Viator Bluetooth interface, announced last week in the March issue of Control Engineering magazine, is the latest addition to MacTek Corp.’s line of PC modems. The product needs no configuration and is HART compliant to work with any HART-enabled device.
Gates Mills, OH and Oak Brook, IL —Viator Bluetooth interface is the latest addition to MacTek Corp .’s line of PC modems. Introduced last week in the March issue of Control Engineering magazine and slated for availability in June 2007, this point-to-point modem for temporary connection to HART-enabled field devices will be ATEX- and IS-certified for use in hazardous areas. The modem is powered by a rechargeable battery that can be used 8-10 hr before needing recharging. The PC host uses internal Bluetooth technology or a USB / Bluetooth converter to communicate with the Bluetooth modem.
DTM (device-type manager) software allows use of the modem with FDT (field device tool)-based host applications. User interface software lets the user turn the modem off, check battery power, put it into a sleep mode to save the battery, and cause an LED to flash rapidly to identify which modem is in use. The modem physically attaches to the HART-enabled field device and be used primarily as part of a configuration management environment. The modem is HART-compliant. Because it is registered with the HART Communication Foundation, it works with any other registered device. It is said to be easy to use and connects anywhere on the 4-20 mA loop.
To subscribe to Control Engineering print editions, use the links atop www.controleng.com
—Control Engineering Daily News DeskEdited by Jeanine Katzel , senior editor
