IoT/M2M for systems integrators.

LPRS CS have identified systems integrators and service providers as having the greatest opportunity of all company types to deploy, use and generate revenue from IoT/M2M applications. They are the feet-on-the-street with first-hand knowledge of the end use requirements, applications and end users and can therefore leverage this technology to the benefit of all.

Whether they deploy wireless sensors to monitor critical assets that would have previously not been monitored at all or enable end users to gain higher efficiencies by utilising their workforce to attend to priority tasks rather than mundane and often-not-needed routine tasks, the opportunities to add value, differentiate and ultimately add to their bottom line through more sales and/or less cost, is infinite.

Of course there are challenges to overcome for any potential user of this technology.

• What wireless technology should I use and how can it help me?
• What type of expertise do I need in house to design and develop such a solution?
• What back office system should I use?
• How much will it all cost and how long will it take?
• What is my Return on Investment (ROI) likely to be?

“We are asked these questions over and over again and so decided to provide a flexible end-to-end solution which can be rolled out quickly and without having to find individual partners for sensors, secure cloud services and control and monitoring software,” comments Nick Pummel, Managing Director of LPRS CS. “This is exactly the same process which led us nearly twenty years ago to create our easyRadio range of out-of-the-box wireless transceivers which still lead the market with easy to use wireless connectivity”

With the bewildering array of products and services being offered from a stand-alone wireless sensor to cloud connected platforms the complexity of assembling a complete system can be daunting. LPRS Connected Solutions (LPRS CS) can now offer a complete package.

Pummel continues, “We believe that IoT should be easy and joined-up and our consultative approach allows customers to prove system concept, refine system elements and deploy without a long design cycle or large initial investment for design and development of hardware and back office systems.”

LPRS CS offers customers a white label (brand-able) one-stop-shop, providing wireless sensor hardware, connectivity and web-based back office, as one simple cost. Their cloud based solution is infinitely scalable and quick to deploy with no long periods between proof of concept and final roll out.

This gives systems integrators and service providers a great opportunity to move into using IoT technology without having to have the in house knowledge of electronics, wireless, cloud computing and more, ultimately meaning more profit for the customer.

The LPRS CS proprietary cloud platform provides secure web-browser access, infinite hierarchal login’s for flexible customer use, an easy-to-use reporting system, a user configurable alerting engine and is secure and scalable.

Typical applications include medical refrigeration monitoring, room temperature monitoring, museum and leisure temperature monitoring, facilities management (monitoring for Legionella and other potential hazards) and in home telehealth.

@LPRS_Ltd #PAuto #Wireless

Web based real time temperature monitoring.

A new company, LPRS Connected Solutions Ltd (LPRS CS) has been set up to provide systems integrators with Cloud based end-to-end M2M and IoT monitoring solutions.

“LPRS developed their market leading easyRadio modules to overcome the problems our customers found with developing wireless communication systems and the software to control them.” comments Nick Pummell, Managing Director of LPRS “The same is now true of customers looking to deploy IoT solutions and attempting to assemble various elements including cloud back office, sensor hardware and communications infrastructure from a number of disparate sources, and combine them into one overall system for an effective, reliable, control and monitoring solution”

LPRS CS builds on over 25 years of experience in the M2M wireless control market and offers systems integrators complete end-to-end solution including wireless sensors, wireless gateways and a cloud platform with secure web-browser access.

The LPRS CS’s new long range wireless temperature monitoring solution has been developed for industrial temperature sensing applications. Using the latest wireless technology and cloud back-office infrastructure, the system is designed to operate as a standalone wireless network completely independent of a location’s own IT infrastructure.

The system comprises, LPRS CS’s low power wireless temperature sensor devices, coupled to their own cloud based service, robust and scalable management and a web based control platform for managing wireless devices.

“Using our new IoT system allows customers to automate existing manual processes and gather a high level of accurate and detailed information from installed systems or new services,” adds Pummell.

The system is designed with ODM’s and end users in mind, offering a fully customizable white label solution for industry expert companies to take to market. By using this innovative technology, companies can change business outcomes and behaviours, add new revenue streams, disrupt existing markets and drive customer loyalty

The hardware is battery powered and provides long range wireless communication for campus coverage with a 3 to 5 year operational life before requiring battery replacement. It has an IP67 waterproof housing, is IT network independent; no Wi-Fi or Ethernet required, provides a temperature reading every 10 minutes and has an operating temperature range from -20 + 60°C

The LPRS CS proprietary cloud platform provides secure web-browser access, infinite hierarchal login’s for flexible customer use, an easy-to-use reporting system, a user configurable alerting engine and is secure and scalable.

Typical applications include medical refrigeration monitoring, room temperature monitoring, museum and leisure temperature monitoring, facilities management (monitoring for Legionella and other potential hazards) and in home telehealth.

@LPRS_Ltd #Wireless #IoT

Bub-1GHz wireless leader has new MD.

Low Power Radio Solutions (LPRS) has announced the appointment of Nick Pummell as Managing Director.

Nick Pummell

Pummell joins from Alpha Micro Components, a successful independent franchised distributor of components for Telematics and Machine-to-Machine (M2M). He brings over 12 years’ experience in strategic business development and partner acquisition, and will play a key role as LPRS strengthens its focus on expanding its product portfolio.

