Control Network Newsletter
Expanded BASautomation Product Line Introduced at AHR Expo 2012
February 2012 – Contemporary Controls introduced several new products within the BASautomation product line at the 2012 AHR Expo in Chicago. The AHR Expo set a new record for attendance with more than 58,000 visitors and exhibitors.
"The show remains one of the most effective means for us to meet both existing and new customers," said Joe Stasiek, Sales Manager of Contemporary Controls. "It's a chance for us to showcase how our products can help the system integrator build on BACnet/IP."
As part of Contemporary Controls' effort to "Build on BACnet," the BASautomation product line has been expanded to provide even more integration solutions for other protocols such as Modbus.
"Modbus devices remain popular in boiler control, variable speed drives, and energy metering applications, but these devices lack BACnet compliance," said Mr. Stasiek. "We have products that make that integration easier, including the new BASgateway."
The BASgateway connects BACnet/IP Ethernet to non-BACnet compliant networks such as Modbus Serial or Modbus TCP. Using the concept of virtual routing, up to 30 Modbus devices appear as individual BACnet devices. Using web pages and a resident database of common Modbus device profiles, Modbus registers from either Modbus TCP or Modbus Serial devices can be mapped to BACnet objects.
Cooperating with Modbus device manufacturers, Contemporary Controls has developed a library of Modbus device profiles that reside within the BASgateway - thereby removing a significant burden from the system integrator commissioning the system. If custom device profiles are required, they can be uploaded to the BASgateway.
Also introduced was the BAScontrol, a 20-point field controller with a direct connection to Ethernet networks. Ideally suited for structured wiring systems, the BAScontrol is BACnet/IP compliant with a B-ASC device profile. Having a resident Sedona Virtual Machine (SVM), the unit is freely programmable using tools such as Niagara Workbench or Sedona Workbench. For remote Ethernet I/O applications, the unit can be configured with minimal effort using a web browser.
The BAScontrol provides a convenient mix of universal inputs, binary inputs and outputs as well as analog outputs. Models exist for both triac and relay binary outputs. The unit is ideal for unitary control or for expanding I/O points in the field via an Ethernet connection.
The BASview, which was introduced to customers in the November issue of Control Network, was also on display. BASview is a stand-alone, embedded, web-based graphical interface for building automation and process automation systems. It can be accessed from any web browser - providing client functionality to any BACnet/IP or Modbus TCP system. By using Contemporary Controls BASrouter or BASgateway products, additional protocols such as BACnet MS/TP and Modbus RTU and Modbus ASCII are supported.
The BASview is totally self-contained, requiring no external PC or application for its use. Any number of web browser users can access the device. The BASview is ideal for small to medium buildings or processes that require a simple-to-use graphical interface with no licensing requirements.
Learn more about the new products by the BASgateway, BAScontrol and BASview product pages.
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