MODEL 1730
RTU Controller

OVERVIEW

Zetron SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems offer a range of practical, economical solutions for monitoring and control of remote sites. While compatible with hard-wired communications, Zetron�s SCADA systems, comprised of Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), System Controller, and Control Program, are particularly useful in applications that cover a wide geographic area and use conventional, trunked or spread-spectrum radio, cellular or dial-up telephone, or other �wireless� communications media.

The Model 1730 Controller offers a flexible, cost-effective way to connect RTUs over widely distributed remote sites to a central control program. The M1730 handles the wireless connection interface so the control program is only required to offer a standard wired data connection. The M1730 manages all of Zetron Remote Terminal Units - the M1708, the M1716, and the M1732. With M1730�s modular design the configuration of he controller can be sized to the application. Expansion slots allow the addition of digital or analog I/O so the controller can also perform RTU functions thus eliminating the need for another device at that location.

M1730 delivers the status without delays giving near instantaneous response. The systems integrator or customer programmer sets the operational parameters using the M1732 configuration utility, a user-friendly software package from Zetron.

OPERATION MODES

The M1730 controller operates with the MODBUS interface enabling industry standard control programs to communicate with the RTU�s in the field through the local M1730 controller. The M1730 operates as the RTU�s proxy to the control program with the control program having no knowledge that the Zetron wireless RTUs are distributed across a wide geography. To gather status the M1730 can poll at regular intervals or receive reports by exception from the RTU storing the status until queried by the control program. In this way, the Coverage area is as extensive as the reach of the wireless communication infrastructure. In many cases, a wireless system is easier, faster to install, and more economical than wired solutions.

CONNECTION OPTIONS

Logically, the M1730 connects to the control program on one side and the remote RTU�s connected through the wireless infrastructure on the other. Control Application/Computer Connection The typical connection to the control application involves an RS-232 cable between the M1730 and a nearby computer. Alternatively, the connection may be via modems to a remote computer. This option is typically used as back-up for applications that require exceptionally high availability.

Wireless Telecommunications/RTU Connections The power of the M1730 is in its ability to connect to remote RTUs using a variety of wireless technologies, which include conventional or trunked radio systems in licensed and unlicensed spectrums at 1200 bps. The connection follows standard radio protocol (listening before sending) and then remains in effect for the duration of the data transmission. The typical transmission for most applications is a matter of a few seconds, at which point the radio channel is released for other voice or data users.

CENTRAL CONTROL SOFTWARE

The Zetron SCADA System can communicate with and be controlled by process control applications or Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) via the MODBUS communications protocol. MODBUS is an industry standard communications protocol allowing devices from different manufacturers to communicate. The MODBUS protocol can control and monitor the M1730 control hardware which in turn communicates with the remote RTUs.TM

Zetron offers Lookout Software, developed by National Instruments, a highly productive automation software package with an easy to use interface. Lookout is used to control, monitor, analyze, or report on your automation applications. One of the easiest to use HMI SCADA software on the market, it includes an extensive library of graphics, Internet connections with the web client feature, trending data display, dial out alarms to a commercial paging service and much more. The software packages range from 50 points to unlimited with client licenses.

FEATURES

• Manages up to 150 Zetron wireless RTUs
• Connects to MODBUS control applications
• Supports polled and exception reporting
• Modular design for expansion of I/O or communication interface
• 8 digital inputs, 4 digital outputs and 1 relay built into core module

Specifications