As MD, Pummell will take charge of the overall business and commercial offerings, and as well as expanding the product portfolio, will also drive market penetration.

Nick has many years' experience of introducing wireless network integration to OEMs, design houses and engineers, and has particular interests in Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications.

He comments, “I am really excited to join the LPRS team and continue to build on its success to date”.

Former MD Barry Gillibrand will be stepping aside as Pummell takes over all operations. Gillibrand comments, “This is an exciting time for LPRS. Gaining worldwide radio approvals (FCC for U.S.A, I.C. for Canada and E.T.S.I for Europe) on our latest modules, the easyRadio Integrated Controller (eRIC) transceiver and the easyRadio Advanced (eRA) transceiver, is key for us in our strategy to develop our presence in international markets. LPRS have established a reputation for providing reliable solutions with a trusted service throughout our 25 years of supplying to the wireless market and I am delighted that Nick Pummell will be leading the future direction with his wealth of experience in the market.”

Long-range IoT connectivity products.

Low Power Radio Solutions (LPRS), worldwide radio specialists supplying robust wireless solutions where reliability is paramount, has been appointed by Link Labs to sell its market leading LoRa™ range of wireless modules and gateways. 

Link Labs has developed novel methods for communicating with multiple wir­­­eless devices at long range, and with low power consumption using the LoRa™networking protocol LoRaWAN. This technology offers the ability to connect hundreds or even thousands of sensors and actuators over a wide area to a single gateway, thus providing a complete solution for end users to get their IoT (Internet of Things) products to market quickly.

System builders can simply and quickly bring long-range wireless communications to their own devices and efficiently cover suburbs, cities and geographical regions using a range of base stations and repeater technologies.

In addition, Link Labs’ proprietary Symphony Link protocol provides ancillary features that include over air upgrades, Quality of Service, multicasting and other features not currently available within LoRaWAN.

“LPRS have almost 30 years’ experience of delivering wireless communication solutions to our customers.” states Nick Pummell, Managing Director of LPRS. “Link Labs’ commitment to the new long range LoRa™ based hardware and software solutions will allow us to deliver complete end-to-end solutions to our customers for their long range IoT applications.”

“We are excited to announce that our first major distribution agreement in Europe is with LPRS.  They have the deep wireless systems knowledge and integration capabilities as well as world class service capabilities that our customers in Europe need”, said VP of Business Development and Marketing, Bryan M. Eagle III.

The comprehensive range of products offers a complete scope of high and low power RF transceiver modules, repeaters and indoor/ outdoor 8/24/64 channel gateways and base stations. The devices are capable of licensed or unlicensed deployment from 137 MHz -1020MHz with FCC certification for operation in the 915 MHz ISM band and ETSI certification for use in the 868 MHz band.

Geek at heart joins wireless device leader!

LPRS (Low Power Radio Solutions), has appointed Andy Cross as their new Business Manager.

Andy Cross

Andy joins LPRS having come from a background in banking and 14 years of working in the housing industry. He brings with him experience in a range of areas including team leadership and procurement. His greatest skill is his ability to build relationships with customers and clients and use any feedback to improve the service the business provides.

Andy comments, “I am looking forward to establishing myself in this new role and will ensure that we continue to provide the same great customer service that our friends and customers expect when dealing with LPRS. I already feel like part of the furniture after only three weeks and the team here, or should I say family, have made me feel extremely welcome.”

Whilst his previous roles have been in non-technical sectors, Andy is in fact a ‘geek’ at heart and used to dream of building his own robot to compete on Robot Wars.

Real-time railway bearing monitoring by wireless!

LPRS, recently nominated as one of Europe’s top five wireless system design houses and manufacturer of short-range radio devices, is supplying their market leading easyRadio Advanced (eRA) wireless modules to Perpetuum Ltd for a sensor system which enables users to predict failure of rotating components including wheel bearings and gearboxes on railway trains.

Perpetuum is a global leader in vibration energy harvesting and sensor systems and the new train monitoring system provides operators with real-time data which improves reliability and safety, dramatically reduces operational and maintenance costs, reduces service disruption and improves asset utilisation as operating conditions are monitored while trains are still in service and earning revenue.
LPRS eRA 400TRS wireless modules have been designed-in to the Perpetuum rail sensor systems to reduce cost, installation time and overcome the unreliability of hardwired systems having to operate in the harsh environment to be found underneath a train. Perpetuum uses their key technology of vibration energy harvesting to power the sensor system utilising the excellent source of vibration that a train provides. This removes the problems of predicting battery life and the need for costly and logistically challenging replacement of batteries.

As rotating components degrade they show symptoms that indicate the progression of the wear. The initial symptoms are vibration, followed by noise, temperature increase, smoke and then failure. The eRA connected Perpetuum Sensor System provides vibration data for long term failure prediction and temperature data for short term monitoring.

Data from the Perpetuum sensor system is displayed on a web-based platform to enable convenient access. Software translates the temperature and complex vibration data into a simple indication of the health of each component being monitored. Data can be displayed to provide a snapshot of the current state of health of the fleet, allows trending data to be displayed to show the rate of degradation and email alerts can be provided to warn an operator of any out of tolerance conditions, providing an early identification of a potential failure.

