Recent advances in field instrumentation, communications and information processing for PC's has greatly simplified the exchange and presentation of information required for industrial remote metering. It's a new world, everything is easier to use. However, the first time user's reluctance to try remote metering is hindered by the "anxiety factor".

Remote metering allows data exchanging between one or more remote flow computers (SUPERtrol-1) and a host computer. This can be accomplished via the RS-232 port, RS-232 port with a modem or the RS-485 port. The data can be imported into popular database and spreadsheet applications using the KEPServer OPC/DDE server.

One of the best, and useful, first time applications is the simple exchanging of information between the instrument and a spread sheet application on an existing PC. The Spread sheet will be the "client" application being provided information by the "serves'. Windows provides an easy mechanism for its programs to exchange information with each other. These means of exchange are called "DDE" and "OPC". "DDE/OPC Servers" are the "middleware" which will gather and exchange the information with your liclient" application for you.

Modem communication channels permit the user to use the phone system's world wide network to obtain necessary information from the flow computer. The necessary building blocks are the flow computer, the remote modem, the local modem, the host PC loaded with the appropriate software.
In most applications the host system will call into the remote meter. The ST1 equipped with a compatible modem will be configured to answer the incoming call. Once the connection is established the host computer can then ask for information using the KEP protocol. KEP's ST1 flow computer will respond with the requested information.
In more advanced applications the ST1 Flow computer can "call in" to the host system at a specified time. The host system client application would then take control of the information exchange session. This alternate technique can also be used when it is desired to have the flow computer call in upon detection of a sensor or flow computer malfunction. The STI settings include the phone number you wish to call, the number of retries if the phone number is busy, and the conditions upon which to initiate a call. The ST1
can also handle the special actions such as hang up if the phone connection is lost or if there is no activity for several minutes.
KEP offers a compatible port powered modem which is recommended for remote metering. The MPP2400 modem, and corresponding "Modem Control" optional circuitry for the ST1, will derive its power
from the ST1 over a special purpose pin on the RS-232 port. To ensure a successful system, select a modem of good quality because modems of lower quality can "lock up" in the field.
 

Cellular phone technologies are now available with modem connections which free up the user from having to install a conventional phone line. The solutions are similar to that described for modems earlier.
Two way paging technology is another recent development which shows promise for remote metering. In these applications the exchange of information in small "packets" are sent during off hour periods to a mailbox in a Network Operations Center of the wireless service provider. Middleware software can then retrieve this information from the mailbox, and then format the information for use by other Windows programs. It is also possible to obtain immediate notice of meter problems on a serviceman's pager. Finally commands may be sent to the remote flow computer from an operator on the host PC.