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About the products
About Sitrad
About the sensors
About displayed messages
About t échnical specifications

About the main functions

ABOUT THE PRODUCTS

1. Where can I find Full Gauge's digital instruments?

You can find the nearest Full Gauge representative by accessing the link where to buy. You can also contact Full Gauge's sales department by e-mail at comex@fullgauge.com or by calling +55 51 3778-3434.

2. Does the controller lose the setup parameters after a power fault?

Full Gauge products store user-defined parameters in non-volatile memory, i.e. a memory that does not require electricity to hold data, keeping data for more than 100 years.

3. Can the products be used in any installation?

No. Full Gauge Controls line is currently made up by 87 products that are destined to different types of processes. In order to know which is the best product for your installation, access the link Products and see which controller fulfills the best your needs.

ABOUT SITRAD

1. What's Sitrad?

The Sitrad is a software to manage installations. It allows the management of refrigeration, heating, air conditioning and solar heating systems and can be used in every kind of business segment. With Sitrad , you evaluate, control and stores data of temperature, humidity, time, pressure and voltage. The software still allows the modification of operation parameters with total security. Trough the REMOTE module, it's possible to watch the installations via Internet.

2. What is "LOCAL-REMOTE-MOBILE"?

Sitrad is made up of two modules: the LOCAL module which must be installed in the computer physically connected to the installations, that is, directly linked to controllers; the REMOTE module, in turn, must be installed in the computer that will carry out the installations' remote management, over the Internet, establishing the link with the LOCAL module*; and the MOBILE, which has the same functionalities as the REMOTE, communicates with the LOCAL and must be installed in a mobile phone with Internet access.

* Sitrad uses client/server access, a type of communication that allows the exclusive exchange of data (encrypted) between his Modules, with total precision and security.

3. Which configuration my computer must have to install Sitrad?

The Sitrad has three modules: LOCAL, REMOTE and MOBILE.

To the LOCAL module, which must be installed near the controllers, the minimum systems requirements are:
Pentium II 400 MHz or higher
30 MB of HD
64 MB of RAM (recommendable 256 MB)
Windows 98/ME/NT/XP/2000/2003
1 communication port (COM1 or COM2)

To the REMOTE module, that can be installed in any other computer with internet access, the necessities are:
Pentium II 400 MHz or higher
10 MB of HD
64 MB of RAM (recommendable 192 MB)
Windows 98/ME/NT/XP/2000/2003
Connection with Internet or Intranet.

To the MOBILE module, which must be installed in a mobile phone with Internet access, the
system requirements of the mobile phone are:
Mobile phone that allows downloading Java applications
Mobile phone having access to the Internet
80 KB free space in the mobile phone
Java minimum configuration:
- CLDC: 1.1
- MIDP: 2.0

4. My computer doesn't have Internet access. Is the Sitrad going to work?

The LOCAL module works perfectly connectionless with Internet. However, the REMOTE module, that is used for the on-line management, demands the Internet use, even for to send mobiles and e-mails alarms.

5. How does Sitrad record the data?

The data received by the Sitrad are recorded in files with format of database (files with extension .db), bringing greater integrity to the collected dices and agility at the time of analyzing them.

6. Does Sitrad have alarms?

Yes, it has visual alarms, formed for recording in sonorous alarm and/or text file, emitted through the teller of sound of the computer. Also it sends electronic mails of alert for cellular and registered electronic directions, case the parameters leave the formed limits.

7. When trying to access the REMOTE module, the Sitrad shows the following message "It's not possible to establish connection with the server". Why?

That message can appear by three reasons:

1. The IP number you are trying to accede doesn't exist. In this case, verifies the correct IP number of the server.

2. Both computers may be without Internet access. Verify your connection.

3. The servant's door 5001 is not able to access. Verify with the administrator of its network so the door can be released.

In case that the three possibilities have been verified and the message persists, get in touch with our Application's Engineering (Technical Support) to obtained a detailed help.

