Typical System Components
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The Argus System is a highly integrated control system especially
designed for a wide range of agricultural, horticultural, and other
protected-production-system applications. It’s extensive features
include: sensor measurement, equipment control, data logging, and alarms.
Standard comprehensive software modules for environment-, irrigation-, and
nutrient- management, and other equipment control, allow quick and easy
configuration of the system to match your requirements.
The modular and distributed nature of our systems enables us to
engineer a complete and integrated control solution for any sized
operation.
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distributed control
enhances safety and reliability
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modular components allow custom configuration and
component location thereby reducing wiring and installation costs
A typical Argus System contains the following components: (click on any
of the images for a larger view)
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Argus Controller
One or more Argus Controllers form the heart of your system. The
Argus Control System consists of dedicated and distributed computer
modules custom configured for your operation. All control
programs are executed from these controllers.
The controller determines how and when your equipment should operate based on sensor
readings and user settings. |
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Communications Networks
You will never outgrow your Argus system. The control system can be expanded to suit your needs. You
can add additional modules to connect sensor inputs and equipment control outputs. You can also connect
additional controllers. All Argus outputs are configurable with a range
of signal types to match your equipment. Extremely large systems can be
configured in this fashion. By simply adding more controllers as you need
them, your Argus System will grow with you. |
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Sensors (inputs)
Sensors connected to your control system are used to monitor current
conditions and detect changes. High resolution A/D (Analog to Digital)
inputs ensure accurate measurement and sensitivity. When you order
a system, we make sure you get all the sensing capabilities you need to
monitor and control your operation. We even provide backup sensors for
critical situations such as climate temperature control. Nearly any industrial sensor can be connected, although
some types may require additional signal conditioning. In most cases we can also interface to
your existing sensors or
custom sensors that you provide. |
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Outputs
Our flexible equipment control outputs can be used to manage any type
of equipment. All output control is designed to operate as Class-2 low-voltage
equipment. This reduces your wiring costs and is compatible with many
types of
greenhouse control equipment. Low-voltage control wiring (24V, AC) also allows operators to safely open enclosures and use the manual
override switches. Each output is equipped with a relay control module that
is matched to your equipment. This includes:
- digital style outputs are used for ON/OFF switching as well as
high and low frequency pulse width modulation and pulse period modulation
- tri-State-Floating outputs for reversing motor control such as
roof vents and mixing valves
- analog control outputs for variable frequency drive
Output modules have built-in manual override switches for quick testing of
field wiring or equipment, and for emergency overrides of equipment
control. |
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Argus relay control interface modules are used wherever line voltage
loads must be switched by the control system. Each panel is custom
configured to your specific design loads and output equipment
applications. Argus can provide complete line voltage interfacing for
your control system or you can have this supplied by your local
electrical contractor. |
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Modem
Each Argus System is equipped with a telephone modem used to
communicate directly with the control system from remote PC locations. Remote access also allows our Argus Customer Service personnel, at your
request, to connect to your system for diagnostic purposes. This enables
us to provide fast, efficient problem solving without the need for
expensive on-site service
visits. Remote Internet access options are also available.
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You use a PC to access controller information and adjust control
settings with the Argus Operator Program. A local PC is directly connected to your control system. See: PC
Specifications
. Argus can supply the PC, however, in most cases, customers supply
their own. |
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This is gateway to your control system. It enables you to access
all of the control programs, system settings, and readings on your Argus
system. By taking advantage of the many customizable features such
as user labels, shortcuts, windows, graphics placement, and line drawing
you can create your own personalized access screens to meet your specific
control and system monitoring needs. |
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