Product category:
Plantwide control
News Release from: Controlstar Systems | Subject: Controlstar
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 13 December 2002
Low-cost alternative to conventional
Scada
A novel integrated control and monitoring system offers a versatile, low-cost alternative to conventional Scada systems.
Controlstar Systems has launched an integrated control and monitoring system that offers a versatile, low-cost alternative to conventional Scada systems Known as Controlstar, the system provides complete Scada, PLC and networking functionality without the high costs associated with Scada software licences and system integration services - costs that are often prohibitive for small-scale applications
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 7 Jul 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Controlstar is not a single device but a range of integrated hardware and software products that collectively provide a comprehensive control and monitoring system.
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The Controlstar now supports two options for enterprise integration: the MQ Scada protocol for data directly from the unit; and Cloudscape for connectivity at the Scada level.
The system's facilities include control, data logging and trend analysis, alarm handling, still-frame video for site surveillance or process monitoring, reporting and remote diagnostics.
Suitable for use at either remote or local sites, Controlstar offers dial-up access via land line or GSM, event-triggered dial out, and direct connection via an RS232 interface or Ethernet PCM/CIA card.
The system can also be configured as an Internet server, providing worldwide access for the cost of a local call.
Further reading
Controller has flexible communications
The Micro Controlstar is a low powered unit that operates continuously using a combination of an internal battery and a small solar cell, logging and reporting by GSM/GPRS or PSTN.
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The Controlstar hardware is a rugged unit designed for bulkhead or DIN rail mounting.
Measuring just 238 x 147 x 91mm, it houses the system's processor, power supply and communication ports, together with a dual-port CANopen Fieldbus interface for communicating with local I/O modules.
Each system is supplied with user-friendly configuration software known as Fusion.
Running under Windows 2000 or NT, the software enables the user to create control drawings, configure the Fieldbus connections and Controlstar networking, and to develop the Scada mimics, alarms and reports.
This powerful, intuitive software can be picked up quickly and easily by any engineer with a reasonable level of computer skills, allowing them to develop a complete application without the need for system integration services.
In a radical departure for this market, Controlstar Systems permits the user to make additional copies of the software without incurring multiple licence fees, which means that data can be shared around an organisation at no extra cost.
The remote Controlstar unit retains a log of all activity for a period of 8 days, and each time users access the system, their records are automatically updated.
The unit incorporates, as standard, a high-efficiency charger for either an internal NiMH battery or an external sealed lead acid battery, and it can also be powered by a 30W solar panel.
While Controlstar provides a particularly attractive solution for small-scale applications, the system is also fully scalable for larger projects where multiple units can be linked together via local or wide area networks.
(This was Engineeringtalk's Top Story on 12 December 2002).
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