Industrial touch display.

The BASDISP-AND from Contemporary Controls, is a 10.1’’ Industrial Touch Display with Android operating system. It is designed to optimize display graphics by webpage from BASpi-Edge, BASview3 or any other HTML-based controller (for example Innotech Omni, Trend IQX, Cylon, Distech, Tridium, CentraLine, iSMA, DEOS, EasyIO).

It offers an option to install an application Kiosk Mode ('Kiosk Browser Lockdown' available in Google Play Store) which is a perfect solution to fine tune what display’s end-users will be able to do. The whole setup can be done with just a couple of taps.

The browser lockdown solution is perfect to enhance HMI security without worrying about users amending settings of devices. It offers flexibility in connectivity via a RJ-45 port for Ethernet cable and Wi-Fi module for wireless connection.

The Ethernet port further supports PoE+ making for a convenient option to power the display. The 10-point capacitive touchscreen with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 1280x800 resolution allows for displaying graphics accurate and precise. A robust aluminium enclosure ensures comfort of use and long service life. Various installation options are available: VESA compatibility and wall brackets (included) offer wall mounting of the display on any surface, snap-joint brackets (included) allow embedded mounting into the control cabinet.

---

@ccontrolsgmbh #PAuto #HMI

Android operated touch display .

BASDISP-AND is 10.1’’ Industrial Touch Display with Android operating system from Contemporary Controls. It is designed to optimizse display graphics by webpage from BASpi-Edge, BASview3 or any other HTML-based controller (for example Innotech Omni, Trend IQX, Cylon, Distech, Tridium, CentraLine, iSMA, DEOS, EasyIO). It offers an option to install an application Kiosk Mode (“Kiosk Browser Lockdown” available in Google “Play Store”) which is a perfect solution to fine tune what your display’s end-users will be able to do. The whole setup can be done with just a couple of taps.

The browser lockdown solution is perfect to enhance your HMI security without worrying about users amending settings of your devices. It offers flexibility in connectivity via a RJ-45 port for Ethernet cable and Wi-Fi module for wireless connection. The Ethernet port further supports PoE+ making for a convenient option to power the display.

The 10-point capacitive touchscreen with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 1280x800 resolution allows for displaying graphics accurate and precise. Robust aluminium enclosure ensure comfort of use and long service life.

Various installation options are available: VESA compatibility and wall brackets (included) offer wall mounting of the display on any surface, snap-joint brackets (included) allow embedded mounting into the control cabinet.

---

@ccontrolsgmbh #PAuto #HMI

Routing and network diagnosis.

The Portable BASrouter from Contemporary Controls, provides stand-alone routing and network diagnostics in an easy-to carry-compact case, making it ideal for commissioning and troubleshooting BACnet networks. Like all routers in our BASrouter series, this BACnet multi-network router delivers versatile routing between BACnet/IP, BACnet Ethernet (ISO 8802-3), and BACnet MS/TP, thereby allowing systems integrators to mix BACnet network technologies within a single BACnet internetwork. 

Field-proven circuit design and up-to-date ANSI/ASHRAE BACnet standard operation ensure reliability. Units are webpage-configurable and feature built-in BACnet diagnostics with graphical analytics that include an MS/TP status table, routing status table, network errors count, and traffic statistics.

The BACnet MS/TP Status webpage provides current MS/TP device status and network statistics, and the BACnet/IP Routing webpage reports routing status, allowing systems integrators to easily install robust BACnet networks with rapid troubleshooting capabilities.

"The Portable BASrouter is a favourite product with systems integrators because it's light-weight, easy to carry and easy to power," said Harpartap Parmar, Director of Product Management. "The diagnostics let integrators connect to a system quickly and identify which units are online and which are not. Traffic can be easily monitored, and MS/TP issues can be quickly diagnosed."

Powered by any 5 VDC source through its USB port, it can be connected to a laptop PC for fast and easy BACnet commissioning or quick network analysis. The USB port is only used for power and no special Windows driver is needed.

---

@ccontrolsgmbh #PAuto #Communications

Secure routers and gateways.

