Every CIMScan monitoring systems requires a server computer running the CIMScan-6 software and at least one remote data acquisition controller called an eLink. The eLink is attached to one or more instruments or data acquisition units called I/O Pods. These low cost devices are used to connect sensors or transmitters with analog outputs. The diagram below shows this simple architecture.

All of the instruments are connected to the eLink through a common 4-wire communications cable.

1. Install the eLink and a +24 Vdc power supply at a convenient spot at one end if the 4-wire network.
2. Connect sensors/transmitters with analog outputs (4-20 ma or 0-5V) outputs to the inputs on a PD-17 I/O Pod. Flow or speed sensors with pulse outputs can be used with PD-50 pulse input I/O Pod. Typically, a 2 or 3-wire connection is made between the sensor and the pod.
3. Instruments such as particle counters or our CS-10 temp/humidity or CS-22 differential pressure transmitters can be powered as well as connected to the eLink via the 4-wire network.
4. The OP-05 value display and the AL series alarm indicator modules are powered from the network and receive data/commands via the serial interface. Only 4 connections are required for each device.
5. Connect the eLink to a LAN jack.
6. Configure the eLink using the appropriate service tool.

Click here to Download the DA-06 Service Tool User’s Manual

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

The diagram below shows a typical eLink installation with three I/O Pods.

DO-IT-YOURSELF OR TURNKEY

CIMTechniques can provide you with a completely turnkey installation, or you can purchase the components and install them yourself and we’ll handle the system configuration remotely. Of course, the least expensive approach is for you to take care of the on-site physical labor and let us help you via telephone and email.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION & CONFIGURATION

We can remotely install the CIMScan server software on your computer.

CIMScan system configuration begins by creating one or more groups that will receive the sensor data. This is typically done by department.

Sensor measurements are received from the monitoring stations along with the unique serial number of the sensor and the time the measurement was taken. The server uses the serial number to determine which group is to receive the measurement data. If no group is associated with the serial number, the sensor is placed in the unassigned list.

A Group Administrator can assign one or more sensors to his or her group by simply logging onto the system, opening the unassigned list, and selecting the desired sensor(s) by its serial number. Once selected, the administrator can enter a name and a location for the sensor and select the sensor’s type. This will establish the alarm limits, units of measure, and other important information.

Group Administrators are also responsible for initially creating user accounts. Once they have been created, the users are responsible for changing their passwords and updating their contact information (email address, telephone number, etc.) and how they are to be contacted based on the day and time.

VOICE TELEPHONE MESSAGE DELIVERY

CIMScan delivers email alerts using the same LAN port used to communicate with the remote devices. (Email messages are also used to send text messages to cell phones and to pagers.)

Messages can be optionally delivered by voice telephone. To do this, you must install our “Notify” appliance somewhere on your network. Notify contains a high quality text-to-speech converter and utilizes VIOP (Voice Over IP) technology to complete the call. If you’re not using VOIP, we can supply a simple VIOP to analog telephone adapter (ATA) which must be installed on the network. In both cases, the installation is pretty much plug and play.

AVAILABLE SERVICE TOOLS

Two Service Tools are available, one for the DA-06 and DA-08 and the other for the DA-07. The Service Tool software runs on a standard Windows XP/7 based notebook PC and is provided with a USB to SensorBus interface cable. The software can also be supplied installed and ready to run on a low cost netbook PC. A screen capture of the device configuration page for the DA-06 service tool is shown below.