New version of package enables remote workstations to control and even configure data recorders over unlimited distances through ethernet, LAN, or internet
Eurotherm has introduced a new version of its Bridge 5000 remote viewing software package, enabling remote workstations to access and control any of its 5000 Series data recorders over unlimited distances.
This latest version provides a powerful, user-friendly interface via a direct connection, ethernet link, Local Area Network or the internet, with a number of new features and greater functionality.
It will allow full remote operation, historical data review and even remote configuration of instruments.
Bridge 5000 allows remote users to view live data, presenting it with the same 'look and feel' as the instrument being controlled.
Information is presented in any of the commonly used forms such as vertical trend, horizontal trend, vertical bar graph, horizontal bar graph, or large numeric, and enhanced trend options are also fully supported.
Password protection ensures that only authorised clients may be connected. The software will support any Java compatible client capable of running a TCP/IP connection protocol, including PC, Mac, Unix workstations, or industrial panels.
Alternatively, more than one recorder may be viewed from a single workstation by running multiple Bridges.
Instrument user screens on 5000 Series recorders are a fixed size (using the whole of the display area), however, as Bridge 5000 operates within a Windows environment, remote screens may be customised, and screens dynamically resized as with any other Windows application.
The new release comes with a number of powerful options, including batch operation, (allowing the remote user to perform all batch control and logging operations that can be done locally), user screens (allowing remote creation, display, and modification of custom screens) and file explorer (allowing instrument files to be viewed and manipulated remotely).
Karen Rigby, Eurotherm's data management product manager, believes that the new version of Bridge 5000 will significantly improve functionality and versatility of 5000 Series recorders, particularly when sited in remote locations.
She comments: "The proliferation of industrial networks means that instruments which record process data must now be easily accessible and controllable by remote users.
This is particularly true of instruments working in unmanned exterior locations.
Not only does Bridge 5000 provide all the functionality necessary, it will be a significant timesaver in today's networked environment.
Process managers no longer need to be on site with the process to control the monitoring of their process.
They can do it all remotely, without the need to leave their desk."