The “fast to fit” vibration and temperature sensors are simple to deploy and of robust design for operation in harsh environments. Operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C and are designed for use in high vibration environments.

David Vincent, Engineering Director, of Perpetuum comments, “The LPRS eRA wireless modules provided us with a simple to integrate, reliable wireless link for our sensor systems which have to perform under very difficult conditions. Our railway train monitoring system is already being trialled by a major UK operator who is very impressed by the information it provides and the ease of use. They predict a very rapid return on their investment and a solution to unlocking a number of important issues, including redefining the way they undertake some significant and costly elements of fleet maintenance.”

In addition to designing and manufacturing the highly successful easyRadio Advanced (eRA) and recently introduced eRIC system-on-chip wireless transceivers, wireless modules in the UK, the full LPRS product range now includes, Raspberry Pi and Arduino Shield wireless platforms, narrow band long range wireless modules from CDP, the IQRF range of wireless networking components, the IQVC range of visual control panels together with antenna, wireless key fobs and a wide range of sensor products.

IoT low power consumption integrated wireless controller!

LPRS now offers Internet of Things (IoT) system builders with a system-on-chip fully integrated wireless controller suitable for remote, battery powered sensor systems, which can offer current consumption as low as 32µA

The low cost, high security easyRadio Integrated Controller (eRIC) offers designers seven power saving modes of operation to ensure maximum battery life of remote sensors. The LPRS eRIC transceiver power saving modes provide control of the duty cycle of the receiver so that the ‘ON’ time can be set to 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.1% , 1.56%, 0.78%, 0.39% & 0.2% with corresponding levels of power saving from its “always on” current of 16mA. The transmitter may then be independently set to the same duty cycle as the receiver or longer as required for transfer of data. Up to 250Byte data-packets are supported throughout all operating modes and up to 500Kbs over air data rates are available.

This module is now available with operating frequencies for World Markets and provides secure over-air transmission with the availability of an AES 128 bit data encryption option. Many other advanced features are available as standard including; received signal strength indicator (RSSI), carrier detect and group ID.

The advanced design of this transceiver uses system-on-chip (SOC) technology removing the need for an external processor. The on-board processor memory is partitioned giving half to the easyRadio configurable settings and communication software and leaving the rest available for design engineers to add their own application code. Code can be written using industry standard tools and a quick to learn API (application programming interface). This partitioned memory design will often eliminate the need for any additional microcontroller, saving cost, space and power.

eRIC is an exceptional value RF transceiver intended for embedded high-volume applications in the “Smart” or “IoT” arena including; building and lighting control, security, home monitoring and medical products, vehicle and contents monitoring, renewable energy control and remote sensor systems. eRIC has been designed to simplify end product manufacture and is packaged for SMD assembly and measures just 20x15x5mm

It continues to use the popular and simple to use easyRadio programming protocols, operates in the ISM frequency bands (Europe 433 and 868MHz, USA 915MHz), meets ETSI and FCC requirements, has pin interface compatibility with existing easyRadio Advance (eRA) products, has a simple to use and customer configurable and programmable I/O interface and has a built-in temperature sensor.

Barry Gillibrand, Managing Director of LPRS, comments, “Many industrial monitoring systems and possible IoT applications will employ sensors in remote and difficult to access locations. Ensuring maximum operating life of battery powered devices is a key criterion for design engineers and eRIC provides a flexible solution with maximum convenience. Our many years of experience of supplying easyRadio wireless modules has provided us with real-world experience of our customer’s requirements and eRIC provides a complete solution for high-volume wireless control and communication markets. Continuing to use our very successful easyRadio interface ensures our existing customers a smooth transition and gives new customers the ability to configure operating frequency, bandwidth, output power, and data-rate enabling a developer to avoid local interference from nearby devices"

Caravan alarm!

LPRS is supplying their Duet wireless Keyfob and RX3 AM receiver module control to state-of-the-art alarm systems for caravan manufacturers and owners.

Manufactured by Keen Electronics the PROTECTOR TWO caravan alarm and light controller is an updated version of the original PROTECTOR alarm now fitted to thousands of Lunar Caravans. The LPRS keyfob offers users the ability to turn the alarm system on and off and also an external awning light for additional security. The keyfob also features a panic alarm function in response to requests from caravan owners who travel abroad.

The alarm system is very simple to use as the keyfob buttons are clearly marked for their specific functions; ALARM and LIGHT, removing the need for ambiguous pictograms. Simplicity of use is a key feature of both Keen Electronics and LPRS products.

The new LPRS Duet wireless Keyfob features recessed buttons to reduce the risk of accidental operation and a rolling code KeeLoq system encryption for improved security. Operating frequency is 433.92MHz with a transmit power of <+4dBm. Power is provided by a +12V lithium cell with an on-board low battery indicator. The keyfob has a plastic case and buttons, measures just 50x38x13mm and has LED light signalling when operated.

The LPRS RX3 AM receiver module features standard software supporting a total of 4 channels of independent control, RSSI output for measuring transmitter signal strength, two fully configurable control channels 1 and 2. (channels 3 and 4 non-configurable), rolling code KeeLoq encryption rates 200 and 400uS/bit and 4 configuration modes: Key fob registration, bistable, monostable and time registration monostable mode.

