A scalable wireless network that can monitor and control I/O functions or provide serial communication at up to 56 locations has been introduced by Turck and Banner Engineering. The new SureCross DX80 product line replaces costly wiring in a wide range of industrial, agricultural, power generation, water supply and waste disposal applications. Discrete, serial and analog devices that can be controlled by the network include ultrasonic and photoelectric sensors, pumps, counters, thermocouple and RTD temperature sensors. The remote nodes gather data and transmit control commands between the sensors or other devices and a central Gateway. The Gateway maps inputs from the remote nodes and interfaces with a PLC or HMI via RS-485 modbus or Ethernet/IP.

Designed for applications where wiring is impractical or unaffordable, DX80 nodes and the devices they monitor can be powered by 10-30 VDC, battery or solar panels. This capability can eliminate the need for power wiring as well as control wiring, providing significant cost reduction and ease of installation in situations that cover wide areas. Banner’s unique power management capability and low power consumption enable a node and sensor to operate for years on a single battery power supply. Almost all units have industry standard robust IP67 housings. Models with Intrinsically Safe and Class I Division 2 (Atex Zone 0) approvals are available for extreme environments. Node to gateway transmission range using license-free radio is 3 km at 2.4 GHz. The signal range can be extended by adding DataRadio modules as repeaters.

Tags: Turck