Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays


IS serial text displays with Modbus

February 2006 Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays

BEKA Associates is offering its enhanced BA484D and BA488C intrinsically safe serial text displays. These instruments, which display process variables, text and simple graphics in hazardous areas, now include Modbus protocol and nine standard format display screens showing one, two, three or four variables with optional bar graphs.

The addition of Modbus protocol allows these serial text displays to be easily interfaced with the considerable range of process instrumentation having a Modbus port. Most applications can be satisfied by one of the nine new standard display screen formats, which include units of measurement, tag identification and optional bar graphs, thus eliminating the need to design a custom screen.

For applications requiring a dedicated display screen, BEKA protocol enables text to be written anywhere on the screen in five different font sizes, together with lines, boxes and simple bitmap graphics. A free instrument stimulator that runs on a personal computer demonstrates the capabilities of the serial text display and the associated programming utilities enable application software to be developed without any additional hardware.

The recent enhancement also includes the addition of two advanced features, pattern matching and scripting. Pattern matching enables ASCII data from instruments such as weighing systems and bar code readers, which are primarily intended for printing, to be decoded and displayed by the text display. Scripts are a sequence of commands downloaded and stored in the serial text displays non-volatile memory that can be executed without intervention from the host.

Both serial text displays have ATEX Group II Category IG (EEx ia IIC T5) certification and are ideal for simple machine and process control applications. The instruments include pushbuttons which may be used for returning operator acknowledgements.

The field mounting BA484D has an IP66 GRP enclosure and has been certified for use in both flammable gases and combustible dusts. The panel mounting BA488C has an IP66 front panel and has been certified for use in flammable gases.

For more information contact K V Dahya, Extech Safety Systems, 011 791 6000, [email protected]





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

High-efficiency switching solutions
Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Becker Mining South Africa has launched a new-generation energy distribution system that has been specially developed to enhance productivity and safety in the challenging conditions of local underground coal mines.

Read more...
World-first solution for platinum miner
ABB South Africa Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
When a consulting engineering company approached ABB about a specific problem that its platinum mining client was experiencing at its smelter facility in the North West Province, it was an opportunity for the technology provider to showcase its innovation and adaptability in responding to specific customer requirements.

Read more...
Robust industrial relays
Vepac Electronics Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Industrial RT relays from Vepac are particularly robust and are used for high load control. RT modules can control up to three changeover contacts, with 10 A each. In addition, this product is equipped for safety reasons with manual operation, improved LEDs or free-wheeling diodes.

Read more...
Pick-to-light device with added flexibility
Turck Banner Southern Africa Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Pick-to-light devices and systems help industrial automation manufacturers reduce the risk of error in the assembly process, ensuring product quality and reducing cost. These devices are also used in kitting and put-to-light operations to ensure high accuracy in fulfilment operations.

Read more...
Protection relays – control what you can
Schneider Electric South Africa Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
With municipalities’ distribution centres and equipment taking immense strain due to load shedding, maintenance has unfortunately moved down the priority list. The time is now to implement what municipalities can control - protecting and monitoring installed equipment.

Read more...
Programmable multicolour indicator beacons
Turck Banner Southern Africa Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Pro Editor software lets users program the K100 Pro Daylight Visible and K100 Pro Indicator with a variety of alarms, colours and animations.

Read more...
Low-profile touchless switches
Fox Controls Rand Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
LED illumination and indoor/outdoor durability make these low-profile touchless switches ideal for clean and functional industrial and public applications.

Read more...
PID controller with multicolour LCD
Allpronix Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
The Novus N1050 is an advanced PID controller featuring a large, bright and easy-to-read multicolour 11-segment LCD display with clear status signalling.

Read more...
Switch amplifiers for multiple voltage ranges
Pepperl+Fuchs Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
The new KFU8-SR-Ex product family of switch amplifiers from Pepperl+Fuchs offers a solution that is both efficient and reliable.

Read more...
SIL 2 safety switching over fibre-optic cable
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
The FCT and FCR module pair are DIN-rail mounted, fibre-optic contact transmitters and receivers that can send a digital contact signal up to 10 km over a single optical fibre.

Read more...