Other applications for LPRS keyfob wireless controllers and receivers include; security gates and bollards, vehicles, intruder alarms, light switching and domestic appliances.

Wireless races ahead!

Though not strictly speaking in our sphere of interest we thought this wireless application would be of interest to you. And possibly inspire you with an idea for one of your applications!

LPRS is supplying their market leading easyRadio Advanced (eRA) wireless modules to Microgate, the specialist Italian sports timing system manufacturer, for use in their new wireless athletics training timer – WITTY.

The new Microgate WITTY has been designed as a portable, practical and precise athlete timing system which meets all the requirements of the latest training methods. It can perform all the measurements typical of modern athletic preparation including sprint, shuttle, resistance and courses whilst also meeting many custom requirements. The WITTY can acquire results with accuracy higher than one thousandth 1/1000 of a second.

Significant features of this timer include an intuitive and easy to use graphical interface with a colour display, simple and fast learning process, single or double timing photocells available with unlimited extra photocells for unlimited intermediate times, calculation of speed (km/h, m/s, mph), fast data transfer to PC (for rankings, data assessment and export) via an on-board USB interface and water resistant. Operational for 10 hours from internal batteries WITTY is supplied in a backpack for complete portability.

The key to the success of the system is the use of LPRS eRA modules to transfer data from the self-configuring photocells, which are easy to set up and offer fast repositioning when moving from one exercise to another. The eRA modules offer reliable wireless transmission up to 150m range and provides selectable transmission frequencies, allowing multiple WITTY systems to be used in the same training area.

Federico Gori of Microgate srl comments; “We have a very good working relationship with LPRS and have used LPRS products for many years in our ski race timing gates. The new eRA wireless modules offer exceptional versatility and were simple to design-in to our products.”

The Microgate WITTY system may be expanded with the addition of further photocells (single or double) to record lap times. A range of accessories are available including starting pads, time displaying LED boards and direction indicators. The WITTY is compatible with the Microgate Optojump Next system, an optical measurement system which can measure flight and contact times during the performance of a series of jumps to an accuracy of 1/1000 of a second.

The recently introduced easyRadio Advanced (eRA) wireless module range of transmitters and transceivers incorporates the unique LPRS easyRadio software protocol and build on the simplicity of previous easyRadio (02) modules by remaining true to the original brief of “reducing time to market by removing the complexity associated with the radio software development interface”.

As well as many new and advanced features eRA offers a much improved transmitting range with latest field tests reporting 1.6 mile coverage owing to narrow-band operation and greater immunity from interference. Other innovative features on the easyRadio Advanced transmitters and transceivers include the ability to change the bandwidth of the radio from 150KHz down to 12.5KHz thus providing narrow-band performance on a wide-band budget. eRA modules can also interface to other raw data modules using either FSK (FM) or ASK (AM) modulation modes. Using the free flash firmware upgrade tools from LPRS new updates/features can be quickly programmed by engineers, making a truly future proof solution. Designed with a back compatible pin configuration, current easyRadio 02 users can easily upgrade to easyRadio Advanced versions with a minimum of fuss.

In addition to designing and manufacturing the highly successful easyRadio Advanced (eRA) wireless modules, the full LPRS product range now includes, Raspberry Pi and Arduino Shield wireless platforms, narrow band long range wireless modules from CDP, the IQRF range of wireless networking components, the IQVC range of visual control panels together with antenna, wireless key fobs and a wide range of sensor products.

One of the best Apprentices

Jake Churchill from Low Power Radio Solutions has been named as one of the Thames Valley’s (GB) best Apprentices in the regional final of the prestigious Apprenticeship and National Training Awards 2012.

Jake Churchill (centre)  being presented with his award
by Philip Taylor; Apprenticeships – Head of Partnerships
City of London Corporation and finalist in series 5 of 
the BBC series – ‘The Apprentice’.

Hosted by the Holiday Inn in Bristol, Jake was one of three nominees for the Pearson Award, The Intermediate Apprentice of the Year 2012. Jake was highly commended for his achievements and presented with his award by Philip Taylor; Apprenticeships – Head of Partnerships City of London Corporation
and finalist in series 5
of the BBC series – ‘The Apprentice’.

Jake has been attending Oxford and Cherwell Valley College on a day release scheme and has completed his Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Accounting in the Financial Services and Accountancy Sector. Lecturers at the college were so impressed with Jake’s performance, results and enthusiasm to achieve that they had no hesitation in nominating him for the award.

He joined LPRS as an office and admin assistant shortly after leaving school. Like many school leavers Jake was undecided in respect of a career path but keen to be part of a “real world” work environment. After joining the Apprentice scheme Jake became fully focussed and immediately began putting his new found skills into action introducing new and efficient processes which have resulted in accounts and sales processing departments running with greater accuracy and precision. Jake was also instrumental in implementing a new accounts and CRM package.

Jake commented “The Apprenticeship has turned my life around and I feel confident and inspired to go further. I wasn’t particularly ambitious before because I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Now I believe in myself and I know I have a great future ahead of me”.