Contemporary Controls has expanded its line of BACnet routers and gateways to incorporate HTTPS to provide secure Internet communication and protect the integrity of client data. Their resident HTTPS web servers allow for commissioning, status reporting, and troubleshooting using any standard web browser.

With the integration of building management system (BMS) networks within an IT infrastructure, BMS devices must manage a lot more traffic. Each device uses a more powerful processor to accommodate this increased traffic volume. Both models have an opto-isolated EIA-485 port with switchable DIP switches for bias and termination.

The BASrouterSX is a high-performance BACnet router that provides stand-alone routing between BACnet networks such as BACnet/IP, BACnet Ethernet (ISO 8802-3), and BACnet MS/TP. This multi-network router features an MS/TP status webpage with a graphical network map that provides real-time status of all BACnet MS/TP devices on the network. It has advanced features, such as MS/TP slave proxy support with auto-discovery and diagnostic MS/TP frame capture for Wireshark® analysis.

The BASgatewaySX Modbus to BACnet Gateway provides gateway functionality between Modbus Serial (RTU or ASCII), Modbus TCP and BACnet/IP. The gateway supports up to 200 devices and 2000 mapped points and features virtual routing that allows each connected Modbus device to appear as an individual BACnet-compliant device. Using HTTPS webpages and a resident database of common Modbus device profiles, Modbus data points from Modbus Serial or Modbus TCP devices can be mapped to BACnet objects.

---

@ccontrolsgmbh #Pauto #BMS #Communications

Solvent waste.

EnOcean to BACnet Gateway is part of a solution, from Contemporary Controls,  that Argento Scientific used for biopharmaceutical companies that need to prevent solvent waste overflow. Solvent waste, such as methanol, acetonitrile, sodium hydroxide and other hazardous chemicals, requires safe and dependable waste management solutions. Spills present potential dangers to both health and environment. Overflows can result in fines from local environmental health authorities and clean-up is costly. Preventing solvent waste overflow is an important task for many scientific and industrial applications.

Solvent waste is collected in a solvent waste carboy. That carboy has a float switch to monitor the waste solvent level (see diagram below). Using the EnOcean to BACnet Gateway with EnOcean-based window sensors and the EnOcean-based LEDRU Zone Controller, Argento Scientific was able to create a solar-powered level detector that uses OSIsoft PI to send a wireless notification to a cell phone to alert users when waste solvent reaches a specified level.

"EnOcean devices are robust, low-power and solar-powered," said Adrian Argento, CEO of Argento Scientific. "Those benefits allowed us to avoid wires and batteries, which is an advantage in labs where wires can get in the way and outlets are at a premium."

Signals from the EnOcean window sensors indicating level measurements were made available via BACnet to the OSIsoft PI using the EnOcean to BACnet Gateway. The bidirectional EnOcean to BACnet Gateway allows users to discover and select EnOcean devices on their network. The gateway then creates new virtual BACnet devices for the BACnet network. These virtual devices have the appropriate BACnet objects.

The process begins by selecting the appropriate EnOcean Equipment Profile (EEP) for the EnOcean device. This provides the gateway enough information to know which BACnet objects to create for this virtual BACnet device and how to map the received EnOcean data to these objects. This virtual device will have the properties of the EnOcean device contained in its BACnet objects and will update this data whenever the EnOcean device transmits new data. As more EnOcean devices are added to the gateway, more virtual BACnet devices will be created. All of these BACnet devices exist on their own virtual network. This allows BACnet head-ends to easily discover these devices and receive the EnOcean data via BACnet. The EnOcean to BACnet Gateway meets the BACnet requirements for a BACnet gateway documented in the latest versions of the ASHRAE-135 BACnet standard and also acts as a BACnet router between BACnet/IP and its virtual network.

For multiple EnOcean devices of the same type, many BACnet head-ends provide the ability to copy/paste these virtual BACnet devices including their objects, schedules, trends, graphics, and alarms to simplify integration. All the configuration occurs via the built-in webpages of the gateway using a standard browser without the need of separate applications and hardware.

---

@ccontrolsgmbh #Pauto #Pharma

Industrial touch display.

