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Benefits /
Usage Options / Practical Application
What
are the benefits of using WirelessTEMP?
The
user must no longer have visual contact with the temperature control
instruments in order to operate and monitor them. Instruments can now
be operated and monitored conveniently with a compact remote control
unit. In other words, you can take the display and keypad from the
temperature control instruments with you anywhere.
What
are some common ways that WirelessTEMP is used?
WirelessTEMP is used in a wide variety of ways. However, there are a
few typical scenarios that are applicable to most laboratories. These
include using the temperature control instruments under a fume hood,
inside a shielded hazardous zone, or in difficult-to-reach places
(such as under a laboratory bench). In situations like these,
WirelessTEMP alleviates a great deal of work because it is no longer
necessary to have direct access to the temperature control instrument.
The temperature control instrument's display and keypad are mirrored
on the remote control unit, yet the familiar way of controlling the
instrument is virtually unchanged.
How
will WirelessTEMP affect my normal laboratory procedures?
The
amount of time you spend checking current temperatures or altering
settings on your circulators will decrease tremendously. You can now
view and change all major parameters without leaving your desk. You
can use either the remote control unit or a PC/laptop. As a result,
you will have to walk less, have greater mobility, and be able to work
in other locations.
Which
units does WirelessTEMP work with?
WirelessTEMP is a universal solution. WirelessTEMP works with
virtually all JULABO instruments equipped with an RS-232 interface.
You can even retrofit older laboratory circulators, recirculating
coolers, and temperature control systems already in your lab.
How
difficult is installation and startup?
Installing WirelessTEMP and bringing it into operation is very easy.
Simply plug it in and switch it on - the wireless connection between
the units will be automatically established. For this reason, no
special technical knowledge is needed to get started.
We
already have other wireless solutions in our lab. Will this create a
problem?
No,
WirelessTEMP units automatically look for an open and
interference-free channel. If needed, you can manually select and
define the wireless channel you wish to use. This avoids interferences
with other wireless networks.
Can
several users within one laboratory work with WirelessTEMP
independently of each other?
Yes,
that is possible. This requires setting up a PAN (Personal Area
Network). In these "closed network groups" each participating device
receives a unique identification number. The Wireless USB Stick is
needed to set up these network groups. WirelessTEMP Configurator
software is included with the USB Stick, so networks can be configured
directly from a personal computer.
How
can using WirelessTEMP save me money?
Running cables becomes completely unnecessary. Measurement data can be
obtained and control commands and alarm signals can now be transmitted
over the wireless connection. Costly items like shielded data lines
and power sockets are eliminated. An investment in WirelessTEMP
technology usually pays for itself within a short period of time.
WirelessTEMP also gives you much higher flexibility in how you set up
your laboratory. When you use WirelessTEMP, you will not be forced to
place your instruments in inconvenient locations just because a data
line happens to be there.
Can I
use WirelessTEMP in potentially explosive atmospheres?
Yes,
we have an ATEX-approved version of the remote control. The ATEX
version of the remote control may be used in potentially explosive
areas. The only limitation is that the remote control unit must be
operated with ATEX-approved batteries; it cannot be operated with a
power supply unit.
Is an EC-Type Examination
Certificate available for the ATEX version of the remote control?
Yes, the delivery of the ATEX version of the remote control includes
an examination certificate in accordance with the EC-directive
94/9/EG. It is included in the operation manual. It certifies that the
equipment complies with the essential safety requirements for intended
application in explosion-hazardous areas.
Examination
Certificate No.: BVS 08 ATEX E 001X
Equipment Identification No.: II 2G Ex ib IIC T4/T160°C (T3)
How
many instruments can be controlled with the remote control and how do
they stay organized?
The
remote control can administer up to eight temperature control
instruments. Each temperature control instrument must be fitted with a
transmitter. After switching on, the remote control searches for
available transmitters. The temperature control instruments are then
assigned to nodes N1 to N8 in the order they were found. This order is
saved and utilized the next time the remote control is switched on. If
the next time the network is switched on a previously saved
temperature control instrument is no longer present, its node will be
unoccupied. In other words, the notes will not be rearranged! This
ensures that each temperature instrument has a permanently defined
node. This saves the user unnecessary effort because it is easier to
remember the assignments.
The user wishes to operate the thermostats sometimes via his PC and
sometimes via remote control.
Is parallel operation feasible? Or does he have to settle for one
solution?
Simultaneous, parallel operation is not feasible. However, if the
remote control is configured as "FFD" (see operation manual) PC and
remote control can be operated within one network. Then the user may
temporarily use the remote control and if required operate the
thermostats via PC and Easy-Temp software. The equipment which is not
required remains deactivated.
Do
warning and error messages from the temperature control instrument
also appear on the remote control unit?
Yes,
if the temperature control instrument emits an error, the remote
control will also emit an audible alarm. In addition, the error code
will cycle in and appear briefly. If the wireless range to an
instrument is exceeded, a brief audible alarm will sound every 20
seconds until the wireless connection is back in range. The acoustic
alarm can be switched off by pressing the ON/OFF key once.
I
would like to use WirelessTEMP. How do I know what to order?
It is
very simple. You will need one transmitter for every temperature
control instrument (up to eight units). You must then decide how you
wish to control the instruments remotely. You have two choices: You
can order either the convenient remote control unit or the Wireless PC
USB Stick, the latter of which is used to control the instruments from
your personal computer.