The National Training Awards recognise organisations that have delivered outstanding training programmes and the National Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the achievements of the country’s most outstanding Apprenticeship employers and their apprentices. Both awards are organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, who received in excess of 1,500 high quality entrants this year.

Dr John Chudley, Divisional Area Director for the South from the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “This year’s awards were a terrific showcase of the outstanding wealth of talent that we have across the Thames Valley. Given the volume and high calibre of entries we received, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jake Churchill for his superb achievement. He is a testament to the many benefits Apprenticeships and training bring to businesses, allowing employers to tap into new raw talent, up-skill their staff and grow.”

All the Thames Valley winners will proceed through to a final national judging stage and the highest scoring Apprenticeship employer entries nationally will have the additional honour of featuring in the acclaimed England’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, which will be produced by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with City & Guilds. The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and the national award winners will be revealed during the opening ceremony of the Britain's largest national skills and careers event, WorldSkills UK - The Skills Show, at the NEC in Birmingham on 14 November 2012.

The National Apprenticeship Awards are sponsored by City & Guilds, Pearson, EAL, Nuclear Decommissioning SLC, Virgin Media and BAE Systems. The National Training Awards has City & Guilds as their premier sponsor and they are also sponsored by Rolls-Royce.
The Thames Valley Apprenticeship and National Training Awards cerebration were also supported by The Intercontinental Hotel Group, Lotus F1, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, OXETA, Pera Training, S & B Automotive Academy and Wiltshire Council.

Wireless Raspberry modules

We are becoming used to using the name of varies types of fruit as names for technical products in computing and telecomunications. Apple, Blackberry, Orange, Strawberry, Raspberry, etc are all well known names or terms which give an air of freshness and colour to the sector. This release relates the introduction of a unit which operates in we might call the Raspberry world!

LPRS has introduced the eRA-Connect2-PI, a USB module that provides a simple wireless bridge between two Raspberry Pi’s (Pi2Pi), or a Raspberry Pi and a PC or any other devices that supports USB serial communications. Both Linux and Windows drivers are provided to facilitate system development.

Utilising seamless easyRadio technology at 868/915MHz (ISM band), eRA-Connect2-PI provides considerably greater range and less power consumption than similar WiFi or Bluetooth modules operating in the overcrowded 2.4GHz bands. Frequency, bandwidth, power output and data rate can optionally be configured to allow multiple devices to communicate free from interference from each other and any other RF devices.

eRA-Connect2-PI incorporates an eRA900TRS wireless module which provides simple-to-use, out-of-the-box wireless serial communication as a COMport. eRA-Connect2-PI features include allowing users to change the radio bandwidth from 150kHz down to a remarkable 12.5kHz, providing narrow-band performance at a wide-band budget. Internal temperature compensation insures less than 1.5kHz frequency drift from ambient 20ºC over a range of -40ºC to +85ºC. This new feature may also be output as a temperature measurement for the end user equipment, accurate to within 1ºC.

No complex RF protocol software is required to create an instant bidirectional link. The low-consumption eRA-Connect2-PI can be powered directly from Raspberry Pi’s USB port. An integral SMA antenna connector allows for use of an off-board antenna. Transmit and Receive LEDs are provided to confirm communication operation.

Host devices can send and receive half duplex communications of up to 180 Bytes of data per packet, seamlessly delivered to other hosts within range. There is no need for complicated ‘bit balancing’ or elaborate coding schemes.

Other innovative features available on eRA modules include, a digital RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) – no need for host to handle A/D measurement, temporary channel selection allows host to scan other channels in real time, temperature compensated crystal-controlled synthesizer for frequency accuracy < +/-1kHz over full temperature range, built-in temperature measurement output, user-configurable self-coding system for interfacing to other data modules in FSK (FM) and ASK (AM).

In addition to manufacturing the highly successful easyRadio Advanced (eRA) wireless modules in the UK, the full LPRS product range now includes, narrow band long range wireless modules from CDP, the IQRF range of wireless networking components, the IQVC range of visual control panels together with antenna, wireless key fobs and a wide range of sensor products.

Antennas for Europe

LPRS has been appointed by Arronna Antennas as the exclusive distributor in Europe for their comprehensive range of antennas.

Established in 2007 Arronna manufactures a wide variety of OEM and ODM antennas including; LTE, WIMAX, WiFi, 3G, DECT, WLAN, CDMA, GPRS, CMMB, DMB, GSM and DVB-T types.

John Sharples LPRS and Hanson Zhu of Arronna

Signing the agreement at CeBit 2012 John Sharples, Managing Director of LPRS comments; “We are very pleased to have been chosen by Arronna to sell their antennas exclusively across Europe. Our long experience of selling our own easyRadio wireless modules internationally gives Arronna access to a well-established and highly motivated European sales channel. Arronna have recently introduced a number of new products for high growth applications, such as WIMAX, which will be of great interest to our customers."

In addition to the Arronna antenna range and its own easyRadio Advanced (eRA) wireless modules the LPRS product range now includes, narrow band long range wireless modules from CDP, the IQRF range of wireless networking components, the IQVC range of visual control panels together with antenna, wireless key fobs and a wide range of sensor products.

Short-range radio device manfacturer MD honoured!

