ICT Environmental Systems

ICT environmental systems have been designed to provide seamless solutions from the measurement point to wherever the data is needed, whether directly to a SCADA or PLC system, via Modbus, or to a mobile phone or iPad via the internet. An extensive range of precision sensors, instruments and data loggers is complemented by a comprehensive suite of communications solutions and software providing system and data management, viewing and analysis.
Equipment installed on site can be automatically discovered and added to the network.

– ICT Instruments come standard with 2.4GHz wireless.

AML Data Logger Specifications

The ICT AML (Advanced Multifunction Logger) is capable of performing a broad range of analogue and pulse/counter type measurements. It has 10 analogue inputs (10 single ended, or 5 differential), 10 pulse inputs, as well as RS485, SDI12, i2c, USB and 2.4GHz wireless interfaces. It can record up to 64 separate channels with 24bit precision. It also monitors and records its own power supply voltage and current, temperature, air pressure and wireless signal strength.

AML Distribution Boards

In order to streamline the application of the AML, ICT can provide application specific distribution boards that target a known set of sensors. The AML automatically recognises the distribution board and configures the inputs and internal logging to suit. If a different type of distribution board is plugged in, the AML configuration will again change. This allows a very wide range of sensor types and signal levels to be interfaced to the AML. The AML does NOT require user programming or knowledge of programming languages to configure it to start logging.
Virtual channels, allowing scripts to be entered, provide mathematical and logical functions. Inbuilt functions such as Evapotranspiration calculation based on the Pennman-Monteith equation, VPD calculation, and correction of barometric pressure for altitude are standard.
Each channel can produce an alarm based on a user configurable condition.
Each channel can be logged at a different interval, from 1 second to 1 hour, plus up to 3 user entered schedules.

AML Data Storage and Communication with MCC Hub and Internet
All data recorded by the AML is stored on a MicroSD card in .CSV files. Compatible with card sizes up to 16GB, in FAT32 format. The AML is able to communicate with the ICT MCC Hub via 2.4GHz low power radio to sync CSV files with the MCC Hub. The MCC Hub can receive data from a network of AMLs and other MCC Hubs. A MCC Hub can be, additionally, fitted with a 3G, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modem to allow it to send data to the internet and for configuration information to be uploaded to the MCC Hub and then sent to AMLs. The MCC Hub has an optically isolated RS485 port that can be configured for the Modbus protocol to interface with a range of PLCs and SCADA systems.
The ICT AML and the MCC Hub are both powered by wide temperature range Lithium Ion batteries. They can run in full power mode, constantly taking measurements for use with control systems, or in power saving mode where it is asleep between measurements.  The ICT AML and the MCC Hub can also be powered from mains by a 24V wall charger or a solar panel in remote applications. The AML has a 10-30 Volt DC power input for direct connection to a solar panel.
The AML standard enclosure is IP67. The standard MCC Hub enclosure is IP65.

Connecting to Climate Control Systems
The ICT MCC hub can be connected directly to Climate Control systems, and can thus be used to regulate greenhouse climate automatically.

EnviroGo EnviroGo is a mobile webpage, for mobile phones and tablets, that provides a snapshot of the last 24 hours of data from an MCC Hub installation that has been registered with the ICT Cloud Subscription Service. Historical data can be viewed in a table by accessing links at the bottom of the main page. EnviroGo can be customised to display parameter sets and time periods to suit customer requirements.

Combined Instrument Software

The Combined Instrument Software is the companion software to all ICT instruments. It enables the user to configure, test and deploy an ICT sensor with a simple and intuitive user interface.
Connecting to instruments is made easy by using an instrument discovery screen which finds any USB or radio connected ICT Instruments. Once connected to an instrument, Combined Instrument Software enables the user to make configuration changes, calibrate sensors, start and view measurements as well as download and view data.
To verify installation, or while used on a test bench, the user can start measurements and view results in real time. For instruments such as the sap flow meter and digital stem psychrometer, real-time strip charts show the progress of a measurement. Data files can be downloaded from an instrument for viewing or exporting. The Combined Instrument Software’s inbuilt data viewer can view the connected instrument’s file, previously connected instruments’ files, as well as data sent from site through an MCC Hub to the ICT Cloud Subscription Service. Data can be viewed in a table or plot, and channels can be combined from multiple sources for easy and powerful data comparison.

Optionally, the EnviroServe Cloud Server software monitors data from instruments and looks for differences in patterns over a pre-set period. It also compares data between instruments. All ICT Instruments and Hubs also monitor their own power supply voltage, temperature, wireless signal strength, etc. Changes in these parameters are also detected. When EnviroServe detects a significant difference an alarm is generated. Alarms can also be set to occur on high and low signal thresholds. When an alarm is generated, a report is emailed to pre-configured email addresses.

Contact ICT International for more information on any of the above products.