BASDISP-AND is a 10.1’’ Industrial Touch Display with Android operating system from Contemporary Controls. It is designed to optimise display graphics by webpage from BASpi-Edge, BASview3 or any other HTML-based controller (for example Innotech Omni, Trend IQX, Cylon, Distech, Tridium, CentraLine, iSMA, DEOS, EasyIO).

This instrument offers an option to install an application Kiosk Mode (“Kiosk Browser Lockdown” available in Google “Play Store”) which is a perfect solution to fine tune what your display’s end-users will be able to do. The whole setup can be done with just a couple of taps.

The browser lockdown solution is perfect to enhance your HMI security without worrying about users amending settings of your devices. It offers flexibility in connectivity via a RJ-45 port for Ethernet cable and Wi-Fi module for wireless connection.

The Ethernet port further supports PoE+ making for a convenient option to power the display. The 10-point capacitive touchscreen with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 1280x800 resolution allows for displaying graphics accurate and precise.

Robust aluminium enclosure ensure comfort of use and long service life.

Various installation options are available: VESA compatibility and wall brackets (included) offer wall mounting of the display on any surface, snap-joint brackets (included) allow embedded mounting into the control cabinet.

Two power options are available:
• The power adapter offers a wide range of operating voltage 110V - 240V. The screen is available with an UK or EU power adapter
• PoE+ (Power over Ethernet Plus) module on board

---

@ccontrolsgmbh #Pauto

BAS control series.

Described as an indispensable solution for programming and maintaining a Niagara system, Niagara Workbench™ is seldom used with field controllers because the controllers do not incorporate Niagara.

Contemporary Controls' line of Sedona controllers—the BAScontrol series and the Micro PC Edge series—are both compatible with the N4 Sedona Driver to deliver a one-tool solution for your Niagara N4 (version 4.11 or later). The BAScontrol series of unitary controllers are ideal for general purpose applications, such as controlling fan coils, heat pumps, lead-lag pump sequences, and constant volume air-handlers and RTUs. The Micro PC Edge controllers utilize technology developed for two highly popular micro PC platforms but designed for commercial applications.

Each series feature BACnet as a communications protocol and Sedona as a license-free function block programming language.

With the N4 Sedona Driver installed on N4 Workstation or N4 JACE, Niagara4 can be used to communicate via Sedona (SOX) to Sedona devices to read/write their points. It can also be used to program the wiresheet on Sedona devices.

---

See also Programming and maintaining with field controllers. (17/4/24) 

 @ccontrolsgmbh #Pauto #TandM

Programming and maintaining with field controllers.

The BAScontrol and BASpi Open Control Series from Contemporary Controls, use BACnet/IP as an open communications protocol, Sedona function block programming, and the free BAScontrol Toolset for unrestricted use in program development and archiving.

 

Because of their rugged design and outdoor temperature operation, the BAScontrol series are ideal for unitary control of air-handlers (AHUs), fan coils (FCUs), and rooftop units (RTUs).

The BASpi-IO series of daughterboards for Raspberry Pi allow enthusiasts and professionals to create their own BACnet-networked, Sedona programmable controller.

The powerful BASpi-Edge series offer next generation controller features such as Azure IoT Central cloud connectivity, graphical dashboards, weather station, scheduling, email alarms/notifications, Wi-Fi connectivity, etc.

Both BAScontrol and BASpi-Edge series of controllers are freely-programmable or simply configured and ready to deploy out of the box by use of pre-programmed/canned applications for variety of applications provided as free downloads.

Contemporary Controls offers the N4 Sedona Driver for free use with their BACnet Open controllers to deliver a one-tool solution for your Niagara N4 (version 4.11 or later). The N4 Sedona Driver is licensed from Sedona community member, Ontrol, and is available for the Sedona controllers at no additional cost.

---

@ccontrolsgmbh #Pauto #TandM

Pre-built application supports.

Pre-built applications make it easy to utilize CC BACnet/IP and MS/TP Sedona Unitary controllers in constant volume air-handling, fan coil, and heat pump applications.

The Contemporary Controls' BASpi-Edge controller (with 6UI/4 relay/2 analogue out) can now, with the development a new pre-built application, FCU3, be made into a configurable controller for 2-pipe or 4-pipe fan coil applications. The BASPI-E6U4R2A is a hardened, cloud connected BACnet controller that is powered by Raspberry Pi, with enhanced features and data processing at the Edge.