John Sharples, Managing Director of LPRS has been named as the Business Person of the Year in the West Oxfordshire Business Awards (GB). The category, sponsored by Strategic Mentors, also included nominations of a business communications company and a renewable energy system provider.

Thomas Rodger (Strategic Mentors) &
John Sharples (LPRS) 

Recently visited by David Cameron (British Prime Minister) to see for himself how a small hi-tech manufacturer operates, LPRS are currently enjoying a period of business growth and technology innovation. Considered an excellent example of a “micro-business” LPRS is partnering with local Universities and Government initiatives to maximise their potential for growth.

John Sharples comments; “It was a great surprise and honour to even be nominated for this award, much less win it. It is heartening to see enterprise in the electronics industry recognised and rewarded. Small exporting technology companies don’t often make it on to the radar of the wider world.”

In a surprise visit to the awards David Cameron addressed the nominees and reminded them that the region (West Oxfordshire) has no large employers and relies on ingenious small businesses. He continued that the small businesses present were great role models of business enterprise and encouraged those present to go into schools and talk to young people about what business is all about and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs.

LPRS manufactures the highly successful easyRadio Advanced (eRA) wireless modules and the full LPRS product range now includes, narrow band long range wireless modules from CDP, the IQRF range of wireless networking components, the IQVC range of visual control panels together with antenna, wireless key fobs and a wide range of sensor products.

Wireless distributor

LPRS appoints new distributor for ASPAC region

LPRS has appointed Veloxity Components  as their distributor for the Asia/Pacific region. Veloxity will principally sell the LPRS market leading easyRadio Advanced (eRA) industrial wireless communications modules as well as development kits and accessories.

(LtoR) Sandie Sharples LPRS Client Services Director, David Schmider, LPRS Technical Director and from Veloxity; Alex Khoo Account Manager, Tan Shu Qi Sales Executive and Tan Chia Boon Sales Manager

John Sharples, Managing Director of LPRS comments; “We see the Asian and New World markets as key to the continued sales growth of our products. We are confident that our British designed and manufactured wireless modules can not only compete on price in Asia but that their unique feature sets offer all system builders the shortest time to market for any industrial project requiring wireless communication.”
Based in Singapore, Veloxity Components is an independent distributor of electronic components with sales offices also in Malaysia and Thailand. Veloxity also offer a number of value-added services including supplier base consolidation, worldwide sourcing, excess inventory management, minimal MOQ restrictions, 3rd party programming , stocking and kitting, re-packing, taping, vacuum packing, baking, in-house visual/microscopic inspection and solderability testing, low volume PCB assembly and 3rd party testing.                                                                                 

In addition to its own easyRadio Advanced (eRA) wireless modules the LPRS product range now includes, narrow band long range wireless modules from CDP, the IQRF range of wireless networking components, the IQVC range of visual control panels together with antenna, wireless key fobs and a wide range of sensor products.

Short range radio appointments

LPRS has appointed Sandie Sharples to the board of directors to take on the role of Client Services Director. This new position reflects the great importance LPRS puts on customer service, from design to delivery and beyond.

Sandie commented: “Our customer surveys show that it is our service that really sets us apart from our competitors. We can assist our customers with design, implementation and manufacturing and like to be full partners in every project we undertake.”
She will manage key accounts and oversee the recruitment of additional distributors worldwide to further grow sales of their market leading eRA wireless communication modules.

(left to right) John Sharples, MD of LPRS
congratulates their new design engineer
Srikanth Ganji.

To further support the high sales growth experienced during 2011 an additional design engineer has also been recruited. Srikanth Ganji has recently graduated from Glyndŵr University with an M.Sc. in Advanced Electronics having completed his thesis on a GPS navigation system for the blind using speech recognition with voice playback and an obstacle detector. Ganji’s expertise includes embedded systems electronics design and testing, RF systems, advanced control systems, advanced CAD and project management and research methods.

“Ganji is joining our design team to continue new product development and get involved with customer projects." said John Sharples, Managing Director of LPRS. “Our latest generation easyRadio products are now in full production and our recent outsourcing of procurement and manufacturing to specialist organisations in the UK have increased our competitiveness and improved lead-times. Our sales continue to grow and our 2012 order book is very healthy. Our focus will now be on growing export markets in Europe, South America and Asia where we are actively seeking representation.”

In addition to its own easyRadio Advanced (eRA) wireless modules the LPRS product range now includes, narrow band long range wireless modules from CDT, the IQRF range of wireless networking components, the IQVC range of visual control panels together with antenna, wireless key fobs and a wide range of sensor products.

Protecting art and antiquities

LPRS wireless modules used to protect art and museum collections from environmental damage

LPRS has established itself as a major supplier of wireless modules used in environmental monitoring systems manufactured by Meaco Measurement and Control.

They supply Meaco with the very reliable Circuit Design CDP-TX05M-R transmitter and CDP-RX03BS-R receiver modules which are designed-in to a range of wireless linked environmental monitoring systems. These devices monitor temperature and humidity as well as lux and UV and are used in a variety of applications. The main customer base is the heritage sector, including museums, art galleries, castles, libraries and stately homes etc. Meaco installations include Osborne House on the Isle of Wight and Edinburgh Castle.

