Wireless I/O is effective whenever there is a lot of cost, time and overhead to install normal hardwired cables. In an indoor or Plant facility, equipiment and walls may make it difficult to get to a particuliar I/O point while in outdoor applications, trenching costs may be the determining factor.
Historically, the high costs of hardwiring in such cases prevents the I/O point from being monitored. A Wireless I/O system can solve this problem. By removing the cost barrier, Wireless I/O makes previously inaccessible I/O points accessible. Because no wiring or trenching is required, the time to setup and install is measured in hours rather than days or weeks.
The only setup required is initial DIP switch or software configuration. Once this is done and the units are bench tested, the only other step is to apply D.C. power and connect the antenna and I/O; the license-free radio avoids any requirements for licensing with Industry Canada or the FCC.
Bentek Wireless I/O modules also have a Fail-Safe Link Failure output which can be used to shut equipment off in case there is an RF link failure. A 20 mile LOS (Line of Sight) range ensures easy integration into most Plant and Outdoor applications. If there is local RF interference coming from a neighbouring RF source, configurable Hopping Codes also provide the user with a way to avoid the interference.
In choosing which Bentek Wireless I/O radio is right for your application, use the following as a guide:
- SR900 Sensor Radio has 2 digital and 1 analog I/O point with no expansion capability.
- 900MB has up to 8 Digital/Analog I/O points with some expansion capability. I/O is also pollable via Modbus and RS-232 and RS-485 is also available for serial communications.
- IO900 is modular with 1 AI, 1AO, 2 DI and 2 DO and radio on the base unit and I/O expansion to handle up to 8 additional analog and digital I/O modules.
- RIO-900 is modular system with radio, RS-232 and RS-485 on the base unit and expansion to handle up to 8 additional analog and digital I/O modules.
