Quantum Leap - September 2012

Antony Morris
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QTech <[email protected]>
Tuesday, 18 September 2012 9:26 a.m.
Antony Morris
Quantum Leap the QTech Newsletter - September 2012
Dear Antony
Welcome to the September edition of Quantum Leap, the quarterly QTech
Newsletter.
New Release
People Counter System - Wireless data logging
Perfect for public facility & event monitoring
The newly revised people counter system from QTech comprises a battery
powered data logger, wireless data receiver (with SD card) and analyser
software.
Please click here for more details. This system is widely used throughout NZ
and we have had a fantastic reception to this new version from all of these
users. Please contact us now to discuss.
Recent Releases
As a reminder, the following exciting updates and
releases have happened since the last newsletter:
DATRAN VI v6.68
Key features of this release includes:
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Full support for the XL4 RTU data logging improvements and automatic
detection for when existing RTUs are upgraded
Improved and easier detection of DATASHED/internet outages
Facility for Store & Forward options over cellular/Ethernet
Workbench v1.6
Workbench is the new intuitive USB configuration tool for the XL4 RTU, DNP3
RTU and QDR digital radios. v1.6 provides compatibility with the imminent
Multi Point Controller system.
SMS Controller - Update v1.1
The SMS Controller allows you to monitor and control virtually anything using
SMS/texts.
The new version now adds the ability to send pre-pay balances (so you never
run out!).
A Telecom XT compatible version is now also available.
Please click here to download Messenger, the configuration tool. This can be
used offline so you can explore solutions before purchasing.
Coming Soon...
Wireless Multi Point Controller
Extension of the popular, low cost WP2P
We are putting the finishing touches on the Multi Point Controller. This allows
up to 8 WP2P modules to communicate to a central hub. An innovative
programming matrix allows you to "patch" any input to any output(s) in the
system.
DATRAN Trending v5.03
A minor update to the current v5.02
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Key features of this release will include:
Reduction in the CPU usage for viewing trends
Improvement to the way "tool tips" are shown
Technical Tips
With each edition of the QTech newsletter, we aim to provide a few tips
or "how to" examples.
Please share with us any items that you would like covering.
For further technical support and publications please click here.
What lengths of aerial coax cable can I use?
As always, shorter cable runs are preferred. But what are the limitations and
recommendations?
Fundamentally each type of coax has a loss per metre, usually expressed in
"dB per 100m".
RG58
Maximum recommendation ~10m, preferred 6m (loss ~
37.7dB/100m)
RG58lowloss
Maximum recommendation ~15m (loss ~ 20.7dB/100m)
RG213
Maximum recommendation ~20m (loss ~14.8dB/100m)
LMR400
Maximum recommendation ~30m (loss ~8.9dB/100m)
Remember high school physics, a 3dB loss means 50% of the power is being
lost...never good for radio communications.
This also explains why we always ask you to confirm the length when you order
aerials.
XL4 Ethernet RTU and Routers
We have recently come across a telco supplied router that we were unable to
use with the Ethernet port of the new XL4 RTU. The root cause seemed to be
that the Thompson Technicolour TG582n didn't have the diagnostics or
configurability for an industrial application. We have had great success with
other standard ADSL routers including DLink brand, so when selecting a device,
please consider the following:
Must support NAT and port forwarding
More than 1 Ethernet port is desirable
Needs to be free-standing i.e. not require a USB connection to the host
PC
Needs to have a web-interface for configuration that can be passwordprotected and ideally accessed from the internet side of the firewall so
remote configuration can be performed
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DHCP would be handy but not absolutely necessary.
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Can I interface to an RTU using Modbus or DF1?
Yes both are available. DF1 remains a strong preference for a number of our
skilled integrators due to it's flexibility and their successful historic experience
with it. Modbus (either Master or Slave) is also completely viable and
increasing in popularity. However you must understand the definition
document particularly the address registers. The reason for stating this is that
Modbus projects can so very smoothly if this is known and understood in
advance.
Please refer to the FAQ section for the application notes, as these are our most
frequently requested application notes.
How do I learn more about QTech and the solutions
available?
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location.
The first step is to visit our website. Details of our products and solutions are
available there.
However, if you want to learn more detail, the support tab of the website takes
you to training material, application notes and in depth technical manuals.
We have also recently added a FAQ section to the support area for the most
frequent requests.
Please contact us directly if we can help in anyway.
What More Can We Do For You?
Please circulate this newsletter to anyone who may be interested.
Subscription is via our website and only takes a few moments to
complete.
Please click here to subscribe now
We value your feedback and look forward to all of your future
suggestions...
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