Environmental monitoring is important in the care of art and museum collections as extremes and fluctuations in light, temperature and humidity can have a serious detrimental effect on the items on display, causing wood to crack, metal to rust and fabrics fade.

Meaco decided on wireless monitoring as, especially in listed buildings, no major installation work has to be carried out and the transmitters can simply be located on a suitable shelf or cabinet. Museums also like wireless monitoring systems as exhibition spaces and cases can be monitored remotely and environmental data is viewable anywhere on a PC.

The LPRS supplied CDP-TX-05M-R and CDP-RX-03BS are low power narrow band FSK transmitter and receiver modules designed for industrial applications operating in the 433-434MHz ISM band. The very compact modules contain most of the components necessary for radio transmission. The RF channel on the 05 range, which consists of CDP-TX05M-R and CDP-RX05M-R is fixed but selectable within 4 pre-programmed channels. Meaco have chosen to use the CDP-RX03BS receiver which is fully compatible when operating at 434.075MHz. The CDP-RX03BS receiver is double-superhetrodyne and equipped with a SAW filter, ensuring high sensitivity and very good selectivity for stable and long range communication.

Samantha Greatbatch, Managing Director of Meaco Measurement and Control, comments; "We continue to use wireless solutions from LPRS as I believe in building working relationships where customers and suppliers have mutual respect and understanding. The RF modules do what we need them to do and I know that LPRS would always do whatever they could to deliver what we need when we need them. They have helped us with suggestions for new products and have provided us with excellent advice on a range of subjects related to wireless technology. They are great people to work with!”

Ms Greatbatch continues; "I am always happy to hear from LPRS, we have an excellent relationship. LPRS have helped with advice and support as well as being a key supplier. I feel that they are approachable and have been very patient explaining product specifications when we have been looking for something new. They are easy to deal with and that helps make my life that bit easier too - I'm always up for an easy life.”

Low power industrial radio transceiver modem

LPRS introduce industrial-use DSSS true diversity radio transceiver modem for applications in the U.S.A.

LPRS has introduced the Circuit Design MU-D1-R 915 MHz, embedded low power radio transceiver modem for industrial use that complies with U.S. FCC Part 15.247.

The MU-D1-R operates in the U.S. ISM band frequencies (902 to 928MHz) and is designed to be embedded in wireless connected systems. This radio modem was developed for industrial applications that require stable and reliable operation. It features low power consumption and can achieve line of sight radio communication beyond 300m with battery operation.

In addition to using highly noise-resistant direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) modulation, the modem has a true diversity receiver function with two receiver circuits for preventing signal dropout due to multi-path fading. This ensures highly stable and reliable radio communication in the congested 902 to 928 MHz ISM band which is used by many types of wireless controlled equipment.

With 20 frequency channels available it can be used in many wireless systems. The modem operates at low power, 55mA/8mW when transmitting and 58mA when receiving and with its small size, 36 x 26 x 8mm it can be built into units that require battery operation.

John Sharples, Managing Director of LPRS comments: "The new MU-D1-R transceiver from Circuit Design is a highly reliable, industrial use modem. Using direct sequence spread spectrum for superior noise resistance instead of simple antenna switching type diversity, the modem uses a true diversity receiver circuit with two built-in receiver circuits.”

In addition to the CDP series transmitter and receiver modules and STD/LMD series transceiver modules which are highly regarded in the European and Japanese markets, Circuit Design offers the MU-D1-R series radio modem with a built-in wireless protocol to enable the input/output of data with simple commands. With its built-in CPU, the MU series performs wireless-specific high frequency control for UART communication with an external microcomputer. As a result system development times are significantly shortened and component numbers reduced. In addition, the built-in protocols make networking simple for applications that require reliability and real time control such as industrial remote control. The MU-D1-R is expected to be used in a wide range of low power industrial applications such as monitoring systems where battery operation is required.

Key features of the MU-D1-R include a wide operating temperature range of -20 to +65ºC, built in TCXO and all high frequency circuits are enclosed inside the shielded case. Operating voltage is 4 – 5.5 VDC with low power operation enabling systems to run for long periods from battery power. Compliant with FCC Part 15.247, frequency range 905.5 to 924.5 MHz, 20 channels, output switchable between 8 and 40mW, data rate 40 kbps (interface), 600 kbps (wireless 40 kbps x 15 chips), size 36 × 26 × 8 m and weight 13g

Energy saving lighting

LPRS transducers used in Energy Saving Lighting Solutions

LPRS has established itself as a major supplier of transducers used in energy saving lighting systems manufactured by Ex-Or Ltd.

Ex-Or manufactures lighting controls for all applications including, presence detection, lighting management systems, architectural dimming and scene setting and emergency lighting testing systems.  Ex-Or systems help customers achieve energy savings, reduce fuel bills, and create an optimum environment for staff or visitors.

LPRS began supplying Ultrasonic transducers and 40KHz crystals to Ex-Or in 1986, when it was known as Inline Electronics. These devices were used in sensor operated lighting systems that would turn off lights when no movement was detected after a pre-determined period. As energy costs have increased and the need for “green” solutions has grown, so has the market for such lighting automation systems.

