Remote Monitoring and Process Control Computer

Features and Capabilities

The Outpost is a flexible monitoring and control system that can quickly be adapted to observe, report on, react to, and control a wide variety of common electrical signals. Operating either as a standalone device or in a polled environment, the Outpost can form the basis of remote control applications ranging from simple security/alarm systems to fluid-level control systems.

The Outpost has 8 dry closure "switch" inputs, 8 analog 4-20mA signal inputs, and 8 Form C relay outputs. Integrated power conditioning assures cool, reliable operation from a wide range of DC voltages. The Outpost is equipped with an integrated 2400-baud modem. This allows for remote monitoring and parameter setting of the Outpost providing control of the system governed by the Outpost. The Outpost also includes an integrated clock/calendar for historical recording of user-defined 'events', which retains information even during a loss of power.

Definition of events and parameters does not require users to have programming knowledge, just a slight familiarity with electrical switching. The unit can be accessed with any Windows-based PC with modem or other ANSI-compatible terminal program. Outputs can be toggled on or off and the state of switches and transducers can be visually monitored. Critical functions are password-protected against hackers and random keystrokes.

Advantages

The Outpost's flexibility and ease of implementation make it an ideal OEM accessory for any manufacturer wishing to add intelligence or remote monitoring and control to its existing products.

Advantages to Manufacturer:

• Ease of implementation. Field-proven and pre-engineered for application flexibility.
• Provides competitive advantage and product differentiation for a wide range of products.
• Small size, approximately 1/8th the volume of a PC-based approach.
• Potential margin improvement. Profit may be increased by offering customers the following:

 Advantages to customers

• Cost savings. Monitoring and reporting of machine efficiency, maintenance needs, or breakdown can yield fast payback of incremental cost of Outpost.
• Safety. Allows protection of valuable payloads with notification by pager of machine deterioration or breakdown. Access control and reporting ability for use in sensitive or restricted areas.
• Convenience. Simple PC interface is used to set system parameters and controls. The Outpost allows convenient access to otherwise isolated or distant locations. Internal modem allows contact from or control of the Outpost from any telephone.
• Record keeping. Any defined condition may be stored, with date/time stamp, for later analysis.

Applications

The Outpost was originally developed for the monitoring of backup power generators used in hospitals, telephone switching centers, and retail establishments. It is also currently meeting needs in the monitoring of home security, machine health, and power utility 'peak-shaving' applications.

Other industrial applications have been identified and are currently under development, including:

• Monitoring factory machines for fault conditions and breakdowns, including notification of need for preventative maintenance.
• Observing, recording, and reporting on entry/exit patterns in controlled-access areas.
• Monitoring climate-control equipment and facilities for temperature deviation.
• Remote monitoring of environmental parameters, such as water oxygen levels, flooding, overheating, and excessive humidity.
• Scheduled remote stop and start of processes.

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