North Building Technologies

Commander is now available. With a 10BaseT Ethernet port for connection to IP, a HTML server for viewing in standard browsers, such as Internet Explorer, Commander now makes the connection between building-control systems and the world of the web. Messages from building-control systems can also be converted to e-mail and sent using Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) to an e-mail address. Even though Commander is only a little larger than a Palm organiser, the on-board Intel processor provides the horsepower needed for a building systems web server.

It also supports the IPBUS protocol, which allows a number of Commanders to share data, or provide extremely rich graphical user interfaces across IP. This means the IP layer can be used not only for management information, but to pass data between building systems anywhere in the world.

BACnet/IP is also supported, providing similar capabilities for buildings or estates where the BACnet automation standard is adopted.

Commander connects to building systems via Compass, the most widely used integration solution for building systems. Compass is compatible with over 200 proprietary building systems and network standards such as Echelon, BACnet, EIB and MODBUS. Commander also links directly to ZiP, the low-cost modular input-output system developed for simple monitoring and control.

Commander adds power and functionality to existing building systems by collecting, processing, caching and serving information needed for site-wide or wide-area control. For example, Commander will act as an intelligent alarm router, e-mailing fault messages to different maintenance providers. For systems lacking time functions, Commander provides sophisticated timer-based control.

In the next release of the product, scheduled for Q3 2002, Commander will also provide integration control services and logging facilities using a version of the existing LOGMAX driver.

HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS

Processor Intel 386ex
Memory 512kB battery-backed RAM; 2MB RAM, 1MB Flash RAM
Ethernet port 10BaseT Ethernet port supporting IP, DHCP, HTML, SMTP, IPBUS & BACnet/IP protocols
RS232 ports 1 external RS232 port supports Compass & ZiP. 1 internal RS232 for engineering purposes only
Compatibility Driver support for over 200 building systems and network standards via Compass
Power supply 12Vdc regulated at 500mA. Internal battery back-up for set-up parameters
Dimensions 134 x 104 x 23 mm (whd)
Weight 200g
Wiring Ethernet Cat5 or better with RJ45 connector
RS232 9-way male D-type connector
Power 2-part screw terminal connectors accept cables up to 2.5mm
Installation Panel or DIN-rail mount

SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS

IPBUS Connects to IP addresses across the intranet, extranet or internet
COMPASS Comms driver for the Compass System via CP/COL/RS232 (not installed in CMDR/ZIP)
ZIPMASTER Comms driver for the ZiP System via ZIP/NC12B (not installed in CMDR/COMPASS)
Alarm route module Distributes alarms to other destinations on the system
Alarm list module Stores alarms for remote viewing and acknowledgment
Alarm e-mail module Relays alarms to an e-mail account via SMTP
User token module Holds security and access parameters for up to 30 users
User database module Collects and re-distributes values, and generates alarms
HTML server module Generates HTML pages from the web store or from the User database module
Calendar timer module Provides time control for other systems
Terminal port module Gives terminal access for configuration and testing
Setup module Configures Commander parameters

PRODUCT CODES

CMDR/COMPASS Commander for connection to Compass system
CMDR/ZIP Commander for connection to ZiP system

Visit the North e-Library for more information and technical documentation on Commander.

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