Like our other pre-built apps, FCU3 is available as a free download from the website and comes with supporting documentation. Using the BAScontrol Toolset, a systems integrator can modify the sequence and the underlying control code to meet the needs of the application. Once developed and tested, a complete project backup can be made using BASbackup.

One of the most common HVAC applications is the fan coil. The FCU applications support a 20-point controller, a 22-point controller, and now the BASpi-Edge 12-point cloud connected controller. The supply fan can be single speed, multi-speed, or variable speed. Dependent upon the piping, the fan coil can be dedicated to either chilled water cooling or hot water heating, or simultaneous heating and cooling. There is a choice of modulating or staged heating/cooling up to two stages. An output exists for binary ventilation control.

Contemporary Controls also offers pre-built apps for constant volume air handlers and constant volume heat pumps.

Constant volume air handlers.
The constant volume CvRTU series of pre-built applications has been replaced with a new CvAHU series which includes three new macros—Staged Heat/Cool, Wall Setter, and Economizer. The targeted constant volume applications have not changed.

Constant volume heat pumps.
There are four possible applications. Three apps support the 22-point controllers, and the fourth supports a 20-point controller. All are intended for a single-speed supply fan. The exhaust port can be barometric, powered, or none at all. There is a single stage of DX heating or cooling. For colder climates, auxiliary heating can be produced with modulating or dual-staged heating. An output exists for binary ventilation control.

---

@ccontrolsgmbh #HVAC #Pauto 

Understanding concepts for network security.

In today's interconnected world, network security is of utmost importance. It is crucial to understand key concepts like IP firewall settings, port forwarding, network address translation (NAT), and gateway address settings to safeguard systems and data. In this article, we will delve into these topics and explore how they contribute to network security as well as tips for proper IP router operation.

An IP firewall acts as a barrier between your network and external networks, monitoring and filtering incoming and outgoing traffic. By defining rules and policies, it allows or denies access to specific IP addresses or ports. Firewall settings can be customized to suit individual security requirements and provide access to desired LAN-side devices, prevent unauthorized access, and minimize potential threats.

Port forwarding is a technique that enables remote devices to traverse the firewall and access specific services or applications hosted on a private network. By configuring port forwarding settings on a router or firewall, incoming requests to a specific port are directed to a particular device within the network. This feature is commonly used for accessing webpages and applications to configure and program remote jobsite devices. It is essential to ensure that port forwarding is implemented securely, as misconfigurations can expose vulnerable services to unauthorized access.

Network address translation (NAT) is a technology that allows changing or translating IP addresses between different subnets. Usually, a WAN-side or public IP is translated to a private network to allow access to all services of LAN-side device. This provides an added layer of security by hiding internal IP addresses from external networks, making it difficult for potential attackers to target individual devices directly. The WAN-side device can communicate to a LAN device behind the firewall without any special configuration as it uses the WAN-side IP address.

The gateway address is the IP address of the device that connects a local network to an external network, typically a router. Configuring IP address settings involves defining the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for devices within the network. This ensures proper communication between devices within the local network and establishes a secure connection with external networks. For the LAN-side devices, the gateway address should be the IP address of the LAN port of the IP router.

Understanding IP firewall settings, port forwarding, NAT, and gateway address settings is essential for maintaining a secure network environment. If the gateway address is missing or misconfigured, it will prevent internet access for the LAN-side devices. Additionally, any port forwarding and NAT settings will not work without the proper gateway address setting. Port forwarding and NAT settings provide a means to traverse the firewall – hence the firewall needs to be enabled to use these settings. If the firewall is disabled, then the router is just connecting two subnets together and the devices on either side can access each other directly using the actual IP address provided they have the correct gateway setting at both the source and destination device. 

Contemporary Controls' Skorpion Series of IP routers provide access to these features in an easy to configure webpage format. 

@ccontrolsgmbh #Pauto #CyberSecurity

Wired or wireless thermostats.

The BASstat BACnet-compliant¹ wired or wireless communicating thermostats provide turnkey integration into BACnet/IP (Wi-Fi) or BACnet MS/TP (EIA-485) networks.

