Higher accuracy for wireless data logger

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 26, 2002

With the introduction of the 16bit SL400-16 radio link data collector, Signatrol believes it now offers the most accurate wireless data logger available today.

With the introduction of the 16bit SL400-16 radio link data collector, Signatrol believes it now offers the most accurate wireless data logger available today.

The standard SL400 is already well established in a wide range of applications in cold stores, supermarkets, warehouses, laboratories, computer buildings, museums, stately homes and art galleries.

This system allows the user to measure, display and record real time temperature and humidity data.

In addition to measuring temperature and humidity, the SL400 can also be configured to measure light level and UV content, vital parameters in buildings where delicate artefacts are stored or displayed.

The introduction of the 16bit version opens up a number of process applications where the high accuracy brings significant benefits.

In addition to monitoring temperature and humidity, the unit can be set up to measure almost any physical parameter as long as a suitable transducer is available which provides a milliamp or low-level DC signal.

As a result SL400 transmitters can be positioned in strategic locations in industrial plants to measure pressure, level, flow or load, transmitting back the data to the central location, using additional repeater stations if required.

The wireless technology means that the SL400 system offers significant savings in terms of wiring and installation costs, whilst providing the ultimate in flexibility.

Systems can be installed quickly and without any disruption to existing structures or buildings.

A typical system consists of a receiving basestation, permanently connected to a PC, and up to 256 remote monitoring stations.

Each station transmits data to the base unit and can have up to four sensor inputs, giving a total capability of 1024 channels per installation.

The frequency of data transmission can be set from 15s up to 90min.

The SL400 uses the latest pan-European licence-free 434MHz radio transmission frequency in line with the new style directive 99/5/EC which becomes mandatory in December 2002.

Each remote transmitter has a built-in long life battery providing up to five years life at a sampling rate of 20min and can be mounted up to 300m away from the basestation, extending to 1000m with a direct line of sight.

An optimal liquid crystal display is also available to provide local indication.

The Windows based software can be configured to provide the operator with measured values in a variety of standard formats -from simple bargraphs to multiline traces, and graphics can be added which show the location of the remote transmitters.

Live data alarms can be set and using the North Communications Compass system, the data can be input into a compatible BMS or programmable controller.

An optional network adaptor allows the SL400 to be connected remotely on an existing Ethernet network providing access from anywhere on the local area network.

The base station uses the PC's hard disk to store readings.

However, if the computer is turned off, the basestation will store readings in its own internal memory for up to a week and then download them automatically when the PC is turned on again.

Signatrol offer full support on installing and setting up the SL400 as well as advice on how to get the best out of the system.