Having your machines on call
November 2005
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Red Lion Controls has enhanced the functionality of its modular controller series with the release of a new master controller module. Among the features, the new Master lets users create a 'virtual HMI', allowing machines to be controlled and monitored via any networked PC with a standard web browser. This feature also facilitates access and control of any connected device in the system, including PLCs and motor drives. The new controller can also log system data directly to CompactFlash in Microsoft Excel-compatible CSV files; these files can be retrieved via USB or the web-server.
"The Red Lion Modular Controller is a proven platform for both advanced data acquisition and management as well as multizone PID control," said Jesse Benefiel, product manager. "The versatility of the new master controller with virtual HMI, paired with either dedicated PID control or data acquisition modules, delivers unprecedented remote monitoring, control and triggering capabilities to a host of legacy machines at an economical price."
In temperature control applications, the Modular Controller lifts the burden of temperature control from the PLC, freeing valuable processing power for other tasks and eliminating expensive I/O cards. A single master controller module can accommodate up to 32 loops controlling up to 16 hot-swappable dual PID modules, saving space and greatly reducing total comms scan time compared to discrete node solutions. 'Drag and drop' configuration and downloadable PLC drivers eliminate writing PLC protocols, letting users quickly integrate with any PLC.
In a data acquisition and management configuration, a single Master Controller can monitor up to 16 modules, each with 14 points for up to 128 I/O. An integrated gateway web-enables all connected devices without I/O serial converters, and the built-in web server offers access to variables via web pages without expensive scada or dedicated software. Multidevice data logging capabilities allows users to quickly set up any number of devices in a control application, collect PID loop or performance data, display it, store it for evaluation, or trigger PLC functions - either live or remotely.
The system includes Red Lion's Crimson 2 software, which is included in the purchase price along with future software updates, support, cabling instructions and communication drivers. An extensive menu of built-in, point-and-click serial and Ethernet drivers map controller data to PLC registers in seconds. Built-in COMMS drivers inherently know how to talk to PLCs, PCs or scada systems - so no code is required to establish communication.
The master controller also features an integrated CompactFlash slot that lets users collect, retain and transfer logged data easily, and enables master programming restoration from backup configuration files if needed. USB communications are also built-in for easy transfer of data files.
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