The BASstat has four configurable temperature setpoints: Occupied Heat, Occupied Cool, Unoccupied Heat, and Unoccupied Cool. Only the currently active setpoint is displayed on the BASstat LCD panel during normal operation. This active setpoint can be adjusted directly by pressing the UP/DOWN buttons on the control panel.

However, the inactive Occupied Heat or Occupied Cool setpoint cannot be adjusted from the BASstat control panel. The inactive Occupied mode must be activated using the MODE button, then it can be adjusted using the UP/DOWN buttons on the control panel. For example, if the BASstat is in Occupied Heating mode, the Occupied Heating temperature setpoint can be adjusted on the control panel; but the Occupied Cooling mode cannot be viewed or set until the BASstat operating MODE is changed over to Occupied Cooling.

The Unoccupied Cooling setpoint (ESIC) and Unoccupied Heating setpoint (ESIH) can be read and adjusted at the control panel via the Engineering Menu at any time. All setpoints can also be set directly from the BACnet supervisor controller or from the BACnet Discovery Tool (BDT) to the BASstat at any time it is reachable on the network, irrespective of the operating mode.

The BASstat's internal temperature measuring thermistor maintains an accuracy of +/- 1.8°F (+/- 1.0°C). If any temperature offset adjustments are necessary, it is best practice to wait at least 30 minutes after powering up the BASstat before making any adjustments from either BACnet point AV15 or the OFSt command from the Engineering Menu.

In order for the BASstat to accept remote BACnet temperature and setpoint data input from a Building Management System (BMS), the BASstat must receive a timed pulse (heartbeat) from the BMS supervisor "head-end" during an established time interval. This minimum interval (Heartbeat Rate) is set at BACnet point AV29. This pulse (a data "1") needs to be received at BACnet point BV16 during this interval for the BASstat to maintain communication of the head-end's control output data (occupancy, setpoints, temperature data, etc.) If a new heartbeat pulse is not received before the last one times out, the BASstat will assume that the head-end supervisor is offline and use only locally measured data. This AV29 interval can be set to any rate between 10 to 3600 seconds (default setting is 10s). It is best practice to have the head-end send out this pulse to BV16 at a rate 2x-3x the AV29 interval. For example, if the AV29 interval is set to 240 seconds, it would be a good idea to send out the BV16 pulse between 90-120 seconds. This can compensate for possible delayed or missed network communication. This is especially important when working with BACnet/IP over Wi-Fi.

---

¹ About BACnet (Building Automation and Control Network).

#Contemporary Controls  #BAC #HVAC

Field Device Connectivity.

The BASpi-Edge, from Contemporary Controls, is a 12-point freely programmable BACnet IP client/server with a resident connector to the Azure IoT Central cloud. Built on the popular Raspberry Pi, the BASpi-Edge has features not found in conventional controllers such as an HDMI port for remote displays, a USB port for a touch screen, Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. Other built-in features include email alarms, a scheduler, weather monitoring, and easy to build graphical dashboards. The BASpi-Edge is an extremely flexible small system supervisor, human to machine interface, or cloud-connected application specific controller.

"Our customers often complained about how stressful it was to connect edge devices on the network securely," said Zach Netsov, Product Specialist. "We designed the BASpi Edge because we wanted to make the process easier without jeopardizing security."

It utilizes the powerful 1.2 GHz 64-bit CPU in the Raspberry Pi with 1 GB of RAM memory for lightning fast operation, its Ethernet and Wi-Fi adapters for versatile network connectivity, as well as its HDMI port as an HMI interface for touchscreen or display options.

The field proven, resilient I/O and power circuit board installed on top hardens the Raspberry Pi and allows it to safely interface with standard building automation input/output control signals and industry standard power supplies. A resilient 8 GB pSLC micro SD card ensures reliable operation and sufficient storage space. It operates using 24 VAC/VDC power input and is housed in a compact DIN rail mounted enclosure.

Two models are available in the series housed in compact DIN rail mounted enclosure and powered from a 24 VAC/VDC source. While both models have six universal inputs, one model has six relay outputs, and the other four plus two 0-10 VDC analog outputs. An USB port with an optional EIA-485 dongle connects to BACnet MS/TP devices.