When
do I need the Wireless USB Stick?
You
need the Stick if you wish to control and monitor the temperature
control instruments from your PC or laptop computer. Or, if you wish
to use several mutually independent WirelessTEMP applications within
one laboratory, you will need a Wireless USB Stick for
configuration purposes. Wireless USB Stick is also needed if you
wish to use our EasyTEMP control software to collect measurement data
or for other uses.
When
do I need the router?
You
need a router whenever the wireless range is inadequate. This may be
the case if there are many walls or obstacles. Using one or several
routers can extend the wireless range in these situations.
Is the
EasyTEMP Professional software included with WirelessTEMP?
No,
EasyTEMP Professional software must be purchased separately. Or you
can
download the free version of EasyTEMP. The Professional version
supports communication with up to eight units; the free version can
control only one temperature control instrument.
Data communication/wireless connections
What
kind of wireless technology does WirelessTEMP use?
WirelessTEMP uses the new "ZigBee" wireless standard for industry,
which ensures stable and secure connections even in an industrial
environment. For more information about ZigBee wireless technology,
refer to the official website of the ZigBee Alliance at
www.zigbee.org.
What
is the maximum range of the WirelessTEMP connection?
In
open areas the range can be as long as 70 m. But under practical
conditions, the actual range is influenced by several factors. Walls
or other obstacles like machines or furniture will shorten the
wireless range. When necessary, wireless range can be extended through
the use of one or several routers.
How
can I extend the range of the wireless connection?
The
router is available for extending the range of the wireless
connection. This specialized device receives wireless signals from all
participating units, amplifies those signals, and forwards them.
Several routers can be cascaded to cover very long distances. To start
using a router, simply plug it into a common power socket located
approximately in the middle of the wireless range.
Is the
communication with the temperature control instruments continuous?
Data
is exchanged with the selected circulator every
0.7
second.
During sleep mode, the sender/receiver switches off to save energy.
Are
there time delays associated with keypad operation and the display?
Because measurement values are transmitted cyclically, in the
worst-case scenario the measurement value that is displayed will be 1
second old. From a practical standpoint, we can say that the
measurement value on the remote control is synchronized almost exactly
with the circulator.
Under
what circumstances should I expect a communication failure?
The
ZigBee wireless standard is very reliable. The bit error rate (BER)
based on the signal noise ratio (SNR) is superior to other wireless
standards like Bluetooth. However, ZigBee is also limited by physical
barriers. Or if the maximum range is exceeded, the remote control will
lose its wireless connection.
What
happens when communication is broken off?
The
display will indicate visually that the connection has been lost.
Additionally, a brief acoustic warning will be heard every 20 seconds.
As soon as you return to the wireless range, the remote control will
automatically reestablish the connection with the instrument. This may
require up to one minute.
Does
WirelessTEMP emit dangerous radiation?
While
commercially available mobile telephones operate with sending power of
2 W, WirelessTEMP sends with an average of only 2 mW (0.002
W).
Compared to a mobile telephone, the radiation emitted by WirelessTEMP
products is only a fraction of the common values (approximately
1/10000). The specific absorption rate (SAR) of WirelessTEMP is far
below the guidelines provided by the International Commission for
Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which specifies a value of
2 W/kg. This limit is internationally accepted.
Energy supply / Battery operation / Battery life
How
long is battery life?
The
service life of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries depends on
the type of batteries and the way in which the devices are used.
a)
Continuous operation: The remote control is used throughout the
workday and the setpoint is changed continuously. Battery life will be
approximately 3 work days.
b)
Sporadic operation: The remote control is used for sporadic checking
of the actual temperature. The setpoint is changed only occasionally.
The unit is in standby mode for 75% of the time that it is switched
on. Battery life will be approximately 18 work days.
Is
there an energy-saving mode?
Yes,
there is a Sleep mode and automatic shutoff.
If no
buttons are pressed for 15 minutes and the unit is running on
batteries, power-saving mode will be activated. Sender, receiver, and
background illumination switch off. Pressing any button reactivates
the system. When running on batteries, the unit will shut off
completely if no buttons are pushed for one hour.
Can
the remote control be powered with rechargeable batteries?
Yes,
the remote control unit can be operated either with regular or
rechargeable batteries (AAA).
How
are rechargeable batteries recharged?
The
unit is not able to recharge batteries. To recharge the batteries, you
must remove them from the unit and charge them in a separate charger.
What
is the anticipated battery life?
Common
rechargeable batteries can withstand approximately 1000 charge cycles.
Improper use can significantly shorten the charge cycles. One example
of improper use would be to recharge a battery that has not been fully
exhausted. This would result in what is known as the memory effect.
Should
I use rechargeable or regular batteries?
Users
who regularly move from one workstation or location to another are
advised to use regular batteries. When batteries are used, you can
insert the power supply unit as needed. The unit will switch
automatically from batteries to the power supply. When batteries are
used, the current battery capacity will be shown in the display.
What
indication does the user receive that the battery/rechargeable battery
is nearly exhausted?
The
display shows the charge state of the batteries. When the charge
indicator changes from one bar to no bars, you have at least six hours
of continuous operation remaining.
How
can I continue working when the batteries are exhausted?
Whenever possible, always have a set of spare batteries ready. If no
spare batteries are available, the remote control can be operated with
the plug power pack. |
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