John Sharples, Managing Director of LPRS comments; "The original Inline motion detector system was clearly ahead of its time. With the growth of this market our sales of transducers to Ex-Or has grown significantly, year on year.  We have maintained an excellent relationship with this customer for more than twenty years by offering great customer service, reliable products and excellent technical support.”

Wide or narrow wireless band operation for speed or distance

LPRS has introduced the latest generation of its market leading low power wireless modules, easy-Radio Advanced. eRA continues to offer simple to use, out-of-the-box wireless communication as previous versions, but with a number of new, innovative, features while still offering back compatibility with earlier easy-Radio modules if required.

Key new features of eRA include the ability for users to change the bandwidth of the radio from 150KHz down to 12.5KHz, providing narrow-band performance at a wide-band budget. Internal temperature measurement of the wireless modules ensures less than 1.5KHz frequency drift from ambient 20ºC over a range of -40 to +85ºC. This new feature may also be used as a thermometer to measure the temperature of the end user equipment, accurate to within 1ºC.

Modes of data transmission include the proven easy-Radio protocol with 16-bit encryption and anti cross talk software (DCS) and a new raw data mode that allows customers more flexibility to use their own coding system on any frequency they choose, enabling direct compatibility with other ISM raw data modules from any manufacturer. With the addition of three more (total 4) separate data buffers, easy-Radio performance and data throughput has been greatly improved by up to 25% when compared to 02 versions.

Other new features of LPRS’s eRA include digital RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication), accurate internal level measurement of signal strength removing the requirement for the host system to handle A-D measurement. A simple command for either the current RSSI level or the signal strength of the last received data packet is used. Temporary channel selection is another new command allowing the user scan other channels if required without storing the settings in the internal EEPROM, maximising its life.

easy-Radio Advanced features a crystal controlled synthesiser for frequency accuracy < +/- 1KHz over full temperature range, a high sensitivity receiver (-117dB @ 12.5KHz Bandwidth), up to 10mW transmission power (at 434MHz) and user programmable frequency (up to 132 channels), bandwidth (down to 12.5KHz) and RS232 data rates up to 115200. easy-Radio Advanced can be powered using a 3V lithium cell or a regulated supply up to 5VDC. Measuring just 38x14x4mm it has been tested to meet European radiated and conducted standards. eRA continues to use the same pin-out arrangement as before allowing seamless integration into existing products wanting to take advantage of the new technology. John Sharples, Managing Director of LPRS comments: "The new easy-Radio Advanced transceiver is a complete sub-system that combines a high performance very low power RF transceiver, a microcontroller and a voltage regulator all in one simple to use package. e-RA continues to offer our customers the fastest and easiest way to get wireless enabled products to market. We are also making available to our customers free flash firmware upgrades ensuring updates and new features can be quickly programmed-in, making easy-Radio Advanced a truly future proof solution.”

Typical applications for the LPRS e-RA wireless modules include hand-held terminals, vehicle to base station data transfer, remote data acquisition, industrial control and communications and wireless security.

Wireless key-fobs

This is probably not strictly our field but we liked the picture and they appeal to our gadget loving inner child!

LPRS now offers one of the widest ranges of wireless key-fobs available to manufacturers of security and control systems. In addition to the well-established and very popular AMTX2B-4-ER model, an additional range of very cost effective multi-function wireless key-fobs have now been introduced. They are available in a number of different designs, providing a range of control options and case designs to complement end system aesthetics

The new range of wireless key-fobs is made up of 6 different models all operating at 433,92MHz and housed in ABS cases. All feature the Keeloq® software data encoding system derived by Microchip Technology Inc. to ensure safe and secure transmission of control signals from the key-fob transmitter to the receiver.

The Ring, Duet and Alien models are two channel devices with transmission power of <+4dBm. They feature a low battery indicator and transmission indicator using two LEDs, in red and green, measure 35x50x10mm and are fitted with rubber actuating buttons. The Banan offers three channels and has a transmission power of < +2dBm and dimensions of 68x25x15mm with plastic buttons. The Lider and Quartet key-fobs are four channel devices with transmission power of < +4dBm. They both feature LED low battery and transmission indicators, dimensions are 35x70x14mm, with plastic buttons on the Lider and rubber buttons on the Quartet. The new RSC-2 wireless key-fobs complement the existing AMTX2B-4-ER transmitter already available from LPRS. This 2 button key-fob AM transmitter operates at 434MHz and features LPRS’s easy-Radio software allowing instant wireless communication with a matching receiver. On board software can be customised to suit specific requirements and may be reconfigured up to a minimum of 1,000 times. The AMTX2B-4-ER offers reliable communication over an extended range, operates in ASK format and features an LED indicator to confirm transmissions.

John Sharples, Managing Director of LPRS adds, “We have been providing wireless key-fobs for many years and have a great deal of experience of standard and custom applications. The new models we are introducing offer increased functionality, cost effectiveness and modern case designs to meet many more applications.”

LPRS offer a range of matching receiver/controller modules to work with all of their wireless key-fobs which provide momentary or latching switched outputs for remote system control and single or multiple key-fob activation.

Typical applications for LPRS’ wireless key-fobs include remote control door, window open, car alarms, access control, automatic gates, lights etc.