8. Which controllers can be managed by the Sitrad?

The following controllers of the Full Gauge can be managing by the Sitrad: TC-940Ri plus, TC-900Ri clock, MT-512Ri plus, MT-512Ri LOG, PCT-1600 plus, PCT-400Ri plus, PCT-410Ri plus, PCT-420Ri plus, MT-530Ri plus, AHC-80 plus, MT-530 super, MT-543Ri plus, MT-516RVTi plus, TI-33Ri plus, RT-607Ri plus, Microsol II plus, Microsol II power, PhaseLOG plus, SwitchLOG plus, AutoPID plus, HUMITECH II plus, Humitech Super, MT-439 plus, PWR-3200 plus and MOD64.

Visit the website of Full Gauge or click in the link "Products" to know all our line of products.

9. Is there any equipment I should have to communicate controllers and software?

You must have the Interface CONV96 or the CONV256, a converter that allows the data change among the controllers and the computer. Its function is converting a signal of a serial communication pattern RS-232 of the computer for pattern RS-485 of the controllers. The controllers are fitted to the Interface and this is connected to the computer through a communication door (COM1, COM2...). The Interface communicates with up to 256 Full Gauge's controllers.

10. What is the function of the junction box accompanying the instruments that communicate with Sitrad?

The junction box delivered with the instruments (except Microsol II ) is used to interconnect them to the communication network, and has internal protection to reduce the noise coming from motors, electric cables, power line fluctuations, among others.

11. How long may the cable in the installation to interconnect the instruments to the interface in the computer running the Sitrad local module be?

The cable may be up to 3,000 ft (1,000 m) long.

12. Given that the interface is placed next to the computer, what is the maximum distance between the controllers and the interface?

The maximum distance between the controllers and the interfaces CONV32, CONV96, or CONV256 is of 3,000 ft (1,000 m).

13. How many instruments can be connected to the CONV32 interface?

The Conv 32 interface allows connecting up to 32 Full Gauge controllers with serial output, regardless of model, measurement variable, and number of sensors used by the controller.

14. How many instruments can be connected to the CONV256 interface?

The CONV256 interface allows connecting up to 256 Full Gauge controllers with serial output, regardless of model, measurement variable, and number of sensors used by the controller.

15. In case of power fault, will I lose the data recorded in the computer?

The data collected up to the moment of the power fault is safely saved in Sitrad's database.

16. How many TCP-485 can I have in my data network?

As Sitrad can communicate with up to 247 instruments, the data network can have up to 247 TCP-485, but remember that instrument addresses cannot be repeated, even for different converters.

17. How does Sitrad recognize different instruments?

When the network has more than one instrument, the last function of the instrument must be changed. This function says: equipment address in the RS-485 network.

If it is not changed, different instruments will have the same address and will not communicate. Thus the instrument addresses must be changed before connecting Sitrad, assigning different values for each controller, such as 001, 002, 016...

18. Can I have a mixed network using TCP-485 and CONV32, for instance?

It is possible to have a network with one CONV32 and several TCP-485 provided that the instrument addresses do not repeat within the network.

19. Do I have to buy a fixed IP address?

A fixed IP address is not required and Sitrad remote does not require keeping the IP address updated.

20. How can I access a remote computer with dynamic IP?

You can access a remote computer with dynamic IP without spending any money.

There are programs in the market that allow accessing a computer without knowing the IP address, like DynDNS and DDNS, which we recommend for being entirely written in Portuguese. To use the software, download it from www.winco.com.br/ddns and install in the same computer where Sitrad Local is installed.

When the program is installed you will register to receive a DNS address, such as johnsmith.ddns.com.Br. This is the address you will have to use in Sitrad Remote. Thus you do not need to know the IP address of the server you want to access because DDNS consistently informs the right IP to the DNS address.

Click here to see a step-by-step on how to download DDNS.

ABOUT THE SENSORS


1. Can the length of the sensor cable be increased?

The length can be increased up to 600 ft (200 m) using an AWG cable. The cable splice in the sensor must have the following properties: good electric contact, good insulation between wires, and good protection against humidity. Provided you meet these three requirements, you can use any means to make the splice, like soldering or some type of connector (Sindal or others). Then you must use a self-fusion tape to protect the splice against humidity.

2. Can the sensor cable be routed together with power cables?

In accordance with NBR 5410 standard, sensor cables may be near to power cables, but not in the same conduit where the electric power wires and load wires are routed.

