Telemetry solution provider Specialist System Engineering (SSE) is launching its new telemetry RTU-10. SSE is building on the successes of its older generation RTU-3 telemetry equipment, which faired very well over the last 12 years. Memory limitations and the exploding demand for increased functionality meant that the innovative ideas of SSE's personnel could no longer be adequately expressed in the RTU-3.
Although developed 12 years ago, the RTU-3 was sufficiently advanced (for its day) that it could still go on for many years to come. The success of the RTU-3 can perhaps best be demonstrated by the thousands of units that were installed worldwide. The RTU-3 was the cornerstone on which SSE built its successes over the last ten years. It brought SSE to the point where the company feels it can safely say that it is the biggest telemetry solution provider in southern Africa. However, with the growing demand for higher speed, more functionality and staying on the edge of technology, SSE decided 18 months ago to develop the new RTU-10.
Committed to new development
SSE is a company that strongly believes in new developments to stay in touch with technology, this is demonstrated by SSE investing between 6 and 8% of its annual turnover into the development of new products. The RTU-10, with its new and more powerful I/O modules, is a result of these development investments. The fact that SSE is not afraid in breaking new ground, and being a leader of telemetry technology in South Africa, has been instrumental in SSE's notable successes so far.
SSE is working on a number of other new developments that will be released during the next two years. One of these new projects is the more enhanced and 'top-of-the-market' RTU-20. The RTU-20 will be fully multithreading, Web-based, it will have a TCP/IP stack, Ethernet connectability and numerous different communication protocols and communication mediums will be implemented. The new RTU-20 is intended to compete directly with expensive imported RTUs for the electrical industry where I/O counts, high-speed, millisecond time stamping and other powerful features are needed.
Ten times faster - and possessing 10 times more on-board memory - than the RTU-3, the RTU-10 memory is able to be expanded up to 100 times more than the RTU-3.
The RTU is designed for use with the following communication mediums:
* Analog radio (Motorola, Kenwood, Icon, etc).
* Digital (data) radios (MDS, data radios, etc).
* Twisted pair.
* Leaky feeder.
* Optical fibre.
* Landline dial-up.
* Cellphone dial-up.
* Cellphone SMS.
* Cellphone HSCSD.
* Cellphone GPRS.
* Satellite.
The fact that the RTU-10 will be able to use multiprotocols to communicate with a number of different devices enhances and expands its application base. Protocols such as MODBUS, DF1, HART, DNP-3, SDLP, etc, will be standard features of the RTU-3.
Its ability to be programmed like a PLC will enable it to execute local and remote controls using almost any control, strategy and/or communication medium. A powerful and user-friendly configuration and test toolbox will permit people who are unfamiliar with telemetry equipment to easily configure and program the RTU-10.
Backward compatible
In the development of the RTU-10, SSE has ensured that backward compatibility with its previous RTU series has been retained. The RTU-10 is form and fit compatible with the RTU-3. This means that the RTU-3 can simply be removed and replaced with a RTU-10, without changing any connectors, or software configuration parameters.
Quality
SSE is in the process of implementing ISO 9001 quality standards; this implementation shall be completed by July 2003. The ISO 9001 processes will be used in SSE as an inherent system to ensure that the SSE clients continue to receive reliable, quality products. SSE is also in the process to get CE approval for its RTUs and related products. This will ensure that the company is ready for the export market.
For more information contact Gert Bezuidenhout, Specialist System Engineering, 012 663 4331, [email protected], www.sse.co.za
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