The BASpi-Edge is webpage configured and Sedona function block programmed using a free Sedona application editor. A total of 48 virtual points connects BACnet points to wire sheet logic while 48 web components connect wire sheet logic to webpages.

The unit can easily and securely (TLS) connect via MQTT to the Azure IoT Central (SaaS) cloud effectively making any attached equipment a cloud connected asset. Trending can then be accomplished in the cloud. Cloud connectivity provides global asset management and centralized supervision capabilities for multi-site applications. The user can upload any point data to the cloud where it can be analyzed and accessed from anywhere.

#ccontrols #PAuto

Monitoring facility remotely.

As the need for social distancing becomes increasingly necessary during the COVID-19 outbreak, the benefits of being able to monitor and control building automation systems remotely becomes apparent. 

The RemoteVPN is a service offered by Contemporary Controls that allows systems integrators remote access to systems from the convenience of the systems integrator's home or office. A cloud-based VPN server hosted by Contemporary Controls provides the critical connection between two VPN clients-one installed on the systems integrator's PC and the other permanently installed on Contemporary Controls' VPN router located at the remote location. 

Using this approach, two secure VPN tunnels are created with no concern for intervening firewalls. RemoteVPN is based on OpenVPN®, a well supported open-source VPN technology. In addition to OpenVPN PC clients for Windows machines, OpenVPN clients are available for iOS and Android mobile devices for greater flexibility in accessing sites remotely. 

The company is also expanding their VPN solutions by introducing the Self-HostedVPN along with the current RemoteVPN service. With Self-HostedVPN, an EIGR-V gigabit IP router acts as the VPN server and can support their wired and cellular routers as VPN clients. This self-hosted solution lets the user set up and maintain their own remote access solution without any subscription fee and without any cloud-based VPN server.

The EIGR-V (and EIGR-VX with operating temperature −40°C to +75°C) router has an OpenVPN server that can be easily configured with the built-in webpage interface. The certificates and keys for VPN clients are also easily generated via the webpage without the user having to learn the complexities of setting up a VPN. Up to 15 IP routers and 15 PC/Tablets can be supported with this solution allowing access to 15 remote sites via cellular (EIGR-C2) or wired VPN router (EIGR-V, EIGR-VX). The webpage also Allows control access permissions for the PC/tablet/phone clients to the remote sites. OpenVPN clients are freely available for Windows, Linux, iOS and Android devices.

These VPN solutions provide secure remote access to any IP device by just using the VPN IP address for a device — without the need to setup NAT or port forwarding rules for individual devices. There is also no need for static or public IP addresses for VPN client devices, only internet access needs to be provided. For Self-HostedVPN, clients are responsible to provide a public IP address for only the EIGR-V router running as the OpenVPN server so that the VPN clients can access it. This can easily be put this behind an existing infrastructure router and use port forwarding from the infrastructure/internet router to the EIGR-V OpenVPN server. With RemoteVPN, this requirement of setting up the EIGR-V OpenVPN server with Static Public IP goes away. Both Self-HostedVPN and RemoteVPN solutions work for older IP devices where it is not possible to configure an IP gateway address on the device.

@ccontrolsgmbh #Pauto #Communications 

Predictive maintenance in pumps.

Omni recently installed a pair of pumps and wanted to monitor vibration as an indicator of their operating condition. The goal was to integrate the measured signal into the existing BMS system to provide predictive maintenance reporting to the service team in order to avoid unplanned downtime.

While choosing a sensor, it was determined that a combined vibration/temperature sensor could be obtained at a small additional charge to add temperature monitoring as well. The logical location for the sensor was at the most likely point of failure, the drive motor end bearing. Fitting the sensor was straightforward. The problem then became how to integrate the collected data into the BMS.

Contemporary Controls was approached with the problem and suggested a solution utilizing the BAScontrol22 unitary controller which supports BACnet/IP and Sedona using a 2-port Ethernet switch connection. The controller complies with the B-ASC device profile having a convenient mix of 8 universal inputs, 4 binary inputs, 4 analog outputs and 6 relay outputs. Unique to the unit are 48 web components which link Sedona wire sheet readable/writeable data to web pages, and 24 virtual points which link Sedona wire sheet readable/writeable data to a BACnet client.

