EBTRON News

Note by Len Damiano, Vice President Sales and Marketing

Although similar in appearance, the significance of the additions referenced below should be seen as separate events.

The addition of BACnet (in 3 versions on 2 separate models of our Gold Series line) is significant because (to my knowledge) it is the first time BACnet has been implemented in a distributed network sensor (an instrument-level application). It is a field-selectable option or more precisely, it is embedded in software for all applicable RS-485 and Ethernet EBTRON models as a standard feature. It is available to any user, at any time in the product’s life.

This may also be the first implementation of both BACnet/Ethernet and BACnet/IP as alternatives on the same product. One version is designed to be used in a "closed" network and the later is useful if the device is needed to be accessed by the internet (across a router). It allows the device to be assigned its own IP address.

The second release involves the development of a new product that expanded our Silver Series transmitters with the first RS-485 model. These are products which function the same as their "big" brothers, but have intentionally limited capabilities for economic reasons (16 total vs. 4 sensor capacity in an array using a single transmitter). Three field-selectable network protocols will be available by the user: BACnet MS/TP, ModBUS RTU and Johnson Controls N-2 Bus for Metasys. These are no cost adds to our standard analog output models.

That is not just a BIG deal, it is a HUGE deal, considering the potential cost savings to anyone desiring to use distributed network sensors. It eliminates the need for a "gateway" to allow sensor outputs to be read by the host controls. This is particularly significant to the speed of future development of smart building systems, continuous commissioning and other methods of increasing the efficiency and validating the usefulness of digital control systems.

EBTRON Advantage Products Eclipse All Commercial HVAC Airflow Measurement Technologies - AGAIN 

Now field-selectable protocols, like BACnet® MS/TP, BACnet® / Ethernet or BACnet® / IP are options at no additional cost. 

Myrtle Beach, SC - EBTRON, Inc., a South Carolina manufacturer of electronic airflow sensors for HVAC control, announces that the BACnet® open network protocol as a field-selectable option is now available on Gold Series model transmitters with either the RS-485 Serial or Ethernet RJ-45 interface. This addition will be a no-charge standard feature on all GTN116 and GTE116 models shipping from the factory this month.

New to EBTRON's stable of Advantage connectivity solutions, EBTRON has successfully tested these models for compatibility with ASHRAE's BACnet® Standard 135-2001. The company's rigorous pre-production assessment incorporated both bench and field trials, including the use of the Visual Test Shell software originally developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and later adopted by the BACnet® Manufacturers' Association (BMA) and their testing labs (BTL).

EBTRON Technology Makes Distributed Network Sensors More Affordable for HVAC 

Monitoring Airflow and Temperature sensors are now available with embedded network protocols, like BACnet® MS/TP, ModBUS™-RTU, and Johnson Controls' N2 Bus for Metasys as Silver Series optional features. 

Myrtle Beach, SC - EBTRON, Inc., a South Carolina manufacturer of electronic airflow sensors for HVAC control, announces that their economical Silver Series transmitter product line has been expanded to include an RS-485 interface and is designated Advantage transmitter model STN104. Specific configurations for air velocity and temperature measurement will be available for ducted probes, single and double fan inlets, unit ventilator or small unitary equipment intakes and measurement of large supply terminal units.

Building operators can now obtain permanently calibrated and network sensors for system monitoring at a total cost close to that charged for the network gateway alone, needed by other airflow measurement technologies. When combined with a temperature output accuracy higher than most HVAC temperature sensors, EBTRON kick's off a new era in distributed network sensor applications for HVAC. Affordable unit costs make multiple inputs from fan coil units, terminal boxes, unit ventilators, small unitary or roof-top systems a realistic alternative, giving substance to the original promise of DDC building control systems. Previously speculative discussions concerning "continuous commissioning", "automated validation systems" and "smart building controls" are closer to finding reality with this piece of the puzzle in-hand. Energy economies may now be realized through more precise airflow and temperature control, without the downside risks of poor reliability due to delicate equipment or periodic maintenance requirements.

The newest addition to EBTRON's string of Advantage connectivity solutions, EBTRON has been successfully tested for compatibility with ASHRAE's BACnet® Standard 135-2001. The company's rigorous pre-production assessment incorporated both bench and field trials, including the use of the Visual Test Shell software originally developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and later adopted by the BACnet® Manufacturers' Association (BMA) and their testing labs.

For more information Email damiano@ebtron.com  or visit the company's web site www.EBTRON.com.

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