Remote Meter Data
Remote Meter Data
(OP)
I have a couple of electric meters(GE PQMII). They have an RS485 output and some 4-20ma outputs. I want to use an existing fiber cable to transmit the instantaneous kilowatts and kilovars to a utility RTU that only has the ability to deal with 4-20ma inputs. Is there a way to convert the 4-20ma output into a signal suitable for transmission over the fiber line, and convert it back to 4-20ma at the other end. I believe the only way to do this is to send an RS485 signal over the biber and then install a small PLC at the other end to pick out tht appropriate addresses and convert it through a 4-20ma output card. Am I correct, or is there an easier and cheaper way?





RE: Remote Meter Data
Best bet is to check these companies. They all have tech support who could inform you about their off-the-shelf offerings.
Best prices:
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Worst:
http://www.blackbox.com/Catalog/Index.aspx
Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Remote Meter Data
RE: Remote Meter Data
I don't know of a commercial device that converts 4-20 to RS-485 and back again. There are wireless radios, like Phoenix Contact 1-way industrial wireless radio, that take 4-20 in on one end and output 4-20 on the other, but I'm not aware of any other I/O devices.
I suspect your idea of a PLC with Modbus master capability (assuming the GE meter is a Modbus slave) is the best bet if you need 4-20 at the other end.
Of course, if you have a PLC, why not integrate/totalize the values on the PLC?
Dan
RE: Remote Meter Data
Lots of hits, some interesting ads:
http://luxlink.com/products/inst-3001.htm
Do you need two signals on one fibre?
RE: Remote Meter Data
Entrelec is now part of ABB