The sensor’s 0 to 10VDC temperature and 4 to 20 milliamp vibration outputs were easily input into the BAScontrol. The free Sedona drag-and-drop programming methodology of assembling components onto a wire sheet was then used to create the application.

Utilizing the BAScontrol22’s BACnet/IP interface, the data was then available to the BMS. By operating at the BACnet/IP level, the BAScontrol22 can share the same Ethernet network with supervisory controllers and operator workstations. The unit can be configured for a fixed IP address or can operate as a DHCP client receiving its IP address from a DHCP server. A real-time clock with a supercap backup allows for creating local schedules.

The customer then created graphics and alarms. Manufacturers data confirmed that the bearings should be serviced at 40°C., so an email alarm was set to alert the maintenance team if this value was reached. The vibration data was more about degradation of the data trends, so again an alarm was set slightly above the average value. A second alarm at a higher value was set for both the above to allow the operators to monitor a value that had gone over the first limit as well as a backup alarm for a critical failure.

Predictive maintenance techniques are designed to help determine the condition of in-service equipment in order to estimate when maintenance should be performed. This approach promises cost savings over routine or time-based preventive maintenance and avoids a “run to failure” approach by being more proactive.

#CControls #PAuto 

Communicating in historic buildings.

In modern buildings, communication pathways and utility spaces are routinely provided. Historic structures, on the other hand, were not designed for routing cables or many other utilities (such as plumbing) that are standard today. The craftsmanship and solid construction of these buildings is important and appreciated, thus there is a desire to retain these architectural details and finishes while installing or modernizing a Building Management System (BMS) to comply with today's comfort, energy, and performance needs.

The challenge is how to install a modern BMS, such as BACnet, in an older structure with minimal impact. Fortunately, many older buildings have antiquated BMS systems in-place, using twisted-pair wiring. These wires are still serviceable.

It is possible to upgrade these buildings to a modern BACnet BMS using BACnet I/O modules and a Contemporary Controls BTL Listed BASrouter. This BACnet multi-network router provides versatile stand-alone routing between BACnet/IP, BACnet Ethernet, and BACnet MS/TP networks. The existing twisted-pair wires become a BACnet MS/TP network, with all the commissioning and troubleshooting features of BACnet. Multiple BASrouters allow you to consolidate discrete regions (such as floors or utility spaces) into a structure-wide system by installing a single CAT5 cable that links these areas together as a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network. A wireless network solution is available as well, and we will discuss this in a future newsletter article.

The BASrouter provides troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities. The BACnet MS/TP "Status" webpage contains a graphical table of all the MS/TP devices on the network and their status. Also provided are network statistics. In addition, a BACnet/IP "Routing" webpage with a discoverable routing table is useful when setting up or troubleshooting the BACnet network.

Another alternative, if Modbus I/O devices were used, is to utilize the Contemporary Controls BASgatewayLX to retain and allow these EIA-485 Modbus serial (RTU or ASCII) devices to appear as individual BACnet compliant devices that can be accessed and integrated into a modern BACnet Ethernet network. Contemporary Controls maintains a free library of pre-built Modbus profiles and will create new device profiles free-of-charge to make it very easy to integrate any Modbus device to BACnet. Multiple BASgatewayLX modules communicating over a single CAT5 cable (or wirelessly) can create a structure-wide high-speed BACnet Ethernet system from what was once a collection of discrete regions.

#BMS @ContempControls

Multi-network routing.

The Portable BASrouter, from Contemporary Controls, is a compact BACnet multi-network router which provides versatile stand-alone routing between BACnet/IP, BACnet Ethernet (ISO 8802-3), and BACnet MS/TP networks.

This portable BACnet router is easy to carry, web page configurable and it is powered by any 5 VDC source through it's USB connection, such as the USB port of your laptop computer. It is a great commissioning and/or troubleshooting device with BACnet diagnostic capabilities. BACnet MS/TP "Status" webpage with graphical table of present MS/TP device status and network statistics, in addition to a BACnet/IP "Routing" webpage with a discoverable routing table become useful when setting up or troubleshooting a BACnet network.

