VibWire-108-GPRS with Embedded GPRS Modem

Features

The GPRS/GSM modem fitted to the instrument is a tri-band device and is suitable for operations in most locations in the world. The VW108-GPRS module automatically makes the network connection and alarm/status messages are presented upon the user display to show the status of the connection.

The cable free operational range of this instrument is limited only by the range of the mobile phone network.

Terminal Port

The terminal port is used to configure the instrument and enables the operator to access the GPRS network via control codes sent to the modem. Status messages returned by the modem can be used to show signal strength, test data transmission etc..

Instrument Configuration For GPRS Network

The following parameters are all that need be assigned in order to send data from the VW108-GPRS across the network and all set using the terminal port.

APN (access point number)

8 x Full 4 Wire Vibrating Wire Sensor Inputs

10000 Record Data Storage

Unlimited range - GPRS network limitation only

GPRS Network Status messages - Signal strength

Pay-As-You-Go & Contract SIMM Support

SQL Database compatible storage

Data-Upon-Demand

Integrated Power Supply Monitoring

Gas Discharge Lightening Protection all inputs

Solid state speaker

Advanced Power Management < 3mA Standby Mode

Full Digital Data Conversion - No sensor setup

Automatic Network Connection

100 Hz - 10 K Hz sensor range

Analogue inputs - Thermistor & 4-20 mA Loops

Digital Measurement Process -

The photographs below show the new Keynes Controls GSM/GPRS ready vibrating wire interface . The instrument below shows everything needed to get 8 x 4 wire vibrating wire sensor data onto the Web/Internet.

Using the GPRS/GSM network true cable free distributed solutions across any range can be created. Instruments can be deployed nationally in many different locations and the results stored to a database. The database can be located anywhere that a suitable network connection can be made.

Indefinite distributed operations are possible due to the instruments advanced power management features. A 4 W Solar panel should provide enough power to enable the instrument to send a complete scan of reading each hour.

A wide range of third party antenna are available to fit directly onto this instrument such as small 3 db stubs, directional Yagi when signal strength is low to waterproof antennas with long

Network Transmission Costs

There are no unexpected costs associated with operating the VW108-GPRS/GSM unit across the network since the instrument supports both Pay-As-You-Go and Contract SIMMS from most major network suppliers.

Data transmission per scan is as low at around 5K bytes so it is easy to obtain the best price plan on Pay-As-You-Go operations and the correct contract SIMM agreement to minimise contract costs. What ever option is taken the User determines how much data is transmitted.

Network Management

The VibWire-108 utilises an intelligent data management system and records data internally until a network connection is made. Upon making a network connection the data server interrogates the instrument and downloads the new information. If for any reason a network connection cannot be made then information is still stored within the instrument and can be downloaded manually. The instrument goes into sleep mode in between scans to save power and using its real-time clock restarts at the specified time to under take the next operation.

Data Integrity

Vibrating Wire Interface - Features

•    Physical dimensions - 257 x 118 x 40 mm
•   10,000 Record flash memory storage
•    Vibrating wire senor ping rate : 1,5,30 min - 1,6-24 hr
      upon User demand by instruction across network
•    8 x Full 4 wire sensor inputs
•    Thermistor sensor support 1 - 10 KW
•    Gas discharge tube lightening protection all
     sensor inputs
•    Jumper selectable analogue input - 2.5V DC, Thermistor, Current Loop
•    Low power sleep mode < 5mA quiescent current
•    User Selectable Display 1 - 10 KHz operation
•    8 x 12 Bit Analogue output
•    Real-time clock
•    Thermistor completion circuit
•    12-18V DC operation
     100   mA in transmit

Complete 8 Channel GPRS Vibrating Wire System

SQL Database Operations

The Keynes Controls database application utilises the free issue MySQL software and a series of Java applets to gather and format the instrument data into a format suitable for archiving. A wide range of third party add on software is available to support graphical interpretation of data within the database. Keynes Controls can also supply a web server interface enabling data to be displayed across the world wide web.

Data-On-Demand

As the GPRS network supports a 2 way network communication link between the data server and the instrument so a User command system is provided to change the scan rate of the instrument when it next makes contact to the database. The ability to change sample rates enables features of interest to be examined in more detail.

Remote Power Supply Monitoring

The VibWire-108-GPRS instrument has in built power supply level monitoring capability offering the user the ability to examine remotely the battery/solar cell operations and so ensure reliable operation. It will be

Instrument locations

User Display & Speaker Unit

During installation a User can observe the sensor frequency directly within the on-board display. For sensors deployed a long way from the instrument, embedded into a structure or down holes then a useful feature to determine if the vibrating wire sensors are operating correctly is simply to listen to the returned sensor signal. Should the signal be a tone then the sensor is functioning, however should this signal be very distorted then it shows clear shows signs that the sensor or cabling is damaged or has malfunctioned. Both the frequency display and embedded speaker are standard parts for all instrument in the VibWire-108 range.

GPRS/GSM Modem Specifications

•    Dual Band    900/1800 MHz GM862-GPRS
•     Quad Band   850/900/1800/1900 MHz on
      GM862-QUAD
•     Output Power: Class 4 (2W) at GSM 900 MHz
•     Class 1 (1W) at GSM 1800/1900 MHz
•     Integrated SIM card reader
•     ROSH compliant
•     Operating temperature range -20 to +70 Deg C
•     Automatic network identification
•     Automatic connection

Sensor Frequency Hz
Updated at 10min Interval

Time (Hours)

500

1000

1500

2000

Sept 11th 2006

Systems Layout for GSM/GPRS Data Transmission & Archiving Operartion

Global Solutions

For widely distributed systems with instruments deployed anywhere within a GPRS network then only a Internet connection will be required to gather information from the instruments no matter where they are located and how they are deployed. Instruments can be deployed globally and all the information easily brought back to a single location for storage and processing.

Typical Database Monthly Data Summary Plot