be used as an open channel flow monitor with display, totalization, control and analog output.

Standard features include a non-contacting PVC and Teflon sensor rated for ranges up to 32 feet (50 ft optional), NEMA4X electronics enclosure, two digital displays, isolated 4 to 20mA output, three control relays programmable for pump control, pump alternation, level alarms and/or flow proportionate pulse. The SL T32 is recommended for chemical tank inventory, pump control for sewage lift stations or sumps and open channel flow applications.

SCADA - Remote Terminal Units

Network 3000 SCADA Systems
Specializing in water/wastewater, oil & gas and industrial control applications, Bristol Babcock’s Network 3000 intelligent Remote Terminal Units (RTU's) and controllers provide a high performance SCADA system designed to meet the demanding requirements of the industrial control industry. Network 3000 combines the capabilities of the in-plant DCS network with the remote SCADA applications into an integrated system with common programming, communication and I/O components. These RTU's are available in a wide variety of mounting, CPU/memory, I/O and communication capabilities.

For most in-plant systems, ethernet with Internet protocol offers the most efficient communication media. For remote SCADA applications Network 3000 RTU's support up to ten RS 232/485 serial communication ports and are currently operating in systems with such wide-area media as dial-up, cellular, leased-line, microwave, radio (including spread spectrum), CDPD and V SAT. RS 485 optical isolation options and fiber optic modem capability minimize communication interruption due to electrical interference.

Several third party RTU communication protocols are standard as well as Bristol protocol and Modbus. Bristol's BSAP protocol offers the highest communication integrity, guaranteed message delivery and the fullest support of all RTU features including report by exception and remote dial-out. It can be used on one or more ports while other ports communicate simultaneously using other protocols.

All RTU's are industrialy rated with an extended temperature range of -40º to + 70°C. Specific pre-configured RTU's are available as pump station controllers, lift station controllers and simple SCADA RTU's. All Network 3000 intelligent RTU's provide local historical data storage and alarming with time stamp to ensure the integrity of all data in the event of a network communication failure. Historical data is stored in the controllers and collected as files, then automatically converted to ODBC or CSV file formats.

Site Management - Onsite Power

Coleman Backup Power Systems Designed for Communication Sites
Coleman Powermate is creating an array of backup power generation solutions for wireless (cellular and PCS), broadband (voice, video and data) and other onsite power applications.

As an alternative, the power equipment manufacturer is making its existing line of PowerStation emergency backup power systems available to telecommunication companies. The AC-powered, stand-alone gensets come in 8.5-, 10-, 15- and 25-kilowatt versions.

In addition, Coleman Powermate is developing a platform of DC backup power generation products specially designed for the telecommunications industry called TeleGen.
The new TeleGen power generation systems will feature patented permanent magnet alternator technology and will operate at variable speeds, depending on the electrical power needed. As a result, they will be quieter, smaller and more fuel efficient than traditional generators.

The new TeleGen line-up will include gaseous-fueled stand-alone and cabinet integrated gensets that automatically start when utility power fails or DC bus voltage falls below a certain point. The units will provide long-term, reliable power until electrical service is restored.

Coleman Powermate is also developing 2.5- and 5-kilowatt portable DC generators. During a power outage, service crews can use the portable generator to restore power for up to eight hours on a single tank of gasoline.

Site Management - Enclosures and Shelters

Liebert's Enclosure System is Flexible for Changing Business Needs
Liebert has introduced the Foundation, an integrated and adaptive enclosure with the flexibility to be scaled up in features and level of protection from a durable rack enclosure to a fully integrated "mini computer room" system.

The Foundation is built on a rugged and flexible frame design, which is used as a platform to create a broad range of network support solutions. The Foundation Enclosure is an adaptable solution that can be customized with adjustable mounting rails, multiple door options and cable access and management for organization and security. Further options create the Foundation Mini Computer Room for continuous systems availability with integrated computer-grade air conditioning, power protection, monitoring and security in a sealed enclosure. The Mini Computer Room, for critical network systems and components, provides a quick deployment computer room that can be relocated or expanded to fit changing requirements.

The Foundation is an adaptable solution, ideal for changing environments and parameters including industrial, network, data center and telecommunications facilities and applications. All upgrades are factory or field configurable for a reliable solution that is cost effective and easy to modify.

Site Management - Communications and Wireless Networking

OverAir Modem Uses Advanced OSP
The OverAir Solutions OS2400-232 spread spectrum radio modem from Locus uses advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to provide the ultimate in performance and reliability. The versatility of the DSP core and small form factor make the OS2400-232 well suited for wireless data communications.

The OS2400-232 operates in the license-free 2.4 GHz ISM band and can be used throughout the world with no site licenses or monthly leased line/wireless service fees. Designed to operate in high interference environments, the OS2400-232 combines advanced 2.4 GHz frequency hopping and digital signal processing technology with outstanding receiver sensitivity and antenna diversity resulting in exceptional noise and interference rejection.

Configure the OS2400-232 to operate in point-to-point, broadcast or point-to-multipoint modes. The RF output levels are user configurable and 32 data channels allow multiple networks to operate in the same area. With integrated Modbus RTU, the OS2400-232 directly supports users application's RS-232 data interfaces. A transparent communications mode is also available, as is custom protocol support.

Site Management - Site Equipment and Accessories

Automation-Ready Distribution Switches
AR overhead switches from Hubbell Power Systems offer loadbreak features for both manual operation and distribution automation. The AR's low-torque overtoggle linkage enables easy operation by standard down-the-pole controls, optional hook stick control or motor drive.

Any AR Switch is available from the factory as either standard with retrofit upgradablility or fully-automated, complete with line sensors, motor operator, RTU and communication package.

Site Management - Security and Access Control

Integrated Day Night Camera Pulls Pictures Out of the Dark
Extreme CCTV, a maker of night vision products, has released its EX26NX as a Remote Surveillance Integrated Day Night (IDN) Camera.

“An all-weather infrared surveillance camera that can pull a great picture out of the dark 75 feet away using only 7 Watts of power is significant for wherever there is limited power. Most cameras require a lot visible of lighting to achieve usable pictures at night, but the EX26NX gets the job done in the dark under its self-generated infrared illumination,” says Jack Gin, president of Extreme CCTV.

The EX26NX is an IDN camera with even illumination night performance to 75 feet. Requiring only 7 Watts, the EX26NX can be battery operated and connected to wireless transmitters to send its video information to more accessible locations.
“The EX26NX is the most versatile short range IDN camera in Extreme CCTV's extensive product line-up,” said Gin. “Its high signal pictures in the pitch black at 75 feet are very impressive considering its compact size at only 3.5 inches in diameter.”

Site Management - Grounding and Lightning Protection

Alltec Manufactures UL Listed Copper Grounding Bars
Alltec Corp. offers a full line of patterns and sizes of UL listed grounding bars. The company stocks material to manufacture any custom sizes or patterns in-house. The products can be purchased with or without various sizes of mounting hardware and insulators.

TerraBars can be supplied with ground leads exothermically welded to the bars. Alltec manufactures bars from 3/16 by 1 inch for Telco and data applications up to 1/4 inch by 6 inch custom manufactured to completely encompass the interior of an equipment room or building for a complete grounding halo system. All TerraBar products are manufactured from high quality 99.9 percent pure copper electrical bar stock.