R-Ident: Applications


*Long Range RF tagging amd monitoring system*
The Colter R-IDENT RF tagging and monitoring system has many possible applications, some of which are briefly described on this page. You may also download a more detailed description of each application from this page.

	*Application 1: Truck and Trailer Monitoring*
	*Application 2: Inventory Monitoring*
	*Application 3: Securing Assets*
	*Application 4: Hired Plant Monitoring*
	*Application 5: Remote Alarm Monitoring*
	*Application 6: Marina Monitoring*

*Application 1*
*Truck and Trailer Monitoring*
Many companies already track their fleet using a combination of GPS positioning and GSM mobile communications. A R-IDENT transmitter fitted to each trailer can extend this tracking in two important ways:
		The transmitters unique code number is passed to the GPS/GSM system by a R-IDENT RX1 receiver. The identity of the trailer can be passed on with the truck details and position. Upon disconnecting the trailer the tractor mounted receiver will loose contact with the transmitter and at that point advise the GPS/GSM system therefore enabling the last position of the trailer to be calculated and logged.
		The transmitter's general purpose inputs can be used to monitor the trailer and its contents; Door switches, temperature alarms, and smoke detectors for example could all be connected and monitored. The state of the inputs is passed to the receiver along with the transmitters code number. The truck’s operators could know within minutes which trailer has a problem and exactly where it is located.
Download The Application Note (122Kb)


*Application 2*
*Inventory Monitoring (This example: Trailers in a haulage companies yard)*
R-IDENT transmitters can be fitted easily to the trailers of haulage companies fleet; being battery powered they require no wiring, and as a completely sealed unit they can be fixed to any convenient surface on the outside of the trailer.
		Each transmitter broadcasts its unique code number three times every minute. A long range R-IDENT receiver will pick up these signals at a distance of up to 200m. Very few receivers will be required to ensure coverage of any yard where the trailers are stored. The information received can be used to produce an inventory of all the trailers in the yard at any time as well as record times of arrival and departure.
		Using TX2A or TX3A transmitters with general purpose inputs extends the functionality by monitoring the trailer and its contents; Door switches, temperature alarms, and smoke detectors for example could all be connected and alarmed.
Download The Application Note (207Kb)


*Application 3*
*Securing Assets (This example: Items being transported by road haulage)*
This application note describes how valuable assets transported by road haulage can be monitored and alarmed using R-IDENT.
		A single TX1A transmitter is fixed to the trailer and communicates with the Rx3A receiver in the cab.
		Pallets or crates with valuable contents are also be fitted with their own TX1A transmitters. The receiver builds a database of the transmitters which are within its range.
		If communications are unexpectedly lost with a transmitter ie. the item has been stolen and moved out of range of the receiver, then an alarm is raised either locally (via a siren or beacon in the cab) or remotely (via a GSM modem). The alarm information sent will include the identity of the trailer, and the identity of the missing item.
		If TX2A or TX3A transmitters are mounted on the trailer, then door switches, temperature alarms and smoke detectors can all be connected and monitored.
Download The Application Note (153Kb)


*Application 4*
*Hired Plant Monitoring*
How R-IDENT can simplify the process of tracking hired plant and monitoring the hours of use.
		Each item of equipment is fitted with a TX3A R-IDENT transmitter. This device is a sealed radio transmitter with an opto-isolated input which is connected to the plant's ignition such that the input is on while the equipment is being used.
		The transmitter broadcasts a signal containing its unique code number and the number of hours for which the input has been 'on'. Therefore giving a 'number of hours run' reading for a item of hired plant.
		A RX2B receiver fitted to the collection/tracking vehicle or compound entrance gate can read the packet of information and deduce the identity of the equipment and the length of time it has been operational.
		If the collection / delivery vehicle is fitted with a GPS positioning system and GSM communications then the location of the delivery or collection point, the identity of the plant, and the hours used can all be sent automatically to the plant hire headquarters.
Download The Application Note (127Kb)


*Application 5*
*Remote Alarm Monitoring*
How R-IDENT can simplify the process of tracking hired plant and monitoring the hours of use.
		R-IDENT can be used for effective remote alarm monitoring. In this example each vending machine is fitted with a TX2A or TX2B transmitter which is connected to the vending machine's alarm output which comes on if the refrigeration unit within the vending machine fails.
		Each transmitter which is connected to a vending machine broadcasts it's unique code number 3 times a minute. All transmitters within the RX3C's range are logged in its database.
		If one of the transmitter's inputs comes on, i.e the vending machine's alarm output is on the RX3C receiver will receive this information. The RX3C's actions are user configurable using the in-built keypad and LCD display.
		In this example if an alarm is detected the RX3C raises a local alarm (via a siren/beacon that is connected to it). It also sends an S.M.S text message to an engineers mobile telephone who may be on or off site. The message contains the transmitters id, building location and fault detected. The SMS message that can be sent by the RX3C is user configurable.
Download The Application Note (273Kb)


*Application 6*
*Marina Monitoring*
This application note describes how R-IDENT can simplify the process of monitoring boats that are present in a marina.
		Each boat is fitted with a R-IDENT transmitter, which can be fitted easily to boats; being battery powered they require no wiring, and as a completely sealed unit they can be fixed to any convenient surface on the outside of the boat.
		Each transmitter broadcasts its unique code number three times every minute. A long range R-IDENT receiver will pick up these signals at a distance of up to 125m if TXnA or 200m if TXnB or TXnC transmitters are used. Very few receivers will be required to ensure coverage of any harbour or marina.
		The information received can be used to produce a list of all the participating vessels in the area at any time as well as record times of arrival and departure.
		If TX2A or TX3A transmitters with general purpose inputs were used then the functionallity could extend to monitoring the boat and its contents; hatch switches for example could all be connected and alarmed.
Download The Application Note (261Kb)

New Releases

In addition to the FSC-960 fuse blown indicating module shown below. We have now introduced a 6 channel version (see FSC-1027)

These are DIN rail mounting modules, that allows users up to 10 common fused supply outlets. Each fused channel can handle up to 16A, however a maximum of only 32A max is allowed for the module.

Totally free Flex32 program development software

The highly advanced prgram development suite from Colter is now 100% free. Unlike other PLC manufacturers, Colter has taken a step to ensure that it's PLC's are more accesible to even the smaller projects by offering the comprehensive Flex32 package free of charge!!