3. Can the RollerBag temperature sensor be immersed in liquid?

The RollerBag sensor is waterproof, but we recommend using a thermometer well to meet the Technical Standards.

4. What is the right position for installation of the humidity sensor?

The point of the humidity sensor must point downwards. Otherwise, depending on room humidity, residues or liquids may build up in the sensor.

5. Are temperature sensors compatible between themselves, independently of the controller version?

No. Controller versions, and sensor cable colors must be observed.

Sensor com cabo azul (vermelho) e cápsula de inox SB1 e SB9PTC
Sensor com cabo azul e cápsula preta SB14Sensor digital
Sensor com cabo verde (vermelho) e cápsula de inox SB16Sensor digital
Sensor comcabo verde e cápsula preta SB14Sensor digital
Sensor com cabo preto (cinza) e cápsula de inox SB19Sensor NTC

6. Why these differences?

The continuous upgrading of Full Gauge sensors produced these different steps, finally arriving to the RollerBag.

ABOUT DISPLAYED MESSAGES


1. What do AHI and ALO messages mean?

AHI means high temperature or pressure alarm (depending on the instrument model) and ALO means low temperature or pressure alarm (depending on the instrument model).

2. What does the SOF message mean?

SOF stands for software, and the number that follows represents the version of the controller.

3. What do Er1, Er2, Er3 messages mean?

These messages mean that an error occurred with the controller's sensors. The sensors may be disconnected or out of the specified measurement range. In the temperature and humidity controllers, Er1 is for temperature and Er2 is for humidity. The description texts delivered with the product bring more specific explanations about the messages, since messages vary depending on the controller.

ABOUT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

1. Does the controller lose its configuration with power outage?

No. Full Gauge Controls products store the users configuration (adjustments and settings) in its non-volatile memory; in other words, maintain the memory does not depend of electricity, causing the data to remain stored for over 40 years in case of power outage.

2. Shall I use protectors against overvoltage (electronic lightning arrester)?

Yes. According to the standard NBR 5410 overvoltage protector should be installed (line filter).

3. Is the use of contactors advised?

In the controllers handbook is specified the maximum current for charge adding. If the current's value is above the one specified in the handbook, a contactor switch must be used. In these cases, with the use of a contactor, the relay life will be larger, and will protect the contact in case of a very high current peak at the moment of charge drive, and also at the opening of the contact, whenever a high voltage peak is generated (voltaic arc).

4. What is the temperature and humidity range in environments in which that controller can be installed?

The temperature range is 0 to 60oC, and the humidity range is 10 to 90% r.h. (without condensation). Controllers must be protected against sprinkling, vibration, etc.

5. The manuals of some controllers include a maximum current specification of 16(8) A. What does it mean?

It means that loads exceeding 16 A (resistive) and 8 A (inductive) require a contactor.

* This technical specification varies according to the model.

ABOUT THE MAIN FUNCTIONS

1. What is Set Point?

This function allows adjusting the value for which the output must be turned off for temperature, humidity, or pressure controllers.

2. What is Access Code?

This function aims at blocking and protecting controller technical access functions from being operated by unauthorized persons. A code is required to allow changing the technical access functions. The code is in the instrument's description text.

3. What is Offset?

This is the function that allows correcting deviations in the sensor reading to compensate for potential offsets due to longer sensor cables or sensor replacement.

Tip: To compensate the deviation in the sensor reading, use a standard thermometer, preferably calibrated in an authorized lab. For temperature sensors, the controller's sensor must be placed next to the standard sensor and left there for a few minutes for the temperature to stabilize. Adjust the value in the Offset function immediately afterwards.

4. What is Control Differential (hysteresis)?

You must configure this function with the value of the difference to turn the output on again.

Example: If you want to turn on at 30° C and turn off at 35° C, the Set Point function must be set to 35.0 and the differential function (hysteresis) to 05.0.

5. What is Delay to turn the output on again (Delay)?

This function corresponds to the minimum time the output must stay off. The controller will observe this time when the controller is powered on and whenever the load is turned off.
June/2010
May/2010
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