Remote control device acts on SMS commands

A flexible and versatile remote control device is now available from Idec. The device, which includes a modem for data connection, is also able to execute commands which have been received via SMS.

Idec has developed a flexible and versatile remote control device.

It includes a modem that allows data connection but is also capable of executing commands which have been received via SMS, and then sending notification messages.

This new device has come to enrich the range of GSM devices available from Idec and that, according to the first reaction of the market, is destined to a great success.

The EL35.005 is a real concentration of technology: built around an integrated dual band GSM Siemens TC35i engine, in addition to providing the modem function it features a number of clean contact and digital input lines, as well as a quantity of relay outputs, an RS232 serial port and an expansion bus on an RJ45 socket - more than enough for a wide variety of possible applications.

The features of the EL35.005 mean that while being suited also for domestic use, the plastic body of the device is ideal for the assembly on DIN rail, and hence its use in industrial application.

The supply voltage is from 9V and 30V DC and is protected from short-circuits and filtered, as a guarantee for good conditions of power supply.

The heart of the system is a high quality integrated TC35i dual band GSM engine that offers unquestionable guarantee of efficiency and reliability.

Of course, as with all GSM devices, it needs to be equipped with a SIM Card.

In order to complete the installation, the device must be connected to a small antenna, through an SMA connector which is placed on one side of the housing.

While installing the device it is important to verify the presence of sufficient GSM signal.

If the signal in the area where the device is to be placed is low, it is possible to use the optional magnetic-base antenna, which can be connected through a cable and allows the antenna to be mounted up to 2.5m from the EL05.005.

An LED indicator on the device notifies you of the connection to the GSM network.

The RS232 serial port uses an RJ45 socket (short circuit protected).

Through this socket it is possible to establish a remote connection, for example, with a personal computer or with a PLC, so as to establish a data connection, to unload information or to perform remote programming operations.

For example, if the EL35.005 is connected to a station of environment monitoring, it can send all the data to the collecting centre through its modem function.

In terms of digital inputs, the base unit of the EL35.005 device is equipped with 4 clean-contact inputs, which can be actuated by a switch or external relay or similar device; the input lines are also protected.

The base unit is also equipped with two digital input lines with 0-5V AC (opto-coupled) that can be actuated for example by electronic switches.

Finally, the base unit is also equipped with an expansion bus using a second RJ45 socket.

Through this socket it will be possible to add different types of expansion units, directly powered by the base unit - up to two input expansion modules, each having 8 signal inputs (these inputs can be of the clean contact type, or 0-5V digital, or mixed); and an output expansion having 8 output relays (which can be mono-stable power relays or signal relays).

According to the type of output, the expansion will be or will not be powered directly by the base unit.

These expansion units allow the basic unit to operate simultaneously up to 10 relays outputs and up to 22 input lines.

The system is safeguarded by a four-digit password that will be chosen by the user.

After establishing the password, the next step is to set the operations that the EL35.005 is required to perform.

Each of the ten relay outputs can be used to operate something from a remote location: users can activate the roof windows of the commercial green house, activate the gates to you home or factory, switch on the heating of their country house, or give the go to the air conditioning, start the sprinklers to water the golf greens, or pull the rolling shutters up or down.

There is no limit to the operations that can be managed, provided that they control the electric signal.

It will be sufficient to connect the output terminals of the relays to the control line of the equipment to be remotely operated (it should be remarked that the EL35.005 should not be used as a 'switch' to be placed on the power line of the equipment, but it should be used to activate the power circuit).

After the above is done, the system will be ready to operate.

In order to activate the chosen equipment, it will be sufficient to send an SMS, composed of the password, and a simple code, a series of '1s' or '0s'.

The'1' code will turn on the equipment that has been associated with the corresponding relay, while the '0' code will turn it off.

It will also be possible to command all the output relays simultaneously through a single SMS message.

The system, after receiving the command, will execute it and will respond by sending an SMS with the indication of the status of each of its outputs.

In case of power failure, the EL35.005 will not create any problems; no operation or re-programming will be needed, as all commands are automatically memorised by the system, and when the power is re-established the EL35.005 will restore immediately the last status of on or off that had been commanded.

Up to 22 input lines can be used to monitor any type of situation or equipment.

There is no limit to the type of operations that can be kept under control, provided that they can be monitored by sensors or switches capable of emitting an electric signal of on or off.

For example, it will be possible to verify the reaching of a certain temperature or of a certain level of liquid in a tank, or the switching on of a light, or the passing of somebody or something through a gate.

To each of these input lines it will be possible to associate an SMS message.

For example, if at the reaching a temperature of 20C inside a commercial green house a sensor (a thermostat, in this case) will open or close a contact connected to one of the input lines, automatically a certain SMS will be immediately sent to a designated phone number.

The text of the SMS as well as the phone number to which it has to be sent are chosen by the user.

The programming of the notifying SMS can be made through the serial port using the dedicated programming software or by using the AT commands, or even by sending a command SMS to the device.

In addition to the monitoring of particular situations, the EL35.005 can be used also as a system to send safety and security alarm messages, keeping however in mind that an SMS message may be sometimes not as immediate as a phone call.

Programming and managing the EL35.005 is made easy and more convenient by using Celsoft5 software.

It is an innovative program that enables you to control your EL35.005 device through its RS232 serial interface.

Celsoft5 has a simple and intuitive graphic interface, and gives an easy approach even to inexperienced users.

Programming becomes extremely easy, and it is possible to format the SIM card in a few steps and without the need of a mobile phone.

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