Kinectrics GSCV3 Users Guide

User’s Guide Revisions and Modifications

October 2005

Introduction and Overview

The remote monitoring system uses wireless technologies for monitoring temperatures on parts of power system equipment. The system consists of battery-powered remote sensor/transmitters (RST), a ground-based receiver for collecting the data from the sensors (Ground station Collector - GSC) and a data collection computer which collects the data from one or more GSC and makes it available for viewing and other purposes.

Experience gained with the first pilot installations led to the development of a second prototype – with incremental improvements over the original system. The second prototype was intended to expand the scope of the trial installation and, at the same time, address some of the issues identified with the initial installation. Specifically, the changes and improvements are as follows:

• Redesigned RST layout to facilitate assembly and improve reliability (from assembly-related issues)

• New RST is now configurable to emit RF signals constantly, for the purposes of evaluating signal

strength for optimal placement of components

• Improved antenna performance based on as-assembled conditions

• Additional hardware in the GSC to permit signal strength measurements

• Modified firmware in the GSC to permit recording of signal strength. Firmware is compatible with old

generation) GSC, except that “zeros” will be recorded in place of signal strength

• Simplifed version of the GSC in a handheld configuration for evaluating the received RF signal strength

from individual RSTs

• Improved communications software for the data collection computer, and improvements to the

corresponding portions of the GSC firmware to permit more reliable download of data.

The overall function of the various components are identical to the original system and are illustrated in the

following figure.

RST

GSC

RST

Switchyard

RST

Station building

Computer

RST Remote Sensor/Transmitter installed on Switchgear

GSC Ground Station Collector

WSL Wireless Serial Link Master “FreeWave”

Figure 1 – System overview

Cell Modem or

standard phone

line



Remote Monitoring System – 2nd Generation Instructions Page 2 of 13

PART A - Remote Sensors/Transmitters (RST)

The 2 The internal firmware is identical in the two versions. The normal operation of the two versions is also identical. However, the 2 following describes the differences and other specific notes that pertain to the new version.

1. The RSTs are delivered DISABLED by Kinectrics

2. When installing the RST, keep in mind that the antenna is just below the surface of the “black box”.

3. When installing the RST, apply a small quantity of thermal compound to the bottom of the RST plate

4. The RSTs each have a series of pins (“header”) exposed along one side of the box (see figure 2).

5. To ENABLE the RST in normal mode

6. To ENABLE the RST in TEST mode

Generation RSTs are packaged differently than the original version but otherwise operate identically.

Generation version has some enhancements not present in the first version. The

The antenna radiation pattern is provide separately and should be considered during installation and the placement of the receivers (GST)

to ensure good contact between the equipment and sensor. Do not use excessive quantities – a small “dab” to give a thin layer is sufficient. The bolt used to secure the RST should be securely tightened but care should be taken not to deform the RST plate. Wipe clean any excess thermal compound

• Carefully insert on activation strip into the pins of the header and make sure it is seated firmly –

make sure to make note of the correct orientation (figure 2). The activation strip is NOT mechanically keyed but is colour-coded. The grey side should face up. (note that some of the pin positions on the activation strip are not used).

• once the activation strip is installed, the RST is active and in NORMAL mode – temperatures on

the base plate are measured and broadcast every 15 minutes.

• once activated, the activation strip may be sealed with silicone rubber (provided) to prevent ingress

of moisture

• The RST uses an internal high temp, long-life battery which should last 5-10 years

• Carefully insert the test adapter into header by carefully lining up the pins (figure 3). Note that the

test adapter should be properly centered and aligned (note that some of the pin positions on the test adapter are not used).

• The red LED on the test adapter should illuminate

• The RST will continuously broadcast RF at the carrier frequency (50% duty cycle); no data is

transmitted

• the handheld receiver (HSM) can be now used to evaluate signal strength

• while in test mode, the external battery on the test adapter is used – the internal battery is not

depleted. The internal battery is a AA-size 3.6V lithium. The battery should have a very long life but can be replaced with special tools, if required.

Remote Monitoring System – 2nd Generation Instructions Page 3 of 13

Activation Strip

(grey side up)

“header”

Figure 2 – 2nd Generation remote temperature sensor (RST). The location of the ‘header’ is shown on the

left. The activation strip (grey side up) should be carefully inserted and seated fully into the header for NORMAL mode operation. The opening can be filled with silicone rubber, if desired.

Test

adapter

Figure 3 – Test Adapter connected to the RST. Care should be taken in aligning the pins appropriately.

The test adapter will be centred and the red LED will illuminate when installed properly.

Remote Monitoring System – 2nd Generation Instructions Page 4 of 13

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