Radio-Modem reduces SCADA telemetry costs

-- Control Engineering, 1/1/2000

Champaign, Ill.-DCB has introduced the X2 Radio-plus Data Modem, a frequency-hopping spread-spectrum device that is said to combine multiple communications technologies into a single, low-cost device for remotely controlling SCADA and other remote industrial control systems. The X2 allows host computers to access sites in a radius of 20 to 80 miles. This allows users to remotely monitor and reprogram field devices as necessary without sending a technician to the site. According to the manufacturer, the use of radio modems can be considerably more efficient than telephone technologies, especially cellular, where the signalling rate is only 9600 baud versus 115,200 baud via radio modem. This efficiency saves the host computer from getting tied-up with time-consuming handshaking and downloading that could necessitate additional computer support.

The X2 Radio-plus Data Modem is compact at 7.25 x 1.45 x 5.5 in. The device operates from either standard ac or an optional internal power supply. Other options include 900MHz or 2.4 GHz spread-spectrum frequency-hopping radio, plus a choice of 14.4 Kbps, 33.6 Kbps, or 56K V.90 dial-up modem.

Data Comm for Business Inc.     www.dcbnet.com
807 Pioneer, Champaign, IL 61820; (217) 352-3207