PRODUCT SHOWCASE

WATERMATION

For over a decade now McLean Automation has sold WirelessWater, a radio based water management system operated by irrigation software running on a laptop computer. The system records weather station data, controls valves & pumps and displays soil moisture values. It was originally developed for on site farm automation.

From 2010 WirelessWater is expandable to Watermation where the laptop computer running the system can be accessed from any PC over the internet. With the addition of a GSM box for critical alarms when the user in not logged on, the system is ideal for owners/mangers dealing with multiple, geographically dispersed properties. Want to know more? Phone us to setup an internet demo.

Typical system ($8900 + GST) as shown at left consists of Netbook computer for local monitoring/control & internet access, irrigation software with a choice of 3 watering schedules, wireless weather station & PC software, LinkMaster PC transceiver for wireless on site monitoring & control, 8 valve receiver for 2 wire DC latching solenoids, pump control receiver, soil moisture alarm transmitter with surface & deep probes & a GSM box for SMS text messages direct to mobile phone.

Not shown on this example but currently available is water flow meter totalising & remote camera monitoring. NB Watermation requires ADSL/3G coverage at the remote site.

Many systems we supply are solar powered. Typical applications include float switch transmitters, receivers for latching DC irrigation solenoids, repeaters, water meter totalisers & frost alarms.

The solar box integrates the radio module, battery, panel, antenna & charge regulator into a single weatherproof enclosure with a 40mm threaded coupling on the bottom for delpoyment on a length of inch & half threaded pipe.

Options include wiring kits to speed installation & plugable terminations for situations where the module has to be removed quickly to avoid floods or harvesting machinery.

The solar system uses reliable polycrystaline panels that don't degrade & 4AHr gel cells with enough reserve to withstand a fortnight without sun.

The MiniBrik is a hand held transmitter with 1km range (when fitted with a 30cm antenna). The low profile start/stop press buttons minimise the chance of transmitter operation if accidentally bumped & the guarded main power switch eliminates misuse.

The Robust construction on the MiniBrik makes it ideal for remote pump start from a quad bike or other farm utility vehicle. If the 30cm 'rubber duck' flexi whip is removed the handset can be plugged into a longer (vehicle mounted) aerial for greater range.

The versatile MiniBrik platform is optionable with versions that can be plugged into an external timer for programmed start/stop and multichannel formats for the remote actuation of up to twelve remotes.

Suitable receivers for this transmitter include the Cobra 2C (2 code working) series plus a range of applications specific AutoStart multi relay receivers designed for the remote control of small diesel pumps not fitted with a Murphy box or similar engine management system.

PumpStar will remotely control a pump from the MV output of any 24v~ irrigation controller. The pump is automatically started when the controller main valve output comes on & an off signal is sent when the output switches off.

The PumpStar transmitter will automatically restart a pump that has lost power while the MV output is on or stop a pump if the controller looses power. The receiver will also default to off after 1 minute without signal. The system uses separate on/off codes with link fail detect to ensure reliable pump control.

PumpStar has a simple 2 wire interface on the transmitter and the receivers are avialbale in 12, 24 or 240v. An alternate version will control a pump from any off-the-shelf plug in timer.

PumpLink is a two way radio link from a single base site for the remote control & monitoring of up to 3 remote pumps at separate locations. The base uses a beeper & led to indicate pump status while the remotes have a relay output & a contact closure input.

PumpLink is a two way radio link where the pump transceiver signals confirmation back of switching action. The PumpLink acknowledgement can be automatic from the receiver or wired externally to a pressure or flow switch. At $990 per transceiver the system is one of the most affordable two way remote control links on the market.

The PumpLink base modules are available in a battery powered version for pedestrian portable remote control & monitoring. The transceiver version (pictured) will receive change-of-status updates from remote pumps as they occur if it is within range. A status switch allows the operator to check on the condition of any pump by polling it.

The system is easily installed in just a few hours and is an ideal way to evaluate the radio remote control option over more traditional solutions or as a starting point for farm automation.