Unidata's New Products

Unidata has released several new and updated products in 2010.

We have refreshed all of our Neon Remote Terminals and Modules to the "D" series which include new features such as additional memory, up to 8 Mb of local data storage, and additional input channels and additional interfaces, such as the important Modbus RTU RS 485 interface. The packaging for the Neon remote terminals has been improved, to allow easier battery access and additional connections required for the additional channels.

Why 8MB of Memory?

Neon Terminals and Modules report data over the internet and the readings are uploaded to the remote server regularly, however in the event of an extended communications system outage, customers are often concerned to make sure data is recorded locally. These customers can now be assured that there is plenty of memory available to continue storing readings locally. With 8 Mb of memory the local storage of readings can continue for months or years even at high logging rates.

Why Modbus?

Many customers wish to use instruments with the Modbus RTU RS 485 interface. Industrial / SCADA applications typically use the Modbus RTU 485 as the preferred method of interfacing. Previously we provided a Modbus facility using a protocol converter, but it is easier to have the Neon Remote Terminals and Modules to have this capability built in and we have been able to make it easier to prepare schemes for Modbus RTU instruments using Starlog 4 Software.

Why More Channels?

Some customers wanted a larger input count on the Neon range, so we have provided some additional channels, up to 4 analogue and 4 digital channels. We also have added a special "ancillary logger" function, such that our very large loggers, such as the high end very accurate 16 channel Prologger, can be connected as a transparent ancillary logger connected to a Neon Terminal so that it can be set to report via a Neon Server rather than be connected via a dial up modem. The Neon Server simply addresses the ancillary logger in the same way as it does a Neon remote terminal or module, and schemes can be uploaded to the Prologger via the Neon Server in a seamless way, making it very easy to connect and use.

We have also released two new Neon products, a Neon Camera System and Module and a GPS module for customers needing to have GPS position for mobile measurement stations.

Why a camera?

Telemetry of readings from a remote site has always been important, and that is our main business, but for remote sites, sometimes there may be unusual site conditions, for example, a log, branches or other debris affecting the measurement environment. With the neon Camera System, a low resolution photograph of the measurement site can be taken daily, hourly or on demand and sent up to the Neon Server for the operator to view as required. With a regular photograph, the local conditions around the site can be observed, and site visits can be reduced, saving time and money. A site visit is always best, but a regular photograph is a big help at times.

Why GPS?

For mobile measuring sites, it is useful to have a GPS position recorded for audit purposes with the data so there can be assurance that the data was collected from a particular site. Our GPS product also puts the position onto the Neon Google Maps interface, so the trace of the position over time can be recorded.

The top of the range Prologger, the most accurate logger in the range, has had memory increased to 1MB and a better power supply specification.