The unit is housed in a compact plastic case that is powered from a USB port on a PC or laptop computer. The Portable BASrouter is equipped with one optically-isolated EIA-485 port used for BACnet MS/TP, an alternative RJ-11 MS/TP port, and one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Auto-Negotiation and Auto-MDIX port for BACnet IP, BACnet Ethernet, and web page configuration.

The MS/TP port offers an optically-isolated transceiver. It has a removable 3-pin terminal block for the EIA-485 connection or an alternative RJ-11 can be used for MS/TP connection. The Ethernet port offers a shielded RJ-45 connector. Auto-negotiation and Auto-MDIX allow this port to automatically match connections to the attached equipment. Therefore, either straight-through or crossover CAT5/6 cable can be used for hook-up. A resident web server allows for commissioning, and troubleshooting using a standard web browser. A reset switch is provided on the router to return the unit to the factory default IP address of 192.168.92.68 (/24).

Three LEDs are provided: The power LED glows green when proper power is provided. A bicolour Ethernet LED glows green for 100 Mbps, and yellow for 10 Mbps, and indicates activity by flashing. MS/TP LED flashes green when valid MS/TP traffic is received. When flashing continuously and without long interruptions, the MS/TP receive LED is a good indicator that the MS/TP network is operational.

#BAS @ContempControls

Gigabit IP router.

The EIGR series from Contemporary Controls, consists of high-speed routers that link two 10/100/1000 Mbps Internet Protocol (IPv4) networks — passing appropriate traffic while blocking all other traffic. One network is the local-area-network (LAN); the other is the wide-area-network (WAN).

The built-in stateful firewall passes communication initiated on the LAN-side while blocking WAN-side initiated communication. With Port Address Translation (PAT), LAN-side clients can access the Internet. Network Address Translation (NAT) allows a one-to-one translation between LAN-side and WAN-side devices. With Port Forwarding, LANside devices can be accessed from the Internet.

The EIGR-E incorporates a four-port Ethernet switch for multiple LAN-side connections. An external Ethernet-based modem — cable or DSL — can be used to connect to the Internet. DSL modems connect via the PPPoE protocol. The EIGR-E operates over 0 to 60°C temperature range and the EIGR-EX operates over −40 to +75°C temperature range.

The EIGR-V incorporates a four-port Ethernet switch for multiple LAN-side connections. An external Ethernet-based modem — cable or DSL — can be used to connect to the Internet. DSL modems connect via the PPPoE protocol. The EIGR-V series includes real-time clock and OpenVPN client/server functionality. As a VPN Server, up to 15 router clients and 15 PC clients can be supported. The EIGR-V operates over 0 to 60°C temperature range and the EIGR-VX operates over −40 to +75°C range.

#Communications @ContempControls

Communications groups has new member

Contemporary Controls develops products such as the BAS Remote that allow users to integrate Modbus devices into BACnet networks. Modbus remains a popular protocol for Contemporary Controls customers.

To support the continued use and application of Modbus, Contemporary Controls has joined the Modbus Organization, the nonprofit trade group.

Modbus was introduced in 1979 by Modicon (now part of Schneider Electric), the leader in the infant programmable logic controller (PLC) market. It was intended as the internal point-to-point communications protocol between Modicon PLCs and programming panels used to program the controllers.

“The Modbus protocol continues to thrive because it is easy to understand and many engineers have cut their protocol teeth on Modbus,” said George Thomas, President of Contemporary Controls. “Products like the BAS Remote make Modbus to BACnet integration easy.”

The Modbus Organization is group of independent users and suppliers of automation devices interested in promoting the Modbus communication protocol suite. The organization provides the infrastructure to obtain and share information about Modbus protocols, application and certification.

In today’s industry, there are two implementations of Modbus. The traditional implementation of Modbus over a serial line is called Modbus Serial. The more modern implementation of Modbus operating over a TCP/IP network is called Modbus TCP.  Both implementations remain popular.   Using the BAS Remote allows users to keep their existing Modbus devices and integrate them with larger BACnet networks.